My friends and teammates might try to tell you I have the ability to spot a promotional product from a mile away.  (It’s a career hazard.)  So, it probably wouldn’t surprise them that Kenneth Cole’s Connected Fragrance practically shouted my name the first time I saw it.

I think I was drawn to it because it shares an uncanny resemblance to 4imprint’s Lil’ Shorty Aluminum Sport Bottle – 17 oz!

Of course, I immediately began to wonder whether someone at Kenneth Cole is channeling promotional products for inspiration? Has Kenneth Cole now made aluminum high-fashion?

So, what’s the inspiration for the packaging?

Things like going green, environmentalism, outdoorsy-ness and healthy habits like drinking water are trendy among consumers and brands alike. Perhaps these things are the true inspiration for this unique package design.

And, it’s also inspiration for thinking of new uses for classic promotional products.  In what other ways could you use a sports bottle to promote your organization?
-Suzanne

Take a look at these fun napkins I came across during a recent stop at Caribou Coffee.

These whimsical napkins, as it turns out, were designed by Caribou employees themselves. Some even feature the original handwriting of those who contributed!

According to Colle+McVoy, the Minneapolis-based agency behind the newly redesigned Caribou brand, the sayings and drawings on these napkins and coffee cups are called “bou-isms.”  They’re fun, positive quips that stem from the tagline, “Life is short. Stay awake for it.” Each one was collected from employees on note pads and repurposed to use on napkins and cups.

What a great example of using art and employee ideas (for something as simple as beverage napkin!)  to create something customers will remember.

-Suzanne