Promo Recognition Events Blog

This Valentine's Day Get to the Heart of Your Business!

2012-02-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right, this blog is pink and red for a reason! Valentine's Day is coming in a few days and to show someone how sweet your appreciation is for them, try some clever heart shaped promotional products! Big things come in small packages, and red foilheart shaped chocolates will make their heart melt!

Do you really click with your employees? Magnetic heart clips will remind them that your heart is in the right place! Is there something keeping your associates stressed? Show them that you "heart" them with a heart shaped stress ball!

Keep your business fresh with this heart-shaped tin of mints! Friends stick together, and so do these fun heart adhesive notepads!

School Counseling Week Advice

2012-02-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

A department which receives very little recognition in relation to their contribution, the guidance office is filled with school counselors that help our students grow and develop. School Counseling Week 2012 starts today, a chance for schools and communities to say thanks to their school counselors. Whether the event is a stand alone "thank you" opportunity for administrators, or a reminder to include counselors in the upcoming Teacher and Staff Appreciation celebration, giving a gift to counselors will serve as reminders of how much they mean. Themes and slogans such as "Guiding Students Towards a Bright Future" can inspire counselors each time they use a lunch bag or travel mug that they were given as a gift. This daily motivation will serve to support a counselors spirit through the tough challenges and make helping students that much more rewarding.

Ice Cream For Breakfast?

2012-02-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

Say Thanks To Staff With An Ice Cream Social

The dream of kids and adults, Ice Cream For Breakfast Day is celebrated on February 4th 2012. Conceptualized as an event to brighten the gloomy months of winter, it is an opportunity for people to laugh a little, smile a little and realize that spring is around the corner. Use it as a chance to say thanks to an employee, coworker, teacher or nurse by sharing a "healthy" breakfast of ice cream and toppings. A unique way to bond with the team, management and administration can inspire the team building experience by providing an ice cream breakfast social, complete with a custom printed "Teamwork" ice cream scoop.

Happy New Year...of Promotional Products

2011-12-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

With the world ringing in the new year tonight, we will see a selection of promotional products on our TVs and at our parties. New Years Eve is a celebration that features a selection of promotional products that decorate, entertain and enhance the holiday experience. From balloons, banners, stadium cups and hats to custom printed noisemakers to welcome the New Year, promotional products are a major part of the midnight ball drop. What better way to highlight the effectiveness of a promotional product than this holiday, making it easy to see why other events throughout the year, employee recognition events, awareness events and holidays can all benefit from including custom items. Not only is the promotional product a great enhancement to the celebration, it can serve as a memento or souvenir of the event.

Keeping It Clean During Handwashing Week

2011-12-10T18:36:00.001-08:00

The placement of National Handwashing Week in December is no mistake. The holiday season has people out in the malls, at parties and in restaurants, meeting others, shaking hands and exposing themselves to all sorts of bugs. By utilizing hand sanitizers and proper hand washing protocols, the public can reduce the transmission of the flu and common cold. Organizations can do their part to help promote the benefits of hand washing and good hygiene by handing out promotional bottles of hand sanitizer. These convenient bottles can serve the purpose of raising awareness as well as promoting the organization as a promotional product. A bottle of hand gel can come in handy during Hand washing Week or anytime through the year, easily tucked in away in a briefcase or pocketbook.

Celebrate Small Business and Stimulate the Economy

2011-11-26T14:27:00.001-08:00

Today is the hidden small business event sandwiched between the two corporate juggernauts, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Small Business Saturday is meant to inspire shoppers to buy local and support the rapidly disappearing mom and pop shops. While the crazed frenzy of the Friday and Monday following Thanksgiving is easily fueled by big box stores cutting margins for a day, small businesses who live off of their profit can't compete on the price level. Promoting the feel good experience of supporting a local business, added to the the convenience and familiarity of the neighborhood business can inspire buyers to through their excitement to Saturday. Owners can show their appreciation for the attention with promotional product giveaway paired with a coupon for use during the holiday buying season.

Raise Education Awareness

2011-11-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

American Education Week is in full swing. Celebrated each year the week before Thanksgiving, it is a chance to raise education awareness in communities throughout the country. Especially important in districts where school budgets are tight and test scores are low, American Education Week helps educators get the message of academic needs to the parents and voters. With the goal of raising the prioritization level of education initiatives, the activities held to support this event can have an over flow to adult education as well. Increasing literacy levels in school children and adults is critical to the improvement of lives, opening the doors to higher education and lower unemployment rates. Schools can partner with local libraries to distribute promotional items such as bookmarks, coloring books and other handouts that will get the message out to the public.

America Recycles!

2011-11-15T18:24:00.001-08:00

No matter where you are today, no matter what you do, it is America Recycles Day! A day to reinforce the use of recyclable shopping bags, recycle water bottles and reuse whatever we can. Even though the environmental message has made its way into our society, it does not warrant resting on our laurels. Today is a reminder of how we must reach out to our communities, calling on everyone to recycle whenever possible. Compliance with local initiatives, organized awareness events targeting the benefits of recycling including environmental and economic impact as well as education plans for schools are just some of the efforts that local organizers can make. As a handout to reinforce these messages, custom printed tote bags, reusable for a number of practical uses.

Reach Out To Job Seekers Today

2011-11-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

In today's troubling economic times, it is more important than ever for job seekers to be put in contact with available positions. As hard to believe as it may be, there are still situations where vacant positions are not filled. Job Action Day, November 7th, 2011, is a day for those looking for employment to take an assessment of where their search stands and how to maximize the return on their efforts. On the other side of the coin, those employers looking to find quality employees can analyze their efforts, looking to refine and focus on finding the right person for the short or long term. With the definition of what a job is changing as a result of the economy, alternative situations of employment, such as work from home, part time, split shifts, second and third shift scenarios need to be proposed and considered. Employers can promote these alternatives at job fairs, handing out information and promotional items to raise interest. Job seekers will have a larger palette of possibilities to choose from as a result, increasing the chance for a successful match.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Halloween is a great way to give the staff a little appreciation event break. Inviting the employees to dress up in costumes (G rated please) for a Halloween contest can be an event on its own or a part of a larger celebration. A section of the lunch room or call center can serve as a makeshift catwalk, with a selection of judges from management sitting to rate the contestants. In the case of the employees that wear costumes but don't want to parade, there can be a "Shy Staffer" award, given to the best costume that didn't walk. There can be employee motivation gifts for every staff member, keeping spirits high for the fall. Halloween also offers a great time to kick off fall productivity challenges, setting goals for the months leading up to the holiday season.

Turn That Frown Upside Down

2011-10-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

Today is National Cranky Coworker Day, and there is no better day to think about how to turn disenchanted, angry employees into positive ones. Cranky staff members can become infectious, going beyond simple whining to get other staff to become cranky as well. Today's holiday is a chance to turn their frown upside down with fun and funky promotional gifts. Some ideas for how to bring a smile to employees are custom printed stress balls, which come in a variety of styles that are sure to amuse even the most bitter staff member. Cranky Coworker Day can be made into an employee appreciation day, with the staff being treated to a PG rated roast of managers and supervisors. To keep it clean, employees can be invited to submit "cranky comments" in advance so that they can be reviewed. The entire staff will get a kick out of the event.

Character Counts This and Every Week

2011-10-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

National Character Counts Week is a time to emphasize the six pillars of character; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring & Citizenship. While the focus of this event is mostly dealt with in schools, the basic foundation should be reinforced in the workplace and in in the home. The failure to strive to these six pillars can erode the relationships between not only students, but coworkers and family members as well. Organizations, educators and human resource departments can create a series of workshops to teach and reinforce each of the six pillars of character. These workshops do not have to be restricted to Character Counts Week, they can be instituted over the course of the year, with promotional reminders handed out at each presentation. These can include custom ribbons representing each pillar, or age appropriate reminders. Students will happily add silicone bracelets to their collection, wearing their commitment on their wrists. Coworkers and community groups can receive items like stress balls and pens to use and remind them of the lessons. By practicing the pillars of character, students and adults alike will become better people.

Be Free From Bullies

2011-10-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

This week is Freedom From Bullies Week. While some may not take this topic seriously, thinking it is a simple matter of kids in a school yard making fun of each other, the reality is mush more serious. Bullying has been exposed as a major issue in our society, from the schoolyard to adult situations. Ranging from speaking behind others backs, to direct taunting to online bullying through social networks, bullying can cause isolation, depression and even suicide. With the ability for bullies to leverage technology, the aggression can reach hundreds and even thousands of people in a short period of time, affecting the targets grades, work and mental health.

Healthcare organizations, schools and community groups can do their part by raising awareness of bully prevention, identifying bullying and help resources. By distributing information on the effects of bullying and contact information for help and suicide hotlines, these outreach efforts can offer a lifeline to the victims of bullying. By simply having a magnet with a phone number posted on a locker or refrigerator, some may feel they have someone to turn to. And in extreme cases, the promotional magnet can be used to avert the feelings of hopelessness.

Working From Home...Requires Promotion

2011-10-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

It is National Work From Home Week, and in today's new economy it is more relevant than ever. More and more, home based businesses and remote office workers are popping up. Working from home has become an integral part of small business and big business, supporting entire companies to call centers. But the simplicity of a business model that is home based in its entirety or in part does not preclude it from benefiting from promotional giveaways.

For small businesses, promoting their services is critical to competing with the industry leaders. Small overhead means more flexibility for promotional efforts and promotional products. Sending mailers to customers and prospects that include a promotional reminder to keep a brand in mind is a great way to influence repeat business, and brand loyalty.

Promotional products can also go a long way to recognize employees who work from home. These staff members work disconnected from offices, and don't get the regular reinforcement that regular staff receive. Sending a care package home to employees may lack the personal pat on the back feel that an on the spot appreciation gift delivers, but a specially printed desk item or custom key chain can communicate just how much a remote employee means to an organization.

Columbus Day...Discover Promotional Techniques

2011-10-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

Columbus Day has become a retail holiday. Supported not by Italian Americans who call Christopher Columbus their own, but by the hordes of sale seekers who troll Main Streets and the internet, looking for the big Columbus Day sale. Fortunately retailers do not have to cut into margins in order to take advantage of the holiday. Promotional giveaways are great as free incentives. Custom printed with a logo or brand message, marketers can leverage a key chain, desk clock or photo frame as a premium for those who spend a certain level with their store. These promotional products have the ability to make buyers feel as though they are getting much more than they pay for, and business owners can enjoy the lower cost of advertising as opposed to giving away percentage of sale. With options to fit any budget, printed promotional items can inspire more dollars per sale and give consumers a feel good experience.

Physicians Assistants Week

2011-10-05T22:05:00.000-07:00

Working in conjunction with doctors, physician assistants are often overlooked when role calling the different staff members of healthcare organizations.With the ability to care for patients and supporting the efforts of physicians, these medical professionals operate under the guidance of a board certified doctor. Their role at hospitals and medical practices allows for more patients to be cared for, giving personal attention and professional care. Patients and institutions benefit from these highly trained medical staff members and should take advantage of National Physicians Assistants Week to say thanks. A luncheon or breakfast can be enhanced by a custom printed gift for each physicians assistant at the facility. Caring Is The Business We Have Chosen imprinted on a a travel mug or lunch bag can be a gift of appreciation that will serve as a daily reminder of how much their efforts mean to the well being of patients and their families.

Exceptional Service Deserves Exceptional Recognition

2011-10-03T20:18:00.000-07:00

Customer Service Week is celebrated this week, October 3rd through the 7th. This yearly event is a time to recognize the front line of sales in all businesses, the customer service staff. With planned luncheons, breakfasts and ice cream socials, there are plenty of ways for management to reach out and pat their employees on the back for their exceptional treatment of customers. These events should be more than just a thanks, they should be motivational as well, giving the reps a feeling of appreciation for their dedicated efforts. From helping shoppers find the right products, saving sales when they have gone astray, to salvaging broken relationships due to customer dissatisfaction, customer service reps face the challenging tasks each day. Knowing that the next official chance to recognize these employees will be during the holiday gift season, its important to present them with a special token of appreciation.

Have A Heart Today

2011-09-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Today is World Heart Day, a day to promote awareness and public interest in the treatment and eventual cure of cardiovascular diseases. Heart disease does not discriminate or select its victims, for both the developing world and more progressive communities, it is a major concern. With the amount of knowledge available to people it is important that society places a priority on disseminating the information as far and wide as possible. Promotional items can be used by organizations to increase awareness in an easily digestible way, educating communities on topics relating to preventing heart disease such as; nutrition, diet and exercise, and smoke free lifestyles. A simple handout with tips on how to stay healthy can impact people and inspire them to live healthier.

Arrgh, Talk Like A Pirate

2011-09-18T22:02:00.000-07:00

Alas me laddies, today be "Talk Like A Pirate Day" an event that invites offices across the country to have a little fun and raise spirits. Originally conceptualized as a wager on a raquetball game, talking like a pirate for a day can prove to be quite an amusing celebration of team spirit. Staff can enjoy some complimentary "gruel" during a motivational breakfast, learning the rules of Talk Like a Pirate Day. Everyone can try their best to speak with a pirate style to fellow staff members, with those who fail to do so having to "walk the plank." Team members will quickly learn to work together, giving ideas on phrases and sayings to use throughout the day. Hand out some pirate booty to reward the staff for their participation, promotional gifts such as desk accessories, or travel mugs, emblazoned with a slogan of thanks that is written in a pirate style.

Celebrity Support Fights Cancer On Stand Up to Cancer Day

2011-09-09T05:33:00.000-07:00

More and more we see celebrities lending their support to causes such as cancer research fund raising and awareness building. This focus is a a productive one for both the organizations and patients that they serve as well as the celebrities themselves. A politically neutral cause, and one that may reflect a personal experience, raising cancer awareness during events like Breast Cancer Awareness Month can put a celebrities start power to the best use possible. A cancer walk or run that features a TV, movie or music star will garner more attention, both directly for the event and at the organizational level. Movements such as Stand Up To Cancer get major exposure at red carpet events in Hollywood based upon their star support.

A result of the Hollywood tie in, the iconic images and promotional merchandise becomes celebrity shwag, raising their value and popularity in the public eye. Designer handbags, t-shirts, key chains and expensive jewelery that feature the logos of awareness organizations become fashion forward items, desirable and valuable. This increase in valuation can help raise funds as fashionistas look to purchase the hot new designs, and in turn donate to cancer research.

Prostate Cancer - Awareness Means Survival

2011-09-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Some may think this disease is a minor one due to the success of treatments in recent years. But as with all cancers, what you don't know can kill you. With prostate cancer, you have a disease that affects men in their adult years, a notoriously difficult group who resist going to the doctor at all costs. Paired with the percieved nature of the exam, and you have a recipe for a treatable condition that may go undiscovered for years, becoming an unnecessarily serious situation. Powered by healthcare organizations and awareness organizers, communities can make the most of this September event, reaching out to men with the intention of getting them to go and get tested. Handing out promotional materials and reminders, the custom imprint can include outreach numbers and information on when and where to get tested. As with breast cancer, early detection is the best protection, and getting men to be proactive can save them from complications that can affect thier sexuality, long term health and livelihood. Organizers can distribute informational wallet cards, slide guides and reminders that focus on prostate cancer and mens health topics in general.

Recognition Starts With "Thanks"

2011-08-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

Of all the ways to show employees that their work is appreciated, the most simple is to just say "Thanks." Now while that gesture is pure, simple and effective, the delivery method is a platform for creativity. Not necessarily requiring a large investment, promotional products can be imprinted with a message of thanks for employees, and distributed during recognition events. These celebrations range from Customer Service Week in October to Teacher Appreciation Week in the spring, with all sorts of holidays in between. These holidays present opportunities to pat dedicated staff members on the back and hand them a gift, a chocolate bar wrapped in a "Thanks A Million" wrapper, or a useful travel mug that declares "Thanks For Making A Difference." These small giveaways can mean allot to employees who dedicate themselves to putting forth the company's best face.

The King...Of Promotions

2011-08-11T19:57:00.001-07:00

Pop stars have a lot in common with businesses and organizations. Primarily their quest for branding, exposure and shameless promotions. The king of all promotional pop stars is and always will be Elvis. Celebrated this August 10th through the 16th, Elvis Week honors the king while bringing his lasting promotional power to light. The familiarity of his image is undeniable, and long after his tragic death, he is honored by fans and recognized all over the world. It was no accident that Elvis became so well known, his PR staff and management created the juggernaut and shared in the spoils of it.

Promotional lessons can be extracted from this immortal pop icon, branding, logo exposure and marketing can actually outlast the business itself. Marketing through every channel possible, online, print, word of mouth and of course through promotional products, can make a business into a household name, much like Elvis did.

Cheers For International Beer Day

2011-08-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today is International Beer Day. Celebrating this popular beverage with an international holiday is something that didn't take allot of thought. It's a no brainer, beer is loved throughout the world, and allthough some countries prefer to drink their beer warm, here in the US, we like ours cold. There are cans that give an indication of whether a beer is cold enough to drink, advertising campaigns surrounding the "cold brewing" methods employed to produce beer, and a world of promotional items that keep beer as cold as possible for as long as possible.

te most iconic of these promotional items is the Koozie. A can and bottle cooler sleeve that displays a corporate logo or message famously, the Koozie is a perfect promo item. Besides the Koozie keeping beer cans and bottles cold in the face of weather and body heat, the insulated foam holder carries an imprint in style. Becoming a favorite of the recipient, the Koozie will be used at tailgating events, barbecues and even events such as International Beer Day!

Celebrate A Night Out For Community Safety

2011-08-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight is National Night Out, a celebration of community safety and crime prevention. Coordinated in communities throughout the country, this event is designed to :

Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The best way for police and and community organizers to coordinate a Night Out in their area is to work with schools and organizations to promote the event. Holding block parties, street fairs and parades, groups can pledge their commitment to contributing to the safety of their neighborhoods. Handing out 911 Emergency promotional products that give citizens the tips on how to handle different emergency situations.

Sysadmin Day...Really!

2011-07-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a perfect example of the importance of appreciation for all employees. The ultimate behind the scenes contributor, the system administrator, is honored on the last Friday of July. Deemed National System Administrator Day, this recognition event is a celebration of only one or two employees in most companies and organizations. But the few people who receive praise this day are the ones who keep networks running, servers up and workstations bug free. These network neurologists are the backbone of any organization that depends on their computer network to do business, which has become almost all organizations. While most appreciation events recognize a large volume of employees, lending themselves to promotional products as gifts, Sysadmin Day is more about pure thanks. Of course since there are only a few recipients in most businesses, a higher end promotional gift is an option.

Recognition Takes Preparation

2011-07-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

Part of making an employee recognition event successful is planning. Savvy human resource professionals and business owners are preparing now for their fall employee appreciation celebrations, in spite of the fact that they most likely have just completed their summer events. Recognition events like Housekeepers Week in September and Customer Service Week in October will always fall short of expectations if the planning is not begun months in advance.

Take Customer Service Week for example. Customer service staff man the phones and service clients on a daily basis. They know what it takes to deliver a quality service experience and a quality product, it is after all their job. So when an appreciation event is hastily put together, comprised of some take out pizza and a thoughtless token of thanks, they recognize it as what it is. The effort is wasted. But good preparation can contribute to a standout Customer Service Week event. A carefully selected promotional product giveaway is a start. Thought of and purchased early, this custom gift of appreciation will come into the office with plenty of time to return if it isn't as imagined. This early promotional product purchase will also allow for more time to coordinate a proper appreciation lunch or dinner for the staff. A great event will result, providing the motivation for a great fall season.

What a Sweet Event!

2011-07-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

National Lollipop Day is today, and there is no better time to enjoy a sweet treat or think about how a promotional lollipop could help your next event. From barber shops to travel agencies, custom lollipops have been a popular giveaway for children and adults alike. For marketers a tip can be taken from the local barber, using lollipops to put a sweet spin on an unpleasant situation. Trade shows, job fairs and other information events are all about talking, selling and relationship building. And while most attendees make the most out of an exhausting day, a lollipop will make a booth that much more enticing, giving them a little reward through the tiring day. Promotional messages are not the only imprints that can find their way onto a promotional lolly. Community organizations can use lollipops to spread awareness of what to do in case of a fire, educate the public on calling 911 as well as a wealth of other public service messages. Customized on the candy and on the stick, promotional lollipops give twice the imprint power for the marketing dollar.

Independent Retailer Week Celebrates Loyalty

2011-07-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

The lifeblood of main street, independent retailers, get a week of recognition. While most recognition weeks give appreciation to the honorees, this particular event is more focused on the consumer. The customers who choose to shop in local independent retailer shops, spending their money and time in businesses owned by independent entrepreneurs, are the true focal point of this appreciation event. Rewarding customers with promotional giveaways during this week long celebration will reinforce loyalty and continue the choices that lead them to the mom and pop shops over the large chains. Business owners can show their appreciation while spreading awareness of their brand by using promotional products as an incentive to shop during National Independent Retailers Week. Giving out a custom key chain or a branded tote bag will not only say thanks for the immediate purchase, it will increase the likelihood that the customer will enjoy the experience and return. A great example of the consumer reward as advertisement is the concept of restaurant week. This event invites diners to enjoy price fix menus at fine dining establishments for a discounted price. Small businesses can accomplish the same effect with promotional product giveaways.

Embrace Your Geekness Today

2011-07-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Are you a geek? Have you ever been a geek? Odds are, you not only have a little geek in you, the work that you do, the phone that you speak on, and the way you entertain yourselves in 2011 qualifies you as a geek. With Wednesday, July 13th being Embrace Your Geekness Day, we all realize that we have migrated to becoming geeky. We love technology and use it everyday, a love affair that can be celebrated today, by appreciating our favorite gadgets and spending allot of time using them.

Advertisers can take advantage of our inner geek by promoting themselves with geeky promotional products. There are a world of computer accessories, technology based promotional items and smart phone accoutrements that are ready to carry a logo or brand onto the very geek toys the public use and love. From laptop sleeves to iPad cases, USB drives to mousepads, these adjunct promotional tech items are always appreciated and almost always put to use, making them effective at keeping a promotional message in view throughout the year and possibly till next Embrace Your Geekness Day!

Promotional Products Spread The News

2011-07-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

Today is Town Criers Day, recognizing the ancient practice of a town crier disseminating information through the streets, ringing a bell and yelling the news. Meant to overcome the problems of illiteracy and lack of communication mediums, the town crier is no longer needed (thanks to Twitter and Facebook!) But the core of the concept lives on, not only through modern technologies, but in the form of promotional products, used to highlight big news events on a corporate and even personal level.

Announcements such as engagements, birthdays, new hires, mergers and other introductions can be enhanced by including a custom printed promotional product. Tying in the item to the message makes it an even stronger association. A custom printed sandal with can be a unique invite to a beach wedding. A yo yo branded with a company logo will be a fun invitation to a sales meeting, inspiring staff to bring ideas on how to get profits "up."

So although there are no more town criers, businesses and organizations can ring their bells with promotional products, spreading the news of events and products the old fashioned way.

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

Independence Day celebrates our nations birth, and there is no better way to celebrate than with a backyard barbecue. Plenty of food, fun and family will make for an event to remember, setting the tone for a great summer. But the important thing for businesses and entrepreneurs on this day is to think about how to stimulate sales through the dog days of summer. After the coffee and cake, a reflection on the upcoming week is in order, and smart marketers will be looking to make an impact on the first day back from the holiday. Jot a few notes before Tuesday morning, rehashing the items you may have seen during the holiday weekend and thinking about how they could help your business grow.

The promotional items that may have been garishly displayed with red white and blue for the holidays may be a perfect blueprint for what will work for summer marketing plans. Go ahead and slap your logo on that frisbee they handed out at the family reunion. You can be sure that it will be just as much fun for your corporate clients as it was for all the cousins. The sport bottle that cooled off the masses at the big 4th bbq will be equally useful to attendees at a company golf tournament, bringing brand recognition a hole in one. Promotional ideas can be found everywhere, you just have to visualize them in the right light.

Whe Screams For Ice Cream In July?

2011-07-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

A month long opportunity awaits businesses in July. National Ice Cream Month offers "cool" ways to reach out to clients and show appreciation to employees. Using a bit of creativity, investing a small budget and enlisting group of volunteers, companies can spread the Ice Cream theme throughout this warm summer month.

Appreciation events can get a bit monotonous year after year. Summer barbecue, corporate picnics and other warm weather events depend on hot dogs and hamburgers to show a bit of appreciation to the staff. But by observing Ice Cream Month, employees can be treated to a virtual ice cream shop in the office. Enlist top management to pick up an ice cream scoop and serve delicious sundaes to the entire staff. A variety of flavors and toppings will really kick up the excitement and they will enjoy being "served" by their boss. A cherry on top of this staff appreciation event will be a promotional giveaway, a custom printed ice cream scoop that they can take home.

For advertising ideas, a custom printed ice cream cone shaped magnet will make a unique mailer to customers. Reaching out to clients during the dog days of summer can reinforce relationships. And when you send a creative ice cream cone magnet, your product or service will stand out.

Testing Drive Can Keep You Alive

2011-06-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

Today is National HIV Testing Day. With HIV a treatable disease in the US, and many patients leading normal lives through advances in medication, the event may not have the same urgency as it had a decade ago. But this is a false sense of security, HIV and AIDS are epidemic and still a scourge that is transmitted through sexual contact and intravenous drug use. Raising awareness in communities of the importance of routine testing for HIV can help stem the increase in transmission, as well as get those affected treatment as early as possible.

Promotional ribbons are iconic symbols of the struggle to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. These red ribbon products can be used to raise awareness of National HIV Testing Day as well. Healthcare organizations and hospitals can work in conjunction with local community groups to hold outreach events and mobile testing drives. Handing out information pieces such as an STD Pocket Guide can help educate attendees. Another popular giveaway at HIV & AIDs awareness events is custom printed condoms. Putting out a bowl of condoms printed with contact information for testing centers will draw many people who are interested in free condoms.

Beyond The Beach Ball For Summer

2011-06-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

The June 21st solstice officially marks the beginning of summer. And while much is made of the traditional promotional giveaways that go along with the beach, pool and vacation, there is much more out there than custom beach balls, towels and bottles of sun screen. Yes these promotional giveaways are a great way to get a brand out for the kick off of summer, but the trends of the day pint towards a big potential promotional theme, barbecue.

With the popularity of outdoor grilling, the idea of promoting a brand with outdoor cooking accessories has taken a swing upwards. Custom BBQ Sets, featuring everything an outdoor culinary enthusiast would need, is a perfect corporate gift. From a budget friendly set to a gourmet level set, these bbq tools will be appreciated by all who receive them.

Custom aprons offer advertisers the ability to make it more about the promotional message with their large imprint area. Creative slogans of appreciation will make each employee feel special when they receive a printed apron to use in their backyard. For a real impressive gift, the Grill Master Apron Kit features a bottle opener, oven mitt, towel, and an insulated pocket to hold the chef's favorite beverage.

Recess At Work? Try It Today!

2011-06-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

Today is Recess at Work Day 2011, a celebration of taking a step back from the daily grind and making an effort at reducing stress, building team mentality, and inspiring the group to work smarter and healthier. These goals are both mental and physical and can have a real impact on the performance of a staff. By scheduling a recess at work day, management can organize events to raise moral and in turn improve efficiency. Some ideas for activities can include:

Engaging in a creativity exercise to launch that next product or service.
Organizing some fun learning/training (this can be as cheap as having a member of your team share some knowledge or bringing in a professional to develop your group.)
Exercise as a group.
Hold an ice cream social.
Play some good old outdoor games like tag, jump rope, or Frisbee.
Take that team meeting to a coffee shop, amusement park or the beach

Promotional giveaways can enhance the effectiveness of any of these activities, especially if they tie in to the theme. If you are holding an exercise event, handing out a slide guide with tips for wellness in the workplace would add an education aspect to the event. A group trip to the beach will be all the more fun with a custom printed Frisbee or beach ball. And of course a practical gift such as a lunch bag or travel mug that features a slogan such as "I am a Vital Piece of Our Success" can carry the good spirits through the year.

Have A Ball With Your Next Promotion

2011-06-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

Much more than a supply item, the promotional pen is popular and effective way to spread the word of your business and brand. Today happens to be Ball Point Pen Day, and there is no better time to take advantage of the many offers available on this powerful advertising tool. Low cost pens become even more budget friendly during the summer as promotional product companies ramp up incentives and offer more budget pen varieties.

Whether handing a pen out as a corporate gift, or offered as a convenient handout to customers, the benefit of this advertising tool is the ability to keep a message in circulation long after the initial giveaway. Pens always come in handy, and you will find that these promotional pens will pop up in car glove box, in an office, in a desk all the while promoting your brand. With a smooth writing ball point action, writing instruments like the Javelina will quickly become favorites of staff and customers alike.

Take A "Quack" At Promotional Fun

2011-06-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

Today is Donald Duck Day, and while it is the traditional celebration of the popular cartoon character's inception, I propose it be a day to think about rubber ducks. Why rubber ducks you may ask...well rubber ducks represent a frivolous, fun promotional product that can lighten the mood of your advertising approach. Why use promotional rubber ducks to advertise and create awareness for your next event? Because it's unexpected, shocking, and just a bit funny.

There are so may promotional traditions. Business cards for corporate meetings, greeting cards for the holidays, and calendars for the new year. Sometimes these traditions can become so routine that they lose their effectiveness. So while upholding the timeliness of your marketing outreach, throw a curve ball by using a unique promotional product like a rubber duck, yo yo, funky head pen, or other novelty promo item. Give it some extra meaning by tying in a slogan to the item. The fun nature of the giveaway will make your business stand out from the rest.

June Swings For Women Golfers

2011-06-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Women’s Golf Month is June, and it is a great time to raise awareness for women’s health issues at the golf course and in communities and businesses. Promotional golf products, such as tees, golf balls and towels can be printed with messages of support for a variety of causes. Pink ribbon designs, or pink products can show support for Breast Cancer Awareness, emblazoned with a slogan such as “The Best Protection is Early Detection.” Women’s Heart Health gets a boost form red golf tees and other accessories that inspire and influence women to care for their heart while engaging in activities like golfing.

Support for women getting involved with golf is inspirational and energizing for women of all ages. Teens can build character, mom’s can find an outlet for stress, and seniors can keep active, warding off the effects of aging and reducing the impact of arthritis and osteoporosis. Raise a banner in community centers, health care facilities and at golf courses both public and private, hold a free lesson for women and raise health awareness in the process.

Sharp Ideas For Promotions

2011-06-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

Need a pen? There are always plenty around. Need a pencil? Not so easy to come by? Today is National Pencil Day and there is no better time to stock up on promotional pencils. Whether handing out pencils at a school or promoting a business that uses pencils in their marketplace, these custom printed pencils will be noticed when they are picked up. As test taking incentives, supply items, or fund raising tools for school children, pencils printed with a school mascot or slogan of inspiration, promotional pencils like the foil wrapped or full color pencil will represent a school's colors with pride.

Architecture firms, carpenters, builders, home improvement companies, and home inspectors are just some of the industries that still use pencils on a daily basis. Representing themselves with custom printed carpenter's pencils or a mechanical pencil will put forth a professional, ready for business impression. A business doesn't have to use pencils to promote with them however. Golf pencils in a bowl make an interesting and creative substitute for candy at trade shows or in waiting rooms.

National Doughnut Day

2011-06-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today, June 3rd is National Doughnut Day. Also spelled donuts, these fried pastries have somehow become a breakfast food. Great with milk, coffee or tea, these circular orbs of splendor make great snacks just about anytime of day.

I enjoy the traditional glazed or honey dip, but filled donuts are great, too. Boston Cream is actually the most popular, believe it or not. And jelly, cinnamon, plain and powdered do not take a back seat to any other flavor.

Enjoy a variety of tasty doughnuts and spend the rest of the day on the awesome energy they provide.

Leave The Office Early...Of Course!

2011-06-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Today is Leave The Office Early Day, a holiday created by author and productivity expert, Laura Stack. This holiday is not about playing hooky but rather temporarily re-prioritizing and taking advantage of a free afternoon. Compensation is traditionally dispensed in monetary ways, literally keeping the machine running. But refueling the machine is important too, the daily grind can become overwhelming without some variety, and traditional holidays and planned vacations don't always fit the bill. All too often those holidays do not represent relaxation, but rather complication, as formalities and children home from school provide a different variety of work.

Leave The Office Early Day provides much needed time alone for employees. Time to spend however they choose. This kind of employee appreciation gift is invaluable to hard working staff. The beginning of the day can be spent in a staff meeting, where employees can be given a complimentary breakfast and a brief description of why they deserve the benefit of leaving work early on this particular day. An appreciation gift can come in the form of a promotional key tag, attached to the "key" to the rest of their day. Surprise them by having the day end exactly at the end of the meeting. Other promotional gift ideas include stress relieving spa kits and stress education handouts to help the staff get the idea that today is a day to unwind, recharge and refocus.

Say Thanks With Stars And Stripes

2011-05-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day kicks off a wave of summer events, mostly revolving around vacations. But the summer season also initiates a critical chance for companies to say thanks to their entire staff. Second only to the Holiday Party in terms of popularity, the company picnic is an event that allows for management and staffers to get together in an informal way, perhaps meet family members, and shed the stress of daily work life. It is for this reason that Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and any company picnic or BBQ can go such a long way to make staff feel appreciated.

One of the best ways to say thanks to the staff during one of these events is with a promotional gift that is imprinted with a slogan of appreciation. Tying in a stars and stripes theme for the patriotic holidays creates a unique opportunity to deliver a sentiment. "We Are Proud Of Our Staff" or "You Are The Stars Of Our Staff" will convey the important role the employees play in the success of the team. A promotional beach ball, with the stars and stripes design, will be a big hit at the company barbecue, providing some instant fun for staff and families. A tote bag with a red, white and blue pattern will be a great way for staffers to enjoy a day at the beach while remembering that they are part of a tight knit team. And for the kids that attend with their parents, management can spread the fun with an American Eagle Temporary Tattoo.

Cellophane Tape Day Sticks Out

2011-05-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

National Cellophane Tape Day celebrates the invention of an office product that we all take for granted, cellophane tape. This sticky wonder helps repair papers, stick up notes and perform a multitude of other tasks. Much like the humble cellophane tape, employees can sometimes be taken for granted. But staff members are the sticky glue that holds processes and workflow together. These integral parts of our offices and organizations deserve recognition just as cellophane tape does. On recognition holidays like Customer Service Week, Employee Appreciation Day and many others, gifts of appreciation can be given out to say "thanks for all you do." One promotional product that will be appreciated on Cellophane Tape Day especially would be a promotional tape dispenser. These gifts will stand on desks as a constant reminder to staff that they are recognized for the work they do.

Safety Takes To The Seas

2011-05-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

It is National Safe Boating Week 2011, and what a chance to "float" the safety message out to a new audience. By piggy backing on this maritime safety event, community organizers can deliver not only safe practices for boating, but safety tips for the workplace and home. And with National Safety Month coming up on June, educational materials distributed this week can be a great foundation for the month long event.

Boating is inherently dangerous, not because it is an unsafe practice, but for the simple fact that it takes people off land and onto a terrain that is not natural to humans, water. Unfortunately, boaters can sometimes be over confident and forget the basics of boating safety. Forgetting to wear a life vest, drinking alcohol while boating, not being prepared with emergency first aid kits, are just some of the ways a boater can be unsafe. The same basics apply to safety in the workplace. Remembering to lift heavy objects with a buddy and using proper form, being wary of the possibilities of slips trips and falls, are just some of the workplace safety basics.

Serve Up Some Thanks On Wait Staff Day

2011-05-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

They bring us our morning coffee, serve us lunch, dinner and other meals. The wait staff at restaurants, diners, and cafeterias all do their best to create a great eating experience for us. National Wait Staff Day is a chance to serve up some thanks to these service employees. Showing them appreciation is easy, a small promotional gift, printed with a slogan that is tailor made for wait staff, "You Serve Us Well." A travel tumbler will be used and serve as a reminder of true gratitude every time they drink hot coffee from it on their morning commute.

Another way for businesses to show their appreciation for Wait Staff on staff recognition event is to print a slogan on the pens that they use throughout the day. A supply of printed pens will proclaim to the customers what dedicated waiters are serving them as they sign their credit card receipts. The pen will be a reflection of the waiter's pride in their job, and the statement to the customer may influence a bit more tip.

Stress World Hypertension Day In Your Community

2011-05-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Today is World Hypertension Day 2011. Dedicated to raising awareness of an affliction that can contribute to heart disease, stroke and cause death, this awareness event can be the spark that stimulates someone to get treatment. Being aware of blood pressure and the warning signs of hypertension can mean the difference between recognizing a dangerous situation with time to treat it, and finding out too late.

Community organizers can hold a hypertension awareness event where they distribute educational materials and promotional items. Custom printed promotional handouts that focus on knowing your blood pressure, as well as good nutrition can go a long way towards enlightening people on how to identify and manage hypertension. Coordinating with health organizations and insurance companies can help get free blood pressure exams for all who attend. Custom printed items such as stress balls and stress relievers can achieve a dual purpose of providing a fun giveaway to drive traffic to the event as well as a contact information reference that attendees will hold onto.

A Pizza Party Always Pleases

2011-05-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a staff recognition event can be a simple one, and today;s event is a celebration of the most simple yet universally appreciated pizza party. Today is National Pizza Party Day, a day to celebrate the tasty way to celebrate. Holding a pizza party for your office or organization is a low cost but high impact treat for hard working staff members. So low cost, it leaves plenty of room in the budget to purchase some promotional gifts to tie in to the pizza theme.

Kitchen tools like an apron, ice cream scoop or most logically a pizza cutter, can be imprinted with a kitschy slogan. Motivate the staff by ensuring them that they are the "Slice Of Success" or that they "Make Every Day Supreme". These cute tie ins make a simple thing like a pizza party into an effective employee appreciation day.

Say Thanks With Heart

2011-05-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

National Nursing Home Week kicks off tomorrow, and whether or not the facility has prepared for the actual event, it's never too late to plan for a nursing home staff appreciation event. These employees give themselves to care for residents and do it from the heart, so why not give them a piece of heart felt recognition with heart shaped promotional gifts.

From a low cost stress ball to a classy metal key tag, printing a slogan of thanks on a heart shaped gift will touch the recipient in a way that only they will fully appreciate. The tie in between the gift and the acknowledgement that each staff member gives from the heart is especially touching to a nursing home employee. Their jobs involve the extremes of happiness of giving and sadness of loss on a regular basis, knowing that their work is appreciated is a payment that goes beyond the value of any paycheck, warming their hearts in the process.

Cinco De Mayo Means Employee Appreciation

2011-05-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

What better way to celebrate your employees than holding a Cinco De Mayo celebration. Employee appreciation comes in many forms; on the spot recognition given out during the work day, formal events for employees of the month, and the every present pat on the back. But a fun day of informal fun can be had on Cinco De Mayo, letting your staff know that they are the straws that stir the office drink, making the workplace a diverse and fun place to be.

Fun handouts that have the Cinco De Mayo theme such as maracas and whistles can add to the festive atmosphere. The custom imprint on the promotional gifts can reflect the appreciation that the employees deserve, proclaiming that "Our Staff Makes Work Fun" or other motivational message. Virgin margaritas and some tacos can add to the festive theme, giving the hard working staff a well deserved free lunch.

A Snip And A Style

2011-04-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Hairstylist Appreciation Day. While we usually show our appreciation for our hairstylists and barbers in the form of a tip each time we visit them, it doesn't hurt to show thanks with a small gift to make them feel special. The management of salons and barber shops throughout the country can give out sentimental custom imprinted promotional gifts on this day, a longer lasting reward than flowers or a card. Messages of thanks could be plays on the profession that they hold so dear, We Don't CUT It Without You or Hairstylists Do It In Style, are some ideas.

The bigger picture to be learned during this day of appreciation is how employees who perform regular services can be lost in routine. Administrative Professionals, Waiters, Hairstylists, and other service industry staff function in the back round, operating regularly, really being noticed in their conspicuous absence. This foundation means that recognition events must be observed for them, complete with employee motivation gifts and a special announcement in a community or office.

Mothers Will Beam Wtih Pride

2011-04-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

Mothers Day is a celebration that will bring flowers and bouquets to the halls and bedrooms of nursing homes and hospitals. With so many of our mothers living long into their 90s, many spend their final years in the care of nursing staff and community volunteers. Children take mothers day as an opportunity to visit and bring the grandchildren and great grandchildren with them.

Church organizations can help the families who visit by offering budget gifts imprinted with sentiments for mom for sale. These gifts provide a unique alternative to flowers with a lot more lasting power. A photo frame can provide a daily reminder of the love that their family has for them. Featuring a photo of the grandkids, this gift is a perfect one.

Flowers may be traditional, but they wilt and die soon after the event. While some moms will press the flowers, keeping the dry petals as a sentiment, a much more long lasting flower gift is available. The Planter Gift Set is a flower gift that will give the opportunity to have mom raise a new type of project, her own flowers. Complete with seeds and a cup to grow them in, moms will love to tend to these flowers.

Employee Recognition Starts At The Front Desk

2011-04-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Administrative Professionals are an organizations front line, the first impression that others get of the office, products or services that they offer. They speak to customers, deal with vendors and keep things running smoothly. This week is Administrative Professionals Week, a time to put organizations best foot forward by recognizing the dedicated work of these employees. Keeping these staff members motivated and instilling them with a sense of pride will have a carryover effect to the people they come in contact with throughout the day, externally and internally.

Employee recognition is a practice that pays dividends, motivating the staff to achieve and creating a positive work environment. By putting a smile on Administrative professionals, their workday will become less stressful and they in turn will create a more stress free environment around them. a major part of showing this appreciation is repetition. It would be unreasonable for offices to deliver appreciation on a daily basis to every employee, but it is easy to give a gift to staff members that will serve as a daily reminder of thanks. Custom imprinted desk accessories present an opportunity to reward administrative professionals during their appreciation week, while providing a display of a sentiment of thanks to recipients. A personalized photo frame is an example of a promotional item that will be used on a desk top oat home or at the office, displaying a family photo as well as an appreciation message.

It's Earth Day!

2011-04-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

What a day to wear green...meaning earth friendly, clothes. Supporting the cause on Earth Day is critical to keeping the environment in the minds of everyone. And companies and organizations can do their part by holding an Earth Day celebration in their office or community. Earth Day represents a global push towards humans taking more responsibility for the impact of their lives on the world around them. Raising awareness of this issue is everyone's responsibility and can be done in ways large and small.

Being considerate of not contributing to landfills is an easy way to reduce impact. Using a refillable, reusable sport bottle rather than a throw away plastic bottle can reduce on persons impact by hundreds, maybe even thousands of bottles per year. These bottles add up, and if we can influence others to take the same route, real change can occur, not just for Earth Day, but for everyday.

Another way companies can influence their customers and employees to produce less waste is by providing reusable shopping bags. These custom printed totes are an easy way to eliminate major landfill and environmental issues by reducing the amount of plastic and paper bags that are thrown away. Promotional totes bags can be printed with an eco friendly message, giving the user a way of showing others that they are doing their part for the earth, while advertising the company that was caring enough to provide them.

Break Out The Pajamas For Employee Motivation

2011-04-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today is National Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day. Talk about stepping up casual Fridays! Some may ask, what exactly is the purpose of wearing your pajamas to work? Every year, the Monday after taxes are due, the country celebrates this fun event. Tax time can be stressful, a job on top of the job people hopefully have, and it takes some time to brush off the stress of the task. Whenever stressful times come to a close, it's always good to blow off a little steam.

In addition to releasing tension and having fun, a more productive byproduct of events like Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day is team building. Unifying the work force in and office or organization is critical to refocusing staff on a common goal of success. By holding a fun event like this, management can let the staff know that their work is appreciated and that they are all part of the same team. This feeling of camaraderie with management is critical to eliminating an "us vs them" mentality. For this reason, members of upper management must participate in events such as these.

In order to further commemorate this day of fun and show the employees that they appreciate their work, special gifts can be distributed to the participants. A fleece blanket embroidered with a slogan of thanks is a perfect tie in to Pajama Day, great for snuggling up to a good day of work. A custom printed mug with a teamwork slogan will make for a nice cup of hot cocoa before laying down at the desk!

Global Youth Service Takes On Greater Meaning

2011-04-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

National Global Youth Service Day is celebrated this week. This April event serves to recognize the contributions of youth volunteers in their communities and abroad. Falling after Volunteer Appreciation Week, youth volunteers get their own week of thanks. Starting with social networking, this week of appreciation can be announced through Facebook and Twitter, with organizers sending out daily tweets to keep youth volunteers up to date on what events are available to attend each day. Volunteers can comment and tweet about their experiences during the appreciation events as well as their volunteering efforts.

The celebration can include luncheons in addition to the virtual exchanges. Commemorating this event with a custom printed t-shirt and other promotional gifts can be a great way of thanking the students who volunteer as well as promoting the concept of youth service. Awards and raffle prizes can include duffel bags, back packs and other items that can be used by youth volunteers on their next trip or retreat. By giving the proper recognition to youth service participants, we help build a foundation of service that will continue on as adult volunteers.

Make 'em Laugh

2011-04-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

International Moment of Laughter Day is upon us. As a day that is dedicated to making people laugh, it doubles as a day that employee appreciation can take a funny twist. The daily grind can wear on employees and although there are plenty of events that are dedicated to the recognition of staff, they can sometimes be stuffy. Award ceremonies, employee of the month, all can be cliche, resulting in a plaque on a wall and a handshake. Moment of Laughter Day serves to bring a fun day to the office, motivating the staff to feel good about their work and about servicing customers and clients.

The best way to kick off a fun day of laughter is with a custom printed stress ball placed on the desk of each employee. A little note reminding them to smile as much as possible, paired with baby pictures of the management can start the laughter. The pictures can be a competition, trying to pair the baby with the manager. Later on in the day, the results can be revealed to the entire staff, which is sure to illicit hysterical laughter throughout the office. Giving out a promotional funky head pen as a reward for participation can follow up with another laugh. But the imprint on the pen can be a serious sentiment of appreciation, thanking the staff for all that they do.

Volunteer Week Kickoff

2011-04-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

National Volunteer Week 2011 is this week. All the planning comes to fruition, the volunteer staff at each organization, whether at a school or hospital or community outreach center, receives praise and adulation. The work that volunteers do cannot be priced, they work in difficult situations, keeping their composure in the face of desperation. One aspect of Volunteer Week that is sometimes lost is the opportunity to recruit new volunteers.

Volunteer organizations face a challenge each year to recruit new volunteers to replace those who have decided to move on. Life happens, and even the most dedicated volunteers sometimes must move on, whether it be a hiatus or a permanent suspension of their contribution. The organizations are left with a void that they must fill, since the efforts that they engage in a are dependent on the gift of time they receive. In promoting Volunteer Week, side by side with the gifts for existing members, can be an info table, distributing applications and small giveaways such as key chains or tote bags. These small gifts will be held onto, increasing the chances that the prospective volunteers will join.

Drowsy Driver Awareness

2011-04-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Drunk driving is the most dangerous thing that someone can do on the road. There are organizations dedicated to preventing it and educating the public on its impact. But there is one road hazard that gets such little exposure in comparison but is no less dangerous, drowsy driving. Today is Drowsy Driver Awareness Day. This is a day to raise awareness of how dangerous driving while tired or drowsy can be. Far too often, drivers are willing to push the limits and drive while they haven't had enough sleep or have been under great amounts of stress. These drivers can find themselves dozing off while driving, the rhythm of the road serving as a hypnosis that lulls them to sleep.

Public health and safety initiatives are a great way to bring the message of drowsy driving to the community. Safe driving practices can prevent accidents, injuries and deaths. Community groups, insurance companies and health care organizations can all use promotional products to get the message out. Key tags are great ways to put the sleep reminder into drivers hands keeping a safety message like If You Feel Tired Don't Drive close at hand.

Networking Takes Center Stage

2011-04-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

National Networking Week begins today, a celebration of the importance of networking to the way that we do business in the 21st century. A time honored tradition, networking takes many forms. From word of mouth to exchange of business cards, to the most recent online social networking, we need this neural network to keep information and opportunities flowing. Promotional products are also a form of networking, and when meeting people at a trade show or corporate retreat, a well placed item can become networking gold.

Promotional business cards are the foundation of printed product networking. To take the interaction to the next level, had out imprinted chocolate bars. The sweet candy giveaway will make a good impression and instantly associate you with a good feeling. For a lighthearted take on networking, toss out some stress balls with your logo and contact information. These 3 dimensional toys will give each recipient something to hold onto, keeping your info in their had while back at their office.

It's Doctors Day! Time To Think Nurses Appreciation

2011-03-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Doctors in hospitals and private practice get their appreciation today, Doctor's Day 2011. They will receive well deserved gifts and well wishes from their staff, nurses and quite a few patients. The life of a doctor is a stressful one, striving to diagnose and treat diseases and sicknesses, as well as deal with emergency trauma and accidents, not to mention the yearly appearance of the flu. So a leatherette jotter, with a custom engraved pen, is the least that can be given to them, more a symbol of appreciation that will be taken to heart. After doctors receive their praise today, the attention of the office or hospital should begin to be focused on the nursing staff.

Following soon after Doctors Day is National Nurses Week. A celebration of the nursing staff that both supports the efforts of the physicians on staff as well as treat patients and serve families on a daily basis. Nurses work shifts that mirror doctors, pushing themselves in the emergency rooms, operating rooms and throughout the health care system. Planning for a Nurses Week celebration should include a luncheon or dinner, and a meaningful promotional gift of appreciation for each member of the staff. Printed with a sentiment of thanks, budget friendly gifts like a travel tumbler, or desk caddy or a custom messenger bag can become a daily reminder of how much the work of the nursing staff means to the people they serve.

Read All About It

2011-03-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

Library Week 2011, April 10 - 16 is not just a week to raise interest in visiting the library, it also serves as a time to say thanks to the librarians and library staff. Librarians work daily to preserve one of our community's greatest resources, helping people to find the books and multimedia that interest them, giving guidance to young students, and of course, keeping things quiet. Often portrayed as old sticklers who yell and frown, the reality is quite the contrary, educated, well read staff members are usually the brightest smiles throughout the day.

By raising awareness of this event in the community, attendance in the library will ramp up. This influx of visitors will serve to bolster the resources available to the library by justifying the budgets. At least part of this budget should be dedicated to recognizing librarians for their hard work. An appreciation luncheon or pancake breakfast can be the perfect platform to present the library staff with gifts of appreciation. A small token like a ceramic mug or custom printed briefcase bag can remind a librarian of how much they mean to the people they serve.

Make Up Your Own Holiday Day?

2011-03-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Spread the word, it's Make Up Your Own Holiday Day 2011. What a day to celebrate anything you want. Have your own holiday for cupcakes, or for wash clothes or for whatever you desire. But if you are part of a group, organization, or company, employee appreciation may be the holiday that you should celebrate. Set up an impromptu holiday celebration for staff can raise spirits and inspire employees to work harder in the spring months, a time that usually inspires thoughts of after work activities.

Set up some custom promotional products, a desk accessory, a tote bag, a logo printed backpack, hand out an invitation to the Make Your Own Holiday Day and hold a unique get together, Tell all attending staff members to come with an idea of what their own holiday would be. After everyone introduces their ideas for the new event, reward them with a gift of appreciation, thanking them for their hard work.

Poison and Inhalents Prevention Week Raises Awareness

2011-03-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Poisons and inhalants represent a threat to our youth that doesn't get as much press as other drugs or environmental dangers. This lack of awareness makes the danger of injury or death caused by accidental injestion or purposeful inhalation of poisons all the more critical. By raising awareness of chemicals at home or available at stores that can be used by people to get high, parents can protect kids and themselves from falling victim to them.

Community resource centers and health care organizations can hold information events that educate the public about poison and inhalants. Informational material such as the Poison Prevention Slider and other pamphlets can be printed with emergency contact information. These items as well as other promotional products like pens and key chains can serve as reminders to recipients to check their cabinets for cleaners and glues that contain poisons.

Teacher Gift Ideas Blossom In Spring

2011-03-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

Spring time brings showers, and also flowers. Teacher Appreciation Week gift ideas that include flower related promotional items can be tied into the role that teachers play in the "growth" of our students. Teacher Week celebrations can be themed with gardening and flower related items, setting the foundation for the floral gift giving experience that awaits.

The Planter Gift Set includes everything a recipient needs to start an employee gardening contest. Potting soil, a reusable planter cup and a packet of Forget Me Not seeds. All the employee has to do is add water and love. The teacher who wins the green thumb contest can receive a gift certificate.

As part of the celebration, highlight how the teaching staff contributes to the education and social growth of students by holding a tree planting ceremony. The entire school can compete to determine which class has the honor of planting the tree during Teacher Appreciation Week. This contest can be an essay contest or a poster competition.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week

2011-03-21T15:31:00.001-07:00

Its a mouthful, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week, starting today, the first day of spring. Recognizing the pediatric nurses is an important element of employee motivation, but not every health care facility can celebrate such a specific event. Hospital Week provides the perfect solution for this problem, too many celebration events for one hospital to handle. Hospital Week 2011 is a time to say thanks to pediatric nurses, nursing staff, doctors, and all the hospital support staff that help bring health care to patients.

National Nurses Week is the most widely celebrated event in the spring for hospitals, and while it is fairly encompassing, it leaves many employees out. It is important to recognize all the participants in the healthcare system, as without any one of them the system would not function as efficiently.

Hospital Week gift ideas include custom printed promotional gifts that carry a slogan of recognition. Caring is The Business We Have Chosen is a powerful imprint that speaks to the entire staff and can be printed on sport bottles, travel mugs, lunch bags and more. These gifts do more than just say thanks, they provide a symbol of pride to the recipient.

National Chocolate Week!

2011-03-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

Today kicks off National Chocolate Week 2011. What better time to highlight the ways that chocolate can be used to help enhance an employee recognition celebration. There are many custom chocolate promotional gifts that can be tailored to specific professions, making them as meaningful as a greeting card. As a party favor, an "on the spot" recognition reward, or even as a stand alone appreciation gift, staff members will get a kick out of the special design, and enjow the tasty treat.

Teachers and school staff can always use a chocolate pick me up to break up the day. Custom wrapped chocolate bars with the messages Teachers Make Learning Sweet or We Can't Spell Success Without U displayed in the staff lounge will live the spirits of all educators. This gift giving doesn't have to wait until Teacher Appreciation Week, it can be monthly or even done every semester.

Hospital staff work long shifts at often odd hours. These shifts include swings of routine vs high intensity stress. The stress relieving properties of chocolate are well documented, and a chocolate treat as a gift of appreciation can help Nurses, Doctors and all the hospital support staff get through rough patches. A Nursing Is A Work Of Heart Chocolate Bar is a sweet way to let the nursing staff know they are appreciated during Nurses Week. The entire hospital staff can receive Team chocolate puzzle pieces during Hospital Week

New Teacher and School Staff Gift Ideas

2011-03-19T17:38:00.000-07:00

Teacher gift ideas can be hard to come by year after year. Falling back on the apple shaped promotional products is always an option, the classic imagery will harken back to the glory days of teaching, warming hearts all the way. However, educators are far more complex these days, and specialized too. Teacher Appreciation Week 2011 has become Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week and the gifts should be chosen to impress and recognize all of the staff. Teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, school librarians all could use a fresh gift.

The Our Staff Is Souper Mug Set is a unique gift that features an over sized mug complete with a spoon and soup. it even has crackers to go along and a special handle that holds the spoon when its not being used. The best part is that this mug has a touching appreciation slogan printed on it. Our Staff Is Souper applies to the entire school staff, and is a clever tie in to the gift.

Custom wrapped chocolate bars with a generic staff appreciation slogan are tasty gift ideas for teachers and school staff. We Can't Spell Success Without U is a slogan that ties appreciation in to a spelling theme. One of the team building exercises during Teacher Appreciation Week could be a spelling bee. Where all the participants receive chocolate bars for trying.

Medical Lab Professionals Are Stars

2011-03-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

Medical Laboratory Week, April 24-30, is a celebration of staff that are usually tucked behind the scenes, performing tests that allow health care professionals to diagnose, treat and cure all sorts of diseases. But the lab staff is not truly behind the scenes. Increasingly, tv shows and movies are highlighting the importance of these dedicated professionals. Detective shows, dramas, murder mysteries, even documentaries have incorporated crime lab scenes into their episodes, bringing notoriety to the field.

Celebrating Medical Lab Week can bring some of that Hollywood notoriety into the event. Hold a mystery investigation of your own in the lab. Separate into two teams, the criminals and the investigators, and have them work against each other. The winning team can collect promotional gifts of appreciation while the losing team can get participation gifts. Gift ideas for Med Lab Week include Lunch To Go Kits, which can carry a logo or recognition slogan for their daily meal break. Another great staff gift idea is a Team Lapel Pin, which can be given to the entire staff.

St. Patty's Recognition

2011-03-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

It's St Patrick's Day, and what a celebration it is! Some companies and organizations are taking advantage of the holiday to hold recognition events for their staff. This holiday can be one in a series of holidays that are incorporated into a staff recognition program, making use of the retail excitement to add fuel to the office event. Besides the decorations within the office. employees can be asked to wear colors that represent the holiday spirit, in this case, green for St. Patrick's Day.

Celebration gifts are also a highlight of these events. Leading up to the big day, hold a contest for the staff. Whether it be attendance, sales goals, or sales saved, there can be different levels of accomplishment to ensure everyone gets a little recognition. The day of the event can start off with custom chocolate bars, featuring wrappers that reflect the celebration. Custom printed promotional gifts of different values can be handed out to the winners in each tier. A custom messenger bag for the highest, a drawstring back pack for the next level and a key tag for participation.

Lips Appreciation Day

2011-03-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

It's Lips Appreciation Day, and what better way to celebrate than with some lip smacking good lip balm. Taking care of your lips is a year round effort. Cracked in the winter, chapped in the summer and affected by wind and allergies in the spring and fall, it is critical to apply lip balm to keep moisture in and help heal injury. Promotional lip balm is not just keeping lips soft, they often contain sunscreen, helping to repel the ravages of the sun.

Economy lip balm is available in a variety of flavors and can be printed with full color wraps for maximum promotional effect. A cool change are Flavor Burst Lip Balms with their translucent plastic, letting the color of the balm shine through. Two Tone Lip Balm adds a twist of color for a special effect when opening.

Other ways of delivering spf protective lip balm is in a metal tin. Rectangle and round shaped tins give a retail look to the lip balm, making your promotion pop at trade shows and corporate events. Another unique lip balm variation is a lip balm on a carabiner. This novel promotional product keeps lip protection handy wherever it is needed, on a belt loop, a backpack or key chain.

In Wake Of Tsunami - Volunteer Appreciation

2011-03-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

With National Volunteer Week around the corner, and a tragedy of epic proportions going on in Japan, it is certain that volunteers will be appreciated worldwide. Natural disasters such as the one in Japan is precisely what volunteers exist for. The Red Cross, and other volunteer organizations mobilized as soon as word of the earthquake came, and they are on the ground in Japan, helping to rescue people and recover those lost. Their tireless efforts will be appreciated by the citizens of Japan as well as their families abroad.

Showing appreciation to volunteers is not a difficult thing to do, you merely have to say thanks. But giving them a token of thanks can create a feeling that can be relived for the volunteer every time they see or use the gift. Custom printed promotional products provide the perfect kind of gift. Low cost and capable of carrying a sentiment of thanks, giveaways like a back pack, travel mug or a convenient tote bag.

Another way of giving volunteers a gift during National Volunteer Week is to give them a lapel pin to wear. Lapel pins that state, We Care, Caring And Sharing, or simply Volunteer, are classy, subtle, and can be a constantly worn symbol of the volunteer's dedication to helping.

Power Your Brain This Week

2011-03-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

It's International Brain Awareness Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of brain research and brain disease. While the topic is very real and important, it is a great way to engage employees and staff into expanding their knowledge and their horizons, while motivating them at the same time. Schedule a "field trip" to a local museum, either as a group or by giving out passes to the staff. Encourage them to use the experience to incorporate their family into their work life, understanding what they do and how they contribute to the company's success. Handing out a brain shaped stress reliever is a humorous way to show appreciation for their hard work.

Schools can celebrate brain awareness week in a more educational way. A real field trip to a neuroscience lab to explore the cutting edge advances in brain research can be an eye opening event. The impact of the brain on addiction and other problems that face students can help them understand just how dangerous drugs, alcohol and smoking really is. Handing out sliders like the Drug & Alcohol Abuse Slider can bring the message home, along with a printed contact information for a help line.

Promote Your Fanny...Pack

2011-03-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

Today is International Fanny Pack Day, and tourists, coaches, and mom's all over the world are celebrating. Actually Fanny pack wearers celebrate their convenient pouches every day they use them. They know just how convenient it is to have a fannypack handy, for money, wallets, even bottles of water. In general fanny packs get a bad rap. Stigmatized as an accessory to the nerdy in movies and TV, they are almost comedic. This reputation is in stark contrast to the usefulness of custom fanny pack as promotional products.

A perfect travel purse, a fanny pack is easily worn by a woman or a man. This gender ambiguity allows it to be an employee gift to the entire staff, no need to get separate male and female giveaways. A custom imprint on a pack such as the All In One Fanny Pack can create a truly useful gift that will be taken on vacation, to the park and appreciated by the Teacher, Nurse or Volunteer that receives it.

Bundle School Staff Into Appreciation Week

2011-03-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

With the amount of specialized school staff positions, it can be impossible for smaller districts to celebrate every recognition event. From social workers, to guidance counselors, to occupational therapists, school nurses, and of course teachers, the budgets to honor them all individually is just not there. For this situation, turning Teacher Appreciation Week into Teacher and School Staff Appreciation Week makes recognition that much easier. Teachers will understand the need to celebrate their coworkers, and the budget being consolidated means a better event.

Announce the week early on in the year, this way the earlier events like Social Work Month in March won't feel like they have gone unnoticed. Custom banners throughout the schools will get everyone excited for the event and prepare them for the lack of observation of the smaller events. Teacher and School Staff Appreciation Week can include a brunch or luncheon where food is served buffet style, but the tables are set formally, labeled with the individual departments. By naming the tables in this fashion, the staff will feel like their departments are all special. At each place setting, have a custom printed promotional gift, such as a desk accessory or ceramic mug. Be sure to make the slogan universal, this way the whole school staff will feel like it had been ordered just for them.

Doctors Day Is A Prescription For Appreciation

2011-03-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

National Doctor's Day 2011 is March 30th. Although we perceive doctors as being the most highly compensated professions the fact remains that they deserve a gift of appreciation as much as other staff members. Working diligently at hospitals and health care institutions, doctors sometimes pull shifts that others would never agree to. In addition, they are always on call. Even if the doctor is off the clock, and not being paged by their service, they are bound by their Hippocratic oath to help and treat those in need.

A small promotional gift can make the doctors at a hospital feel appreciated and honored for this round the clock responsibility. Some unique gifts are available at a low cost. A prescription wrapped chocolate bar can be "written out" for the doctors and distributed in the employee lounge. A doctor shaped stress ball can be imprinted with a slogan that reflects the appreciation that their fellow employees have for them, then handed out as a humorous symbol of thanks.

For Doctor's that have reached milestones, whether individually or as a group, custom imprinted awards are a fitting gift. A custom wall clock or a world clock can make a handsome addition to any doctor's office.

Awesome Promotional Opportunity

2011-03-10T16:24:00.000-08:00

Today is International Day of Awesomeness. A celebration of all things awesome, I figured it would be an opportunity to point out the most awesome ways to say thanks to your employees and staff members. With recognition events like Teacher Appreciation Week and National Volunteer Week coming up, this can be a resource for all event coordinators that are looking for their celebration to be truly awesome.

First up, the Double Wall Acrylic Tumbler With Straw. This is an awesome promotional product for certain. It's awesomeness is derived from the fact that it looks like a cup that you would get at a trendy coffee shop, complete with straw. This is just an illusion however, it is really a reusable, Eco friendly, insulated beverage holder. This makes it awesome, and a promotional powerhouse. Employees will love to receive this as a gift since it will make their morning commute all the better, and they will appreciate the attention they get from conversations people strike up with them.

Another awesome promotional gift idea is the Hot Cold Deluxe Snack Pack lunchbag. The McDonald's McDLT was an idea that had the idea of awesomeness, but it just never caught on. This lunch bag makes up for it however. Two compartments in the Hot Cold Deluxe lunch bag gives employees the ability to keep their hot food hot, and their cold food cold. That is awesome!

Registered Dietitian Day

2011-03-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

Dietitians take center stage today, it's Registered Dietitian Day, and it is a celebration of the role they play in health care. This recognition event falls during an awareness month that is critical to the work of a dietitian, National Nutrition Month. Dietitians fight a battle against forces that are much more influential and more well funded than they are. The fast food industry is backed by billions of dollars and an advertising army. Nutrition generally takes a back seat to convenience and intense flavor, a fast food hamburger wins out over a home made burger every time. The work of dietitions is to educate and guide those who need to adhere to specific diets due to health concerns. The irony of their job is that the diets that they have to implement are meant to help treat patients whose health issues most likely were brought on by bad diets. And the patients are not always compliant.

Promotional gifts of appreciation are useful in helping motivate the Registered Dietitians in a health care facility. Since they move from patient to patient, a custom messenger bag with a slogan of recognition such as Caring Is The Business We Have Chosen would be useful and appreciated. Another gift that is sure to get usage is a travel tumbler. Dietitians can always use a travel tumbler to keep their tea or coffee warm. These gifts can go a long way towards motivating staff to continue their diligent work.

Mardi Gras Means Fat Tuesday!

2011-03-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

Revelers Rejoice! The culmination of carnival is today, Fat Tuesday, and there is no bigger party or bigger single consumption of promotional giveaways than this. Images of beads, custom printed coins, plastic cups holding beverages of all colors (and proofs), and of course decorations like banners and balloons fill the news shows. Seeing it on TV is only part of the experience, being there is an other worldly visit, 24 hr fun. The excitement of Mardi Gras doesn't have to be restricted to the actual date, you can bring that excitement to your office or organization by having a Mardi Gras themed appreciation event for your staff. Setting up the theme is easy, promotional products are available that will help. Getting the staff motivated is a no brainer.

Set the theme for your next Teacher Appreciation Week, Nurses Week or Volunteer Week party by displaying a banner printed in green purple and gold, traditional colors of Mardi Gras. After the announcement, let everyone know that there will be a parade, for which individuals or departments can contribute "floats". On the day, custom chocolate coins and brightly colored beads can be distributed to toss at the floats.

Serving punch in promotional plastic souvenir cups will make everyone feel like they are on Bourbon Street, enjoying a Hurricane. A custom imprint honoring the event will inspire employees to retain the cup, remembering the good times throughout the year.

Procrastination Week Gets Things Going

2011-03-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

So it is National Procrastination Week, and there are a few things that should be noted, but maybe they can wait. Surely I jest, Procrastination Week should stimulate us all to take a more proactive approach to those responsibilities that we have which have deadlines. Planning recognition events is one responsibility that should never be put on the shelf. Events such as Volunteer Week and Teacher Appreciation Week can creep up on an organizer, jumping on those who procrastinate.

Getting ahead of things, ordering the gifts to be distributed during the recognition events, can alleviate some of the pressure of planning. Promotional gifts such as key chains, desk accessories, and travel tumblers can be ordered in advance and shipped to the facility with ample time. Promotional products can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to produce, so it makes sense to be proactive.

Damage control is another reason to not procrastinate. When ordering promotional products, the printing is custom. Whenever an imprint has to be applied to a product, there is a chance it may not come out the way it should. By ordering promotional gifts in advance, you have the opportunity to correct any mistakes.

Flip Your Stack For Pancake Week!

2011-03-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

It's National Pancake Week! March 6th through the 12th celebrates the humble and wonderful pancake, a breakfast food that has been incorporated into the fiber of American culture. Revelers can celebrate by visiting their local pancake house and wolfing down stacks of pillowy fluffy pancakes, slathered in syrup and butter of course. What, you may ask, does this have to do with promotional recognition? Well one of the most popular ways to recognize staff members is to have a pancake breakfast. Easy to coordinate and low cost, these celebrations are the perfect venue to distribute promotional gifts of recognition for employees such as Teachers, Nurses, Laboratory Professionals, and even Volunteers.

Along side a hot stack of flapjacks a cheap promo gift becomes a party favor with flavor. A budget friendly promotional travel mug or custom lunch bag will help them take away some coffee and leftovers for the road. Printed promotional products can convey a world of thanks to staff, helping them feel special and motivated throughout the year.

Another fun promotional giveaway for a pancake social is a Promotional Spatula which can carry the comical message "We Flip For Our Staff!" This gift or a practical set of measuring spoons, plays into the theme of the social event and brings some humor to the day.

Celebrate Your Brand With Promos

2011-03-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Next week is Celebrate Your Name Week. While this holiday may focus on one's personal or family name, it is important for companies and organizations to recognize it as well. A brand is a name and the most important part of a group's identity. It defines the group, proceeding it on letterhead, a website, email, advertisements, and of course promotional products. Each company, hospital, non-profit group, even school should have a keeper of the brand. This person should function as the last stop before printing or displaying the corporate brand on anything. The power of this brand czar is to ensure that every time the logo goes into the public eye, it represents the group pursuant to the mission statement.

This adherence is especially important in the case of promotional products. Often times there are multiple people in an organization that may be purchasing different kinds of promos. Having custom apparel made, such as tshirts, button up dress shirts, or embroidered jackets can be tricky due to the variety of methods the logo will be applied. It has to be perfect since the wearer of these promo items will be representing the organization at trade shows, client visits and other events.

Promotional gifts that carry the logo are used as corporate giveaways, employee incentives and may even be used as fund raising tools. These brand carriers can be mugs, tote bags, key chains, etc and must have a well printed logo. Over time and use the imprint may become faded or worn and the logo would not be putting forth the best impression. Rather it would become a cheap promotional giveaway.

So take pride in your name or brand and celebrate it every time it is printed on a product. It will represent you, and your company in the very best light.

Raise Employee Spirit In March

2011-03-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

March is Employee Spirit Month. Raising the spirits of staff members is an important part of getting the most out of your employees. Financial considerations aside, the motivation of employees in the office, at schools and at hospitals, can improve efficiencies, reduce call outs and increase productivity. Using low cost promotional gifts, companies and institutions can reward their staff for a budget.

During Employee Spirit Month is Employee Appreciation Day, the first Friday of the month. While it is too late to get items printed for today, it can serve as a day to announce an Employee Spirit program. Let the staff know that they will be focused on this month for recognition of their hard work, and that there will be a celebration culminating at the end of the month. This can be an employee luncheon or breakfast where the contributions of each staff member or department can be highlighted.

Let each staff member receive a gift of appreciation such as a custom printed metal keytag or a ceramic mug with a a phrase of praise printed on it. They will feel appreciated everytime they use the gift in their daily lives. Make a pledge to the staff to continue to recognize their work through periodic events as well as on the spot rewards. These "on the spot" gifts can be something small like a promotional chocolate bar that says "Thanks".

Peace Corps Day Takes Special Meaning

2011-03-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

The Peace Corps have a special day today, March 3rd. On this day we celebrate the contributions of the volunteers that make up the Peace Corps and all the ways they have helped since 1951. For those who are counting, 2011 is their 50th anniversary celebration. Made up of volunteers who travel with the organization to foreign countries to assist those affected by drought, floods, and health epidemics. Peace Corps volunteers also help set up agriculture, hospitals, and business foundation.

Volunteering for the Peace Corps has been viewed in many lights, from something to do before entering the workforce to something to do instead of entering the workforce, it has offered an opportunity for people to travel the world while providing a noble service to society. With initiatives like bringing clean water to villages, self sustaining farms to impoverished areas and vaccines to areas in need, these volunteers deserve a wealth of appreciation.

Although volunteer budgets are always tight, a commemorative gift of appreciation for the volunteers can go a long way for a low cost. Volunteer gifts like a custom printed lanyard, an aluminum sport bottle with a slogan of appreciation or a drawstring back pack are useful items. The recipients can use these on their next tour of duty overseas or as a memento of their time already served.

St Patricks Day Celebrates Staff

2011-03-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

One holiday that should result in an employee and staff appreciation event should be St Patricks Day. It has all the elements that make for a great office party. The symbols of the event itself offer so many possibilities, the color, the music, the mascots and the food.

Employees can be given memos right now, letting them know that the company will be "going green" on March 17th. They can be encouraged to wear green clothes or accessories to help out with the celebration. In preparing, a special St Patrick's Day lunch can be coordinated, through either a catering company or a pot luck theme. Promotional gifts can be purchased to hand out during the event, custom printed candy, such as shamrock lollipops and St Patty's Chocolate Bars, or a little tongue in cheek gift of a key chain bottle opener.

Celebrate Service During American Red Cross Month

2011-03-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

The American Red Cross is dedicated to helping those in need. Victims of hurricanes, earthquakes, famines, droughts, floods and other natural disasters, diseases and epidemics, as well as civilians caught in the crossfire of war all benefit from the charity and volunteerism of the American Red Cross. March has been designated as a month of awareness, celebration and recognition of the noble work this organization performs.

Red Cross Month in March is a chance to give thanks to the dedication of the organization, the individuals who work for it, and the donors who support it. Promotional gifts of recognition such as laser engraved key tags, custom executive pens, and brushed metal photo frames are just a few ideas that can reward donors for their charity, volunteers for their time and staff for their dedicated work.

National Clean Up Your IRS Act Month

2011-02-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

This is a month focused on resolving issues with the IRS. Sponsored by the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers, a national nonprofit professional organization, this event offers the chance to straighten out existing issues and educate on how to prevent future problems from arising. Tax Specialists, Tax Attorneys and Accountants can all utilize this to promote their services and help raise awareness among taxpayers who may not realize what a slippery slope tax problems can be.

By cleaning up IRS issues, people can focus on building their credit and simplifying other aspects of their lives. Most people choose to hide rather than being proactive about their tax problems for fear of complicating them. The reverse is actually true. Tax professionals can help reduce debts, and prevent credit from being ruined.

Promoting this event and raising awareness is critical. Advertising tax businesses through the event can gain appreciative customers after they utilize free services to clean up their act. Promotional 1040 chocolates, customized with contact for free services as well as a business contact is a great way to attract attention. People who would normally shy away from such information can be enticed by the chocolate promotional candy and retain the information wrapper for future contact.

Kids Can Volunteer Too!

2011-02-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

Volunteering is something everyone can do, including kids. The satisfaction of helping others is not lost on youth, rather it builds an appreciation for the act of giving. This foundation of volunteering to help others or the community will provide a road map to volunteer efforts in teenage years and ultimately into adulthood.

Starting with bringing sons and daughters along when parents volunteer, kids can help and be recognized with the rest of the volunteers. At events, kids can be given appreciation gifts just like the adults, a lunch bag, a sport bottle or a special smiley face lollipop treat. Taken home, these gifts will be used with pride when they bring lunch to school.

School can be a source of influence for kids to learn and begin volunteering. A Make a Difference and Volunteer Activity Coloring Book can be given to students and a lesson plan built around it. Teachers can plan a class volunteer project to help the community, and give out participation awards to youth volunteers.

A Spa-Tacular Way To Say Thanks

2011-02-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

Volunteers work hard. Just because they are building a house for a victim of a hurricane with other folks that are volunteering as well doesn't take away form the fact that they are building a house. And that's a lot of effort. It's not just the physical labor that drains a volunteer, emotional factors do as well. Working with those who are in need often can wear a volunteer out mentally. Although their reward is the satisfaction of helping out, and the appreciation of those they assisted, it's still nice to receive a gift of appreciation.

National Volunteer Week is the perfect event to show volunteers how much they mean to the community. It's also a great time to give them a little pampering. While it may be cost prohibitive to treat the whole group to a spa treatment, you can bring the spa to them, with promotional spa gifts.

A spa kit, featuring bath gel, bath crystals, and a sponge, will let volunteers enjoy a relaxing experience in their own bathroom. Aromatherapy candles can create a spa like atmosphere at home. And a manicure set can help the volunteer feel like they were pampered with VIP treatment.

Take Note Of Stationery Gifts

2011-02-24T18:30:00.000-08:00

With Teacher Appreciation Week 2011 fast approaching, the pressure to find a unique teacher gift idea is increasing. Although it may not seem so, a gift of stationery would make a unique teacher gift. Sticky note cubes, padfolios, and jotters all will be appreciated by school staff who receive them.

Teachers almost always have a sticky note cube hanging around their desk or office. They use them to make notes to students and also to parents. A gift of a custom printed sticky cube displaying a message of appreciation would stand as a daily reminder of the impact they have on young students educations. The recognition message can be printed on the four sides of the cube while an additional message can be printed on the individual sheets of sticky note. A unique play on the traditional note cube is one that has a spot to insert a pen or pencil, making it an unusual desk accessory as well.

Jotters, padfolios and portfolios can be used by all teachers, whether they are history teachers, gym teachers or guidance counselors. An easily referenced note in a padfolio can remind a teacher of some of the tasks of the day, remind them to call a parent, or even to give a student a word of praise.

Learning Disabilities Week

2011-02-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

Today begins Learning Disabilities Week 2011. In addition to raising awareness of the special needs of children and adults with learning disabilities, it is a time to recognize those who help individuals overcome their hurdles. Promotional gifts can be distributed as thanks for their hard work, either during Learning Disabilities Week or during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Special education teachers exhibit patience and diligence when working with their students. Teachers are required not only to have a knowledge of the topics they are teaching, but also an understanding of the specific afflictions that are holding the students back from learning. These issues can range from ADHD to more severe mental handicaps, and each present unique obstacles to acquiring new skills.

Special education is not just in schools, resident programs for disabled children and adults also provide educational services. Employees of these programs engage in teaching life skills and routines that others take for granted.

Letting these educators know how much they mean to the students and their families is critical to giving them the appreciation they deserve. Most are in the special ed field to derive satisfaction not only from a pay check, but also from the knowledge that they have made a difference in someones life. A custom printed gift such as a travel mug or backpack can carry the message "Thanks For Making A Difference."

Hooray For USA Spay Day

2011-02-22T06:32:00.000-08:00

Spay Day is a yearly event of The Humane Society to motivate people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral animals. Raising the awareness of this initiative is critical to the well being of our animal population as well as a big part of controlling costs of our animal shelters and veterinary services. There are two elements of this day that can make it a success, promotion and recognition. Both take planning and a budget to be effective.

Advertising Spay Day or any spaying and neutering awareness event requires a community outreach. Custom banners displayed at community centers, on main street, in schools, and at libraries can raise awareness of a spay drive, or pet event that raises awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering. Posters can be displayed at small businesses, along with some promotional lollipops to draw attention.

All Spay Day activities take the support of volunteers as well. Volunteer gifts can be distributed as a reward for their efforts either at the Spay Day event or during National Volunteer Week. The recognition of these contributors is critical to the continued success of getting pets and strays fixed.

Read Me Week

2011-02-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

Celebrate the importance and fun of reading during Read Me Week, February 21st through the 25th. This week highlights how reading can impact a child's life and support success in other disciplines such as math, science, and history. Holding a Read Me Week event at the local library can also stimulate parents to visit the library with their children and see all the resources and activities it has to offer. Organizers can announce the event in the local newspaper, as well as by displaying promotional banners in the library and in local schools. Children that visit the library during Read Me Week can be rewarded for their participation with a custom printed bookmark.

Librarians can also be recognized this week for their dedication to the education of our children. Promotional gifts such as a lapel pin or a gift like a travel mug or lunch bag can make a librarian feel like the work they do is appreciated by the kids and their parents. Local PTA organizations can coordinate the fundraising and purchase of these low cost recognition gifts.

Recognize Ideation In March

2011-02-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

New ideas are the lifeblood of an organizations' growth. From new revenue sources for businesses to new ways for non-profit organizations to recruit and retain volunteers, ideas are welcome from all strata of an organization and there is no such thing as a bad one. Not all ideas turn out to be successful, and that is one reason that rank and file and even managers are sometimes reluctant to come forth with them. They fear that the new idea will be regarded as a waste of time. Part of employee motivation is getting staff members to be confident and inspired to suggest new ideas.

March is International Ideas Month. Organizations can inspire employees to generate new idea while dispensing spirit building promotional gifts. One way is to have a March "Idea Drive" where you have all members of the staff, from customer service staff to executives come up with at least one idea, handing out a lapel pin to reward them for participation. Ideas can then be separated into categories and put out to a vote (anonymously.) The winner of each idea category can be celebrated with a more substantial promotional gift such as a messenger bag or gym bag.

The winning ideas can be put to the test during the year. At the company holiday party, the creator of the most effective idea can be honored with a custom imprinted award.

Make Friends With Your Staff

2011-02-18T20:01:00.000-08:00

It's National Friendship Week 2011. Celebrated February 17th through 23 this year, it's a great time to reach out to friends and tell them how much they mean to you. Even the closest of friendships need reinforcement. They are like gardens, that must be watered, fertilized, given plenty of sun and of course paid attention to. A well tended garden, is expected to bear fruit, and conversely, one that is ignored bears none.

Our relationships with our employees are much like the friendships and gardens, they must be tended to if you want them to bear fruit. Fertilizing staff members is more than just doling out financial bonuses, although it is part of it, there is the aspect of constructive criticism, and more regularly, motivational support. Inspirational employee gifts can be distributed on the spot, a quick thank you made out of a promotional product, means more than the value of the promo, it is a symbol of a job well done.

An Employee Appreciation Chocolate Bar, a simple TEAM Lapel Pin, or even a Smiley Face Stress Ball, strategically handed to an employee, can resonate for months to come. This type of motivation is remembered and makes a worker feel appreciated.

Employee Appreciation Day is March 4th

2011-02-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

The first Friday in March is Employee Appreciation Day. A time to celebrate the contributions of all employees, it goes beyond monetary compensation. Management can take the opportunity to hold a luncheon or brunch off site, getting to know the staff in a more casual way. Learning what motivates employees can help managers inspire their staff and keep them focused on goals rather than getting distracted by dissatisfaction.

Promotional gifts can help show appreciation as well as keep the event budget tight. Low cost appreciation gifts such as coffee mugs, lunch bags or key tags can be imprinted with a slogan of recognition and distributed at the event. Paired with a custom chocolate bar that proclaims, We Can't Spell Success Without U, these gifts will show how much the staff means to the organization or office.

Motivate Staffers Into Entreprenuers

2011-02-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

Next week is National Entrepreneurship Week. Celebrating this event with staff members may not seem a likely pair, however for the creative motivator, it's perfect. Every employee of any company can display entrepreneurial spirit, and be rewarded for it. Employee recognition gifts can be folded into a motivational contest similar to "The Apprentice" (without the "You're Fired part.)

Set out goal sets for individuals and for collective groups. Be sure to mix up the departments as to not create a departmental competition. The cross departmental groups will also help highlight the team mentality. Individual goals can be to think of ways to generate a new product type, improve an existing item, or create a new market. After individuals are judged, the entrepreneurial winners can be chosen to head up a group. Groups can be tasked out with creating an implementation game plan for the winning ideas.

Rewarding all participants is critical, and with a wealth of budget friendly motivational gifts, everyone will take away a thank you gift. The winning entrepreneurs can receive higher end employee awards. These can be proudly displayed in the workplace or even at home to show off their entrepreneurial spirit.

Lab Week Puts Recognition To The Test

2011-02-15T07:39:00.000-08:00

National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is a small celebration with a big name. Laboratory Professionals are not the most recognizable group of hospital and health care staff, usually blood work goes out, test results come back, without giving much thought to the people that perform the routines. Decorating the facility with custom banners announcing Medical Lab Week can raise awareness of these dedicated staff members.

Lab Week is a time to bring the recognition to the lab, thanking those diligent professionals for their hard work. Food is always a good place to start for the celebration, whether it come in the form of a breakfast, luncheon, or even a custom wrapped chocolate bar placed at their benches. Promotional gift ideas include custom lunch bags for making the daily brown bagger's life a little easier, imprinted travel mugs for the commuting lab staff, and of course a brain shaped stress ball to show them how highly you "think" of them.

Improve Time Management With Timely Incentives

2011-02-13T17:20:00.000-08:00

February is National Time Management Month and it's time to think about recognizing employees at your facility. While it may seem unusual to fit a lesson in time management into a recognition gift, employee motivation always has a second intention, which is to improve performance. Promotional planners and daily diaries are gifts that can be part of an overall team effort to improve efficiency and productivity. A gift of a daily planner can be presented to staff with an action list of how to best use it at work and also at home. Educating the group on how a day planner can be used to remember meetings, or follow up on tasks can reduce errors and conflicts leading to a more streamlined work flow. Outside of work, a monthly planner, used properly, can enhance lifestyles. Employees can use their custom planner gift to record calorie intake, or document exercise plans. School staff can be given Academic Year Planners as gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week, along with a list of important dates.

Appreciate The Gift Of Life

2011-02-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

February 14th is known across the world as Valentine's Day, a day to recognize sweethearts and loved ones. But it is also a day for recognizing donors as National Donor Day. Celebrating the generosity of volunteers who give the gift of their organs posthumously, and their life giving bone marrow and blood during their lives. For bone marrow donors and blood donors, appreciation comes ultimately from those who benefit from their donations, but to distribute small gifts to show how much their gift means is a way to immediately reward them.

For Blood Donors, a stress ball imprinted with an appreciative sentiment can be given during the donation and held on to as a gift. The donor can then display it on their desk as a reminder of the good that they have done.

Bone marrow donation is a larger commitment, and volunteers who give this gift to cancer patient and others must overcome a bigger psychological hurdle. While it may seem that an imprinted promotional product may be a small thing to give, it will serve as a reminder of life that the volunteer has contributed.