Category: Promotional Inspirations

Thanksgiving brandingideas-thanksgiving-2016 is nearly here, and right after we’ll be observing a cluster of related events—many of which are consumer-focused, some of which are oriented towards social good: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at this moment, trying to figure out where you should be focusing your attention, don’t feel bad. A lot of people are! Here at branding ideas℠, we’re here to help you make sense of the dizzying area of events that are coming up so you can figure out which ones to participate in, as well as how to stay balanced and centered amidst the holiday frenzy.

Black Friday. This annual shopping megathon has become rather notorious for its focus on hyper-consumerism, and each year people get really worked up and stressed out trying to find deals on products they want to buy. It doesn’t have to be this way, however. You can use this post-Thanksgiving period to instead engage in mindfulness and emotionally prepare for the holiday season so that the hustle and bustle doesn’t define your experience.

Small Business Saturday. If you are a small business, then it may be worth your while to participate in the yearly #ShopSmall campaign that encourages consumers to patronize their local businesses, thereby stimulating the local economy rather than sending their hard-earned money off to giant big box retailers. Small Business Saturday has a special appeal in that it fosters a sense of local community, which can be beneficial to everyone’s well-being.

Cyber Monday. The online counterpart to traditionally brick-and-mortar Black Friday, Cyber Monday is another massive shopping event. Some major chains are even unveiling their coveted deals a few days in advance, heightening the anticipation around the day. However, as with Black Friday, it’s wise to consider indulging yourself in a different way—with a mindful approach to spending that curbs unnecessary purchases. That way you can be sure that the items you buy will truly add meaning and joy to your life and others’ lives.

Giving Tuesday. Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and Giving Tuesday aims to put that sentiment into action. You can help others by donating your time (as a volunteer), donations, or even goods to a social justice cause of your choice. Here at branding ideas℠, we have a related tradition (going on 10 years strong now!) in which we pick three or four charities each year and ask our clients to vote on the ones they’d like us to donate to. We then donate our charitable giving budget based on the breakdown of the vote tally.

Whatever your business or focus in work, this is a perfect time of year to take a brief pause and experience the gratitude of the season, then take mindful steps to express it to others with charitable giving or thoughtfully selected gifts. We at branding ideas℠ are your consultative partners, ready to make the process of choosing corporate holiday gifts smooth and even enjoyable.

Are you wondering how your company, nonprofit, school, association, or other organization can reward and acknowledge your staff, colleagues, business partners, clients, or honorees with the right gift this holiday season? Let us help you choose appropriate items for your organization that will thoughtfully express your gratitude and appreciation. Check out our holiday board on Pinterest, reach out to us on Twitter and Facebook, or call us at 877-881-6845. We’ll be glad to advise on ways you can make a positive impression through well selected gifts.

December Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

November 21, 2016 Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

December is full of important holidays, events, and awareness dates you can tap into to promote your business, organization, association, school, product, or brand. This time of year offers great opportunities to connect with your community, bring aboard new and potential customers or supporters, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a stronger brand. December is AIDS Awareness Month and Universal Human Rights Month, for starters. Here are more daily and weekly observances that might spark some ideas for campaigns or promotions:

December 10: Human Rights Day

December 11: UNICEF’s Birthday

December 15: Bill of Rights Day

December 21: Winter Solstice

December 24 – January 1: Hanukkah

December 25: Christmas

December 26 – January 1: Kwanzaa

December 31: New Year’s Eve

5 Types of Holiday Gift Sets That Your Clients and Employees Will Enjoy

November 17, 2016 Branding / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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Are you ready for the holiday season? Looking for a great corporate gift or special present for your employees, clients, or business partners? Holiday gift sets are a good choice for this occasion. From trendy Moscow Mule gift sets to tech gift packs for the gadget obsessed, you can find something great that everyone will enjoy.

Here are gift set ideas that are especially popular this time of year, with suggestions on who they’d be a good fit for. If you’re trying to decide which direction to go in, we find that it’s usually most effective to select a gift that matches your company’s messaging or a specific theme you may be working with (for an event like a holiday party, for example). We specialize in helping companies figure out what works best for them, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the contact points listed below for a conversation about your needs and how we can be of help.

#1. Moscow Mule Mug Gift Set

Craft beer and mixology have become very popular in recent years, and the Moscow Mule cocktail features them both. It’s a lovely warming cocktail, perfect for winter, and our gift set has everything needed to for two people to enjoy it while relaxing over the holidays. This would be a great pick for clients or colleagues who have a special interest in spirits or craft beer.

#2. Hot Sauce Gift SetLots of folks, especially but not only people from the South, enjoy having hot sauce on hand to enhance the flavor of a dish. A hot sauce gift set such as this one that includes cayenne hot sauce, spicy salsa, and barbecue sauce will be especially appreciated by someone who prefers their food with a kick. With your logo prominently and tastefully showcased, it’ll be a nice reminder of your company every time they reach for a dash of something spicy.

#3. Moleskine® Writer’s Gift Set

It’s not always about the food and drink—some of your clients or employees may have a special fondness for writing and fine stationery. For those who enjoy the written word, a Moleskine® Writer’s Gift Set is an especially fitting choice. It features a pair of notebooks, one for more extensive journal writing or note-taking and another, smaller version that’s great for jotting down thoughts on the go.

#4. Tech Accessory Gift Set

These days, everybody has a gadget or device they’re keeping charged or synced up while working or going about their daily lives. A tech accessory gift set fully equipped with the tools they need to stay connected is a perfect corporate or promotional gift for the holidays since it’s so useful. This one (above) features retractable ear buds and a handy power bank, but there are plenty of other combinations including power banks and car chargers, power banks and key chains, and complete mobile charging sets.

#5. Gift Baskets

When selecting a corporate gift for a client’s office or team, you may want to pick something that provides a little something for everyone so no one feels left out. A gift basket is good for this kind of situation. You can pick one that includes a pair of mugs, some tasty candy and cookies, and coffee or tea. There are even versions that include travel mugs for sipping a drink while traveling

Wondering if there are other kinds of gift sets that might be a good choice for holiday corporate gifts or a holiday event you have in mind? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you could benefit from some creative and collaborative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

Top 10 Winter Promotional Gifts

November 2, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Promotional Inspirations / Wearables

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Halloween is in the books, and that means we are heading directly into the festive winter season. Holiday decorations are already going up here in New York! As the season revs up, you may be wondering how to decide what promotional gifts to pick for your staff, clients, and business partners. As we often say, promotional products are especially popular when they are useful—and gifts that are perfectly suited to winter are more likely to be appreciated for seasons to come. With that in mind, here are the top ten winter promotional gifts that we recommend for the blustery months ahead!

Top 10 Winter Promotional Gifts:

#1. Blankets. Ask a busy professional to picture their dream winter vacation and chances are it involves a fireplace and a cozy blanket? Blankets are a crowd-pleaser. Cozy, snuggly, and comforting, they make a thoughtful winter gift for your valued employees and treasured customers.

#2. Mugs. As the temperatures drop, your customers will probably reach for a mug of hot tea or cocoa to keep warm. A high quality mug with your branding on it is a thoughtful gift they’ll appreciate for years to come, whether they’re enjoying a cuppa at home at breakfast time or sipping some green tea at the office.

#3. Candles. If your customers and employees could add one item to that cozy winter scene, it would probably be a candle. They’re relaxing, lovely, often fragrant, and create a perfect atmosphere for the holidays.

#4. Ice scrapers. If you like in a cold climate like we do here in the Northeast, then you know anybody who drives needs a trusty ice scraper to get them up and running after a snow or ice storm. Business partners and customers will appreciate having one of these on hand, compliments of your company, as winter approaches.

#5. Gloves. If your clients are going outside to scrape the ice off their windshield, chances are they’re going to need a nice pair of gloves too! They’re essential for protecting our hands from the elements in the dead of winter.

#6. Lip Balm. As the weather gets colder and drier, your clients, staff, and business partners may find the delicate skin on their lips is prone to chapping or even cracking. Lip balm comes in very handy on freezing, blustering days and is particularly useful for travel.

#7. Hand sanitizer. Cold and flu season is already well underway. Hand sanitizers are handy for guarding against seasonal bugs, especially since they’re so convenient and portable. They make a great promotional gift since they show care and concern for your clients’ and employees’ well-being.

#8. Beanie caps. When it’s frigid outside, beanie caps keep your clients’ ears and heads warm. Whether they’re out running errands or catching a football game, a tasteful logo will on the cap will be a positive reminder of your business.

#9. Fleece Jackets. These are very convenient to have when winter rolls around, as they keep the wearer toasty and comfortable even in cold weather. Fleece jackets are a great choice for both men and women, and they come in a range of styles and colors—even co-branded fleece jackets from the popular outdoors brand Columbia are available.

#10. Scarves. As soon as the season changes, you’ll see people donning scarves before heading outside. Scarves are a practical means of staying warm as well as an elegant fashion statement. As a corporate gift, they can also be an elegant reminder of your business.

Wondering if there are other promotional products that might be a good fit for a winter campaign or holiday event you have in mind? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you could benefit from some creative and collaborative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

5 Gift-Giving Tips for the Holiday Season

October 26, 2016 Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: wuestenigel Geschenkbox für Schmuck / Heiratsantrag via photopin (license)

The holidays are almost here! Although we haven’t seen many decorations go up yet here in New York, that will likely change right after Halloween. If you’re thinking of giving corporate gifts over the holidays or if you’re beginning to plan a holiday party, you might be at a loss for what type of gift to select. Never fear! We’re here to help. Here are 5 gift-giving tips for the holiday season that will help make sure your present is met with a warm smile of appreciation.

5 holiday season gift-giving tips:

Get them something they’ll like. Gifts are most appreciated when they speak to someone’s unique interests. Does your client or employee has a favorite sport, a special hobby, or a pastime that they particularly enjoy? Then select a gift to match, like a Moleskine journal for a budding writer, a cheese plate for a foodie, or a power bank for a gadget-loving techie whose batter is always running low.
Take care with the presentation. Although the gift itself is the star of the show, presentation also matters. Make sure to have your gift festively or stylishly wrapped so that it will make a positive impression, and don’t forget to add a personalized, handwritten note to show you’ve taken special care in selecting the present.
Take cost into consideration. No one wants to receive a cheap-looking gift, but it can also be awkward to receive an excessively expensive present. Aim instead for a thoughtful, quality gift that is not ostentatious but in good taste. If you have a corporate gift-giving policy, it may spell out precisely what you are allowed to spend on holiday gifts.
Be careful about regifting. Although regifting is becoming more commonplace, many people still prefer to receive an original gift that was selected just for them. You want to convey genuine feeling and sincerity, so make sure that the gift is still something they will like. It’s also wise to avoid regifting a present if the original giver is either likely to be there or could somehow find out. For more etiquette tips, check out our post on etiquette for corporate holiday gift giving.
Be the life of the party. If you’re giving a gift to a group of people in an office, make sure there’s enough of it for everyone to enjoy. Generosity is always appreciated at this time of year, so you may want to opt for a nice gift basket, chocolate truffles, or a cookie tin that is loaded with tasty goodies.

Are you wondering how you can surprise and delight someone with the right gift this holiday season? We’d be happy to recommend some fitting choices that will thoughtfully express your gratitude and appreciation. Check out our holiday board on Pinterest, reach out to us on Twitter and Facebook, or call us at 877-881-6845. We’ll be glad to advise on ways you can make a positive impression through well selected gifts.

November Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

October 13, 2016 Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

November is around the corner, and it’s really beginning to feel like fall around here in NYC. Temperatures are dropping, and there are even a few leaves changing color. To help you prepare for your fall campaigns, here’s a full selection of November holidays, events, and awareness dates that will keep your business or organization top of mind with clients and business partners as the season changes. They’re well suited for promotional giveaways, and they range from fun occasions to more serious, meaningful remembrances.

November!

Daily Awareness Observances & Holidays

November 6 – Daylight Saving Time ends

It feels like it’s a little too soon, but yes, Daylight Saving Time is drawing to a close at the beginning of November. Savor those evening sunlight hours while you can, and don’t forget to turn your clocks back on November 6 (if you still have analog clocks or watches, that is)!

November 8 – Election Day

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that here in the U.S. we are about to have a Presidential election. And depending on where you live, there may still be time to register to vote. Whatever your political affiliation, make sure your voice is heard this year!

November 11 – Veterans Day

As we’ve written here on the blog, Veterans Day honors the many men and women who have either served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was created to mark the end of World War I (also known as The Great War).

November 13 – World Kindness Day

Celebrated each year on November 13, World Kindness Day is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the benefits of sharing kindness with the people in our lives. For more information, check out our blog post from last year on five simple ways you can give others the gift of kindness.

November 24 – Thanksgiving

Observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, Thanksgiving is an occasion to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of family and friends. As we wrote last year on the blog, Thanksgiving is a perfect occasion to express gratitude and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. It’s also a perfect opportunity to show your appreciation with a Thanksgiving gift such a Thanksgiving greeting card or a Thanksgiving basket.

November 25 – Black Friday

Observed on the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving since 1932, Black Friday officially kicks off the holiday shopping season. Many U.S. retailers open early and offer special promotional sales on this day.

November 28 – Cyber Monday

Since the arrival of the Internet and online shopping, Cyber Monday has been observed as an online counterpart to the traditionally brick-and-mortar Black Friday. Many American consumers snap up special digital offers on Cyber Monday.

November 29 – Giving Tuesday

Created in 2012 as a response to the commercial nature of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday aims to create an international day of philanthropic giving at the beginning of the holiday season. Interested in getting involved? Here’s how businesses, nonprofits, and individual donors can be a part of Giving Tuesday.

Weekly Awareness Observances & Holidays

November 6-12: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week encourages people to become acquainted with their local shelters and rescues and learn how they can assist their lifesaving work. Here are ten ways you can help your local shelter or rescue. You can also celebrate pets with special branded pet accessories such as a water bowl for dogs, a flyer or Frisbee, or a pet collar.

November 12-20: National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

Observed on the week before Thanksgiving, at a time when people across the country are giving thanks for what they have, National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week seeks to raise awareness about poverty, hunger, and homelessness while building support for the work of local anti-poverty agencies.

Monthly Awareness Observances & Holidays

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung cancer claims more lives each year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined, with just a 16.8% five year survival rate. Lung Cancer Awareness Month promotes awareness of the dangers of lung cancer and the important work required to fund research leading to better diagnosis and treatment.

Movember

Observed each November, Movember is a movement to highlight the importance of men’s health—particularly the prevalence of young men passing away too early in life due to prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health problems. Many men grow a mustache and raise funds for men’s health during Movember. Your business can help promote awareness with a range of branded mustache promotional products including mustache key chains, mustache stickers, and mustache pens.

National Alzheimer’s Disease Month

There are nearly 15 million Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers in the U.S. Begun by President Reagan in 1983, National Alzheimer’s Disease Month aims to raise awareness about both the rise in Alzheimer’s diagnoses and the importance of honoring and supporting the caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s.

National Diabetes Month

Diabetes affects many American lives, and National Diabetes Month seeks to raise awareness about the disease and its impacts. This year’s theme is focused on managing diabetes and living well with the disease, mitigating the ways it can compromise a diabetic’s quality of life.

National Novel Writing Month

Each year, participants in the global National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo) event challenge themselves to write a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30. They track their progress online and find a fellowship of supportive fellow writers along the way.

National PPSI AIDS Awareness Month

AIDS Awareness Month aims to increase public awareness and support of people affected by the AIDS pandemic, which has caused an estimated 39 million deaths worldwide to date as of 2014. Awareness events held during this month aim to help prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS as well as to reduce the stigma and discrimination that many people living with HIV/AIDS still face today.

Wondering if there are promotional products that might be a good fit for fall or the upcoming holiday season, or do you have a particular project or campaign on your radar we can help with? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you have an idea in mind that might benefit from some creative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

Top 10 Fall Promotional Gifts

September 28, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Promotional Inspirations / Wearables

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Fall is in full swing as of last week, and we’re beginning to notice a change in the air. Are you ready for the season? As autumn gears up, you may be wondering what promotional gifts are best for this time of year. As we’ve mentioned before on this blog, promotional products are especially popular when they are useful—and gifts that are perfectly suited to fall are more likely to be appreciated for seasons to come. With that in mind, here are the top ten fall promotional gifts that we recommend for the chilly months ahead!

Top 10 Fall Promotional Gifts:

#1 – Gloves. As the weather gets colder, your clients, staff, and business partners will soon need gloves to keep their hands toasty. A pair of smart touch gloves (for using smartphones) is a perfect fit for the approaching cold season and will no doubt be appreciated by customers or employees who are always tapping away on their mobile devices.

#2 – Beanie caps. Just like gloves, beanie caps are great to have on hand—not to mention stylish—when the temperatures drop and the wind whips up. They’ll keep your clients’ ears and head warm whether they’re out running errands in the neighborhood or enjoying a nice fall run in the park, and a tasteful logo will on the cap will be a positive reminder of your business.

#3 – Lip balm. This is a must-have in the fall. Lip balm soothes lips, prevents chapping, and often comes with SPF protection as well. It’s great for a giveaway, a trade show or conference held in a cold location, or a staff gift. It’s available in classic stick form, as part of a convenient combo with sunscreen, or in a small tin. Organic lip balm is also an option. There’s even glow-in-the-dark lip balm, which is perfect for Halloween!

#4 – Thermos® Drinkware: Mugs, Tumblers, & Bottles. As the air outside gets brisk, your customers will find themselves yearning for a sip of hot tea or cocoa to keep themselves warm. Thermos® drinkware is a classic choice for keeping a beverage hot and portable while on the go. There’s a wide variety to suit any need or lifestyle including travel mugs, tumblers, and bottles, and it makes a perfect gift to warm up for the holiday season.

#5 – Blankets. Who doesn’t love snuggling up under a warm blanket on a crisp fall night? Blankets are an ideal gift for anyone since they’re ideal for the season, useful, cozy, warm, and comforting. They might make a nice reward for your staff or a thoughtful gift for your treasured customers. Stadium blankets are perfect for the avid sports fan, fleece blankets are great for any situation, and there are even travel versions available for staying bundled up while on the road.

#6 – Flashlights. A flashlight always comes in handy and makes a great promotional gift. These days there are as many flashlights as you can think of—from heavy duty durable flashlights to petite LED keylight flashlights, USB flashlights, mobile power banks that double as flashlights, lantern flashlights, hanging flashlights, camping flashlights, and more.

#7 – Hot chocolate. Although fall is renowned for the pumpkin spice latté craze, hot chocolate isn’t far behind! This soothing, comforting drink is perfect for the cold weather ahead, and it’s great for a trade show or holiday gift. It comes as an individual bag of instant hot chocolate, in K-cup form, or as an eight-ounce bag.

#8 – Vests. Apparel is one of the most popular types of promotional products today, and with good cause—everyone needs attractive, well-made clothing. As fall approaches, vests are an especially good pick for both men and women. They’re great for an outdoor staff retreat in cold weather, for example, and they make a thoughtful gift for valued clients. Vests come in both fleece, knit, and down versions.

#9 – Stadium cups. Stadium cups come in handy for all kinds of scenarios, including holiday or staff parties and trade shows. They’re sturdy, attractive, and a great choice for branding your logo in a prominent way. People tend to hold on to drinkware that they find useful, and stadium cups will be a handy reminder of your brand every time your clients reach for them.

#10 – Hand sanitizers. As the temperatures drop, you can be sure that people are going to start getting colds. Hand sanitizers are a smart way to guard against seasonal bugs, especially since they’re so convenient and portable. They make a great promotional gift since they show care and concern for your clients’ and employees’ well-being. There are a few different varieties available, too: credit card sized hand sanitizer, hand sanitizer spray, and hand sanitizer gel.

Wondering if there are other promotional products that might be a good fit for a fall campaign or event you have in mind? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you have an idea in mind that might benefit from some creative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

October Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

September 23, 2016 Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

Welcome to fall! With the official start of autumn, it’s time to begin thinking about fall events that might not yet be on your radar. As the air gets crisper and days get shorter, we’re not far from the holiday season. Here’s a full selection of October holidays, events, and awareness dates that will keep your business or organization top of mind with clients and business partners as the season changes. They’re well suited for promotional campaigns and giveaways, and they range from fun occasions to more serious, meaningful remembrances.

October!

Daily Awareness Observances & Holidays

October 2-4 – Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, which means, “Head of the Year” in Hebrew, is the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holy Days, also known as the Days of Awe, which typically take place in early autumn.

October 11-12 – Yom Kippur

Considered the holiest day in Judaism, Yom Kippur is also known as the Day of Atonement. Jewish people observe this important holy day with fasting and prayer, often spending much of the day at synagogue services.

October 16 – World Food Day

World Food Day, celebrated each year on October 16, is a day of action against hunger worldwide and an opportunity to promote the belief that access to food is a human right. Observance events include hunger walks, World Food Day dinners, meal packaging events, and food drives.

October 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Begun by the United Nations in 1993, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty promotes awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries. Poverty eradication is one of the core Millennium Development Goals as well as the developing Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN.

October 17 – National Boss Day

Begun by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1958, National Boss Day is an opportunity for employees to thank their bosses for being fair and kind and throughout the year, with the goal being to strengthen intra-office relationships between managers and their employees.

October 24 – United Nations Day

United Nations Day marks the creation of the United Nations with the adoption of the UN Charter in 1945. It is celebrated with a special UN Day Concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall. Public monuments worldwide are often lit up in blue to promote the message of peace, development, and human rights.

October 31 – Halloween

Celebrated each year on October 31, Halloween is a children’s holiday in which kids dress up in costumes and go trick or treating in their neighborhoods. Homes and businesses often get into the spirit with pumpkin decorations and toys as well as other Halloween accessories.

Weekly Awareness Observances & Holidays

October 3-7: Customer Service Week

Begun by the International Customer Service Association in 1984, National Customer Service Week is a great opportunity for businesses to promote quality customer service and recognize the talent and dedication of their customer service reps.

October 9-15: Fire Prevention Week

Established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people, Fire Prevention Week promotes education on fire safety. This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait—Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every Ten Years.” It’s always a good idea to check your smoke alarm and refresh fire safety best practices.

October 12-18: World Rainforest Week

As tropical forests around the world are threatened by unsustainable logging practices, World Rainforest Week seeks to promote awareness of the situation and encourages people to take action. Communities around the world mark the occasion with documentary screenings, petitions for change, classroom presentations, and other special events.

Monthly Awareness Observances & Holidays

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer affects many women, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to increased awareness of the disease and how it can be detected in its early stages. Communities organize fundraisers, share educational resources, and offer support to women so they can learn how to protect themselves from breast cancer.

Cyber Security Awareness Month

Cyber security is a major issue for us all. As of this writing it looks like Yahoo may have suffered a massive data breach affecting several hundred millions users. National Cyber Security Awareness Month encourages us to learn how to stay safe online, protect our personal information, and identify hoaxes or exploits we may come across. To learn more, visit Stop Think Connect.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Observed each year in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and how it impacts our relationships, our families, and our communities. Many people volunteer or donate to domestic violence prevention organizations, and advocates wear purple on October 20^th, which is known as #PurpleThursday.

Employee Ownership Month

Employee Ownership Month is an occasion for businesses to recognize the many ways in which employee ownership, and having a stake in the company’s success, can help everyone within the organization align toward a common goal over the short and long term.

LGBT History Month

Celebrated each year in October since its inception in 1994, LGBT History Month is a month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history—including the gay rights and civil rights movements. It includes National Coming Out Day, which is celebrated on October 11. It also marks the anniversary of the first march on Washington by LGBT people in 1979. Since then, it has become a national coordinated effort to highlight exemplary role models from the LGBT community.

National Animal Safety and Protection Month

National Animal Safety and Protection Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of caring for both domestic and wild animals. People may mark the occasion by learning about how to microchip their pet so they can be reunited if they should be separated, create a pet disaster plan that includes their pet’s safety needs, volunteer at a local animal shelter, or foster a pet in need of a loving home.

National Book Month

Love reading? Then National Book Month is for you. Schools and libraries offer special events on reading and literacy around this time, but it’s also a great chance to pick a book off the shelf (or download one onto your tablet or e-reader) and get lost in a fascinating novel or biography. It’s also a nice prelude to National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which takes place in November.

It’s National Preparedness Month!

September 8, 2016 Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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As peak hurricane season nears, with Hermine having just passed by the NYC metro area over Labor Day weekend, we think it’s a good moment to take stock of your emergency preparedness. Should an unforeseen situation arise, it’s wise to have a plan you can easily put into action to keep you and your loved ones safe. Fortunately, it’s National Preparedness Month! Here are 5 timely tips you can put into action now to prepare for an emergency.

5 emergency preparedness tips*:

Sign up for local alerts. During an emergency, local alerts can provide critical information that will help you and your family stay safe. If your area provides local alerts (here in NYC we have a system called Notify NYC), sign up for them now. You’ll also want to monitor local news and weather. You may want to download the FEMA app too—it includes National Weather service alerts, safety tips and reminders, a shelter finder, and resources for contacting FEMA in the event of an emergency.
Create an emergency plan. It’s essential to create an emergency plan so you don’t have to improvise one on the fly under stressful conditions if a disaster happens. Don’t forget to factor in the special needs and requirements of your relatives and loved ones with disabilities. If your family includes pets, be sure to create a pet emergency plan as well. If your school or workplace has an emergency plan, you’ll want to review it. Test your emergency plan at least once a year and update it regularly too.
Create an emergency communication plan. If a disaster strikes, it may be difficult to communicate with your loved ones. Part of a good emergency plan involves having an emergency communications plan that can help you plan how to stay in touch before and after a disaster as well as how to coordinate a safe location where you can meet up.
Get your emergency kit ready. If an emergency hits your area, you might need to have supplies on hand that can last you several days. Make sure you have an emergency kit that includes food, water, and medicine for your family and pets. We have several custom branded emergency disaster kits available that include US Coast Guard approved food and water, a thermal rescue blanket, a flashlight, guide, gloves, and other important tools you would need in the event of a disaster. Our disaster kits can even be customized to your specific needs.
Learn about your community’s preparedness. Should a disaster strike your community, you will need to know what preparedness plans are in place and what kind of local assistance you can expect. Get in touch with local officials to learn about their community disaster plan and review a copy, if possible, to make sure you are informed. NYC residents, for example, can access a wealth of information at the NYC Office of Emergency Management’s National Preparedness Month site.

If you are looking for branded emergency preparedness products or need guidance on an emergency preparedness campaign you may have in mind, we can assist. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on the right products that can help you and your community get prepared.

* These tips were sourced from Ready.gov. They do not constitute professional emergency preparedness advice. For guidance specific to your own situation, be sure to consult your local authorities.

Embroidered Patches: The Next Hot Fashion Trend

September 6, 2016 Cool / Promotional Inspirations

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Remember embroidered patches? They’re having a moment in the fashion world, as celebs from Margot Robbie to Rihanna to Gigi Hadid are rocking them on everything from jeans to jackets to bags. This hot DIY trend is taking off among style-conscious fashionistas who want to express their creativity in a personalized way. This look is very easy to achieve with the clothes you already have—just place an embroidered patch on the garment of your choice, put a thin towel on top of it, and press down on it for 30 seconds with a hot iron. Voilà.

As the fall fashion season heats up, you can expect to see embroidered patches crop up on more celebrities and their fashion-forward followers. So what’s the story here? Why are they so popular now, and what’s up with the sudden popularity of patches? Here are some details we’ve noticed about the trend and why it’s a big deal right now:

Embroidery has its origins in ancient China. As with many major cultural phenomena we take for granted today, China is where embroidery and a variety of other sewing and patching techniques were pioneered long ago. Embroidered decorations were originally used to identify royalty, and as the practice spread throughout the world, each culture developed its own unique and innovative patterns.
Embroidered patches have roots in the military. Military clothing has long been a source of fashion inspiration. The bomber jacket and the pea coat are just two examples, but those cargo shorts we had such a controversy about a few weeks back also hail from our armed forces. Patches also have a long history of military use, often being used to identify one’s unit, division, or branch. And they have been a key element of American counterculture and individualistic expression too.
Independent designers are creating some of the most popular designs. Individual designers are coming up with some of the most sought-after embroidered patches, selling out their entire stock in a matter of days thanks to pictures of their designs going viral on social media channels such as Instagram. Some of them are even finding, to their chagrin, that major retailers are releasing uncannily similar versions of their work in an attempt to capitalize on the trend.
Even high-end designers are using embroidered patches. Not long ago, major fashion houses would undoubtedly have turned up their noses at the humble patch. But they have taken notice now—Gucci, Raf Simons, and OFF-WHITE c/o Virgil Abloh have all made use of it in their fashion lines. Their haute swag has been noticed on such celebrities as A$AP Rocky and 2 Chainz.

It makes sense that embroidered patches have taken off now—they’re versatile, affordable, perfectly suited to the DIY culture of the moment, and they give each person an opportunity to express themselves in an entirely individualized way. They can be used to personalize any type of garment or accessory you can think of: caps, hats, t-shirts, jackets, tote bags, you name it. If you’re looking to tap into this trend, check out our selection of embroidered patches or, better yet, get in touch with us and we’d be happy to help you find exactly the right patch for your promotional needs.

Are you looking for branded promotional items to help your company stand out from the competition? There are a lot of ways branded goods can draw attention for your business. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.