If you’re looking for effective giveaways, the best advice is to offer something that’s going to get used – something that has real practical value.  If your target audience is involved in cooking at home (which in this economy is something that’s grown in popularity) these new palm peelers/graters are the perfect example of a promotional item that does exactly that.

While attending an industry trade show earlier this year, I saw something cool at Urban Outfitters: a do-it-yourself screen-printing kit.

It was very cleverly packaged and perfect for one-off t-shirts or posters.  The kit is available online and includes everything from the paints to screen, squeegee and instructions.

So…is a one-of-a-kind screen-printed t-shirt in your future?  If so, what would it say?
–Suzanne

The number of products we have made from this material has increased dramatically over the last year.  One common question: What, exactly, is it?

Non-woven polypropylene is one of the most common new fabrics we see in bags.

This is actually a plastic product, which makes it lightweight and sturdy.  Making non-woven polypropylene is somewhat like making paper.  It starts out as a thick liquid, is extruded into sheets and then cut apart and sewn into products such as bags.

What does all this mean for you?  Well, simple production methods keep costs low.  So, if you’re buying for your organization, you’ll notice these bags cost less.  And, because they’re lightweight, you save on shipping, too!  Compact design makes them a snap to store.  And, trade show attendees love these bags – because, let’s face it, when you’re at a convention picking up catalogs, sell sheets and the like, it helps to have a lightweight bag.

–Suzanne

If you’ve been shopping in the last year, you’ve no doubt noticed the omnipresence of reusable shopping totes.

So, it probably comes as no surprise that this has become one of the most popular promotional products available.  In the US, sales of these bags started to rise a few years ago when environmentally focused retailers like Trader Joe’s® and Whole Foods Market® and trend-spotting mass marketers like Target® began offering branded reusable bags.  By the end of 2007, it was difficult to find a supermarket not selling them.

In fact, all sorts of organizations have begun snapping them up.  A quick flick through the projects we’ve worked on recently shows them being used by community organizations, town and city councils, credit unions and financial advisors.  Some are being used to promote ‘green initiatives’ while others are just a useful giveaway to promote businesses and events.  A quick read through some customers’ reviews tells some interesting stories.

Check them out: http://www.4imprint.com/exec/all_reviews/~CA101326-1513.htm
–Suzanne

New pens featured in our pen catalog will make you say ‘wow!’

First, these pens look really cool – they are available in new styles and colors.  Equally importantly, they are affordably priced.  Here are a few I think you’ll like:

Curvy Pen

Customers love this pen!  So, we’re always on the lookout for ways to update it and make it look even more phenomenal.

Bright colors are hot, so that’s what you’ll see here.

This pen is available in a White Barrel – that looks sharp when paired with Lime Green, Gray, Orange, Turquoise or Magenta trim colors.  (For those interested in both style and price, these pens start at just 85 cents each for a quantity of 250.)

New Spiral Notebook and Ballpoint

You’re getting the inside scoop on this notebook and pen set.

Each notebook is paired a matching Curvy Pen with white barrel with bright accent trim.  The notebook and ballpoint set will be available later this summer.

Stay tuned.

Zig Zag Pen

This new pen has a frosted finish, which gives it a luminescent quality.  Translucent blue green, red, teal and opaque black are paired with matte metallic goldtone trim, a 4imprint exclusive.

These color combos are really striking.  Your logo will pop.

Clip-It Color Pen

Workers who spend a lot of time out and about on job sites will love the handy spring-loaded clip on this pen.

It’s available in translucent black, green, orange, blue and red.  Prices are just $1.19 each for 300 pens.

Hex Pen

If you want a pen that will really stand out, check out this one.  The combination of the clear frosted barrel and the peekaboo hex design makes this pen a standout.  Prices start at just 65 cents for a quantity of 300.

Fame Highlighter Pen Combo

This pen does double duty with ease.

It pairs a retractable pen with a highlighter – a combination you don’t often see together.

This is another 4imprint exclusive.

If you’d like to request a copy of our Pen Collection catalog, call 1-877-446-7746.  Or, see all of our pens by clicking here.
–Suzanne