Swag Connection Blog

New for 2012: iPad Compatible Logo Pens

2012-01-16T12:41:00.001-08:00

Finally! An affordable, customized ballpoint pen with a Touch Pad Stylus tip:

This is a brand new item for 2012 & is part of the new Epitome Line of Touch Pad pens in our Shepenco product line. It features an elegant black matte finish with a smooth writing ballpoint tip at one end & a conductive rubber tip at the other that's compatible with any capacitative touch screen. Works with smart phones, GPS devices, tablets and other touch screen devices.

This great new iPad compatible pen is priced between $2.85-$3.30/ea with a low minimum order of just 50 pieces. Price includes customization with your 1-color custom logo with NO SETUP charge.

INTERESTED IN THIS NEW TOUCH-SCREEN PEN WITH YOUR LOGO?

Contact us a Swag Connection for quotes, questions or samples!

Toll Free: 866-247-4320 Email: Sales@Swagconnection.com

Bright Idea: New Solar-Powered Carabiner Lights

2012-01-11T17:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a handy NEW item for 2012:
Solar-Powered LED Flashlights with a Carabiner Clip:

While there are a ton of logo flashlights out there to choose from, I especially like the design of this one. It's a decent size (about 4" long) with two bright LED bulbs. It can be clipped to a pack strap or belt loop for easy access, and is solar-powered so it never needs batteries!

It's hard to see in the photos, but this has a nice silicone matte finish to it. Priced in the $5.00 range with a minimum order of 100, this is a great swag idea that's affordable, extremely useful and eco-friendly. AND it has a nice large area for your custom logo!

This Solar Carabiner Light is so new it's not even on our website yet, but you can view more details with pricing on our supplier's website:
http://www.alexandermc.com/UI/ProductDetails.aspx?mcid=1&pcid=1&ccid=4&pid=376

INTERESTED IN ORDERING THIS ITEM CUSTOMIZED WITH YOUR LOGO?

We'll be happy to answer questions or provide a quote, just send us an email or give us a call:
Sales@Swagconnection.com Toll Free: 866-247-4320

Custom USB Pedometers: FIT for your Logo!

2011-12-22T11:18:00.001-08:00

Fitness goes High-Tech with our NEW custom-logo USB Pedometers:

Swag Connection Item # FTWNJ-HKXCR

The DATA TRACKER USB Pedometer is an award-winning new swag idea that's perfect for the New Year. This innovative device allows the user to download up to a week's worth of exercise data to their PC.

This nifty computerized pedometer includes special software that allows the user to track their workouts, set fitness goals and more. Counts steps, distances & calories burned. Comes gift-boxed with lithium battery & instructions.

These custom-logo USB pedometers are priced between $19-$22 (minimum order is 15). They are a great swag idea or incentive item for companies in the Health or Sports fields, or for any company that wants to promote healthy habits.

Interested in the USB Pedometer with YOUR company logo? Contact us for a quote or more information:

Sales@Swagconnection.com Toll-Free: 866-247-4320

New Swag Idea: Custom Travalo Fragrance Atomizers

2011-12-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

Today's new Swag Idea is the Travalo Pure Fragrance Atomizer, a brand-new item that we can now offer customized with your company logo:

Item #DSYHF-IAXEF on SwagConnection.com

The Travalo is an innovative new solution for travelers seeking a safe and easy way to travel with their favorite fragrance. This aircraft approved & TSA-compliant atomizer holds .04oz of fragrance in a unique, refillable spray bottle.

The Travalo atomizer has a unique pressure regulating system that adjusts to the air pressure changes experienced during flight. It contains no glass parts & its components are 98% recyclable.

No funnel is needed to refill the Travalo - it refills directly from almost any fragrance bottle with a removable spray head:

It has a twist-off spray cap that allows you to empty or clean the Travalo easily. It measures just 3.5" long and comes with an aluminum cap in your choice of Red, Pink, Silver or Black (all with a silver accent stripe as shown).

Priced between $13-$16 depending on quantity, this is a unique custom-logo swag item that's perfect for a gift-with-purchase promotion. It also makes a great business gift that would go over fantastically well at women-themed events or conferences.

Interested in Travalo travel fragrance sprayers with YOUR custom logo? Simply contact us for more information or a quote:

Toll Free: 866-247-4320 (or) Email: Sales@Swagconnection.com

New Swag Idea: Metallic Flexi-Bottles

2011-12-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

Folding Water Bottles have been the biggest 'new hot swag item' for 2011. They have a lot of advantages over regular reusable water bottles. They cost less, they're much cheaper to ship and they take a lot less room to store. From a user's perspective they're easier to carry around, tucking easily into a pocket or purse (which also makes them great for travel).

I especially like these new styles from our PrimeLine Catalog, which have a metallic finish. Personally, I think the metallic gives these a more festive & high-end look than the translucent ones:

Curvy 13.5oz Flexi-Bottle

Swag Connection item #NSVLJ-HPMUZ

Square 6.7oz Flexi-Bottle
Swag Connection item #SSVJA-HPMVK

They're made from ultra-lightweight plastic (certified BPA-Free) and feature a push/pull spout with removable cap as well as a handy carabiner clip. They're dishwasher safe, and priced between $2.00 - $3.25 depending on style & order quantity (minimum is 100).

These cool collapsible water bottles are available with 1-day RUSH production at no additional charge. After all, even procrastinators should have cool swag!

Interested in these cool fold-up bottles with YOUR company logo? Swag Connection is happy to help. Simply call or email us for a quote or sample:

Toll Free: 866-247-4320 Email: Sales@SwagConnection.com

New Swag We Love: Dual-Duty Sport Bottle

2011-11-29T16:51:00.000-08:00

Can't decide between insulated commuter mugs or acrylic tumblers with straws?

No worries, the new Clearview Tumbler Gift Set covers both bases... in style!

Click Here to view details/pricing on swagconnection.com

I just ordered one of these to try out & I really love it. It has a nice weight to it, and is made of crystal-clear acrylic with dual-wall insulation to keep beverages hot or cold.

Use the straw lid for cold beverages, or the commuter-mug lid for hot drinks. The outside stays cool to the touch when filled with hot tea or coffee. The sliding lid disassembles for easy cleaning. I love the clean, modern lines of the cylinder shape (and that it fits perfectly into my car cupholders!)

Priced between $6.00-$8.50 depending on quantity, this set is a great all-purpose business gift idea for under ten bucks. Exclusive Design!

Interested in this item with YOUR logo? Contact us for a quote or more information:

Sales@Swagconnection.com (or) 866-247-4320

Classic Swag I Love: The Venice Mug

2011-11-11T15:54:00.000-08:00

The days are getting shorter and there's a chill in the air. It's the perfect time of year to order custom-logo ceramic coffee mugs!

I'm drawn to hunky, substantial mugs like this 14oz "Venice" mug. It's nicely priced (under $3) with a unique silhouette that sets it apart from the same old C-handle types:

Click Here to View Details & Pricing on our website

The Venice Mug comes in Brown, Black, Burgundy or White and can be printed on one or two sides with your custom logo or message.

If you like this mug for your logo (or if you want more mug suggestions) contact us for a quote!

866.247.4320 Toll-Free (or) email: sales@swagconnection.com

Too Much Fun: Flying Shrieking Monkeys!!

2011-11-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

Looking for a fun, new and unique swag item to draw a crowd at your next trade show or event?

Here's our latest favorite swag item...Flying Shrieking Monkeys!

(Item DMWIE-GYFHM on SwagConnection.com)

These cute little critters have elastic between the hands and arms that allows you to launch them into the air sling-shot style. They contain motion-activated sound chips so they shriek with Monkey Noises as they fly across the room. Your company logo is screen printed on the cape, making these monkeys a fun Ambassador for your brand.

They also come in a Sock Monkey version!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A VIDEO OF THE MONKEYS IN ACTION

Other items in our "flying critters" collection include Flying Mooing Cows, Flying Oinking Pigs, Flying Croaking Frogs and Flying Clucking Chickens. They're priced in the $7-$10 range with minimum orders of 50 units.

Not all of these items are on our website, so please CONTACT US if you're interested in this fun swag idea with your custom logo:

866.247.4320 Toll Free (or) email Sales@SwagConnection.com

Tech Swag We Love: BlueLounge Cord Managers

2011-11-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered how to tame those pesky earbud cords for your favorite mobile device? Check out this new swag idea from our Sweda BlueLounge Collection - the 'Pop' Earbud Cord Manager:

This sweet little gizmo features a spindle to wrap your earbud cords around to keep them neat and untangled when not in use. You can attach this directly to your iPhone, iPod or other mobile device - or clip it to a strap or belt as shown here:

This is a great way to keep those earbud cords from flopping all over when you're sweating to the oldies during a run or gym session!

As a swag idea, this ticks a lot of boxes. It's new, cool-looking, functional and relatively inexpensive (between $4.50-$7.00 depending on quantity). There's a nice large area to display your branding message or custom artwork. Plus it's small and easy to store or transport to trade shows, etc.

This swag item is so new it's not even on our website yet, but you can see more images, details and pricing on the Sweda website.

This and all Sweda products can be purchased from Swag Connection. Just contact us for more info or a custom quote! Toll Free: 866.247.4320 (or) Email: sales@swagconnection.com.

Wine Chill Bags with Custom Logo

2011-11-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

One of my new favorite items that combines two of my favorite things - swag... and wine!

CLICK HERE FOR PRICING AND DETAILS ON SWAGCONNECTION.COM

These wine chiller bags are crystal-clear vinyl with freezable gel-filled pockets. I love the modern style & the way the logo 'pops' when done in a coordinating color like the 'Library House' example here. For around $4 this is a nice item to give by itself - or with a special bottle of wine for a great year-end business gift.

New Swag Favorite: Lilac Bloom Apparel

2011-09-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

Who says company shirts can't be stylish? I'm loving these brand-new cotton cable knit sweaters from our Tri-Mountain apparel line. They're feminine & flattering and don't look too corporate-y.

Click here to view the Lilac Bloom Collection on Swag Connection.com

New Swag Favorite: Retro Nesting Gift Mug Set

2011-09-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

This 2-mug gift set from our Gordon Sinclair line caught my eye today. I really like the cool/retro silhouette and they way they nest together in the faux-snakeskin gift box. I also like the color palette - you can also choose from black, sky blue or pistachio green.

Nice client gift in the popular Under $25 range!

Click Here to view details & pricing on Swag Connection.com (new window)

Swag Favorite: The Boomerang Corkscrew

2011-09-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

This is actually an old swag favorite. As a wine lover, I can attest that this is my favorite wine opener. The foil cutter is excellent & TSA-friendly (no blade). The floating axis & and long spiral make it easy to use. They're built to last, and everyone I've given them to tells me they are the best. Priced between $5.75-$7.00 currently, minimum 100 with custom logo:

View info & pricing on Swag Connection.com (new window)

New Swag Favorite - Retro Cellphone Handset

2011-08-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon! A custom-logo version of the Retro Cell Phone handset (as seen on the Today Show, CNN & MSNBC). This may be cool or lame depending on your point of view, but it's certainly a unique swag idea. Great year-end gift idea for companies that always want the next cool thing.

Pricing, once available, should be in the $30 range, contact us for more details!

Go Wild with your Swag - Animal Print Cinchpacks

2011-08-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

Go WILD with your branding! We love this leopard cinchpack (as well as the other patterns this cool polyester string backpack comes in). These are SO much more fun and memorable than the plain boring ones! An especially good swag idea for those marketing to a female audience:

Click Here to view item & pricing on SwagConnection.com

Fun New Swag Item: ePhone Calculator

2011-08-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

This ePhone calculator is a fun new item. From a few feet away it looks like an iPhone! This is an inexpensive giveaway that's a real conversation starter. We ordered some with the Swag Connection logo, contact me by email if you would like me to send you a sample!

Click Here to view this item & pricing on SwagConnection.com

New Summer Swag: Hands Free Sunblock

2011-08-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

We love this Hands-Free Sunscreen! Patented applicator makes it easy to apply without getting your hands all greasy. It's made in the USA, offers SPF 30 protection, with a PABA-free formulation that's oil free and sweatproof. Available with fast 1-day production!

Click Here to see details & pricing on SwagConnection.com

iPad Swag - Tech-Savvy Business Gifts

2011-08-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Just like technology itself, tech-related swag items are a constantly evolving category.

Mousepads used to be a staple swag item for all sort of companies because it was assumed that anyone who used a computer needed a mousepad. The optical mouse killed the mousepad... then tablet computers came along & killed the mouse!

In fact many of the high-tech swag items that were a big deal a few years ago are less likely to impress these days. Everyone now has a USB hub, a screen duster, a laser pointer and probably more USB flash drives than they can use in a lifetime.

While your budget may not allow you to give away iPads or Kindles, the next best thing is the accessories that go with these popular new gadgets. Here are a few of my new favorites in the iPad Swag category:

iPad Stylus Pens are a new breed of pen, specially designed to work on all capacitive touch screens. One end is a regular ballpoint pen, the other is for use on touch-screen devices. You don't have to own a tablet computer to appreciate one of these - keep one handy to avoid germy touch-screens on ATMs and other public computers.

iPad Pen Stylus (item NLAHI-HTXNG)

iPad Stands are another handy accessory that iPad or iPhone users will appreciate and use. Simple, functional and in the $10 range, they're a great swag idea if you want to keep your company logo visible on your recipient's desktop.

iPad Stand (item TMDGB-HMMEL)

iPad/Kindle Sleeves and Cases come in a wide variety of styles and materials with custom logo decoration. We offer a wide variety of iPad cases that are logo customized - too many to show here. Simply go to www.swagconnection.com and type "iPad Case" (no quote marks) in the Quick Search field for about 3 dozen choices.

Between cases and SLEEVES, I like sleeves better as a swag idea. Most devices come with cases, but sleeves are an accessory most people have to go out and buy. Sleeves are great for travel, and unlike cases they can be used with many different devices.

iPad Neoprene Sleeve (item ESUMI-HFVEG)

Griffin Elan iPad Sleeve (item JKWFF-HRRGN)

Ear Buds are one more tech-savvy swag idea to consider, especially if your budget doesn't allow for some of these higher priced items. Earbuds can be used with every mobile device out there and most people can use an extra pair or two (especially if they're cool!). Here are three I like in particular:

Volume-Adjusting Earbuds (item ZSZIJ-FQICD)

VOIP Retractable Earbuds with Microphone (item XSZIB-EJWWT)

Giftcor Earbuds in Wind-Up Case (item KLWKB-GGBJJ)

I hope that gives you some good ideas. If you want more like this, simply type the word IPAD into the Swag Connection search field for lots more to choose from... or contact me for ideas that will meet your specifications. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you're interested in ordering any of these items for your organization:

Email: diane@swagconnection.com Phone: 866-247-4320 Toll Free

Thanks for reading my blog & keep coming back for more swag ideas!

Diane Nudelman
The Swag Queen :)

PowerDecals - The Bumper Sticker goes High Tech

2011-07-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

The PowerDecal is a brand new swag idea I just discovered today and had to share with you:

The PowerDecal adheres to the inside of a car window, and in daylight it looks much like a window cling decal. It really shines after dark (pun intended) because it contains an LED backlight that makes it glow. This high-tech version of the bumper sticker has a built-in sensor that causes it to light up and stay lit while the car is in motion. The sensor also automatically turns it off two minutes after the car is parked!

A video is worth a thousand words, so check out this 1-minute clip:

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

At about $22 each they're not a going to be a mass-giveaway item, but I can see lots of potential uses for these unique auto accessories. If I owned a casino or nightclub in Las Vegas (or any other major city) I would put them in every taxi in town! They would make great VIP car passes that would be instantly recognizable day or night. Also a great idea for after-dark identification of emergency response or other official vehicles. Ditto for pizza or take-out delivery vehicles, company fleet vehicles, airport shuttles or private security firm cars.

These can be customized with your company's full-color process design, with a low setup charge of $48.00 and a minimum of a dozen decals. They come gift-boxed with battery included.

They're also available with a variety of licensed college, fraternity, sorority and sports team logos.

INTERESTED IN THIS UNIQUE SWAG ITEM FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION?

Click here to view more details & pricing on our website

Please contact me if I can help you with an order or answer any questions. I love to hear from my blog readers, and many of you become clients!

My email: diane@swagconnection.com

Toll-Free: 866.247.4320

Thanks for reading & please come back often for more fun and unique swag ideas!

Summer Swag Idea: COOLER Coolers!

2011-06-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

Not so long ago, coolers were just... coolers. Utilitarian and rectangular, they were made for functionality without much in the way of styling or different features. The promotional types were either a hard plastic "campin' cooler" or soft-sided rectangular styles with a shoulder strap.

That was then. Today, coolers are a huge category in the swag business and they come in hundreds of different styles, materials and colors with all sorts of special features. If you click the "Cooler Category" on Swagconnection.com you'll find between 200-300 to choose from. Today I'm going to show you some I think are especially good choices if you're looking to give a cooler that will make a great impression.

First, a few words of advice. This is a category where you tend to get what you pay for. Really cheap coolers (especially those made from non-woven material) tend to be flimsy and thin. They're usually not sturdy enough to pack with much ice. Request a sample if time allows - it's very hard to tell in a photo how large or sturdy they are.

The other thing that takes some people by surprise is the way cooler sizes are expressed, which is in number of cans. A 6-pack cooler is the size OF a six pack - that's a six pack, all by itself, without room for ice. If you want a cooler that will hold a 6-pack AND ice you're looking for a 12-can or 18-can size. A good swag professional (like yours truly) can help you determine the best size based on your needs and budget. OK, enough with the advice and on to the swag!

Flexi-Freeze Cooler - Item XKUEH-FQTGB

Flex-Freeze is a line of coolers we offer with a unique advantage over traditional coolers - they make their own ice! A patented freezable panel is included, which can be frozen overnight and slipped in to the cooler. It keeps contents just as cold as a regular cooler with ice, but without the problem of melting ice. This uniquely shaped 12-can size is a real attention getter that's also super-functional. Priced between $11-$14 with a low minimum order of 25 pieces.

(type the words "Flexi Freeze" into our site search field to see all the Flexi Freeze Cooler options)

Pop-Up Cooler - Item CMWKD-GEWHT

Pop-Up Coolers come in several sizes, with the advantage of being easily stored when not in use. This also makes them easier to distribute at events than bulky coolers, as well as less expensive to ship. This 12-can size model is made of durable 600D nylon and features a bottle opener on a retractable cord. This one is priced between $17 & $19 with a minimum order of 25 pieces.

Backpack Chair Cooler - Item HQZLJ-HFKCF

Anyone going to summer festivals or concerts will love and appreciate this super-functional cooler that can be worn like a backpack with a built-in chair. It has handy outside pockets that are great for accessing items like water bottles and cellphones easily. The backpack straps are padded for comfortable carrying. This cooler can also be name-personalized, making it a great choice for recognition programs, sales contests or thanking donors or volunteers. Priced between $21-$24 with a minimum order of 25 pieces.

Arctic Zone Slingpack Cooler - Item WLVNH-HLIUL

Backpack Coolers are a popular choice because they allow hands-free carrying. This one has a great dual-compartment design that keeps heavy cans and bottles at the bottom and food up above. The padded, adjustable strap makes it comfortable to carry even when full. This model is priced between $23-$34 with a minimum order of 24.

Rolling Speaker Cooler - Item TOAJJ-GYRSJ

Speaker-Integrated Coolers are a party to go! Simply plug your MP3 or other music device into the built-in speaker for tunes anywhere, anytime. These high-quality coolers deliver great sound! This heavy-duty model holds up to 48 cans and rolls for easy transport when full. This is one of several Speaker Coolers we offer and is priced between $49-$67 with a minimum order of 24.

Cooler Tote Bag - Item BOANH-HLFCH

Cooler Tote Bags are becoming popular because they're great for toting frozen goods home from the grocery store. This one is a great choice if your target market is female, and I love the bold color scheme. This is one of several styles of Cooler Totes we offer. This one is priced between $8-$11 with a minimum order of 50 units.

Executive Golf Cooler - Item AOCII-DONDA

Hosting a Golf Tournament this year? These Golf Coolers make a great tee prize that's sure to impress!. Lots of built-in organization for holding tees, divot tools, cellphone, sunglasses, etc. Features an executive luggage tag, padded handle, adjustable shoulder strap and sturdy construction that holds up to the rigors of travel. This cooler is priced between $30-$41 with a minimum order of 24 units.

If you're interested in ordering any of these coolers to promote your brand - or if you would like to ask questions or see more great options - I'm more than happy to help. Lots of our clients find Swag Connection through my blog! Please contact me by phone or email:

diane@swagconnection.com (or) Toll Free: 866-247-4320

Thanks for reading my blog & keep coming back for more Swag Ideas!!

Diane Nudelman - 'the swag queen'

Instant Gratification & The Future of Swag

2011-04-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

Do you sometimes get the feeling that time is speeding up?

While I'm pretty sure there are still 24 hours in the day, it seems we're all packing longer "to-do" lists than ever before. One symptom of being too busy: forgetting to order swag for your events until the week before it's needed!

Procrastinators take heart - the swag industry is embracing your "gotta have it yesterday" demands by offering super-fast production on an ever wider variety of items at no extra cost. Here's a new option for those who need custom drinkware in a hurry:

ETS EXPRESS - COOL CUSTOM DRINKWARE in 24 HOURS

ETS Express of California is one of Swag Connection's top suppliers for water bottles, travel mugs, customized glassware and ceramic coffee cups. Our clients love their low order minimums, innovative product designs and excellent quality.

The ENTIRE ETS Express Product Line is now offered with FREE 24-hour production on orders for up to 3,000 pieces with a one-color custom imprint.

This is especially good news for our West Coast based clients, as we can turn around drinkware in under a week now with Ground shipping to keep costs low.

The ETS Express drinkware is fabulous, but their cool STOCK ARTWORK DESIGNS are really what sets them apart from other suppliers. The ETS Art Department has designed a wide variety of design templates that can be easily customized by changing colors and adding a logo or text. These templates enable us to create really custom and cool-looking items for your company without the extra time and expense of hiring a graphic artist!

One more unique service we can offer from ETS Express is their TOTAL BRANDING program. Here's a video where you can learn more about this unique program that offers custom-designed packaging to take your swag to the next level of branding:

Total Branding from ETS Express on Vimeo.

As I've watched the swag industry evolve over the past decade, I'm convinced that what we're seeing at ETS Express is truly the future of our industry. The clients we work with who buy swag for their companies today are usually wearing lots of hats. They're busy, sophisticated buyers who want it all - lots of choices, fast turnaround, excellent product design, retail-level quality and a high degree of artwork customization. All of this, of course, must be delivered on time, with great service and at reasonable prices without a lot of 'extra' charges.

Back in 2002, when I was new to the industry, ETS Express didn't really stand out much from other drinkware suppliers. They've grown to become an industry leader in under 10 years by correctly anticipating what today's swag buyers really want - which is more than just new products - they want new products faster with more customization.

Thanks for reading my blog today, and I welcome your comments. I also urge you to contact me personally if I can help you with swag ideas for your company!

Diane Nudelman, "The Swag Queen"
Swag Connection

diane@swagconnection.com
866-247-4320 toll-free

Swag Meets Art: Who's Your MoMA?

2011-03-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

When looking for inspiration in any area of life, it can often be found in art.

Today I'm turning to the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) collection, which is one of the coolest gift lines we offer (as well as one that many people don't even know exists!).

These are swag ideas that truly fulfill our brand promise of "Cool Stuff + Your Logo"

Pop-Up Pencil Cup
This functional and whimsical Pencil Cup, designed by Paul Koh, was inspired by the classic drinking straw dispenser. Lift the red ball & the pencils rise and fan out for easy access. Your logo appears on the cup as shown, the MoMA logo and designer name are molded on the bottom of the stainless steel holder.

Box of X-Bands
These X-shaped rubber bands are simply genius, everyone should have a box of these! Featured in the museum's design collection, the X-Bands come in an assortment of four sizes and colors in a custom plastic container. The container is MoMA branded on top as shown, with your company logo custom screen-printed on the side of the container.

Stainless Steel Mirror
Sleek and simple, unique and personal, here is an excellent swag idea for brands that market to an upscale, hip female audience. This highly polished stainless steel compact mirror is unbreakable and comes in a citrus-colored leather like case. MoMA logo is die stamped on handle. This mirror also comes in a rectangular version (lime green or black case choice on that one). We customize this with a laser-engraved or screen printed logo on the back of the mirror.

Stainless Steel Coasters
If you're looking for a functional gift to impress even a C-level executive, consider these brushed nickel MoMA coasters. This set of six coasters features easy-to-grab handles & felt bottoms to protect furniture. Attractively presented in a laser-engraved tabletop holder. A discreet MoMA logo is laser engraved as shown next to the handle slot.

The Peep Clock
Not your ordinary company wall clock. Designed by Noriyuki Shirasu, the black dots draw your eye to the numbers that display the current time, while the rest of the numbers on the clock face fade into the background. This clock is neutral enough to accent any office decor. It subtly keeps your brand top-of-mind with daily logo exposure... but in a very classy and understated way.

WANT EVEN MORE MoMA SWAG IDEAS?

Follow This Link to the MoMA Collection on SwagConnection.com

I hope these ideas not only inspire you, but also show you that promotional swag can be so much more than just the same old stuff. While I'm the first to admit these items are priced at a premium, they're also more impressive to your recipients. These are business gifts that stand out and get your brand noticed, which is what really good swag is all about!

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more swag ideas!

Diane Nudelman - "The Swag Queen" of Swag Connection

New Swag Idea: myPhone Case for iPhone 4

2011-02-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

Anymore it seems everyone I know has an iPhone. If you're looking for the next cool swag idea, iPhone accessories should be on your hotlist. With Verizon and other carriers rolling out their own iPhone service, there's going to be an ever-growing audience out there that can use tastefully branded iPhone accessories... like this new myPhone Case:

Up til now the silicone iPhone cases have been the only choice offered in the promotional products industry, and to me the translucency and sleek design of this new style is a welcome change. It's made of tough TPU plastic that protects their phone while subtly promoting your brand.

The minimum order quantity on this item with custom logo is 50 pieces, and they start at $4.50/ea + setup & shipping.

Click here to see more details, request a quote, or order this item with your logo on our site

Thanks for reading, more swag ideas coming soon!

Diane

Quick Update: Another fold-flat water bottle

2011-01-20T10:32:00.000-08:00

The new 2011 catalogs are rolling in like waves... it's fun to see the new items in this highly creative industry! My last post was to introduce the new fold-flat water bottle, and today I found another version to share with you:

This one, called the "Cabo Bottle" comes without the pre-printed design and is available in Black, Green, Orange, Purple, Red and Blue. The price is a little lower than the one I blogged about last time, plus the turnaround time is a lightning-fast 1-2 working days!

Click here to see more information & pricing on SwagConnection.com

New Year, New Swag!

2011-01-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

Here's a brand-new swag idea for 2011:
Fold-Flat Water Bottles

Swag Connection Item #zswih-hk

As someone who loves to travel I love this new foldable 24oz. water bottle. This takes up almost no room in a carry-on or gym bag, but it expands to hold as much as a good-size sport bottle.

This exclusive new travel water bottle comes pre-printed with the design around the edges as shown. Your logo is custom printed in the center. For now this is the only color scheme. Hopefully if the item catches on they'll start offering it in a wider variety of colors.

While the fold-flat design is handy for the recipients, it's also a space and money saver for the company that orders them to hand out. They take up MUCH less storage area than regular water bottles and also cost significantly less to ship.

If you're thinking about trade show giveaways, these are a fantastic choice. They're a brand-new item most people don't already own, they're inexpensive and useful - and they don't take up a lot of room at your booth.

Priced between $2.39-$3.29 with a minimum order of just 100 bottles, this is one of my favorite new swag ideas for 2011.

INTERESTED IN ORDERING FOLD-FLAT BOTTLES CUSTOMIZED WITH YOUR LOGO?

Click Here to shop for this item on our webstore

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more new & unique swag ideas!

Diane Nudelman "The Swag Queen"

New Swag Idea: Groovy Portable Speaker Gadget

2010-10-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a brand new swag idea I just ran across today & had to share with you. This customized high-tech gadget turns a box (or other hollow object) into a Portable Speaker:

Groovy Stick-On Portable Speaker

This has to be one of the more innovative swag ideas I've come across in recent months, and just in time for the holiday season. This little gadget, called a Groovy Stick-On Portable Speaker, is a pocket sized amplifier designed to work with portable audio players like iPods and MP3 music players.

One end plugs in to the headphone jack of the audio device. The other end has a sticky silicone-backed speaker that be stuck on to any hollow object (like a box or a cup) to instantly create an audio speaker with surprisingly good sound quality.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A DEMO ON YOU TUBE

When not in use, it all tucks nicely together into a travel-sized unit that has a nicely sized area for your custom logo imprint. This promotional sound system can be powered via your computer's USB port or by 2 AAA batteries (included).

Priced at around $20 (with a minimum order quantity of 50 units) this box speaker creator is an interesting swag idea for marketers seeking to reach a hip, music-loving and technically savvy audience.

While corporate buyers of this item would naturally include companies in the music or entertainment industries, this item would also make a great employee gift or incentive item... especially for software, internet or gaming companies which typically have a younger work force. I could also see this as a great "Wrap Gift" for the cast and crew of movies or television productions.

You can see more details & current pricing on this item by clicking through to: Groovy Portable Speakers on SwagConnection.com.

INTERESTED IN ORDERING THIS SWAG ITEM WITH YOUR LOGO?

That's our business & we'd be stoked to help you out. Lots of our clients find us through this blog so don't be shy! We can answer questions about this item, help you order a sample or suggest other swag ideas if you're looking for just the right thing.

Email: diane@swagconnection.com

Phone: 866-247-4320 (toll free, hours 8-5 pacific time)

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for new & innovative swag ideas!

Swag Goes High-Tech with QR Codes

2010-10-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

QR Codes are these funky-looking "barcodes" like the one shown here. You've probably noticed them popping up in all sorts of places over the past few years, from magazine ads to bus benches.

Camera phones equipped with a mobile tagging application scan QR Codes, which typically opens a webpage in the phone's browser. The codes provide advertisers with an easy way to link their print ads to richer and more interactive online content.

Scanning a QR Code

If you're interested in more in-depth information about QR Codes, their history and how they work, you can get up to speed quickly by reading about QR Codes on Wikipedia.com.

What I want to talk about today is the concept of using QR codes on your company's swag items. We haven't seen a lot of this yet, but the concept is starting to be used on t-shirts:

QR Code Scannable T-Shirt

It's really just a matter of time before we start seeing these codes on other swag items, such as coffee mugs, mousepads, coasters, water bottles and other giveaway items companies use to promote their brand. A friend was just mentioning an event where a sponsor handed out temporary tattoos that were QR Codes. Everyone was putting on the tattoos and scanning each other... now that's what I call marketing genius!

One of the coolest things about QR Codes is that they're free - just type "QR Code Generator" into a search engine and you'll find many sites you can use to generate your own codes. They're an effective way to tie your swag items in with a specific web campaign or entice people with a special offer in a way that, until now, simply wasn't possible with giveaway items.

This is leading-edge promotional marketing that takes swag to a new level with trackable, measurable results. It's a way to take an inexpensive "gimme" item and create an interactive and perhaps even memorable experience for your recipients.

If you're interested in the idea of adding QR Codes to your company's branded swag items, or if you're doing this now and have success stories to share, I'd love to hear from you!

email: Diane@SwagConnection.com
Phone: 503.281.6420

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more swag ideas!

Swag with Style: Ogio Brand Clothing for Fall

2010-10-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

Finding staff shirts that your team actually WANTS to wear can be a real challenge, especially if your team is young, hip and fashion-conscious.

Ogio is a brand well-known for their sport bags, but a lot of people aren't familiar with Ogio shirts and apparel. Swag Connection carries the entire Ogio line (shirts, hats, jackets and bags) and offers every item with custom logo personalization.

I just finished checking out the new Ogio clothing line for Fall 2010 this afternoon, and they've added some really great new styles. Here are a few that really stood out:

OGIO Trax Polo ($43.98)

Love the clean look with the side stripes & hidden buttons. This is a comfortable, moisture-wicking shirt with tagless comfort and subtle Ogio logo branding that complements your logo instead of competing with it.

OGIO Glam Polo ($43.98)

The new Ladies Glam Polo looks OK in this photo, but it looks even better in person, trust me. Super-cute ladies polo shirt with two metal buttons on the cuffs of the sleeves and metal snap front closure. Love this shirt!

OGIO O-Boy Polo ($45.98)

An almost-classic Ogio polo shirt with a design twist - hard to see here but there's a debossed "O" logo in the fabric of the right shoulder. Gives this shirt a sporty vibe that is accented by the metal snap closure. Moisture-wicking comfort material.

OGIO Bombshell Jacket ($99.98)

OMG, this is one of the cutest and most flattering ladies' jackets I've ever tried on. Seriously. Inspired by motocross, the Ogio Ladies Bombshell jacket is both tough and feminine with a flattering nipped-in waist and snap detail on the cuffs. It's a high-performance jacket that's comfortable as well as water & wind resistant. This will look sharp with any logo and the women on your team will love it!

OGIO Torque Pullover ($59.98)

For the guys, how about this quarter-zip Torque pullover for fall? It's got hip, sporty style combined with performance fabric and great detailing. This is a great fall-to-winter transitional jacket for the guys on your team at an affordable price point.

OGIO Ladies Minx Jacket ($59.98)

Last but not least, this is the companion style that goes with the Torque jacket above. This shade of blue looks great on everyone. Love the sporty details and full zip front with generous pockets.

If you like what you see here, Swag Connection has the hookup on Ogio clothing for your company logo. Our minimum orders with custom embroidery start at just 12 pieces and we allow you to mix & match styles and colors.

CONTACT US for more information and pricing:
sales@swagconnection.com
Phone: 866-247-4320

New Summer Swag - USB Bottle Openers!

2010-07-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

High Tech meets Happy Hour:
USB Bottle Openers from Swag Connection

The iClick Milwaukee Drive

Here's a brand-new swag idea that just crossed my desk today, and what a fun item for summer! These all metal, heavy-duty USB Bottle Openers are fully-functioning USB Drives with your choice of 2GB, 4GB or 8GB of memory capacity.

While this isn't a drive for the extremely price-conscious, it has a lot going for it. Bottle openers have always been a very popular addition to people's keyrings, and this is designed for that. As most people handle their keys several times each day, the keyring is a prime location for your brand.

Usefulness is another huge factor when it comes to swag that is kept versus swag that's passed along. This USB Bottle opener serves two functions, making it superior to ordinary flash drives that can only be used for data storage. Plus it's got that 'fun factor' that sets it apart from ordinary flashdrives.

Not so long ago it was a big deal to get a promotional USB drive, as they were relatively expensive and few companies could afford to give them away. That's no longer the case. Today you can't assume that people are going to keep, use (or even remember) your ordinary custom-logo flashdrives - they've become ubiquitous. Stepping up to a cool drive like these is what smart marketers are doing to keep their branding fresh, memorable and top-of-mind (not to mention top-of-bottle!)

While this is an obvious choice for beer or soda companies, they're also a great swag idea for:

FAMILY REUNIONS
GRAND OPENINGS (get it?)
WEDDINGS
COLLEGES
RESORTS & HOTELS
GOLF TOURNAMENTS
SOFTWARE COMPANIES
EVENT PLANNERS

The minimum order is 50 drives, with turnaround time of betwen 2-3 weeks.

USB Memory Prices change weekly, so please contact us for a current quote:
Toll-Free - 866-247-4320
Diane@Swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more new & unique swag ideas :)

Fire Up Your Brand with Custom Matchboxes!

2010-07-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

When my husband's parents passed away we found boxes (and boxes) of promotional matchbooks and matchboxes down in their basement, a collection that spanned decades of travel and fine dining. It was fun to go through them and imagine the folks picking them up at swanky restaurants back in the 60's and 70's when everyone smoked and every establishment had custom matchbooks that doubled as free souvenirs.

The thing is, even people who don't smoke still love (and keep) personalized matchbooks. They're one of the least costly and most collected swag items on the planet. Unless they're used up, matchbooks and matchboxes are almost never thrown away. So today I thought I'd show you some of the cooler variations of personalized matches we offer at Swag Connection:

Pillow Matchboxes - Item #1038

Pillow Matchboxes are a hipper, more upscale presentation that's a perfect branding touch for high-end bars, restaurants and resorts. The striker is located on the back of the inner pouch sleeve.

Double Lipstick Matchboxes - Item 1011-D2L

Double Lipstick Matchboxes are uniquely shaped and hold extra-long matches that are perfect for lighting candles, campfires and barbeques. This distinctive shape stands out from the crowd.

Table Tent Matchboxes - Item 1002-D2L

If you want personalized matches that make a bold statement, table tent matches are the way to go! These extra-large boxes look great on tables and really show off your custom artwork.

Triangular Matchboxes - Item 1029

Triangular shaped personalized matchboxes are a cool alternative to ordinary matchbooks for about the same price.

Desk Matchboxes - Item 1009

These square-shaped matchboxes hold a whopping 75 matches & look like little pocket-sized works of art. This is a box of matches that will stick around to promote your brand for a long time!

Flip-Top Matchboxes - Item 1004

Not for everyone, but an edgy matchbox alternative for fearless branders... or tobacco companies!

Tube Matchboxes - Item 1006

These uniquely shaped match tubes are sure to strike up lots of conversations about your brand!

No matter which style you choose, Swag Connection has personalized matches to fit your unique brand image and look. We also offer traditional and budget-priced personalized matchbooks for businesses, as well as small-quantity wedding matchbooks for your special day.

If you're interested in striking up a conversation about branding your own customized matchboxes I'd love to hear from you! You can reach Swag Connection toll-free at 866-247-4320 (or) email me directly: diane@swagconnection.com.

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more swag ideas!

Bike Swag: My Top Picks for Spring 2010

2010-05-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

After a long & rainy Northwest winter there's nothing I look forward to more than getting back on my bicycle. Apparently I have lots of company: according to BikeLeague.org over 57 million American adults ride a bike at least once a year (as of 2002, I'm sure that's higher now).

Savvy promotional marketers know that usefulness is the #1 reason a recipient will hang on to swag items they're given, so why not brand some good bike-related items this year? Here are five of my favorite swag ideas in this category:

BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC BIKE BOTTLES

Bike bottles take a lot of abuse & anyone who rides regularly will probably appreciate a fresh new bike bottle. This Biodegradable Custom Bike Bottle is made in the USA and holds 24oz. of water. It will fit in any standard bike bottle cage & the neck is large enough to drop ice cubes through.

Most of the biodegradable bike bottles are white or clear, but this one comes in blue & green in addition to translucent clear. This one also has a nice range of cap colors to match your company color scheme. Priced from $.99/ea, this is a great swag idea for tradeshows or outdoor events.

Power Marketing Tip: Stuff bike bottles with smaller items like pencils, candy or special-offer coupons before distributing them.

CUSTOM BICYCLE BELLS are another fun bike-related swag item to put your logo on. Bells are a safety item every urban bicyclist can use, and this chrome-plated number has a definite retro appeal. Your logo is printed in full color under a clear protective dome, and the bells mount easily to any standard size handlebar. Our Custom Bike Bells have a low minimum order of 100 pieces and are a unique swag item that people will remember!

PROMO BIKE TIRE PATCH KITS come in several different sizes, but I like this one because it's small & inexpensive with everything a person needs for up to six repairs. The translucent plastic box is wrapped with your custom, full-color label as shown & contains 6 patches, glue, sandpaper and (thankfully for some) instructions.

Priced at under $2.00 this Custom Patch Kit is a great, creative marketing swag idea. Buy a nice bicycle as a grand prize at your next tradeshow and give patch kits as an incentive to enter your drawing - it's a great way to generate excitement AND leads!

Next up, I just love this DETACHABLE LED BICYCLE FLASHLIGHT because it's so useful. Clipped to a bike handlebar as shown, it's a powerful and bright headlight for safe riding at night. Release the clip & it can be used just like a regular flashlight. Great for road riders or mountain bikers, this is an excellent promotional swag idea in the $5.00 price range. We recently did an order of these Bike Lights for a local utility company & they really look sharp with a custom logo (printed on the clip). With a super-low minimum order of 25 lights, this is a swag idea that can fit any budget!

Another staple swag item for bicyclists is BLINKING BIKE REFLECTORS, which save lives by making bikes more visible in low-light conditions. Promotional safety reflectors come in many shapes and sizes, but I particularly like this Custom Tail Clip Light. It has 5 bright LEDs with over 100 hours of battery life and has both blinking & steady light modes. It comes with a clip assembly for mounting on a bike and has a nice large imprint area for your custom logo. Priced at less than $6.00 with a low minimum order of 50 lights, this is a versatile, safety-related swag idea that can be used by non-cyclists too!

Last but not least, check out this CUSTOM MINI BIKE PUMP that mounts to nearly any bike frame. Although it's custom-logo printed, this is a premium-quality alloy bike tire pump that any cyclist will appreciate. Lightweight and powerful, a frame-mounted hand pump like this is a must for long distance bike rides.

Priced closer to $20, this is the spendiest bike swag item I'm featuring. I could see these Custom Tire Pumps used as a gift-with-purchase for bike shops or as an employee incentive for corporate fitness programs. They'd also be a great way to promote a bicycle repair shop or other bike-related business. Comes with frame mount as shown.

Swag Connection also has lots of other bike-related swag ideas. If you type the word "Bike" into the search field on www.swagconnection.com. you'll find over 200 bike-related swag ideas!

We can also hook you up with custom, full-color bicycle jerseys if you have a team or club to outfit.

Just contact me (Diane) with any questions or to discuss your bike swag needs. My direct email is: diane@swagconnection.com and my toll-free number is 866-247-4320 (M-F, 9-5 Pacific Time).

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more swag ideas!

PS: Follow me on twitter for exclusive, budget-stretching "Tweet Deals": http://www.twitter.com/swagconnection

New Spring Swag Idea: The Folding Vase

2010-05-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a cool, brand-new swag idea just in time for your Spring marketing:

Clear, Clever Folding Flower Vases with Custom Branding:

Swag Connection Item PRM-PL-4101

There's nothing like fresh flowers to brighten up someone's day, which is why I love this new Folding Vase. Introduced to the promotional industry early in 2010, this product won top place in two categories at this year's ASI Orlando Tradeshow - "Best Bang for Your Buck" and "Most Likely to Build A Buzz".

These clever little bud vases are made of soft, flexible PVC plastic. They fold flat for easy storage and form a vase when filled with water. They stand about 10-1/2" tall with a 5" bottom diameter when filled, and come with your choice of Black, Blue, Green, Red or yellow trim.

These folding vases are an ideal swag idea for:
Nursing or Retirement Homes
Florists & Nurseries
Real Estate or Insurance Agents
Hospitals & Clinics
Cruise Lines
Restaurants
Hotels, Spas & Resorts
Special Event Table Decoration

These would also be a fun swag idea for tradeshows- set up a few of these folding vases on the table at your booth, then add water & flowers to demonstrate how they work. They'll add a festive springtime look to your display and make your booth seem more inviting to attendees.

These Flexi-Vases come packaged in a self-mailer envelope and would also be a great swag idea for direct mail campaigns. Priced at under $2/ea with a minimum order of 200 pieces, this is a unique and memorable way to promote your brand in a classy way.

INTERESTED IN FOLDING FLOWER VASES WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?

This is just one of the thousands of swag ideas you'll find at Swag Connection.
Click here to view this item in more detail on our website or request a quote.

Feel free to email me (sales@swagconnection.com) or give me a call toll-free (866-247-4320) if you have questions or would like to talk about ordering this item with your custom logo. I love to hear from my blog readers!

Thanks for reading - and if you know other people who are always looking for interesting swag ideas for their marketing, please tell them about my blog.

Diane Nudelman

A Swag Idea that's literally For the Dogs!

2010-04-29T11:52:00.001-07:00

According to data provided by the Humane Society of the US, there are over 77.5 million dogs owned in the USA, with 39% of all households owning at least one dog. As a dog lover myself, I was tickled to come across this fun, dog-themed swag idea - Doggie Water Bottles. If the way to a pet owner's heart is through their dog, these are sure to make them fall in love with your brand.

Custom Logo Metal Water Bottles... For Dogs!

ETS Express "K-9" Collection Doggie Water Bottles

At first glance this looks like any ordinary stainless steel promo water bottle, but it has a very special feature specially designed for our furry friends... a roller-ball dispenser lid!

Awww, isn't he cute??

This is a great solution for packing water along for dogs on walks or during travel. Unlike collapsible pet bowls, it's a self-contained, spillproof unit that fits easily in a backpack or ice chest. It's important for pets to stay hydrated during hot summer months, and this makes it so easy for pet owners to always have fresh water at hand in an easy-to-drink-from container.

Those who read my blog know I'm always saying you need to think outside the box when searching for swag ideas because the most popular items have been "done to death" and don't get people excited. That's becoming the case with metal water bottles for humans - by now, nearly everyone has at least one. This is a great way to jump on the metal bottle craze, but with a cool twist. Even if you give these to non-dog owners, chances are they'll pass one of these along to a pet-owning friend or relative.

These K-9 Collection Dog Water Bottles range in price between $8-$10/ea with a low minimum order of just 36 pieces. For even more branding fun, let us combine your logo with cool dog-themed wraparound graphics for a custom designed look!

INTERESTED IN K-9 DOG WATER BOTTLES WITH YOUR LOGO?

Swag Connection offers this item on our swagconnection.com website, just click the link for more details and pricing, or to request a quote with your custom logo.

Feel free to call us toll free at 866-247-4320 or email me directly: diane@swagconnection.com. I love to hear from our blog readers, many of whom become clients!

Have a great day & keep coming back for more swag ideas!

Great Golf Swag Idea: Custom BirdieBalls

2010-03-31T17:42:00.000-07:00

Tired of the same old selection of golf swag?

Looking for something fresh and different for your golf marketing in 2010?

Introducing the BirdieBall with Custom Logo
"The Most Accurate & Rewarding Practice Ball In Golf"

BirdieBall Custom Clamshell - Item #BBC

Just in time for your spring golf events, the Swag Queen is here to save you from the same old boring golf giveaways. After all, how many custom logo divot fixers and ball markers can one golfer really use?

Give them the one golf swag gift that will actually help them IMPROVE their game. The BirdieBall has been written up in Golf Magazine and featured on Good Morning America as one of the best golf gifts available. Now available with your custom logo, Swag Connection offers the entire line of custom logo BirdieBall products including the single-ball clamshell pack shown here.

How does BirdieBall work?
The Birdie Ball uses wiffle ball technology - it feels and flies like a real golf ball but only travels about 40 yards so it's easily retrieved. The reverse spin around BirdieBall's center of gravity created with the loft of the club is similar to that of a golf ball. It flies just far enough to show ball flight, but the non-dimpled surface and straight sides give it a short flight, long hang-time and a distinctive "turbine" sound. It's a favorite teaching aid of golf professionals around the globe.

Options, Pricing & How To Order BirdieBall from Swag Connection

The single BirdieBall clamshell shown above is the lowest-priced custom logo BirdieBall product we offer. These are available with your custom logo and come packaged as shown with instructions. Minimum order quantity starts at 150 pieces, and catalog pricing is around $2-$4/ea depending on quantity.

We also offer other BirdieBall kits including 3-piece clear tube packages and boxes of one dozen. We also offer the new BirdieBall Strike Pad Kit with Custom logo. All of these options, with pricing, can be viewed by clicking this link to Gold Bond Inc (our BirdieBall supplier partner).

TO ORDER CUSTOM LOGO BIRDIE BALLS, simply call Swag Connection toll free: 866-247-4320 or drop us an email. We will be more than happy to provide more information or quote your BirdieBall project.

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great swag ideas!

Custom Laptop Sleeves: One Size Fits All?

2010-03-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

Custom Laptop Sleeves make great business gifts. The problem is not all laptops are the same size - they can range anywhere from 12" to 17", which is ia pretty wide range. So how do you decide which size to order?

Swag Connection has the solution - check out our CUSTOM LAPTOP SLEEVE with UNIVERSAL FIT:

This clever design eliminates the guesswork - it fits any size laptop computer perfectly. Made of 600d polyester with a soft, plush interior, this custom laptop sleeve is one of my favorite swag ideas for a computer-related business gift under $20. Simply place the computer inside, secure it with the Velcro strap and buckle the flap closure for snug and secure fit every time.

An outside zippered pocket holds small accessories and the carry handle makes it easy to grab and go. This custom laptop sleeve comes decorated with your logo, which can be screen printed or embroidered depending on the look you prefer.

Computer laptop sleeves are a super-popular promotional item right now, and they give your logo excellent exposure because they're mobile by nature and have a nice large imprint area. This custom laptop sleeve would be a great business gift for employees, valued clients or other stakeholders in your business or non-profit.

This is also an item that could be used for what we call a "sticky promotion" where you deliver or mail out the laptop sleeve to a targeted audience, along with an offer they can respond to for a chance to win a laptop computer. This could be a fun way to kick off a sales contest internally or create excitement around a technology-related new product launch.

The minimum order quantity for this custom laptop sleeve is 48 pieces. Price ranges between $12.83-$17.36 depending on how many you order. Here's a link where you can see more details about this item and pricing on our supplier's website: Goodhope Bags Universal Computer Sleeve

INTERESTED IN THIS CUSTOM LAPTOP SLEEVE WITH YOUR COMPANY LOGO?

Contact me at Swag Connection - 866-247-4320 or email me: sales@swagconnection.com

I love to hear from people who find me through the blog and will be more than happy to help you with an order for this or any other swag items you're interested in finding.

Thanks so much for reading & keep coming back for more swag ideas!

Unique Swag Giveaway: Bike Tire Levers

2010-03-11T17:43:00.000-08:00

Spring is just around the corner and everyone is getting back on their bikes.

Promote your brand this spring in a truly unique (and useful) way with these custom-logo Bicycle Tire Levers from Swag Connection:

As you can see, your logo or message really jumps out on this item! An essential item for every cyclist, these are an inexpensive swag idea that's really quite unique. I don't know about where you live, but here in Portland Oregon it seems EVERYONE is a bike commuter these days (including me when it's not raining TOO hard). Bicycle-themed swag is still fairly uncommon outside of bike-themed events, so this is one of those swag ideas I'm always looking for that hasn't been "done to death".

These are a no-brainer if your target audience is bicyclists or if you're in a bicycle-related industry, but I'd also say this item could be used to creatively market outside that small niche. For example, these would be a great way for HR to promote a "Bike To Work Day" to employees in a large company. Financial planners or business consultants could also tie in the idea of "leverage" with this item to promote their services.

This is also a swag item that could be used for a 'guessing game' promotion at tradeshows... basically you hand them out and have people guess what they're supposed to be used for. It's a fun way to get people engaged in conversation in a non-intimidating way, and the best guesses could be posted on your website for all to see!

Last but not least, these would be great swag for bike shops to give out for test rides or with the purchase of a new bike. This is just one of our bicycle-themed swag ideas - give me a call or send me an email if you're interested in finding out about other bike swag ideas.

INTERESTED IN ORDERING THESE CUSTOMIZED WITH YOUR LOGO?

Give me a call at 866-247-4320 and I'll be more than happy to help you out! I love hearing from my blog readers :)

Thanks for reading & please tell others about my blog. Keep coming back for more unique swag ideas!

Diane Nudelman "The Swag Queen"

New Swag Idea: WD-40 Pens

2010-03-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

Now you can promote your brand with one of America's most trusted products...

Introducing the WD-40 Pen with Your Custom Label
(available March 31, 2010)

If you're searching for new giveaway swag ideas this one should be at the top of your list. These handy WD-40 Pens have hundreds of uses and are sure to be a big hit at your next tradeshow or marketing event.

WD-40 stops sqeaks, loosens rusted parts, protects against corrosion and removes grease, gum, crayon and dirt from surfaces safely and easily with a low-odor formulation. The precision dispensing tip ensures no-mess application and makes this a handy item for glovebox, toolkit, desk drawer or backpack.

These authentic, name-brand WD-40 pens are brand new to the promotional market - in fact they're not even available until the end of this month... but as a Swag Connection blog reader I wanted you to be the very first to know about them.

Minimum order quantity with custom label is 250 pieces. The WD-40 Pen is priced between $1.99-$2.58/each depending on quantity ordered.

INTERESTED IN WD-40 PENS WITH YOUR CUSTOM LABEL?

Swag Connection is happy to help - just contact us for a quote, sample or more information on this product from our Natural Trends catalog:

Phone: 503-281-6420 (In Oregon ) 866-247-4320 (Toll-Free)

Email: sales@swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more swag ideas!

New Swag Idea: The "Dishwasher" Keyboard

2010-02-16T17:08:00.001-08:00

Seriously. A rugged, full size computer keyboard you can put your logo on... and PUT THROUGH THE DISHWASHER:

The Seal Shield dishwasher-safe line of keyboards was originally developed for use in the medical industry as a way to help stop the spread of germs in hospital settings. This is not a gimmick - they're full size, full function computer keyboards that are 100% waterproof.

I recently discovered these "dishwasher keyboards" are now available with custom corporate logo decoration in the promotional products industry. This is a great swag idea!

If you have any inkling at all of how germy and nasty the average office keyboard is (hint: much worse than a public toilet seat), your company should JUMP at the chance to convert your employee workstations to custom logo Seal Shield keyboards from Swag Connection. Not only do they cost about the same as ordinary keyboards ($35-$59 depending on style & quantity), they're a tangible way your company can prove it cares about employee health and well-being.

As a promotional business gift or incentive, this is a swag idea that's simply brilliant. Talk about a branded promotional gift that people will use and keep for years and years that also gives you daily desktop logo exposure!

If your company sells any sort of big ticket items, especially high-tech software or computer systems, thanking your customers for a nice order with a custom branded Seal Shield keyboard or two would be a no-brainer.

We currently offer 3 styles of name-brand Seal Shield dishwasher-safe keyboards through industry supplier Logomark, as well as the waterproof, dishwasher-safe Seal Shield mouse. They can be ordered with or without your company's custom logo imprint.

INTERESTED IN ORDERING DISHWASHER SAFE SEAL SHIELD KEYBOARDS WITH YOUR LOGO?

Simply contact us here at Swag Connection to get started. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have and get your project started!

Phone: 866-247-4320
Email: Sales@Swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great swag ideas!

Brand Your Event with CaterPlates!

2010-02-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

This is an innovative and useful idea for anyone who plans or hosts large-scale events where food and wine is served. The CaterPlate is a clear plastic plate with a built-in wineglass holder AND re-attachable plastic utensils:

Your guests will love these plates because they can easily hold their plate, utensils and wineglass with one hand, leaving the other one free to select their food or shake the hands of other guests. You'll love them because they look sharp and professional with your custom logo - plus they stack flat and eliminate the need for messy piles of plastic eating utensils at your event.

The CaterPlate is Great For:

Convention Centers
Wedding & Event Planners
Hotels
Charity Events
Chambers of Commerce
Corporate Hospitality
Caterers
Theme Parks
Company Picnics

The CaterPlate is available with custom logo at quantities of 50 or more. It's MADE and PRINTED IN THE USA. The CaterPlate can be custom printed with up to 5 colors. There is no extra charge for metallic, neon or Pantone-matched inks. Made of #6 Polystyrene plastic, the CaterPlate is also recyclable.

INTERESTED IN CATERPLATES FOR YOUR EVENTS?

You can find many of the items on our blog on http://www.swagconnection.com/. For current pricing, quotes or samples please contact us by phone (866) 247-4320 or email us: sales@swagconnection.com.

The CaterPlate is a patented design from American Accents.

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great swag ideas!

New Eco-Swag Ideas: Recycled Pads & Jotters

2010-02-02T17:09:00.000-08:00

Here are 3 great new recycled swag items I absolutely love for 2010:

First off, check out this recycled notecard wheel:

Ecoswag Item ALX-1341

This is definitely one of those items you really need to see in person to fully appreciate. While fan-type jotter notepads like this are nothing new, this one is cooler than the rest. It's made of recycled material, with a sturdy, smooth cover that looks great with a black logo imprint as shown. The first page has a 3-year calendar, followed by 76 pages in 4 color-coded sections. The pages are thicker than a regular notepad, in fact they're more like index cards. Each card is lined and perforated along the left-hand side to tear out neatly. You can't see it in the photo, but there's an attached orange elastic privacy band that keeps the jotter neatly closed when not in use.

This particular item currently only comes with the citrus-orange cover, but it really looks sharp and has a hip & modern vibe. Priced at under $4.00 this is a great swag idea to leave behind after sales calls or to give as a gift to clients or prospects.

Next, here's a similar item for keeping cards or photos:

Ecoswag Item ALX-1350

This is a smaller sized "wheel" with a recycled paperboard cover that contains 10 durable vinyl sleeves. It's perfect for keeping business cards, credit cards or even wallet-size photos! It can be hard to find swag ideas that will appeal to such a wide range of people, but this one works equally well for senior citizens, soccer moms or business people. You can barely see it, but this one also has an elastic band to keep it neatly closed when not in use.

Priced at $3 or less, this is one of my favorite "giveaway-priced" swag ideas for spring events and trade shows. This one does come in a choice of colors - Royal Blue, Black, Chocolate Brown or Orange.

Last but Not Least... a Recycled Password Keeper

Ecoswag Item #ALX-1342

For those who have too many logins and passwords to keep track of, this recycled Password Pad is a swag idea whose time has come. It's arranged in alphabetical order with sections for recording account names, password hints and passwords. Made of recycled material with a metal spiral binding & elastic privacy strap, this is a fantastic swag idea for creatively marketing your high tech company at events and conferences.

This item comes in Black, Brown or Royal Blue as shown. Also in the $3.00 and under price range, this is a unique and useful promotional item that many people have not yet seen.

INTERESTED IN THESE RECYCLED SWAG IDEAS FOR YOUR COMPANY?

Clicking the links below the photos will take you to these items on our ecoswag.com website where you'll find details and pricing. You can request a quote from the website, or simply call or email us for more information or to order a sample. (Ecoswag.com is a web division of Swag Connection).

Feel free to call us at 866-247-4320 (toll-free) or email us: sales@swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great swag ideas for your creative marketing!

Deliver Your Message with Brandelopes

2010-01-25T17:37:00.000-08:00

If you're in the business of creative marketing you may already be familiar with Brandelopes, which were used by (and featured on) the Ellen Degeneres Show during her 12 Days of Giveaways over the holiday season.

For those who haven't heard of them yet, a Brandelope is really just a customized version of a FedEx or Priority Mail envelope. Printed on both sides with full-color graphics, Brandelopes are a great way to create visual excitement for your direct mailings & increase your open/response rate. However, it's not the traditional Brandelope that I'm excited about today - it's their new product - the TABELOPE - which is a Brandelope with one very important feature... a tab that turns it into a file folder:

While this is pretty much identical to the Brandelope, it's the tab feature that I think is genius. Hardly anyone would hang on to a Brandelope after opening it up, but a Tabelope has the extra functionality of a file folder that makes it much more likely to be kept, possibly even for years after it's opened. This is especially true if it's used to deliver information or documents that need to be kept or referred to over time, such as tax returns or insurance policies. Since it's printed with your contact information, a Tabelope is a great way to keep that info literally at your recipient's fingertips in their file drawer.

With the entire front of the 9 x 11-3/4" sized Tabelope available for your custom graphics and message, this is a great vehicle for delivering your brand image with eye-popping full color impact. Priced at around $2/each (with a low minimum order of 200 pieces) this is creative direct marketing that even small companies with a modest budget can afford.

Here's how the tab feature works:

This is a GREAT swag idea for:
Tax Preparers
Insurance Agents
Realtors
Finance Companies
Mortgage Brokers
HR Departments
Appraisers
Property Managers
Banks & Credit Unions
Attorneys
Senior Living Communities

INTERESTED IN BRANDELOPES OR TABELOPES FOR YOUR COMPANY OR NON-PROFIT?

We'd be more than happy to send you a sample of either the Brandelope or the Tabelope at your request. We can also quote your custom Brandelope or Tabelope project and help you with artwork development if needed.

Phone: 866-247-4320 (Toll Free) Email: Sales@Swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more swag ideas for your creative marketing!

Fun, Flexible Silicone Calculators!

2010-01-19T17:28:00.000-08:00

I'm back in the office after attending the promotional product industry's biggest tradeshow last week (the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas). With over 2,000 catalog lines on display on the show floor, it was a great place to pick up new swag ideas to share with you for the year ahead. Here's one of my new favorite things:

Flexible Silicone Calculators

Bullet Line Item #SM3122

First of all, you need to know this is one of those swag items that is MUCH cooler in real life than it looks in the picture here. Much of this calculator's appeal is tactile, and I honestly didn't think it was all that cool when I first looked at it... until I picked it up and started playing with it!

The body of this silicone calculator is flat, and the number and function keys are raised to give it a 3-D effect. It's floppy and flexible, similar to those roll-up silicone computer keyboards you may have seen (but at a much lower price point). I ordered a sample so I could try it out & I'm hooked - it works perfectly and it's so much cooler looking and more fun to use than my old traditional calculator. It's a great example of how the promotional product industry continues to innovate by putting a fresh new twist on items that have been around forever.

Here's the thing with promotional swag - and this especially applies to traditional swag ideas in the lower price ranges - you have to assume that most people already have a similar item at their home or office. Therefore, the name of the game is to give people something that's somehow better and more appealing so it will replace the item they already own... and become their new favorite. Once I got this silicone calculator, my old one (which I've used for years and works just fine) went straight to the back of the desk drawer. This is exactly what you want to happen, and I think this is one of those items that has a high probability of landing (and staying) on the desktop to give your logo daily exposure. Priced at under $4, with a minimum order of 150 pieces, this is a fun swag idea that can be handed out at events or easily mailed out.

Although similar silicone calculators can be found elsewhere, we source ours from the Bullet Line catalog. Their pricing is better AND they custom-imprint your order in 24 hours at no extra charge. Since they also offer shipping anywhere in the US in 3 days at ground rates, you can order these on Monday and have them in your hands by Friday... without paying expensive rush charges or expedited shipping costs. So if you tend to wait til the last minute to order your trade show swag, this (or anything from Bullet Line) is an excellent choice!

INTERESTED IN THIS SILICONE CALCULATOR WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?

Feel free to check out this item on the Bullet Line website, where you'll find more details and pricing. When you're ready to order, just contact us here at Swag Connection:

Phone: 866-247-4320
Email: Sales@swagconnection.com

We love to hear from our blog readers, many of whom turn into clients. Please also feel free to post comments if you like this swag idea and want to share your thoughts on how it could be used in a creative marketing campaign.

Thanks for reading and keep coming back for more new swag ideas for 2010!

I Used To Be A Plastic Bottle

2010-01-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

I actually didn't used to be a plastic bottle myself, although I am a bottle blonde if that makes any difference :)

What I'm excited about today is opening my 2010 catalog from Numo Manufacturing and discovering that we can now offer our customers some cool neoprene swag items that are made with 85% post-consumer recycled content, like this mobile accessory pouch that's perfect for Blackberries & iPhones:

Numo Mfg. Item #557

Since I'm always looking for new eco-friendly promotional items to add to our website Ecoswag .com (this will be added by next week) these items caught my eye because they represent a big step forward in terms of recycled content. Last year 'recycled neoprene' only had about 10% recycled content, but now that has increased to 85% recycled. One more example of how quickly the promotional products industry is embracing green products & practices.

So back to the mobile accessory holder above. The one shown here is the larger of two sizes offered and is in the $2-$3 range with a 1-color custom imprint (minimum 100). The size & price make this a perfect eco-friendly giveaway for tradeshows and other events - and it would also be very easy to mail. The material is sort of like that of a scuba wetsuit, and it's made out of recycled plastic bottles. If you're searching for swag ideas that appeal to the young & hip (and haven't been done to death), this is definitely a good choice.

For those seeking eco-friendly swag ideas on a budget, here's the EcoCoolie 2.o, which is made from the same 85% post-consumer recycled neoprene:

Numo Mfg. Item #100ECO

It's pretty much exactly what it looks like - a beer koozie - but made mostly from post-consumer recycled bottles (this is also 85% recycled content). Even though they've been around forever, koozies are a promotional product that refuses to die... and they're getting a new following among the younger generation because of their "retro" vibe. They're useful, inexpensive ($.89 & up) and have a humongous imprint area for your logo or message. My favorite way to use them is at events (like as a hole sponsor at a golf event) and hand out cold beverages in a custom logo eco-coolie. Everyone appreciates a cold drink at an event, and the coolie keeps their hands dry and their drink cold. Best of all, it's a walking billboard for your logo!

INTERESTED IN ORDERING THESE ITEMS WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?

Feel free to follow the links above to our supplier's website (Numo Manufacturing) to check out pricing, colors, etc. on these recycled neoprene items (there's also a recycled bottle jersey on their site). Like most of the suppliers in our industry, Numo sells their products only through established distributors like Swag Connection. We will be happy to help you with your order. We'll answer all of your questions, help you with your artwork layout and keep you informed thoughout the order process. You can read what our customers say about us on our Testimonial Page.

Just give us a call (866-247-4320) or email us: sales@swagconnection.com. We'd love to hear from you and help you with some cool swag for YOUR logo!

Happy New Year - thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great swag ideas...

Diane Nudelman
Swag Connection Portland OR

Classy Computer Bag for Female Executives

2009-12-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

It's the time of year when the new 2010 catalogs start arriving in the Swag Connection mailbox, and they're a great source for new swag ideas to share with my blog readers. As soon as I saw this Capri Computer Bag, I couldn't wait to tell you about it. Classy, feminine, affordable and airport-ready, this is my new favorite computer bag for the female executive:

Gemline #2604 Life In Motion Capri Computer Bag

This bag is the perfect size for travel - 16.25" x 12.5" - and it features eye-catching design as well as great functionality. It's made of easy to clean microfiber with simulated leather accents and features Gemline's "Viewpoint System" sleeve (shown in the photo below) with a detachable buckle for easy laptop security scanning.

This handy sleeve accomodates a laptop up to 14" and tucks easily into the main compartment:

Additionally, you'll find a zippered, padded compartment with a multi-function organizer to keep business accessories organized and protected. The 25" handles make it easy to carry this bag on your shoulder if needed, and the metal feet keep the bag stabilized when upright.

This bag is available from Swag Connection with your custom-embroidered logo in quantities of 12 or more. Priced at a little over $50, this would be a great incentive or reward for the high-performing women on your company's team.

INTERESTED IN THIS BAG WITH YOUR COMPANY LOGO?
Simply give us a call or start with an email for more details or an itemized price quote from Swag Connection:

By Phone: 866-247-4320 (toll-free)
By Email: Sales@Swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great Swag Ideas in 2010!!

Internal Branding with Company Swag

2009-12-17T13:25:00.000-08:00

Today I came across a very good article on BusinessWeek.com titled "Don't Neglect Internal Branding" by Steve McKee, which is a great reminder that delivering a great brand experience begins with communicating what your brand stands for INSIDE the organization. The best brands are built on a company culture that involves everyone in the brand experience - not just the marketing department. But building that culture and keeping everyone in the loop can be a challenge, especially with large or geographically diverse organizations.

Howard Schultz of Starbucks made headlines recently by closing all of their locations for a company-wide meeting that focused on helping every employee to understand and deliver the Starbucks Brand Experience. One-time "big events" like that are great for rallying the troops, but what about a week, a month or a year from now? Internal branding has to be more than just a one-time event. It also needs to involve on-going communication of the company's values, culture and brand promise to its employees and stakeholders.

What better medium for that on-going Internal Branding is there than swag? Emails get deleted, company memos get filed away, meetings are soon forgotten... but that coffee mug with the company's mission statement is a daily, visible reminder of what your company brand stands for. Lapel pins, mouse pads, sticky notes, calendars and pens are all great, inexpensive swag ideas for carrying internal branding messages throughout your organization in a highly visible way.

Simply distributing swag items internally to remind employees of the key points of your brand promise is one way to keep everyone on board. To kick it up a notch, consider creating contests where those who are delivering the brand promise receive a special, exclusive gift of swag. A distinctive company-logo jacket, duffel bag, padfolio or travel mug would all be great rewards for this sort of internal branding initiative.

One last point I want to make about swag and internal branding, and that is the importance of employee morale - especially in trying times like these. If your company isn't rewarding people with raises or bonuses this year, giving appropriate and useful gifts is one way to subtly reinforce your brand internally while at the same time showing appreciation for a job well done.

LOOKING FOR SWAG IDEAS FOR YOUR INTERNAL BRANDING?

Swag Connection is here to help you. Here are two ways to get good swag ideas - browse our catalog library or use our searchable product database on SwagConnection.com. Better yet, contact us and tell us about your needs and budget - we'll come up with great ideas that work for you.

Phone: 866-247-4320 Email: Sales@Swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading and please feel free to leave comments - we love to hear from our blog readers!

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2009-12-11T12:42:00.000-08:00

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Smart Swag Idea: Germ-Killing Mouse Pads

2009-12-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

I read somewhere once that the average office keyboard is covered with more germs than the a public toilet seat. If that's true, it's really gross, but it sure makes one think about the spread of germs in an office environment - especially now during cold and flu season.

Happily, I've found a great new swag idea that can help stop the spread of germs while inexpensively promoting your brand at the same time:

Introducing The Anti-Microbial Mouse Pad!

Ecoswag Item HND-33124

We recently got a sample of this soft-surface mouse pad and have been using it for a few weeks. It's comfortable, durable and grippy, which are the 3 things we like in a promotional mouse pad. This pad gets bonus points for also being made from recycled rubber, which is why we added it to our Ecoswag.com website. Given the combination of low price, full-color graphics, recycled material and anti-microbial protection, this may be the best promotional mouse pad on the market!

More about that Anti-Microbial Protection and how it works:
Dirty desk surfaces create ideal conditions for harmful microbes to grow and reproduce. To fight these microbes, our supplier (HandStands®) uses built-in antimicrobial technology to provide an added level of cleanliness.

Here's how it works: when microbes (bacteria, mold and mildew) come in contact with the product surface, the antimicrobial protection penetrates the cell wall of the microbe and disrupts key cell functions so the microbe cannot function, grow or reproduce. In simple terms, this HandStands® mouse pad featuring antimicrobial treatment is designed to:

-Last the life of the product
-Leave the mouse pad looking great and odor free
-Withstand over 75 washings in hot water

Why The Swag Queen LOVES Mouse Pads as a Promotional Item:
I think with or without the germ-killing angle, promotional mouse pads are one of the best things you can put your company logo on. They're the quintessential desktop advertiser, literally putting your information at the fingertips of your recipients. Because they're printed from edge to edge in full color, feel free to go crazy with your artwork design. Add the facts that they're small, lightweight, inexpensive, easy to store and easy to distribute (including via mail) and I think you can see why I think they're a great staple swag item for practically every business or non-profit.

IDEAS FOR USING THIS SWAG IDEA EFFECTIVELY:

Include useful information on them for your target audience. For example, the HR Department of a large corporation could put frequently-called numbers for benefits questions on these pads and distibute them to all employees
Include them in your press kits or information packets
Mail them out to your clients and/or prospects with a special offer

INTERESTED IN THIS SWAG IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
We'd be happy to help you! You can order this item online through our Ecoswag.com website, or contact us by phone if you prefer. We will gladly answer any questions, send you a sample or quote your custom mouse pad project.

Our Phone: 503-281-6420 in Oregon, or 866-247-4320 Toll-Free
Our Email: Sales@Swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading my blog & keep coming back for more timely swag ideas!

New ZoomCatalog Library on Swagqueen.com

2009-12-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to tell everyone about a new feature we just added to our Swagqueen.com website called a ZoomCatalog library.

Here's the story - I'm an active social networker and made a connection on LinkedIn with the founder of ZoomCatalog. She was a promotional products distributor (like me) for many years and (also like me) she was appalled by the amount of catalogs our industry puts into the waste stream every year. Unlike me, she made it her mission to do something about cutting down on catalog waste and the ZoomCatalog concept was born!

The timing couldn't have been more perfect. I was just trying to put together a 'catalog library' of sorts on my own (using links to supplier websites) but what ZoomCatalog has to offer is much more sophisticated. It's allowed me to add an entire online library of catalogs to our website, each exactly the same as the paper catalog versions we have here at our office. The pages are flippable, it's easy to use, and the technology enables you to search the entire library by keywords if you're looking for a particular type of item.

I invite you to check out SwagQueen.com's Zoom Catalog Library for yourself & would love to hear your reviews or comments. New catalogs are still being added to the library, so over time it will become an even better resource for finding swag ideas.

Where to Find Giveaway Swag Ideas - Part II

2009-11-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

The Online Catalog Library is growing, with 3 more catalogs added this week in the Giveaway Swag category. Here's an introduction to those 3 catalog lines and why we like them:

American Greenwood (http://www.americangreenwood.com/)
Kind of a funny name, but American Greenwood is one of the original promotional product companies in America. They started out as a lapel button supplier and recently celebrated 100 years in business. Their product line still includes buttons, but it's expanded through the years to include a wide array of good quality giveaway items at very good prices.

Here's an item I chose from American Greenwood that's perfect for the holiday season:

#440500 - Custom Ornament $3.25/ea

These ornaments are classic, shatterproof & come gift-boxed as shown here. I've seen them in person and they look high-end, even though they're made of plastic. For the price they're a great giveaway swag idea for your end-of-year marketing. These also make a nice, inexpensive client holiday gift.

American Greenwood ships out of Chicago & earns "A" ratings in our industry for quality, service and on-time delivery. Production time is normally 7-10 days with rush service available.

Quickpoint (http://www.quickpoint.com/)
This is a smaller, more focused supplier with an excellent line of promo items you won't find anywhere else. Their site is easy to navigate and features a wider selection of American Made promotional products than the other lines I've highlighted. Quickpoint was among the first in the industry to offer biodegradable corn plastic promotional products. Their Zippy letter openers are a classic swag giveaway item that's still very popular, and their Safe Ad collection of anti-microbial promotional products is timely with growing concern about the swine flu.

Here's an item I like from Quickpoint's Safe-Ad Collection

#QP-SA6591 Antimicrobial Travel Tissue Dispenser $2.15

This American-made tissue dispenser is made with special anti-microbial plastic that lasts for the life of the product. It comes filled with your choice of Kleenex brand or Super-Soft brand tissues and is refillable. This is a great giveaway swag idea that people will appreciate and keep handy during cold & flu season!

Quickpoint ships from Missouri, with solid "A" ratings for product quality and on-time delivery. Their production time is 7-10 days but they offer 3-day production on many items at no extra charge.

HIT PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS (http://www.hitpromo.net/)
Hit has a little bit of everything in their product line, and they run a lot of specials so it's a good place to check out if you're looking for deals. They have a huge selection of traditional giveaway swag items and their site is easy to shop by price or category. One thing I really like about Hit is their bright color palette. In an industry where so many items are limited to boring "corporate colors" Hit's selection of bright and colorful choices is a breath of fresh air.

Here's an item from Hit that's a good giveaway swag idea:

#41 Bottle Bag - $1.99

Simple, useful, bright and a little different... this Bottle Bag holds a 20-oz bottle, keeping drinks cold and hands dry. It features a drawstring cinch closure, belt loop & clip attachment. Nice swag idea for hospitality events or tradeshows - give them out with inexpensive bottled water from Costco for a low-priced marketing giveaway that looks like you spent much more!

Hit ships from Florida, with production time of 10-15 days on most items. They earn a solid "B" in our industry rankings for product quality and on-time delivery. Overall we've had very good experience on the client orders we've done with Hit, and I feel comfortable recommending their line to clients who are looking for good deals and have a good 3-4 week time horizon for their orders.

I hope this is helpful in giving you more places to look for good giveaway swag ideas. Next week I'll start introducing you to the product lines in our Business Gifts category - just in time for the holidays!

Be sure to bookmark our Online Catalog Library so you have lots of places to look the next time you need ideas for your creative marketing! Don't forget - every item on every site in the library can be purchased through Swag Connection with your custom logo.

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more swag ideas!

Online Catalogs for Giveaway Swag Ideas

2009-11-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

As promised last week, we've gotten started on the Online Catalog Library on Swagqueen.com.

In deciding exactly WHERE to begin, I figured we should start with our most-requested product category: giveaway-priced swag ideas for tradeshows and general marketing purposes. In this economy everyone's looking for cheap & creative ideas to stretch their marketing budgets!

On today's post, I'd like to introduce you to the first 3 catalogs in our Library - all in the Giveaway Swag category:

AP SPECIALTIES
I really love the AP Specialties online catalog when searching for swag ideas in a specific price range for my clients. Their site is set up in sections by price: Under $1, Under $2, and so on, with a good selection at each price point.

You'll find lots of cool swag ideas in the AP Specialties product line that are unique to their line. They do a great job of offering creative products at low price points. Here's an example what I mean. This is from their "Under $3.00" category and is a cool item I've never seen anywhere else:

CPP-2006 Printed Metallic Candy Take-Out

These shiny, metallic-finish 'take-out' boxes come filled with candies as shown, and the coolest part is that the CANDIES are custom-logo printed AS WELL AS the take-out box itself. For under $3.00, this is a creative swag idea that's impressive for the price & really puts the focus on your logo. If you like this idea, check out the rest of the AP Specialties online catalog... and remember - every item on their site can be purchased from Swag Connection.

I've had very good experience with our orders from AP Specialties and consider them one of our "preferred" catalog lines. Overall they are rated as "Above Average" by those in our industry for product quality, imprint quality & on-time delivery. Allow for production time of between 7-12 days, and all orders ship from California. They add new items to the line on a regular basis & you can often find great closeout deals on their site on discontinued items.

CROWN PRODUCTS
Crown Products uses the tagline "Whatever It Takes" and they really mean it. With consistently high industry rankings for quality, service & on-time delivery, I never have to worry about our clients being happy with their swag or missing an event date when we're working with Crown Products. They're definitely one of our top "go-to" suppliers when it comes to giveaway swag ideas.

Unlike AP Specialties, the Crown Products Online Catalog is arranged by category instead of price. Overall I'd say their product selection is typical of what you expect to find in the promotinal products industry - you'll find the usual staple items like keychains, letter openers, inexpensive drinkware, pens, etc. Their prices are very good, and they offer free rush service on many of their items.

Here's an item that's typical of the of the "bread & butter" giveaway swag items offered by Crown Products:

Color Dome Keychain (Item #CDBCOKC)

These are a classic bottle opener keychain, but a little nicer than most. The full-color logo dome decoration gives them an updated look and allows you to get colorful with your custom imprint. They're priced at $1.05 with a minimum order of 250 pieces.

Bottom line - if you're looking for solid value and good quality in traditional promotional giveaways, Crown Products is a great place to look for swag ideas. Production time varies by item and can run anywhere from 3-12 days. They give a lot of product information on their website and have a decent & growing selection of eco-friendly promotional products as well. Located in Alabama, they're a good choice for our East Coast clients who need quick shipping to meet their event deadlines.

LANCO
Lanco Promotional Products online catalog is the first one I go to when I have clients in a rush situation who need giveaway swag ideas. With consistently high quality and super-fast production times I know Lanco can get it done when other suppliers can't.

How fast is fast? How about 2 hours! With Lanco's 2-hour production option, we can place our client's order in the morning and have it ship out that afternoon. Of course you'll pay more for the super-rush, but it's nice to have it when you need it! They also offer 1-day and 3-day production on many items.

I'd say Lanco's product selection is typical for our industry, but it's broad & includes food items in addition to traditional promotional giveaways. Here's a giveaway swag idea from Lanco I particularly like - their "Velope" line, which includes these Gumvelopes:

Gumvelopes - Item SB1600

This is a full-color, full-bleed custom printed sleeve with a blister pack of sugar-free gum that slides in and out. It's a fantastic swag idea for tradeshows and events, with the greatest potential for visual impact of any item I can think of in the $2.00 & under price range.

Lanco's online catalog is easy to shop & arranged by category. They earn consistently high marks in our industry for their quality & on-time delivery. Based in New York, they're an excellent 'go-to' source for East Coast clients that are looking for swag ideas they can get in a hurry.

I hope you'll find these to be good resources for giveaway swag ideas, and you can now find links to these sites anytime you need them via our Online Catalog Library on Swagueen.com. All three of these suppliers sell ONLY through promotional product distributors like Swag Connection... so if you see items you like on these sites please order them through us.

Thanks for reading & keep coming back to find more places to look for great swag ideas!

Getting Swag Ideas from Catalogs

2009-11-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

I recently read the results of a study done by ASI (the Advertising Specialty Institute) that says 93% of promotional product buyers use catalogs to generate swag ideas.

Frankly, that percentage surprised me because we very seldom get requests to mail out catalogs here at Swag Connection. But, as I read the 'fine print' it started to make more sense - their study defined "catalogs" as including both traditional paper catalogs and online catalogs.

Personally, I think online catalogs are the way of the future for the promotional product industry. Online catalogs have a TON of advantages over paper ones:

Online catalogs can be accessed anywhere, any time

Online catalogs are easier to share if your swag decisions are made by committee

Unlike paper catalogs, they're easily searched by keyword or price point

They make it easier to price-shop and compare similar items

You never need to worry about online catalog prices being out of date

The product selection of online catalogs is always current

Online catalogs often offer special deals on discontinued items

They're much more eco-responsible, saving trees and other resources

No postage required!

We have two websites with searchable promotional product databases - Swag Connection.com for 'traditional' promotional products and Ecoswag.com for eco-responsible promotional products. The sites function as our company's "online catalogs" and they are both a great resource for anyone who is searching online for swag ideas.

Even so, I got to wondering if I could deliver an even better tool to help people who are looking for swag ideas online. At the same time, I wanted to take the blog in a a new direction because it seems to be getting a bit stale. So here's my great idea: Let's build an Online Catalog Library with links to the online catalogs of our favorite product lines!

So, you ask - how would this be different from our current searchable product websites?

To answer this question, I must begin with a quick explanation of how the promotional product industry is structured. Basically there are two types of players: Distributors (like Swag Connection) and Suppliers (which are the companies we Distributors source our imprinted promotional products from).

When you, as a promo buyer, start looking for swag ideas online you're most likely going to wind up on DISTRIBUTOR websites like Swag Connection, Branders.com, 4Imprint, Promopeddler, etc. You'll quickly see that all of these sites are quite similar, and that each offers a varied & seemingly endless selection of product choices. The one thing these sites all have in common is that they're all just collections of products that come from the Suppliers in our industry. If you ever thought we all pretty much have the same stuff on our sites, you're exactly right. All of us distributors just pick the products we like from various suppliers and put them on our websites. No wonder they all look like "the same thing only different"!!

What I'm planning to do is build you an online library of SUPPLIER catalogs. As a promotinal product professional, these are the catalogs that I go to when I'm looking for swag ideas for my clients. The cool thing about supplier catalogs is that many of them specialize in one particular area - for example, we have one supplier who just sells stress toys and has every shape and size you can imagine. So if you're looking for stress toys, it is much easier to go to that supplier website instead of visiting all of those sites above and searching each one for stress toys. Hope you're with me so far.

The other part of it is a change in the blog focus. Instead of being PRODUCT focused, I'm planning to become more SUPPLIER focused. Essentially, as I add new catalogs to the online library I will also write a "review" about that supplier on the blog to introduce you to their product line. I'll let you know what our company's experience with them has been, point out favorite products, tell you what I like about their product line, tell you where their products come from and where they ship out of... and whatever else I think is interesting.

Best of all - any swag idea you find - from ANY catalog in the library - can be purchased through Swag Connection at the same prices.

Next week we'll create the link to the Catalog Library on Swagqueen.com and feature our first supplier reviews... stay tuned!

Diane Nudelman
The Swag Queen
diane@swagconnection.com

New Idea for Tasteful Holiday Business Gifts

2009-10-20T15:42:00.001-07:00

Looking for a tasteful, customized holiday business gift that's appropriate for EVERYONE?

We now offer CUSTOM-ETCHED BOTTLES
of premium Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar:

Custom Labeled Olive Oil

If you're the person in charge of deciding on your company's holiday gifts, you know how hard it can be to find something that's appropriate for everyone on your list. Wine is a popular gift, but problematic because some people don't drink for personal or religious reasons. Plus it can be a real hassle to ship due to state liquor laws. Since people's taste in wine varys greatly, even a very expensive bottle may not be appreciated by everyone who receives it.

Nuts, popcorn, candies and gift baskets of food are other popular choices, but they can be a problem for diabetics, folks on sodium-restricted diets (or those who are simply watching their weight). Also, the sheer popularity of food gifts makes it likely yours will be one of several your recipients will get this holiday season, which makes it hard to stand out from the crowd.

That's why I really like this new swag idea I came across recently - CUSTOM ETCHED bottles of premium Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar for the holidays. These quality, all-purpose condiments come with your choice of a custom-printed label as shown above, or a deep-etched bottle like this:

Custom Etched Balsamic Vinegar

Both olive oil and balsamic vinegar are natural, healthful, all-purpose gifts that are different enough to stand out from the crowd. The custom-etched bottles have a high-end look and feel, as well as plenty of room for your logo or artwork. Olive oil and vinegar are also consumed over time compared to snack-type gifts, which keeps your logo around long after the holiday season is over.

These custom etched bottles are from Etching Wines and Spirits, and sold exclusively through promotional products companies like Swag Connection. The minimum order quantity is a low 12 bottles, with prices in the $30-$40 range. To see a PDF with more information and pricing, click here.

For an extra-special touch, laser-branded wooden gift crates are a beautiful way to package your gift and make a lasting impression:

Custom Label Bottle in Matching Gift Crate

These custom-etched bottles could also be delivered in a reusable wine tote, like this inexpensive one from Ecoswag.com.

While this is a great swag idea for the holidays, it's also good for other times of year as well. These would be nice gifts to reward clients, donors or employees in nearly any type of business!

INTERESTED IN CUSTOM-ETCHED OIL & VINEGAR FOR YOUR COMPANY?

Simply contact us with questions or to get started on your project:
Sales@SwagConnection.com
Toll Free: 866-247-4320

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more timely & appropriate swag ideas!

No-Logo Swag for "Stealth Spenders"

2009-10-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Shhh... Can You Keep a Secret??

Some big companies are still spending plenty of money on swag and event sponsorships... but they don't want anyone to know about it. Here's a new concept for you - Stealth Swag!

Don't look now, but swag is going "underground" as certain companies do everything they can to stay out of the promotional limelight. This trend is being seen in the pharma industry, as well as in financial services (especially TARP funds recipients), as firms that used to spend lavishly and openly face increased public scrutiny and government regulation.

These big companies aren't forgoing their VIP receptions, corporate sponsorships and industry conferences... but they're going to great lengths now to do these things without being noticed. This "stealth spending" was recently reported on by Leslie Wayne of the New York Times and apparently it's a growing trend.

In addition to keeping their names off their sponsored events, these companies are also keeping their logo off their swag giveaway items. In fact, some of these 'stealth' events are so well disguised that even the event organizers don't know who the sponsoring company is! So where can you find 'stealth swag' for your under-the-radar events? Right here at Swag Connection!

Most people don't realize that nearly every item we offer can also be purchased BLANK, with no custom logo imprinting. In fact, you'll typically pay less for blank goods and receive them much faster since most of the turnaround time in our industry is due to the time it takes to custom-imprint the merchandise. Orders for blank goods typically ship out within a day or two, and minimum order requirements are usually waived as well.

If you should find yourself sponsoring a 'stealth' event, contact Swag Connection for "no-logo" stealth swag ideas. And don't worry, we can keep a secret!

Timely Swag Ideas for Flu Season

2009-10-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

Associate your brand with safety & protection this flu season with these timely swag ideas:

HAND SANITIZERS MADE IN THE USA

Hand sanitizers are by far the TOP-SELLING swag item right now, and with good reason. The swine flu is all over the news worldwide and sanitizer usage is at an all-time high as people in all walks of life take steps to protect themselves from germs.

In a business conference or tradeshow environment where people are shaking hands and exchanging business cards, providing custom-label hand santizers is good for both public health and your company branding. After all, associating your company name with health and safety is never a bad thing, no matter what line of business you happen to be in.

When we recommend promotional hand santizers as a swag idea, our favorite supplier is The Humphrey Line, which is based here in Portland OR. Not only do they have the widest selection of styles of hand sanitizer in the promotional products industry, they also manufacture right here in the USA. Choosing their products helps support US jobs and reduces carbon emissions compared to imported sanitizers that come from overseas.

If you're interested in learning more about Humphrey Line hand sanitizers, click the You Tube logo below to view a video about this USA-made product line:

INTERESTED IN HUMPHREY LINE HAND SANITIZERS WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?
The entire line is available through Swag Connection, of course! Simply call or email us for more information or to get an order started. Good idea to plan ahead if you like this swag idea however, these are such a popular item that orders are taking 3-4 weeks right now.

ANOTHER POPULAR ITEM - PANDEMIC FLU KITS

These handy kits are specially designed for the flu season

This is one of the newest kits from Ready4Kits, the industry leader in sports and safety kits for over 10 years. This custom-logo zip pouch comes packed with flu season essentials as shown. These are not only an appropriate (and appreciated) swag idea for conferences and trade shows this fall, they are also an excellent item to distribute to your employees internally.

Swag Connection proudly carries the entire Ready4Kits line, which includes the option to create your company's own uniquely customized kit if you wish. Any of the items you see on their website are available through us with your custom logo imprint.

OTHER SWAG IDEAS FOR FLU SEASON include custom-label tissue packs, logo-printed digital thermometers, logo-embroidered fleece blankets and nice big ceramic soup mugs with your company logo.

Please contact us for more information and ideas in this product category:
PHONE: 866-247-4320
EMAIL: Sales@Swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great swag ideas!

Swag Francais

2009-09-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

Bonjour!
I've just returned from vacation in France, where we spent one week traveling around the countryside in Provence and a second week in Paris. Anyone who knows me very well knows that when I leave on vacation, that's it - I'm GONE. No work thoughts, no checking in with the office by phone or email. Thank goodness I've got great people to run the place while I'm away, and I really come back refreshed and ready for new challenges after being away for a couple of weeks.

So, even though I was in vacation mode, I did find myself noticing the swag over there in France (or more to the point, the lack of it). The French don't seem to sport logos the way we Americans do, especially when it comes to clothing. For one thing, they don't wear baseball caps. Ever. If you want to stand out as a tourist, just wear a baseball cap in Paris. If you see a French person wearing a hat, it will be a stylish one, sans logo. And no, Virginia, they don't wear berets.

The other thing I just didn't see was company-logo apparel in general. Every now and again we would go into a business or restaurant and see people in logo-decorated staff shirts, but never on the street. Again, the only people who seemed to be walking around with logo-embroidered shirts and jackets were tourists. As someone who notices this kind of thing, I thought it was really interesting. I think partly it's because the French are more style-conscious than we are, and I also think they don't identify as strongly with their work as many Americans do.

The one place where I really NOTICED a lot of logo action? Cups and glasses. Order an espresso in any cafe and it will come in a cute little logo-decorated cup (often with a cute, matching, logo-decorated saucer). And they take the logos on the beer glasses very seriously. Here in the US, a tavern will have the same beer logo on all of their pint glasses. In France they had logo glasses for each different kind of beer they serve, and they were careful to serve the beer in the appropriate glass. So when I ordered a Guiness, it came in a Guiness logo glass. Next time I ordered Carlsburg, and that came in a Carlsburg glass. I thought that was actually really cool, and shows an attention to detail that I admire.

Three other swag items seem to be universal & ubiquitious - bar coasters, matchbooks and pens. No matter where I go in the world, these are the big 3. Cheap, useful, often collectible as souvenirs. I imagine those must be 'bread & butter' items for people in my business over in France.

Now that I'm back, I'll be keeping my eye out for new and cool swag ideas to write about. Thanks for reading and keep coming back to see what's interesting in the wild and wonderful world of swag!

Swag We Love: The New Sharpie Pen

2009-08-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Do you love Sharpies like I love Sharpies?

If the answer is "yes", you'll be stoked to see the latest addition to the Sharpie family of permanent markers... the brand new Sharpie Pen, customized with YOUR logo:

Unlike any other brand of pen I can think of, Sharpies have an almost cult-like following. What started with the original Sharpie Permanent Marker years ago has morphed into an entire Sharpie product line, including Sharpie markers in mini sizes, retractable styles and fine-point models. While most Sharpies are sold at retail, the entire product line is also available with custom logo decoration through promotional product distributors like Swag Connection.

The Sharpie PEN is the newest addition to the Sharpie product line, which makes it a timely swag idea for the fall trade show & conference season. We ordered a few samples to try out, and the best thing about the pen compared to other Sharpies is it doesn't bleed through paper like other Sharpies do. It has a super fine-tip point that writes really nicely, with a good-sized area for your logo, phone number, URL, etc.

Available with Black or Blue ink, the new Sharpie Pen is priced at under $2.00 and available with your custom imprint in quantities of 200 or more. This is a great giveaway swag idea for all sorts of companies because it has such wide appeal.

INTERESTED IN MORE INFO? Click here to view this item on the Sanford B2B Webite

INTERESTED IN ORDERING SHARPIE PENS WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO? We'd be happy to help you out! Give us a call at 866-247-4320, or email us: Sales@SwagConnection.com to get your order started.

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for new swag ideas!

My Blog is Back from the Dead!

2009-08-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

I've been locked out of this blog for several weeks and thought I'd lost all my old post archives. So stoked to sign in to my Google account today and find it up & running again.

Apparently, Google's bots flagged this as a 'spam blog' and locked it up for a period of time. I requested a review & unlock quite some time ago, but nothing seemed to be happening and I'd almost given up hope.

Now that I can post again, I'll get busy and start bringing you some great new swag ideas!

Stay tuned....

Diane Nudelman

Custom Logo Tire Caps

2009-07-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here's another useful, everyday item you probably never thought of as a swag idea before...

Custom Logo Tire Caps:

At first glance these may not look like great marketing swag to you. I'll admit these didn't get my creative juices flowing when I first saw them either - although as far as swag goes, they certainly are one of the more unusual items I've seen lately.

My first thought was that these would only be interesting to people or companies that have something to do with the auto industry. That was quickly followed by my second thought, that no one would ever even NOTICE a logo on a tire cap... so why on earth would companies be interested in them as a swag idea?

But then I started to think about it... and came to this conclusion: If you look beyond that first impression and think creatively, these could actually be part of some very creative marketing campaigns.

First, the obvious: Not every logo is going to work on such a small item. These are only going to play nicely with simple, iconic logos containing little or no text or small details.

Second, the not-so-obvious: The branding impact of this swag idea will not occur when people notice them on someone's tires. In fact, no one may notice them at all because they're very small. These are an item where the branding impact will occur at the time you give it to the recipient - and they can have a big impact - especially if they are accompanied by some clever messaging.

There's a high pun fun-factor here for fearless marketers... "TIRELESS dedication to your needs", "There's NO CAP on how much money you can save you" or "We're DRIVING down prices". Now that I've got you started, I'll bet you can find more clever ways to tie these custom tire caps in with lots of non-automotive marketing messages.

If you do happen to be in a vehicle-related business, these would be a great giveaway item for multiple marketing purposes. Send them out with Thank You cards to new customers or those who refer others. They'd also be a fun 'reward' for test-drivers or service customers. If you want to get really creative, these could be a very interesting direct-mail "teaser"... send one tire cap out on a shrink-wrapped postcard with a special offer... and offer to complete the set by promising another 3 caps to all who stop by with their postcards by a certain date.

These could also be used effectively in a Green Marketing campaign. Here's an example: Give out or mail a set of custom-logo tire caps with a tire pressure gauge & info about how proper tire pressure helps maximize fuel efficiency. This type of promotional campaign is a win/win - it subtly promotes your brand while helping conserve the earth's resources AND helping your recipients save money on gas. It's hard not to feel good about a company that conducts a campaign such as that.

If you honestly wouldn't have thought of half this stuff yourself, perhaps you should think about working with Swag Connection for your next marketing promotion that involves swag. We'll help you take your promotional marketing beyond 'trinkets & giveaways' and give you creative ideas that will boost your brand AND resonate with your target audience.

INTERESTED IN CUSTOM TIRE CAPS WITH YOUR LOGO?

They come in sets of 4, and a set is priced between $2.99 & $4.30 depending on quantity. The minimum order is 250 sets. If you'd like more details or want to talk about a custom order, give me a call or email me directly:

Phone: 866-247-4320
My Email: Diane@Swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for new, innovative & unusual swag ideas!

Diane Nudelman - "The Swag Queen"

New Swag Idea: Driinn Cellphone Charging Station

2009-07-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a hot retail product you can now have customized with your logo:

The Driin Cellphone Charging Station

Simple and ingenious, the Driin Mobile Phone Charging Station is a top-selling item at retail stores & on the web. It's light and easy to travel with, and it solves the problem of where to keep a phone or PDA while it's plugged in and charging. Just wrap the cord around the Driin and rest the phone or other device on the little shelf. Your phone is neat & easy to spot - making it less likely you'll forget to charge it or accidently leave your charger behind in hotel rooms, etc.

You'll find these selling on Amazon.com, Delight.com and other web retailers for anywhere between $6-$10.

If your company is looking for a leading-edge swag idea for gifts & giveaways, take note. This is one of those relatively rare opportunties to brand a swag item that everyone wants. The simple and modern design of the Driin makes it the perfect canvas for your company logo. This is one of those inexpensive & useful swag ideas that will be kept, used and appreciated by nearly everyone who receives one.

Best of all is the high perceived value of this item relative to your cost. For companies buying in bulk with a custom logo, cost is in the $2.50-$3.00 range (minimum order: 50). If you Google this item you'll see it selling for between $5-$10. This high perceived value creates a positive impression in the mind of those who receive it, and it also makes this a nearly perfect giveaway item if you want to impress your target audience.

These custom Driinn Cellphone Holders come in White, Black, Blue, Red & Green (shown). If you'd like to see more information, pricing & pictures of them in different colors click here to see them on our supplier's website.

INTERESTED IN CUSTOM LOGO DRIIN MOBILE PHONE CHARGERS FOR YOUR COMPANY SWAG?

These are just one of the very cool swag items we sell at Swag Connection. Simply contact us by phone or email for more information, to get a quote, or to get started on your order:

Phone: 866-247-4320 (toll-free) 503-281-6420 (in Portland)

Email me directly: Diane@SwagConnection.com

Buzz-Worthy Swag Idea: Threadlite T-Shirts

2009-06-24T16:57:00.000-07:00

Looking to create some buzz for your brand?

Check out these Threadlite T-shirts!

My blog is where I communicate about the new and sometimes unusual swag ideas that come across my desk. This definitely qualifies as a blog-worthy swag idea.

I've got to say I just about flipped when I saw these Threadlites T-Shirts the other day. Talk about the ultimate in after-dark branding! Obviously this is premium swag for big-budget branders, but it's a ton of fun... even Fergie from Black Eyed Peas has been spotted wearing a Threadlite shirt!

To get an even better view of these shirts in action, check them out on this YouTube clip.

The secret is in Theadlite's exclusive low-voltage technology, which allows any pattern, graphic or text to be illuminated or flashed on any garment or hat. Previous generations of garment illumination relied on tiny holes in the fabric which were backlit with small LED bulbs that made them bulky and limited the design options.

The thin, flexible & durable Threadlite technology is a major advance in bringing light-up technology to t-shirts, hats and other types of fabric-based swag. Another innovation is their Techno Threadz line, which has a built-in equalizer so the shirts actually flash to the beat of the music!

If you work for a company or ad agency that might be interested in these cool light-up shirts for a product launch or ad campaign, we'd love to hear from you.

All Threadlites projects are custom-quoted on an individual project basis.

To get started, you can reach me by phone or e-mail:

Toll Free: 866-247-4320
Email: Diane@Swagconnection.com

Swag Connection June Hotlist

2009-06-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

New Swag Info: The Swag Connection June Hotlist

I've struggled a bit with the whole e-mail marketing thing to be honest. As one who is quick on the DELETE button when monthly newsletters hit my inbox, I appreciate the "less is more" philosophy when it comes to sending email for business.

What I've hit upon is a monthly 'Hotlist'... a quick snapshot of my favorite handful of current specials and favorites in the wild & wonderful world of swag.

For those of you who are not on our email list, here's a link to the June edition:

CLICK HERE TO VIEW JUNE HOTLIST

If you're interested in any of the specials shown on the list, just give us a call or shoot me an email for more information - thanks!

Diane Nudelman
Toll-free: 866-247-4320
email: diane@swagconnection.com

Brand New Swag Item: One Simple Strap

2009-06-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a BRAND NEW swag item I guarantee you've NEVER seen before:

One Simple Strap solves one of modern life's more annoying problems.... unruly cords!

Before One Simple Strap:

After One Simple Strap:

If your target customers are people who travel with electronic devices (and who doesn't these days?) you can become their hero with this deceptively simple (but extremely useful) new swag item.

Developed by the brother of a friend of mine in response to his frustration with wily, tangly cords, the Simple Strap is exactly that - a simple but effective Velcro strap that adheres to pretty much any corded device. Custom-printed with your 1-color logo and packaged with instructions for use, this item sells for $2.49/ea - a great price point for corporate giveaways. Minimum order: 500 pieces

As far as I know I'm the first person in the promotional products industry to offer this item to my clients... so here's your big chance to be among the VERY FIRST to promote your brand with a unique and useful item that will be kept, talked about and appreciated by those who receive it.

There are some types of companies for whom this is an obvious fit - great "gift with purchase" item for any retailer who sells cellphones, chargers or electronic devices. Here are a few not-so-obvious ideas for using One Simple Strap in a marketing campaign:

-Financial Planners, CPAs, Attorneys or Insurance Companies: You're in the business of untangling your clients problems and simplifying complex problems. The Simple Strap is emblematic of what you offer your clients. Why not use it in a direct mail marketing campaign to promote your services?

-Hotels, Restaurants & Rental Car Companies: Your target market is travelers, and every traveler can use a Simple Strap or two. It's a great way to keep your brand top-of-mind when your clients are on the road.

-Roadside Assistance or RV/Boat/Car Repair Services: Giving out One Simple Straps with your phone number or URL makes perfect sense. Your clients can tame their tangly cords - and keep your contact information handy when they're on the move and most likely to need your services.

INTERESTED IN ONE SIMPLE STRAP WITH YOUR CUSTOM IMPRINT?

This is one item you WON'T find anywhere else... so give us a call or shoot us an email if you're interested in getting a sample to try out or if you're interested in ordering this unique new item for your creative branding:

Phone: 866-247-4320
Email: Diane@Swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great swag ideas!

New Swag Idea: ERASEABLE Highlighters

2009-06-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

Here's another example of putting a NEW TWIST on a classic swag item:

Dri-Mark Erasable Highlighters

Here's an inexpensive swag idea with a "Gee-Whiz" factor you might want to consider if you're looking for new giveaway promo items. These aren't a brand-new product for us (they've actually been around for a couple of years), but they're one of those cool, low-priced swag ideas that many people have never seen before.

The concept is simple. At one end you have a traditional highlighter with a chisel tip. On the other end is a white tip with a magical solution that "erases" the highlighter ink after it's been applied to paper.

If you've ever mistakenly highlighted a form or a page in a book in the wrong place you'll appreciate this innovation! It really works - the highlighting disappears completely when you use the eraser tip.

As a giveaway item I like highlighters better than pens. Everyone gives pens away, and most people have fifty million pens already. Highlighters are useful but less common, making them more likely to be kept and used... plus the imprint area is bigger and gives you more room for your logo & contact info. These highlighters are even better than a traditional one because they're more useful... and they're different. Giving people something they've never had before is one way swag can help make your brand memorable.

There are three important things to keep in mind when buying any promo highlighters: Freshness, Quality and Ink Capacity.

The biggest problem with highlighters is that they eventually dry up, and a dried up highlighter is NOT a good reflection of your brand image! Many of the cheapo imported highlighters in the promo industry don't cap tightly & have a small ink capacity - and dry up quickly after you give them out. That's why Swag Connection recommends DriMark brand highlighters to our clients. They're the best on the market - made in the USA, always shipped fresh, they always close tightly and have enough ink to last for years. Definitely worth a few cents more!

INTERESTED IN DRI-MARK ERASEABLE HIGHLIGHTERS WITH YOUR COMPANY LOGO?

These are priced between $0.93 & $1.17 depending on quantity, with a minimum order of 350 pieces. Production time is 7 working days after proof approval, with rush service available. Click this link to see more information and pricing on Dri-Mark's website.

To order, simply call or email us at Swag Connection:

Toll Free: 866-247-4320
Email: Sales@SwagConnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great swag ideas!

New & Different Business Swag Item

2009-06-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a swag item that recently caught my eye - The Essential Accordion Jotter:

OK, I know what you're thinking... she's showing me just another one of those fancy Journal Books, which are nice, but certainly nothing new.

Wrong! Open it up and you'll see this is new, different & quite useful:

If you're looking for a fresh alternative to custom journals and notebooks, this Essential Accordion Jotter is a great choice. It's in the same price range, and it's an item that many people haven't seen before. Now don't get me wrong, I love journals and notebooks as business giveaway items. The problem with them is they're such a popular swag item that most people already have one (or more) already.

This accordion jotter is a nice size for taking notes (3.5" x 5.5") and comes with a refillable/removable jotter pad as shown. The 3 accordion pockets are great for all sorts of uses - keeping coupons, receipts, business cards or notes to self. There's an elastic pen loop built in to the middle (hard to see in the photo) and these can be ordered with the optional Modern Pen as shown. Extra refills are also available.

The cover is turned leatherette on a rigid paperboard backing, which combined with the flat elastic band closure gives this jotter a high-end, modern appeal. These are priced between $4-$6 depending on quantity, with a minimum order of 100 pieces with custom logo decoration.

IDEAS FOR USING THIS SWAG ITEM TO PROMOTE YOUR COMPANY OR CAUSE:

Accounting Firms: Perfect client gift for business owners who need to keep receipts & mileage logs

Banks: Great gift for new accounts, perfect size for keeping deposit receipts

Event Marketing: Slip a coupon, brochure or business card into the accordion pockets before the event for extra promotional power

Hospitals: This would be a great gift for new mothers - fill the accordion pockets with coupons for special offers for new moms gathered from local marketing partners.

Non-Profits: A nice gift for donors or volunteers that's classy & useful but not too spendy

Interested in The Essential Accordion Jotter with YOUR Custom Logo?

Here's a link to this item on our Supplier's website where you can see more details & pricing:

Click Here for Info

To Order - just give Swag Connection a call or send me an email to get started:

Phone: 866-247-4320
Email: Diane@Swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more fresh & unique swag ideas!

Timely Swag Idea: Hand Sanitizer Lotion

2009-05-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Custom Logo Hand Santizers are the #1 Selling Promo Item Right Now

This is even better:

Introducing Hand Sanitzer Lotion that Protects... and Moisturizes!

With the Swine Flu all over the news lately, custom-label hand sanitizer became our industry's hottest-selling product literally overnight. Long a staple swag item for companies in the medical fields, hand santizer is now being used as giveaway swag by companies in all sorts of industries.

As readers of my blog know, I like to be on the leading edge when it comes to new, useful and innovative promotional items. So I was stoked to discover this promo hand sanitizer last week because it's better than the others in one very important way - it moisturizes!

Anyone who is a heavy user of hand sanitzing gels can tell you - it's great stuff but it's super-drying on your hands and cuticles. Most gel and spray sanitizers have a high alcohol content, which is great for killing germs but also sucks the moisture right out of your skin. This exclusive formulation is made in the USA and was developed in conjunction with a major teaching hospital in Ohio. It's the first of it's kind. It's non-greasy, odorless, effective at killing germs... and it leaves hands feeling soft, even with frequent use!

One other thing worth mentioning. This product is made in the USA. That's not only important because it supports American jobs, but also for safety reasons. With the quality control problems in Chinese factories coming to light in the news, I think it's very important to know where your swag comes from and that the ingredients on the label are truly what's in the bottle.

This new formulation comes in 1/2 oz, 1 oz and 2 oz sized clear plastic bottles that are custom-labeled with your company logo. Priced in the $1-$2 range with low minimum orders starting at 100 bottles, this is a swag idea that would be very appropriate for:

Hospitals
Daycare Providers
Insurance Companies
Airlines and Cruise Ships
Spas and Clinics
Corporate HR Departments
Schools & Universities
Inclusion in Event Bags

INTERESTED IN HAND SANITIZER LOTION WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?

This is one of many styles of hand sanitizers we offer from our trusted supplier The Humphrey Line. CLICK HERE for a link to the hand sanitizer section of their website (Product Numbers for the Lotion Sanitizer: #359, #387, #388 & #311).

To order, simply contact us by email or give us a call: 866-247-4320

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more new & timely swag ideas!

A New Twist on a Classic Swag Item

2009-05-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Looking for a new Giveaway Swag Idea that's Useful & Inexpensive?

This new promo bag clip has a cool new feature that makes it unique & useful... a built-in bag slitter.

One of the things I love about the promotional product industry is the constant product innovation. I'm continually amazed at how even the simplest items can be made better and more useful with little design tweaks, like the built-in safety blade in this "Cut-It Clip" that cuts bags open safely without making a mess.

Bag clips have long been one of my favorite swag giveaway items. They're useful at home or office and are an item that people tend to use and keep around for a long time. They're inexpensive (under $2) and have a fairly large imprint area for your logo. I always recommend that my clients spend a few extra cents for the optional magnet attachment because it keeps this item on the fridge - instead of in the drawer - which makes it easy to find and gives my clients more logo impressions over time.

Other things I like about this particular clip:

Made in the USA

Comes in 29 different colors

Exclusive Patented Design

Available in 5 colors of Recycled Plastic

5-day production time, with Rush Orders at no extra charge

Trade-show tip: If you use these clips as giveaway swag at tradeshows or events, they're a great for attaching to sales collateral such as brochures, flyers and special-offer coupons. If you've worked these events, you know it can be hard to put your information into the hands of attendees or have your brochures stand out when attendees get home with their bag 'o stuff. Putting your information into these clips before handing out makes it stand out from all the other paper items... and even if the sales collateral gets tossed the clip still sticks around to remind them of your company.

Other ways to use this item: These are a natural swag item for any kind of hosted business lunch that includes bags of chips such as sales meetings, company picnics or industry conferences. They'd also be a good item to promote delis and sandwich shops that cater to the business lunch crowd - distribute them to local businesses with a special-offer coupon or loyalty card.

INTERESTED IN CUT-IT CLIPS WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?

It's just one of the many cool swag ideas we have here at Swag Connection. Just give us a call or shoot us an email if you'd like more information and pricing on this item, or any swag you happen to be looking for.

Toll Free: 866-247-4320
Email: Diane@swagconnection.com
(hours 8-5 PST)

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for new swag ideas to meet any budget!

New Swag Item: Montezuma Convertible Backpack

2009-04-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

This Week's New Favorite Thing... The Convertible "Montezuma" Backpack from District Threads

The very first thing I must say is that the picture does not do it justice. This swag item is MUCH cooler in real life. I recently got a sample to try out (one advantage of being the Swag Queen) and it's the best laptop-compatible backpack I've ever owned.

Brand new for Spring 2009, this backpack's most innovative feature is that it easily converts from a backpack to a messenger bag so you can carry it whichever way is most comfortable for you. It's a nice size for travel with a padded, separate compartment specially designed for carrying a laptop computer up to 17" size. The roomy main compartment is also padded, as are the backpack straps and shoulder strap so it's super-comfy to carry, even when loaded with stuff. The bottom panel is rubberized to protect the contents from moisture. Even the hand-carry handle at the top of the bag is padded... you can tell the designers of this laptop backpack have put a lot of thought into every detail.

I especially love the multitude of organizing pockets that are built in to this pack. They're nicely sized and well-placed for easy access while keeping contents secure. It comes in basic black, or in the coffee-brown and black combo shown above (my fave). Your custom logo decoration can be added to the center front pocket with embroidery or screenprinting. My recommendation would be embroidery... it looks classier and will last longer, especially with heavy use.

The price? Around $40 each with logo embroidery, and a low minimum order quantity of a dozen packs.

These custom logo computer backpacks are a great swag idea for your company's Sales Team and Executives who travel with laptops for business. They'd be a nice addition to an employee rewards program or incentive prize to use in sales contests. Colleges could sell these in their bookstores or use them as an gift when recruiting new students or athletes to their programs. Computer retailers may want to consider these as an item to sell with a new laptop computer. I can also see these as a nice gift to express appreciation for non-profit donors, volunteers and Board members.

INTERESTED IN THE MONTEZUMA CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK AS A SWAG IDEA FOR YOUR LOGO?

You can see more specs and detailed information about this item by clicking here to view on our supplier's website. To order, contact us at Swag Connection:

Phone: 866-247-4320
Email: Sales@SwagConnection.com

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more great swag ideas!

Sweet New Swag Idea: Towel Cakes

2009-04-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Brand-New Swag Idea I Just HAD To Share....
TOWEL CAKES

Just when I think I've seen it all, a brand-new swag idea like this crosses my desk and reminds me of just how creative the promotional products industry can be.

At first glance this looks like a slice of cake... but it's actually a sweetly and cleverly packaged 13"x13" hand towel. The towel itself is unimprinted - your logo and artwork appear on the sticker affixed to the outside of the package. Here are a couple of other styles available:

Not only are these items really creative and clever, they're MEMORABLE. And isn't that really the whole idea behind creative branding and using promotional products effectively? I was just reading a marketing blog in Conde Nast Portfolio about Memorable Marketing (click here to link to the blog post) about the "POW" factor versus the 'wow' factor. The "POW" factor is truly unexpected, utterly memorable marketing that really connects with the target audience and creates brand loyalty.

This is the kind of swag idea that will make the difference between wow & POW in marketing campaigns for businesses and events such as...

Hotel & Resorts
Cosmetic Surgery Centers & Med Spas
Personal Trainers & Fitness Clubs
Weddings & Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Hospital Maternity/Birthing Centers

Other ideas where this swag idea could tie in nicely include:

Any promotion promising a 'Sweet Deal'
Inclusion in high-end Swag Bags
Any promotion using the tag line 'Piece of Cake'
Direct Mailer for Client or Employee Birthday Recognition

INTERESTED IN ORDERING TOWEL CAKES WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?
With a low minimum order quantity of 50 pieces, towel cakes are priced between $5-$8/ea depending on order quantity. For more information about ordering, please contact us at Swag Connection (866-247-4320 or email us: sales@swagconnection.com)

Thanks for reading, and keep coming back for the newest and most memorable swag ideas on the web!

Diane Nudelman
'The Swag Queen'

This Blog is back on Blogger

2009-04-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone-
I'm still hosting the blog on www.swagqueen.com, but since it's a simple matter to cut 'n paste the HTML to duplicate the posts here on Blogger, I'm going to just publish it in BOTH places. This will also make it easier to subscribe to the RSS feed, which I realize has been an issue with the hosting on my website.

Stay tuned for creative swag ideas!

Diane Nudelman
Swag Connection

Eco Swag for Summer - Recycled Flip Flops

2008-06-11T13:42:00.001-07:00

Looking for summer swag ideas that are earth-friendly and a little different? Check out the CoCo Eco Flip Flop, customized with your logo on the strap.

This comfortable and distinctive sandal features a sole made of recycled fibers. The recycled coconut fiber insole is breathable (very nice in hot weather). The imprinted straps are made of 100% natural rubber and come in several color choices to fit your brand image. They come in 3 sizes & are assembled and printed in the USA.

With a low minimum order of 50 and priced between $12-$14 per pair, these are an earth friendly promotional product with lots of possible uses:

-Include them in Swag Bags for summer events
-Great employee gift for your company picnic
-Use to promote sales contests for vacation getaways
-Give as a gift to people attending timeshare presentations
-Offer as a gift for test driving a new convertible
-Give as gift with purchase for tours or cruises

Here's one more innovative way to use this for a creative promotion - send or deliver JUST ONE SANDAL to your prospect, with some clever messaging about getting your 'foot in the door' for business. Follow up by offering to bring the 2nd sandal with you if they'll agree to a brief introductory meeting.

This is probably one of the most unique earth-friendly swag items I've seen lately, and I don't think very many people know about them. If you're a marketing type that likes to have a creative edge while also embracing sustainability, this is just the kind of item for you!

INTERESTED IN THE COCO ECO FOR YOUR SUMMER BRANDING?

You can buy these from Swag Connection, customized with YOUR logo. We have more information and pricing on our website (you can order online if you like):

www.swagconnection.com

From the home page click 'COLLECTIONS' to go to the items featured on our blog.

Feel free to call or email me if you'd prefer to work by phone or would like more eco friendly swag ideas for your business or nonprofit. Thanks for reading & keep coming back for great swag ideas from the Queen!

Eco Swag - Recycled Polyester Polo

2008-06-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

If custom logo polo shirts are part of your company swag, here's an eco-friendly choice to consider. This stylish, easy-care, moisture wicking shirt is made from fabric containing 50% recycled polyester. It's a comfortable 4.4oz weight and comes in several different colors and has a companion style for ladies.

This is part of our Ash City apparel line, which recently came out with a whole new collection of stylish and earth-friendly logo apparel. The collection includes several different styles made from recycled, bamboo and soy-based fabrics.

To check out the Ash City clothing line, including their Ecological collection:

www.ashcity.com

Choose "USA" to enter the site. You'll find 'Ecological' in the menu to the left.

TO ORDER THIS SHIRT WITH YOUR COMPANY LOGO:

You'll find this (and the other items featured on this blog) on our website:
www.swagconnection.com

The minimum order for custom-embroidered shirts is 12 pieces, and this one's priced right around $30. You can also call or email us to order any of the items on the Ash City website with your custom logo.

This is a great apparel line for companies with a commitment to sustainability, and just one of the many apparel lines we offer.

If you need a good company to work with for YOUR custom logo apparel, please consider Swag Connection. We offer high-quality embroidery and screenprinting to make sure your company shirts come out looking sharp every time. Please feel free to call or email us if you need help with your company swag!

Phone: 503-281-6420
Toll-Free: 866-247-4320
Email: info@swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for great swag ideas!

EcoSwag: A Better Reusable Shopping Tote

2008-06-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

With plastic bags now banned in San Francisco and other cities starting to follow suit, the popularity of custom-imprinted reusable shopping bags has soared. The most popular ones seem to be the boxy, non-woven shopping totes with 1" wide handles that you find for sale in most grocery stores.

Those boxy bags are OK, but they've got some drawbacks. For one thing, they really don't fold down very small so they're a pain to carry around with you. The non-woven fabric rips fairly easily, and when they're loaded with groceries those skinny handles can really dig into your hands or shoulders.

This Reusable Nylon Folding Tote is a better reusable shopping tote. It easily folds down to a tiny 3.5"x2.5"x1" size & stores in an attached pouch. That's a perfect size for a pocket, small purse or glovebox. Even better, it's specially designed to fit on those metal supermarket checkout frames, making it easier to load.

Made of ripstop nylon, it's stronger and more durable than the nonwoven bags - and more comfortable to carry when loaded with groceries. Priced about the same as the nonwoven totes, I think this is a better bag that is easier to use and store. It comes in black or green with your 1-color custom imprint on 1 side. Minimum order is 100 bags. Pricing is $2.70-$3.30 depending on quantity.

Speaking of swag ideas, this would be a GREAT TRADESHOW BAG to give out at your next event. You could demonstrate at your booth how it folds down into the small pouch for easy storage. Use them as swag bags at your company picnic or golf tournament, or give them to customers as a gift-with-purchase.

These could also be sold for around $5 as a nonprofit fundraiser. No matter how you use them, they're a nice earth-friendly item that people will really appreciate... and they're DIFFERENT from what everyone else is doing :)

INTERESTED IN THIS BAG WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?

We offer this and the other items I feature on the blog for sale online:

www.swagconnection.com

Click "COLLECTIONS" at the top of the homepage to see Items Featured on our Blog.

You can also search Swag Connection online for great swag ideas, by price range or by key words. It's a great resource when you're looking for new company swag!

Need a good company to work with for YOUR swag needs? Lots of our happy clients find us through this blog and I love to hear from my readers. Just email us (info@swagconnection.com) or call us toll-free: 866-247-4320. We're always happy to help people find cool stuff for their logo!

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great swag ideas!

Swag Innovation - AntiMicrobial Lanyards

2008-06-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

In healthcare and dental environments, stopping the spread of germs is critical. Items like patient charts, pens and lanyard badge-holders are especially prone to collecting germs because they're handled and exposed to bacteria on a daily basis, yet they can't be easily sterilized.

Swag Connection now offers the first and only customized AntiMicrobial Lanyards made with SmartSilver(TM) Nanotechnology. SmartSilver's performance is proven through tough independent lab and user testing. Their 19-nanometer nanoparticles were created to give fibers and fabric unmatched antimicrobial and anti-odor performance.

This technology is permanent - it's woven into the fabric and won't wear out, flake or rub off as long as care instructions are followed. And the care is easy - just machine wash in cold water with mild detergent (no bleach) and hang to dry.

The logo is also permanent because it's custom-woven right into the lanyard material itself. So these lanyards will look great after months or even years of daily use.

We offer several styles of lanyards, key straps, wrist bands and pet products with this new antimicrobial technology, which adds about $1.00 per item to the item cost.

Here are a couple of links to check out for more information on this technology and the products it's available on:

www.SmartSilverOnline.com

www.wov-in.com

Swag Connection sells Wov-In products, so if you're interested in this item for your business just give us a call or drop us an e-mail. Thanks for reading & keep coming back to find out what's new in the wonderful world of SWAG!

Rand McNally "Green Edition" 2008 Atlas

2008-06-03T15:17:00.000-07:00

Promote your business while encouraging travel that respects the environment!
Rand McNally Road Atlases with custom covers have long been a favorite swag item for insurance agents, travel companies and other savvy marketers who want to keep their logo in front of clients and prospects. They're one of the few swag items in the $5 price range that's useful, classy and tends to be kept and used for years.

New for 2008 - the GREEN EDITION

Printed on 15% post-consumer recycled paper, this 80-Page Atlas features:

-Driving maps of US States & Canadian Provinces
-Maps of more than 40 major cities
-Introduction to traveling responsibly & eco-tourism
-Tips on traveling green (improving gas mileage, responsible camping)
-Mini-city guides for North America's most walkable cities
-Overviews of major city public transit systems
-Introductions to carbon offsets & green hotels

Atlas is custom-printed with your logo or message on the cover, and each copy can be name-personalized as well. Deluxe protective vinyl and leather logo-embossed covers are also available to make this an extra special business gift or incentive.

With a minimum order of 100 atlases and priced between $4-$6, the Green Edition Atlas is a great eco-swag item for all sorts of businesses. Possible uses for this swag idea that come to mind are.....

-Car Dealers: Offer as a test-drive incentive
-Hotel Chains: Encourage summer travelers
-Auto Repair: Great gift for new or loyal clients
-Insurance Agents: A perfect gift for new auto insurance clients
-Real Estate Companies: Great gift for new homeowners

INTERESTED IN THIS SWAG ITEM FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
We offer the Rand McNally Green Edition 2008 Road Atlas, as well as the other items featured on our blog, for sale on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just go to our 'Collections' to see the items featured on this blog. While you're there you can also search for swag ideas and check out our EcoSwag Collection. Buy online or call us for personal service. We're here to help you find cool stuff for your logo!

Thanks for reading and keep coming back often for eco-friendly swag ideas!

Going Green Spiral Notebook

2008-05-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

Spiral notebooks made from recycled materials are nothing new, so you may be wondering why I'm featuring this one on the blog. There's one small (but important) detail that makes this one unique... Graph Paper!

Each of the 50 pages of recycled paper in this notebook is two-sided. Side A is lined, but Side B is graph paper. This makes it a GREAT notebook for certain types of businesses, such as architects, designers, builders and engineers. Since so many of these types of firms are embracing sustainability, this is a very useful green item that lends itself extremely well to their businesses.

The 6x9 size is large enough to really be useful but still compact enough to travel well. The outer hardboard cover is kraft brown & is bound with black twin-loop wire. All components are made of recycled materials. Each page bears a small 'recycle' symbol and Goingreen(TM) at the bottom. Minimum order is 100 books with a price point between $4-$6 depending on quantity.

These would be a fantastic item for training classes at large companies, or for industry conferences. They're also a perfect item for colleges of engineering, architecture or design - either for sale at the campus bookstore or to be used as 'giveaway swag' at recruitment events. They'd also be a useful, thoughtful and inexpensive client gift for real estate agents, home inspectors or appraisers.

INTERESTED IN THE GOING GREEN NOTEBOOK WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?

You can order this item custom-imprinted with your logo through our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Simply click 'Collections' to see details and pricing for the items featured on my blog. You can also search for other promotional swag by price range or key words.

If you need a good company to work with, please consider Swag Connection for your company's swag! I'd be happy to send you our "email brochure" upon request.

Thanks for reading & keep checking back for more new, unique and eco-friendly swag ideas. Have a great day!!

Minty-Fresh, Earth-Friendly and Under $1...

2008-05-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

Breath mints are a popular swag item, especially as 'giveaway' items at events, conferences and trade shows. Unfortunately, the packaging used for most mints isn't very earth-friendly. The most inexpensive ones come in a plastic 'credit card' container that typically gets thrown away after the mints are gone.

That's one of the reasons I really love AdMints. They come in a cute reclosable box that's completely biodegradable and earth friendly. An added bonus is the ability to print all five sides of the box with your own custom full-color graphics. You can even add a "scratch off" area for extra-creative promotional marketing! Best of all, the price point on AdMints is the lowest in the industry - prices start at $.83/each plus setup charges (minimum order is 500 boxes).

My favorite filling is the sugar-free mints (spearmint or peppermint). There are between 20-25 mints per box. You can also order them filled with red hots, M&M type chocolates or Chiclet-style gum.

This is a great, basic, multipurpose swag item that can be used effectively by a wide variety of businesses. Give them away at events, leave them behind on sales calls or at networking events. You can even put a big dish of them out at the front desk or in the conference room.

Hotels could put them on pillows. Restaurants could put a box on the tray along with the check. Retailers could drop them into a client's shopping bag as a nice little 'bonus' surprise. Small, useful, thoughtful, inexpensive, huge visual impact and less than a dollar. Oh, and earth friendly too! I ask you, what's not to like??

INTERESTED IN ADMINTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
If you like AdMints as a swag idea for your business (or non-profit), you can order them online through my company, Swag Connection:

www.swagconnection.com

Just go to "Collections" to find the items featured on our blog... you can also browse our EcoSwag collection or search for swag by keywords.

If you'd like more information about this item, or just a good person to work with for your company's swag needs, feel free to contact me. I hear from people all over the US who find me through this blog, and many of them have become clients!

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more eco-friendly swag ideas.

A COOLER Cooler

2008-05-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

After a very long rainy season here in Portland, today is supposed to be sunny and about 90 degrees. Which got me thinking about Summer... outdoor concerts, boating, hiking, picnics and going to BBQ parties at friends houses. As the Swag Queen, I think it's time to think about some cool swag items for the hot weather. And what, I ask you, can be cooler than, well... a cooler?

I've got an eye for style, and there aren't too many promo swag coolers out there that really twirl my skirt. This one, however, caught my eye. It might be the simple but chic European styling, or the fact that it's that perfect size: bigger than a lunch sack, but not a big clunky thing either (Dimensions are about 11.5" x 10.5"). I love the outide pocket and big adjustable shoulder strap. Even though it comes in Black or Red as well, I personally think the Silver rocks.

By itself it's a nice gift item for under $15. Would be a great addition to a company store, safety program or sales contest, as well as a nice 'thank you' gift or incentive item.

With a little imagination, you could do a whole lot more. Deliver them with an invitation inside for your Summer event. Put a nice golf shirt and a few goodies inside for a great tee prize. Fill with a bottle of wine and some gourmet treats to make a great gift basket. Hotels could put a beach towel and sun items inside and use them as a guest incentive for summer promotions.

The nice thing is, the minimum order quantity on this item is just 25 pieces, so they're great for small events where you want to make a big impression.

INTERESTED IN THIS ITEM FOR YOUR COMPANY OR NON-PROFIT?

We offer the items on my blog for sale on our website:
www.swagconnection.com

Just click "collections" to find the items featured on our blog. If you need a good person in the swag biz to work with, I invite you to contact me personally. I work with busy people from companies all over the US who need good swag ideas and value personal service.

Thanks for reading! Keep checking back for more cool summer swag ideas!!

Promote Green Living Every Day

2008-05-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

If your company embraces sustainability and promotes green living, this may be the PERFECT calendar for you in 2009. The Going Green calendar is printed on recycled paper with vegetable inks with a binding made of recycled wire. It features beautiful photography and offers green living tips for every month of the year.

In addition to your custom imprint on the bottom tab, you may also choose to customize the ENTIRE BACK PAGE of your calendar. This is a great place to put a list of locations, information about your products or services or even your company's mission statement.

I know 2009 seems a long way off right now, but trust me... NOW is the time to order calendars for next year. You'll get the best pricing if you order before July 1st, and you should distribute them by October at the latest.

This particular calendar has a minimum order of 100, and is priced between $2.22-$3.64 depending on quantity.

INTERESTED IN THIS CALENDAR FOR YOUR BUSINESS OR NON-PROFIT?

You can purchase this and the other items featured on my blog at www.swagconnection.com. Just visit our 'Collections' section to see the 'Items Featured on our Blog' collection.

We offer a ton of 2009 calendar styles besides this one. You can search our site by keywords to see a larger selection of themes and styles.

Thanks for reading my blog - and I love to hear from the folks all over the country who come here for great swag ideas. My direct email is: diane@swagconnection.com

Diane Nudelman
AKA "The Swag Queen"

Swag Alert: Bisphenol A Scare Prompts Switch to Aluminum Bottles

2008-05-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Polycarbonate plastic water bottles are a popular swag item, or at least they were until recently. With recent widespread news coverage about chemical Bisphenol A, which is found in many types of plastic bottles, many of our clients are looking for alternatives to plastic.

Adding the Bisphenol A scare to the rising popularity of the Sigg brand decorated water bottles leads me to this conclusion: Aluminum water bottles are the next hot swag item.

That being said, this particular aluminum bottle caught my eye this morning. It's different, with a flask-like shape that makes it stand out from the crowd. The matte black finish and flat shape make it a perfect canvas for a simple, bold logo statement. It's strong, masculine, sporty and modern all at the same time.

This bottle has a 22oz capacity and is about 8.5" tall an 3.75" wide. The split ring and caribiner are included. It's a new style for 2008 that isn't widely available. It's also very reasonably priced - between $4.79 - $5.99 depending on quantity (minimum is 96 bottles). The only color it comes in is Black.

INTERESTED IN THIS ITEM FOR YOUR COMPANY?

You can order this water bottle with your custom logo from Swag Connection online. Simply go to www.swagconnection.com and visit our COLLECTIONS. There you'll find 'Items Featured on our Blog' with information and pricing.

You can also SEARCH for aluminum water bottles on our site, if you're interested in seeing what other styles are available.

One last quick tip from the Swag Queen - if you're thinking about aluminum water bottles for your company swag, be prepared for longer timeframes than usual. Many suppliers were caught by surprise by the sudden demand for aluminum bottles and are scrambling to keep them in stock. Backorders are pretty common right now, so plan ahead and order early if you need them for an event.

THANKS FOR READING and feel free to contact me directly if you need a good company to work with for YOUR company swag: Diane@SwagConnection.com.

Want more information on Bisphenol A?
www.bisphenol-a.org

Hey DOG - Nice Cap!

2008-04-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

Promotional marketing is about cutting through the clutter and getting your message noticed. Believe me - your message is going to get REALLY noticed if you put it on a Pet Cap!

People love dogs, in fact studies show people actually notice and respond more to advertising messages where images of dogs and puppies are used. As a creative marketer you can tap into this love of dogs and create warm and positive brand associations with dog-themed swag items.

Don't think you need to be in a pet-related business to use this idea - any company that uses logo decorated promo caps can also use Pet Caps. I suggest ordering a small quantity of Pet Caps in assorted sizes the next time your company orders caps for humans. In fact, I even have a great idea for a promotional campaign...

PHOTO CONTEST! A fun way to use the Pet Cap to promote your business is to sponsor a pet photo contest. The pet in the photo must be wearing your company Pet Cap, of course.

Retailers can have the photos brought to their location and posted on a wall, with a voting ballot box where customers can vote for their favorite. A similar thing could be done online to drive traffic to a website instead. Either way, offer a grand prize like free grooming services or a week of doggie daycare to encourage participation.

OTHER PET CAP IDEAS INCLUDE...
Employee Contests - Use the idea above for an internal Employee Pet Photo contest
Non-Profits - The Pet Cap is great for raising funds... and awareness!
Pet Related Businesses - Duh!

INTERESTED IN THIS IDEA FOR YOUR PROMOTIONAL MARKETING?
For your convenience we offer the items featured on our blog for sale on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just visit our "Collections" and you'll find the section with items featured on our Blog. You'll find information, pricing and you can request a quote or order online.

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for new, interesting and unique swag ideas!

A Better Retractable Badgeholder

2008-04-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

When we left our favorite sushi place last week after lunch (Mio Sushi in NW Portland), we found someone's employee photo ID badge lying on the sidewalk. It was on a retractor with a little metal clip & had apparently popped off of whatever it was clipped to. We returned it, but it made me wonder how often that happens to folks who need to carry ID badges for work.

I'm happy to say I just found this new, patented retractable badge holder that is much more secure than the metal clip on kind! It's such a simple design I'm actually surprised no one's come out with it before. This plastic carabiner clips securely onto a belt loop, lanyard, purse strap or keychain. It keeps employee badges from getting lost and is great for folks that don't want to wear a badge around their neck.

This is an especially good item for places where a lanyard isn't practical, like a construction site. The crew can just keep these on their belt loops, keeping their IDs visible and secure.

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN THESE BADGE RETRACTORS FOR YOUR COMPANY... we now feature the items on the blog for sale on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just click 'Collections' and go to 'Items Featured on our Blog'. The turnaround time on this item is about 10 days. There's a 150 piece order minimum and they're priced at well under $2/ea.

I hope you are finding good swag ideas on my blog, and please come back often since I feature new swag on a regular basis. Thanks for reading!

Earth-Friendly Bamboo Sport Shirts

2008-04-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

This could just possibly be THE Perfect Golf Shirt for 2008!

I was intrigued when I heard Port Authority was coming out with eco-friendly shirts made from bamboo fabrics. The timing was great, too, since this is the time of year when I'm keeping my eye out for golf shirts to recommend for my clients.

I'll admit I was surprised when I first felt the material - it was nicer than I expected it to be. Soft, kind of silky with a nice sheen to it. But once I tried it on, that was it - this is one comfortable shirt, regardless of what it's made of!

But comfort is just the beginning. This eco-friendly material has all sorts of great properties that make this shirt a great performer. It's breathable and moisture-wicking, perfect for warm weather. It's UV-resistant, protecting the wearer from harmful rays. It's also naturally odor-resistant and antimicrobial, and it comes in a nice palette of colors.

Best of all, it's priced at under $30.00 (with embroidery included) and comes in both Mens and Ladies sizes. This is a great shirt for employees, even if they don't golf... it will keep them looking (and smelling) crisp, clean and professional even on the hottest days of Summer.

INTERESTED IN MORE DETAILS AND PICTURES? Follow this link to see this shirt on the Sanmar.com website: http://www.sanmar.com/sanmar-servlets/CatalogBrowser?id=1016006

INTERESTED IN ORDERING THIS SHIRT FOR YOUR COMPANY?
We offer the items I write about on our blog for sale on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just click 'Collections' and visit the section "As Featured on our Blog". You can also purchase a blank sample shirt from us if you want to try it out first before ordering this shirt for your company or non-profit.

Thanks for reading, and keep checking back for more great swag ideas!

New BioDegradable Pen

2008-04-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

I spent a few days last week at the ASI Show in Las Vegas. There were about 600 product lines displayed, at it became clear very quickly that green, eco-friendly and sustainable swag is THE HOT TREND in this industry. Virtually every product line is quickly adding eco-friendly choices, and it's exciting to see so many cool items being offered that are also sustainable.

We were given a sample of this pen when we registered, and I really like it. It's called THE ECO (pretty original name - not!). I've cut and pasted the technical information about the pen in the next paragraph. What I like is that it's a good looking pen, it writes very nicely and it's eco-friendly without that 'granola' look of the recycled cardboard type pens. It's also under $1.00, putting it within reach of any eco-friendly company's budget.

The Eco is 100% Biodegradable material in which the Mater Bi Class Y/C is a composting material. If the water content is sufficiently high, the Micro-organisms start to consume the nutritional substances, that is, degrade the organic molecules, producing carbon dioxide, water and heat (biodegration), in about 90 Days. This is the NEWEST GENERATION of Biodegradable Pens.

INTERESTED IN THE ECO FOR YOUR COMPANY? I now offer the items featured on my blog for sale on our new website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just go to "Collections" and check out 'Items Featured on our Blog'... the most recent item is always the one at the top of the list. This is also featured in our Eco-Swag Collection, which is a great place to find earth-friendly swag online.

Thanks so much for reading my blog. I have a LOT of new eco-friendly swag to write about from the ASI show, so check back often to get brand new, earth friendly swag ideas. Cheers!!

EnviroFolders: 100% Reycled Presentation Folders

2008-03-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

Nearly every business uses presentation folders. They're a very important carrier of your company's brand image because they're one of the first branded items put into the hands of potential clients, prospects or employees.

If your company is earth friendly and committed to sustainability, this is the perfect folder for you. The EnviroFolder is a durable, 20pt chipboard folder made from 100% post-consumer recycled chipboard. Printed with low VOC, vegetable-based inks, it features two inside pockets and an optional business card slit.

If the brown kraft look is just a little bit too "granola" for you, that's OK. It also comes in a pure white color as well (the EnviroFolder premium).

With a minimum order of just 250 folders, the EnviroFolder is the perfect recycled folder for businesses and non-profits of any size. The paperstock is more durable and will last longer than that used in most 'budget' presentation folders, making this a great investment in your image and branding.

INTERESTED IN RECYCLED FOLDERS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

We feature the items on our blog for sale on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just go to our "Collections" area & check out the "Items Featured on our Blog" Collection. The most recent item featured is always the first one on the list.

If I can be of help to you in finding eco-friendly swag for your business, please feel free to contact me. I love to hear from my blog readers, many of whom have become Swag Connection clients.

Toll-Free: 1-866-247-4320
Email: Diane@SwagConnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great swag ideas and eco-friendly swag alternatives!

Sustainable Swag: Bamboo Recognition Plaques

2008-03-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

What a perfect item for businesses and non-profits with a commitment to sustainability!

These beautiful plaques are made of eco-friendly, rapidly renewable bamboo. A member of the grass family, bamboo grows quickly and reaches maturity in 3-5 years. It's harvested safely in managed forests, and it grows without fertilizers. It also regenerates itself without replanting (which is why you don't want it in your yard!)

Available in sizes ranging from 5x7 to 9x12, these plaques come in your choice of a light 'natural' color or a darker 'amber'. They're beautifully laser engraved, with up to 4 lines of personalization. The minimum order is ONE plaque. Unlike many engraved awards, there are no extra laser setup charges on this item.

These simple yet classic awards are a perfect choice for practically any type of business or non-profit organization. They'll show your commitment to the earth and also be appreciated by the people who receive them.

INTERESTED IN THIS ITEM FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
You can see more information, pricing and even order online on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just go to the "Collections" area to see the items featured on our blog.

Thanks for reading. I hear from people all over the country who find good swag ideas on my blog and many of them have turned into clients. If you need a good person to work with for YOUR swag needs, feel free to get in touch with me. Have a good weekend! Diane Nudelman

Recycled Moleskine-Type Journal

2008-03-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of the name-brand Moleskine journals, which were the preferred notebooks of Hemingway, Picasso and other famous artists. The distinguishing features are the book-style binding, attached ribbon bookmark, expanding back pocket and elastic privacy strap.

This recycled journal from our Chameleon line has all the classic features of the Moleskine, at a very reasonable price. Custom-decorated with a screen-printed or embossed cover, it's one of my favorite new EcoSwag items.

The journal shown here is the smaller, 3.5"x5.5" size. It's perfect for purse or pocket. The larger size is 5"x7" and would be great for training classes, conferences, etc. This is the first 100% recycled journal I've found that isn't wire-bound, and I also like the fact it's made in the USA.

This is a swag idea that can be used by all sorts of companies. Wineries could brand these as a tasting journal. CPA firms could give them to clients as expense logs. Travel companies could call them travel journals, and athletic clubs could brand them as exercise & diet diaries.

Interested in this swag idea for YOUR company? You can see pricing, information and buy online on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just go to "Collections" and "Items Featured on our Blog". You can also call or email me if you're interested in this item:

Toll-Free: 866-247-4320
Email: Diane@SwagConnection.com

Thanks for reading my blog. Keep checking back for great swag ideas!

The Perfect Swag? A Really Nice Pen.

2008-03-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

Writing Instruments are the #1 selling swag item in the world, believe it or not. Nearly every company buys imprinted pens at one time or another, and they're one of the few items that absolutely everyone uses on a daily basis.

I recently asked a friend in upper management at Fox Sports about all the swag and business gifts he receives on his travels around the world. Specifically, I asked what's the best business gift for a guy at his level that has pretty much everything he wants. His answer, without hesitation: A Really Nice Pen. His reasons included the fact that he can always use them, they're easy to travel with and he loves good pens but never buys them for himself.

I like nice pens too, and this particular one caught my eye. Maybe it's the bright colors, the shiny chrome or the unique bamboo-influenced styling. This pen is classy, unique and will stand out in a crowd. I'd like to think it has good fung shui too!

This isn't a "giveaway" pen so much as "gift" pen, and if you think about it a case can be made that it's eco-friendly swag. Unlike a cheap giveaway pen, this one isn't going to be tossed when the ink runs out. It's nice enough to buy refill cartridges for so you can use it for years!

What sort of businesses would this pen make sense for?
-Import/Export Companies
-Spas, Salons & Cosmetic Surgery Centers
-Interior Designers
-LEED-certified "green" architects & builders
-Flooring companies with bamboo products
-Florists & Event Planners
-Travel Agents

If you're interested in more information on this pen, you can check it out on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just go to the "Collections" tab & see the section of products featured on our blog.

There's also a search area where you'll find hundreds of other really nice pens, all of which you can buy through us (or your local promo person).

Thanks for reading my blog & keep coming back for new and very unique SWAG IDEAS!

New Swag Idea: Shredding Scissors

2008-03-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a swag item I bet you don't have & have never seen before: Shredding Scissors! When you think about it though, it makes perfect sense. This is something that pretty much everyone will hang on to and use for years & years.

This is something that can be kept at the office or used at home, is a great conversation starter & positions your company as one who cares about helping people keep their personal information secure.

It's also an item that could easily be re-sold for a profit - it comes with your logo on the handle in retail-ready packaging.

Here are a few types of businesses I think could use these effectively in their marketing:
-PrePaid Legal Services
-Any Company Focused on Preventing Identity Theft
-Attorneys
-CPAs
-Security & Alarm Companies
-Insurance Agencies

They're priced between $4-$5/pair, minimum order 50. The only handle color is red.
If you're interested in this item customized with your logo, I now feature the items on my blog for sale on my website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just go to "Collections" and "Items Featured on our Blog"

This is just one of the many unique and unusual swag ideas I come across on a daily basis. After 6 years I'm still finding new things, which is one of the things I really like about being in the promotional products business.

If you need someone to work with that has a fresh eye for new swag ideas for your company, I'd love to hear from you! Diane@swagconnection.com

Thanks for reading & please come back often for new swag ideas!

Colorful Carrier for iPhones & iPods

2008-03-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

If your target customer or prospect is tech-savvy, this is a swag idea they can definitely use. The "Cozy Carrier" is a colorful and functional pouch that fits most models of PDAs, cellphones and MP3 players, including iPhones and larger iPods.

Made of neoprene material (like a scuba wetsuit), it's great for busy people who need to keep their high-tech gizmos handy but protected from bumps & scratches. I like the choice of colors, and there's a nice large imprint area. Look at the photo above and see how your logo really "pops" on this item when printed in white.

This is a great swag idea if you're looking for frequent logo exposure at a giveaway price. People use their cellphones and PDAs several times each day on average. If it were seen twice a day and kept for a year, that's over 700 impressions for less than $2.00! AND it's the sort of item people are really happy to get - it's a little out of the ordinary and also extremely useful.

INTERESTED IN THIS ITEM FOR YOUR COMPANY SWAG?

We have this (and the other items featured on our blog) available for purchase on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just go to "Collections" and it's in "Items Featured on our Blog". At the time I'm writing this it's on sale for $1.99/each (minimum 150), which is a great deal.

If you're tired to searching the web and just want some help finding cool stuff for your logo, please feel free to call or email us. We're happy to give you good suggestions and we work with companys of all sizes, all over the United States.

Toll Free: 1-866-247-4620
Email: Diane@SwagConnection.com

Thanks for reading & keep coming back often for new swag ideas!

Cool Chrome Highlighter Set

2008-03-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Tired of the same old swag? Looking for swag ideas with a cool factor? Check out this hip little set of highlighters, they're totally different from anything else I've seen.

I love highlighters in general because everyone uses them, but not a lot of companies give them away as swag. This item takes something that's normally kind of utilitarian and practically turns it into a little work of art - I'd be thrilled to get this highlighter set as a gift or in a swag bag!

Perfect Swag for Creative Companies! This is a great image item for so many types of creative firms - ad agencies, web designers, graphic artists, architects, PR agencies or even companies in the film industry.

It would also be a great choice for law firms, title companies or other companies that deal in a lot of documents and fine print.

Priced between $4.49-$4.79 (100 minimum), this is a little bit nicer than just a tradeshow giveaway. I'd use it as a little all-purpose business gift for new clients, referral sources or as a leave-behind on sales calls. It's also a great item for college bookstores or company stores.

INTERESTED IN THIS ITEM FOR YOUR BUSINESS? You can now buy the items I blog about on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just go to our "Collections" area and you'll find it in the "Items Featured on our Blog" collection.

Thanks for reading my blog - and keep coming back for more cool swag ideas!

Recycled Swag - GreenNotes Journals on Sale!

2008-03-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

I'll start by saying I've always been a big fan of Custom Journals as a swag idea. They have all the elements of great swag - they're affordably priced, extremely useful, tend to be kept for months or even years & can be completely customized to reflect your look and brand. Add those features to the fact that they are used by people of all ages and walks of life and they're one of the best investments a company can make in promotional swag.

So what could possibly be BETTER? These GreenNotes RECYCLED Journals. The covers are made of 100% recycled material, printed with vegetable based inks and bound with recycled steel wire. Inside are 100 pages of lined eucalyptus paper (15% recycled content) and you can upgrade to 100% recycled filler paper for a small extra charge.

These come with a FREE ECO PEN and elastic privacy closure that doubles as a bookmark & come in both 5x7 and 7x10 sizes.

Customization Options include:
-Unlined or gridlined filler paper
-Logo printed on each page of filler paper
-Customized insert pages

One of the companies we work with has us insert a company directory into the back of their Journals, which lists the contact information for their offices around the world. They're a great item for large companies to use internally for employees, as well as for promotional swag.

They're great not only for businesses, but also for schools, nonprofits, government agencies or even events like class or family reunions. With a low minimum order of 100 books, this is one item that's a great fit for budgets both large and small.

These are ON SPECIAL through May 1st:

$6.21/each for 5x7 size
$7.65/each for 7x10 size

INTERESTED IN BUYING THIS ITEM OR MORE INFORMATION? We now offer the items I feature on the blog for sale on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just go to our "COLLECTIONS" section... you'll find these in both the Blog collection and also in the EcoSwag collection.

You can also call or email me directly:
Toll free - 866-247-4320
Email - Diane@SwagConnection.com

Thanks for reading and please keep coming back often for great Swag Ideas!

Our Favorite Recycled Pen

2008-03-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

Finally, a recycled pen that doesn't scream GRANOLA! The Super Hit Eco Writer is a sleek and stylish ballpoint with a 95% recycled plastic barrel. It retracts with a click and writes smoothly, and there's lots of room for your custom imprint on both the barrel and on the clip.

Priced at well under $.50/each, it's the perfect pen for budget-conscious companies that want eco-friendly swag with style. Minimum order is 750 pens.

Pair this pen with recycled journal books, post-it notes or padfolios for a nice conference or business gift!

INTERESTED IN THIS PEN FOR YOUR COMPANY? We now offer the items I write about on the blog for sale on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

You'll find this pen under 'Collections' under the heading 'Items Featured on our Blog'. It's easy to order online, or just call us if you have questions or want to order a sample first. Toll Free: 866-247-4320

Thanks for checking out my blog & keep coming back often for new swag ideas!

Diane Nudelman
The Swag Queen!

This Accessory Bag has Many Uses

2008-03-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

I love coming across simple, useful swag that can be used in a variety of different ways. This little accessory bag caught my eye today as I was looking through new catalogs. It's cute, useful, inexpensive and unique in style.

WHAT'S SO COOL ABOUT THIS SWAG IDEA? The #1 thing I like is the clear window that lets you see what's inside. It's really handy for the person using the bag since they don't have to unzip it or dig around to see what all is inside the bag. It also makes for exciting packaging for the company giving the bag out, as the clear window shows off the goodies inside. It's a nice way to take a handful of inexpensive items, put them together and make them seem special.

IDEAS FOR USING THIS ITEM:
Golf Tournaments - Fill these with logo'd golf balls, tees, candies, chapstick or other small items. It makes a nice gift and the clip attaches it any golf bag!

Conference Registrations - This bag is a perfect size for holding items needed for conferences. Stuff them with items like lanyards, pens, mints, mending kits and little notepads and hand them out at your registration table.

Amenity Kits - These would make great little amenity kits for all kinds of events. Nice for hotel promotions, tour groups, cruise lines, training & orientation events, timeshares or VIP swag.

DETAILS & PRICING: The size of this item is 6.5" tall x 4" wide x 2" deep. It's made of black microfiber and imprinted on the front pocket as shown. The minimum order is 100 pieces and it's priced betwee $1.90-$2.18 depending on quantity.

INTERESTED IN ORDERING THIS ITEM? We now offer all of the items shown on our blog for sale on our website:

www.swagconnection.com

Just click the 'COLLECTIONS' tab to see the section of items shown on our blog. You can also call or email me if you have questions or comments. My email is diane@swagconnection.com and my toll-free number is 866-247-4320.

Thanks for reading my blog and keep coming back for new & creative swag ideas!

100% Recycled Custom Boxes

2008-03-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

When it comes to creative marketing and promotion, great presentation is a key part of the package. As a full service swag consultant, my greatest joy is in helping busy marketing folks put together a polished and professional promotion, which includes great packaging.

Since I talk mainly about eco-friendly swag in this blog, I thought I'd shine the spotlight today on these cool 100% post-consumer recycled presentation boxes, which are printed with Soy Inks. The one shown here is just one of the many shapes and sizes available. They're custom-printed with your artwork and can either be mailed or given out in person.

This particular size and shape is great for conference materials, welcome packages or sales and sample kits. You can design the artwork to make it look like a briefcase, a suitcase, a tool box... or whatever works with your marketing theme.

These come from one of our favorite suppliers called The Chest. You can see all of the other shapes and sizes available on their website:

www.chestinc.com

INTERESTED IN THESE CUSTOM BOXES FOR YOUR COMPANY? You can order this and other items featured on our blog through my company, Swag Connection. Just visit our website and click "Collections"

www.swagconnection.com

I hope this is helpful. Please check back often for new swag ideas... and if you like my blog please tell other marketing folks about it! Thanks!!

Organic Canvas Custom Caps

2008-03-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

Custom decorated caps are one swag idea that makes sense for all kinds of events and promotions. They give you great logo exposure and unlike t-shirts, one size does indeed fit all.

We're starting to see our cap lines come out with styles that are made of eco-friendly materials, just in time for Spring. This organic cotton cap would be absolutely perfect for golf events - especially those sponsored by companies with a commitment to sustainability.

What I really love about caps is how completely customizable they are. Decorating options include regular or 3-D embroidery, screen printing, appliques, custom taping, custom tags, rhinestones, visor detailing... and combining different methods on the same cap gives you almost infinite possibilities to play with.

This certified organic cap is unstructured with a low profile & precurved visor. It features 6 rows of contrast topstitching on the bill, 6 panel design with sewn eyelets & fastens with a metal buckle closure. It's priced between $7.33-$8.25 (with embroidery included), with a low minimum of 72 pieces.

We can get the price down into the $4-$7 range with overseas sourcing and a couple of months of lead time (higher minimum would apply).

INTERESTED IN THIS CAP FOR YOUR COMPANY OR EVENT? This particular cap comes from supplier Quake City (www.quakecitycaps.com), which is one of my all time favorite cap lines. It's only sold through promotional companies like mine, which is Swag Connection.

Please feel free to visit our website - www.swagconnection.com. Click our "Collections" to see the new 'As Seen on Our Blog' section where you can place orders for the items I feature here.

As always, I welcome your comments, emails or phone calls if you have questions or need help and advice on the best swag for your logo. Thanks for reading!!

.

2008-02-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

Finally, a functional and stylish business padfolio that's made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials!

This full-size zippered padfolio comes with a letter-sized pad. And of course the pad is 100% post-consumer recycled paper (refills available). Inside you'll find pen loops, a place for business cards & a velcro pocket, perfect for your calculator or PDA. The understated & classic black & khaki color scheme works will with nearly any logo. Can be personalized with your recipient's initials for a small extra charge.

Padfolios are one of those basic swag items that nearly every business uses at one time or another... for training sessions, conferences, sales forces and business gifts. This one's a natural choice for any company that embraces sustainability.

Priced between $15-$21 with a LOW minimum quantity of only 24 pieces, this is an item that will work for small companies as well as large ones. For large companies who are considering this item, we can offer special pricing with custom overseas sourcing on quantities of 2,000 or more.

INTERESTED IN THIS RECYCLED PADFOLIO FOR YOUR BUSINESS? You can now buy this item on our website, order a sample or request a quote. Just go to:

WWW.PROMOPLACE.COM/SWAGCONNECTION

You'll find this in OUR ECO SWAG COLLECTION.

Thanks so much for reading my blog! Keep checking back for more great swag ideas!

Teambuilding, Swag & Employee Retention

2008-02-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

Successful business owners know that their employees, not their goods or services, are their company's most valuable asset. But even those who strive to build an employee-focused company still struggle with long-term retention.

Trouble is, many employees simply aren't as loyal to their companies these days. This is true despite the fact that companies are much more geared toward the needs of their employees, particularly in providing enhanced benefits, flexible hours and telecommuting. Still, one-third of CEOs polled by Vantage Research in 2007 said they believe their employees are less company-loyal than was the case 10 years ago.

Some of the strategies for tackling this issue are obvious, like having a good hiring process, fostering a welcoming & team-oriented company culture & providing consistent performance feedback and opportunties for advancement.

So where does swag fit in to the equation? First and foremost, companies of all sizes need to develop a meaningful awards and recognition program. The key word in the last sentence was MEANINGFUL... and that's one place where a lot of companies could use some help! Handing out the same old plaques and awards year after year may be easy and comfortable, but are they achieving their purpose from your employees point of view? Perhaps it's time to get more creative and more personal with your awards program - an engraved name-brand watch instead of a wooden plaque, a monogrammed leather briefcase instead of a marble sales award. Freshening up your awards programs doesn't have to cost more, and it may help improve employee satisfaction.

The only problem with awards and recognition is that they don't apply to all of your employees, which is why you also need to build regular events into your company calendar for teambuilding and training. This is where swag can play a big role if you're creative. Instead of just giving your employees swag with a company logo, be creative and imprint it with the messaging you want them to remember from your company events. Key words, your mission statement, a quote - all of these are more powerful and personal, and therefore more likely to be remembered.

Consider giving items that aren't just imprinted, but personalized with each employee's name or initials. There's a big difference between receiving a nice pen with a company logo & receiving the same pen with your name engraved on it. Small touches like that may only cost a dollar or two, but make a world of difference in how meaningful the item is to your employee.

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of company logo apparel. A nice logo embroidered shirt or jacket is a very personal item that literally becomes part of the image of your company - not only to the employee who wears it, but also to the outside world. Is your company apparel stylish, comfortable and well-fit? Have you kept current with new styles or are you still ordering the same shirts you were getting five years ago?

If your company apparel is stuck in a rut how can you expect your employees to be excited and proud to wear it? Now may be a good time to look at new styles - and spanky new shirts may be just the ticket to help instill a new sense of pride in your employees!

So where do you turn to get help with your employee awards, swag for your events and stylin' new shirts for your workforce? To a trusted expert in the world of swag - also known as a promotional products professional. If you're ordering your company swag piecemeal - awards from a trophy shop, shirts from a uniform store, swag from an internet site - you're probably doing more running around and getting less good advice than you would working with a single source.

Swag Connection is my company, and this is what we do - work with companies to provide ALL of the custom-decorated items they need. You don't pay more when you order from a company like ours, and the time you save is an added bonus.

If you'd like to learn more about us, or shop our online store, check out our website at www.swagconnection.com. Thanks for reading my blog and keep coming back to learn new and interesting ways to think about swag!

These Baggettes Are Made for Branding

2008-02-19T11:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a new item that just caught my eye - I like both the look and the versatility of these little 'baggettes' from Anchor Line.

They're made of plastic with braided handles that are firmly attached to the body of the bag. These have so many uses for so many different types of marketing! Just a few ideas that popped into my mind are:

-New Employee Basket: Put a baggette on their desk with office supplies, candy and a welcome letter

-Centerpieces: Sponsoring an event? Put flowers or little plants into baggettes and use them as centerpieces or decorations

-Client Thank You: Use these like a gift basket (as shown) with goodies and some cello wrap for beautiful presentation

-Goodie Bag: Do you make sales calls on offices of people? Take a baggette filled with candy, cookies or product samples

This is one swag idea that can be used in a lot of different ways, even within the same company. It's fresh, fun and best of all - inexpensive. Priced between $3-$4 with a minimum order of 144 pieces, this is a "must-have" for your company branding!

You can see more photos, pricing and details on the Anchor Line website:
http://www.anchorlineproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?pid=3833

INTERESTED IN THIS ITEM FOR YOUR BUSINESS? Anchor Line does not sell direct, but only through promotional products distributors like Swag Connection. We work with companies all over the US with cool swag for their logos. If you need a good person to work with for your company swag, please contact me directly and I'll be happy to help you with good swag ideas and great service:

diane@swagconnection.com
Phone: 503-281-6420

Thanks for reading my blog & keep checking back for the newest and coolest swag ideas!

Gumvelopes for Tasteful Promotions

2008-02-13T16:52:00.000-08:00

Here's an idea to chew on for your next tradeshow or promotion! Gumvelopes are an inexpensive giveaway swag idea that will appeal to people of both genders and all ages.

I like to think of this item as a nice, blank canvas on which you can really get creative. They're printed in 4-color process graphics and can be tied in to virtually any marketing campaign. They contain 12 pieces of sugar free gum (peppermint or cinnamon flavor) in a silver blister pack. The item size is 4" wide and 2.5" tall.

These are priced at less than $2.00 each, with a low minimum quantity of 250 packs. Rush service (1 or 3 day production) is available on jobs with spot colors (there's no rush available on 4-color process). These come from supplier Lanco, which is one of our favorite lines, known for great quality and on-time delivery.

INTERESTED IN GUMVELOPES FOR YOUR NEXT PROMOTION?
You can see product details and pricing at www.lancopromo.com.

Lanco does not sell directly, but only through promotional products distributors like Swag Connection. If you need a good company to work with, please consider us! You can learn more about us at www.swagqueen.com, and my e-mail is diane@swagconnection.com.

Thanks so much for reading and please keep checking back for more great swag ideas!

EcoButton - Award Winning "Green" Promotion!

2008-02-08T14:00:00.000-08:00

Looking for a highly unique, effective and high-tech swag idea that's also earth-friendly? Check out the EcoButton, winner of the 2008 Advantages Green Product Award.

At the touch of a button, this device puts computers into a special 'ecomode' that saves more energy than Sleep Mode... drawing the same nominal power as when the computer and monitor are completely shut down. Great for saving energy during lunch, breaks or meetings.

At the touch of any button, the computer instantly returns to where it was before and displays a splash screen that shows both money and carbon (CO2) savings achieved.

The EcoButton itself is customized with your logo and or message. For maximum branding, incoporation of your logo, message and weblink on the splash screen is available on orders of 500+ units.

Made of recycled plastic, the EcoButton is a great way to produce MEASURABLE CO2 savings while promoting your brand and encouraging sustainability. It's also got a great 'buzz factor' since many people have never seen anything like it before!

The EcoButton is priced between $8-$15 depending on quantity, with a low minimum order of just 100 units. It's a great item for large companies to use internally to reduce their carbon footprint, or to feature in their online company stores. It would be a natural fit for any high-tech or sustainability-oriented business.

Another perfect use would be as a Donor Thank You Gift for nonprofit organizations, especially those oriented toward green and sustainable causes. It not only helps donors save resources but also reminds them of your cause every time they use their computer!

INTERESTED IN THE ECOBUTTON TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS OR NONPROFIT?
The custom logo version (a product of Buzline) is only available through promotional products distributors like my company, Swag Connection. We would be happy to hear from you if you need a good promotional company to work with. Here's how you can reach us:

Phone: 866-247-4320 (8-5 Pacific Time)
Email: Diane@SwagConnection.com

Thanks for reading our blog and be sure to check back often for new & innovative swag ideas!!