This is our last post matching Lifehacker’s Top 10 Outdoor Tips for a More Pleasant Summer list with some suggestions of our own for how to increase the summer pleasure quotient of clients, customers or hard-working staff. Hope you’ve enjoyed the series.
One good way to keep yourself cool is to pour yourself a tall glass of kumquat-aide (see Tip #3 below), find an airy comfortable place to sit, and take a look at our corporate gifts and summertime promotional ideas.
From cushiony stadium seats, perfect for company outings, to custom temporary tattoos, a fun and different way to make your mark, we have cool, colorful and creative ideas and items to help you make your company or business felt, like that elusive cool breeze we all need during the dog days of summer.
And while we are on the subject, is that an expression you wonder about? We used to think the days of summer were doggy because we all walked around with our tongues out, looking for popsicles to help us stay cool.
But, no, that is not why the hottest of days from July to September (at least in our hemishpere) are called “dog days.” The ancients thought that these hotter than hot days were caused by the proximity of the constellation Sirius (AKA the dog star) to the sun. What did the Romans do to try and stay cool? The Romans sacrificed a brown dog, hoping to appease Sirius, whom they thought was the cause of the swelter. If only they had offered some dog biscuits to the enraged Sirius, things might have turned out differently.
Tip #1: Keep Yourself Cool in the Heat Waves
Tip #2: Brush up on Your First Aid
As we near the end of our series matching Lifehacker’s Top 10 Outdoor Tips for a More Pleasant Summer list with some suggestions of our own for how to increase the summer pleasure quotient of clients, customers or hard-working staff, we offer a bandaid…
Well, actually, a first aid kit.
Or rather: many first aid kits to help keep your staff and customers safe in all seasons. Inside or out, summer or winter, it’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand just in case accidents occur. And we’ve got a range of kits — from the cute Retro First Aid Tin to the Smart Medic — with lots of choices in between for you to choose from.
Also take a look at our June is Safety Month post for additional suggestions on staying safe.
Tip #4: Hiking and Biking
Today’s post is our seventh in a series matching Lifehacker’s Top 10 Outdoor Tips for a More Pleasant Summer with some suggestions of our own for how to increase the summer pleasure quotient of clients, customers or hard-working staff.
For some biking suggestions and Cyclist’s Special, a great short film produced by the British Rail film board in 1955, check out our May Calendar post.
“Put one foot in front of the other…”
Moving under your own steam is a fun and healthy way to get around as well as the best way to see any place you may be visiting. You can make summer walking and outdoor activities more comfortable for your customers or clients by providing branded hats or sun visors. Also check Tip #8 below that has resources to help you find a sunscreen that will protect you from the sun without exposing you to chemicals that are dangerous. Lip balm is another good thing to consider. Then all they’ll need to have are a good pair of shoes and liquid refreshments.
Tip #5: Make your own Backyard Fun
Today is post six in our series matching Lifehacker’s Top 10 Outdoor Tips for a More Pleasant Summer list with some suggestions of our own for how to increase the summer pleasure quotient of clients, customers or hard-working staff.
Nothing like a little outdoor activity followed by some relaxation on a summer day…Way back when, in days of yore, we would gather in the side yard and play croquet. Sometimes we’d play badminton. Both are great summer games to play on a grassy field or lawn. We’d drink gin and tonic (come back the day after tomorrow for cocktail tips!) and fancy ourselves…fancy. Occasionally rest was required and while lying on the green grass can be nice, it can also sometimes be a bit moist. An easy to carry solution is a Performance Blanket Tote, fleece on one side, nylon on the other.
Tip #8: Avoid and Sooth Nasty Sunburns
Today is the third post in our outdoor series matching Lifehacker’s Top 10 Outdoor Tips for a More Pleasant Summer list with some suggestions of our own for how to increase the summer pleasure quotient of clients, customers or hard-working staff.
Today we have some suggestions for protecting your skin as well as a recipe for a soothing balm in case you do get burned.
The Environmental Working Group has a mission to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment. They have an action fund that advocates on Capitol Hill for “health protective and subsidy-shifting policies.” They also have a great set of resources on their website, including the 2011 Sunscreen Safety Guide (also available for iphone) to help you find a sunscreen which will protect you from the sun without exposing you to chemicals that are dangerous. To make your own soothing Calendula salve, and learn a few culinary uses of the fiery orange blossom, check out WNYC’s Last Chance Foods: Herbal Flower Power .
Branding on a Budget: Tip #5
Tip #5: Give the Gift of Giving
During hard times, charities and nonprofit organizations like the Red Cross suffer most. Why not give a gift in someone else’s name, or allow them to choose one for themselves? Sites like justgive.org make it easy to let you give the gift of giving. And charitable donations often provide tax deductions — help others and save at the same time!
Branding on a Budget: Tip #4
Tip #4: Choose Products That Make Sense
Don’t waste resources on products that don’t accurately and completely capture the tone and style of your brand. We’ll work with you to come up with creative promotional ideas that last, make an impact, and are tailored to the key message of your brand or a specific campaign.
Branding on a Budget: Tip #3
Tip #3: Be Aware of Perceived Value
Tough economic times often mean businesses have to make difficult decisions. Make your clients and associates feel appreciated but avoid appearing extravagant or frivolous. Be generous and sensitive at the same time by choosing products that are useful and reflect your company’s values. Need some ideas? We’re here to help!