| The new year promises to be a bit of bumpy | | | | bottle with a straw sticking out are gone. Custom |
| ride. With a compromising economy, presidential | | | | drinkware means colorful translucent bottles made |
| elections and growing competition from foreign | | | | of odor resistant polycarbonate materials. Fancy |
| countries, American businesses face a tough | | | | lids and stylish curves make sports bottles the |
| challenge in 2008. One of the big questions is how | | | | envy of everyone at they gym. The same goes |
| to best deploy budget dollars towards advertising, | | | | for commuter mugs, glassware and ceramic |
| marketing and employee relations. | | | | coffee mugs. Terms like lime green and "diner" |
| No matter the business or political climate, | | | | style are common when choosing designs. |
| promotional products continue to be the most | | | | Bags - Style and color rule. People want "Fifth |
| economical items to advertise your company or | | | | Avenue" looking tote bags and "Wall Street" style |
| show your employees or staff how much they | | | | messenger briefs. A basic beige canvas beach bag |
| are appreciated. The term 'promotional products' | | | | just won't cut it anymore. Promotional bags are |
| can be deceiving. They are more then just pens | | | | not only useful gifts but great advertising |
| or mugs with your organization's logo printed on | | | | billboards. |
| them. Custom imprinted promotional items have | | | | Electronics - People spend more and more time |
| evolved enough in recent years to become | | | | on their computers or portable devices. Why not |
| coveted corporate gifts. | | | | provided a computer mouse, keyboard or USB |
| For your trade show or convention, pens and | | | | device with your company name or logo. You can |
| magnets still make great giveaways. And a water | | | | even imprint your message on MP4 players and |
| bottle or hat will truly be appreciated at your | | | | stereo speakers. |
| summer picnic or charity race, but there are tens | | | | Apparel - Custom imprinted tees and sweatshirts |
| of thousands of items that can be made into | | | | are now joined by fashionable dress shirts, |
| keepsakes that will let your message be seen | | | | jackets and other outerwear. Your logo gets |
| indefinitely. In effect, there are very few | | | | some added class with an embroidered finish for |
| products that you can't put your logo or message | | | | all to see. |
| on. | | | | Keep in mind that almost any company, school or |
| Here are some promotional products and gift | | | | organization can afford to recognize customers |
| ideas that are sure to bring smiles to your staff | | | | and employees by handing out customized |
| members in 2008... | | | | promotional items and corporate gifts. For as little |
| Drinkware - As long as people have a thirst, | | | | as a few pennies, you can put a smile on those |
| promotional mugs, bottles and tumblers will be | | | | who mean so much to you. |
| popular. But the days of the basic 32 oz. water | | | | |