NEW PRODUCTS
By Arn Bernstein

Indirect lighting ... Here’s yet another take on the basic plastic flashlight. Design-wise, there isn’t too much different about “Glo-Beam.” The twist is in its construction. In addition to providing a strong directed beam, the product’s entire body, with the exception of the end-cap, is constructed of glow-in-the-dark plastic. After absorbing a sufficient amount of natural or artificial light, the flashlight softly shines all on its own, making it a cinch to find in the dark. In several sizes, requiring various batteries, depending. Each model has a snap-in-place loop for hanging as well. Totally imprintable and definitely different. asi/55980

Mop it up ... Good ideas never die; they only come back better. At least in the promotional products field. Almost 17 years ago, a version of this item, a thick cloth coaster for coffee mugs or drink glasses appeared. It was called the “Mug Rug.” This is the version for the ’00s: the “Cupster.” Of high-quality embroidered chenille, the product features a nonskid rubberized backing, eye-catching bright colors, and several very cool stock designs, in addition to custom work. The item can also be imprinted with a company’s name, address, phone, Web address, etc. Light enough to mail. asi/47927

Be specific ... AS you’re likely well aware, the incidence of companies marketing directly to various ethnic, minority and cultural audiences has increased dramatically. One of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the country is the Hispanic market, which has huge purchasing potential. These products can allow you to directly target the Hispanic audience at a nominal cost. Each features the licensed likeness of Condorito, a cartoon character who’s extremely well-known and popular throughout the Hispanic community (one source, in fact, calls him the “Hispanic Mickey Mouse”). Condorito can appear on vinyl zipper pulls, reflective stickers and more. Mailers are available and, of course, there’s room for your imprint, too. asi/81233

Ahhhhhhhh ... Showers may be invigorating, but when the day’s been particularly hard, there’s nothing like a long, leisurely soak in the tub. “Naked Bather Tub Fizzers” can make that soak even more enjoyable. They’re handball-sized effervescent bath treatments that provide emollients alone or, if preferred, emollients plus bubbles. To use, just drop in hot water and get comfortable. Each comes packed in an imprintable gift box, and you can choose from 26 different fragrances. asi/72845

In the “neck” of time ... OK, maybe it’s a bad pun, but there’s nothing groanable about the “dog tag” watch. Of anodized aluminum, it’s roughly the same size as its military namesake, and incorporates a precision, battery-operated Japanese quartz analog or digital watch at one end. It also comes with a long key-style chain for hanging it around the neck, and personalization and custom stamping is available. In black, silver, blue, beige and olive. asi/32150

Work at a different clip ... Clipboards are, by their basic nature, one of those exceptionally useful but relatively unexciting products. Until now, that is. “Briteboards” are manufactured with Sentra, which, says the maker, is a “revolutionary new material that offers high strength and durability.” The boards, which are offered in standard letter and legal sizes, are produced in nine different bright colors, which, when paired with a contrasting plastic clip, lets one select from a near-endless variety of combinations. Imprinting can be done on the board, clip or both, and, if desired, matching accessories are available, too. asi/90670

Get a grip ... Or a stronger wrist or forearm as well. “PowerFlex,” at first blush, looks like a translucent plastic ball with two flat ends and a contrasting center band. And, on the outside, it is. Inside, though, it houses a gyroscopic rotor that, when properly used, can reach speeds of up to 13,000 rpm and develop 35 pounds of torque. By improving your grip, control and lower arm strength, it can improve your golf, tennis, handball or bowling game, as well as aid in the prevention of repetitive strain injury and carpal tunnel syndrome. In several colors, and there’s even a model that lights up! asi/66846

It’s a toy ... It’s an unusual promotional tool ... It’s almost impossible to put down ... Actually, “Dartman” is kind of a combo plate of all three. Of metallic blue plastic, he’s a three-legged plastic figurine with an odd cylindrical head. By removing the protective cap, however, one unveils what the manufacturer officially calls “space-age sticky stuff.” When Dartman is thrown at a computer screen, for example, he sticks tight, yet is easily pulled off, leaving no gummy residue. A very different idea for an online contest using a target. The product also sticks to windows, TVs and other smooth surfaces. Imprintable along the leg and/or the cap. asi/63549

Quite the sight ... For those of us who are starting to have trouble reading that small print, but don’t quite yet need glasses, generic magnifying reading glasses can be a godsend. But there may be those times when pulling them out and putting them on isn’t convenient. “Butterfly Reader” to the rescue. Reminiscent of the lunettes used almost a century ago, they have a tough polycarbonate casing in several colors. When the button is pushed, out pop two stainless steel-rimmed plastic lenses in a choice of +1.5, +2.0 or +2.5 magnifying power. They retract just as easily. The unit isn’t glued, but held together by three metal screws. There’s a key ring attached to keep it handy, and an LED light option is also available. asi/88653