USimprints: The Blog » Fun & Outdoor

Cold Weather Marketing & Promo Ideas: Our Favorites!

Natalie — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 15:25:34 +0000

Okay… Seriously? Who turned the furnace off outside? All of a sudden this past week I’ve been having to put the seat warmers on in my car and turn the heat up in my apartment. And of course… I get yelled at because the heating bill is “going to go through the roof”. Even the office is cold! It’s like I can’t escape. If you can imagine how much I complain when I’m inside, just think about the whining I’ll be doing when I’m tailgating this weekend out in the cold (GO DAWGS!!!).

Or maybe I won’t be complaining as much as I think… As the weather is only beginning to cool off (or in my mind entering the second ice age) it’s time to start thinking about some promotional products that will surely be in the hands of your clients for the next few months!

Promotional Picnic Blanket #8241921

Fleece blankets quite possibly are my most favorite thing in the world. And I’m not just saying that – Its inevitable when your feet are always cold (even in socks). I ALWAYS have one on my couch; no matter the weather. This fold up blanket is a great way to get your brand out and about and off the couch. Because its so compact its definitely going to make its way to outdoor sporting events such as high school football games, campfires, and tailgates! More than likely they will be shared as well! If I’m cold and standing outside for hours at a time, you can bet I’m cuddling up with someone who has some warmth!

Whats also great about this fold up promotional blanket is that it can be used during the spring and summer for picnics, beach trips, laying out under the stars and other outings! So not only is it awesome for the winter its pretty perfect giveaway for the entire year!

X-grill - Compact Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill #9467958

Whats even worse than being cold… is being cold and eating cold food. Seriously, who wants to eat cold sandwiches when they’re standing in a parking lot and there are flurries coming down out there? Uh not me, that’s for sure! Sure coolers a great to keep your beverages cold. But lets get real, having a grill is the way to go — no more amateur tailgating. Lets step it up a bit. I can’t tell you how many random fans come up to our tailgates asking if we have any burgers to spare. The second question is usually, “That thing is so cool! Where did you get that?!” So not only are you stepping outside of the box by giving your client a pretty sweet gift… it also gets your clients talking to other people about your company! Not to mention all the envious people who walk by and see it too!

Promotional Neoprene Double Bottle Wine Tote #9124659

And for the ladies who need a little more than hot chocolate and a hot dog to warm up there is always the option of a wine tote. i honestly had never really seen a wine tote like this until I started working here. Shocker… considering I’m friends with some pretty serious wino’s. Not only are they great to bring to the tailgate, but they’re also a great holiday gift. I can’t tell you how many times this would have come in handy when going to a holiday party or gathering where I’ve brought bottles of wine as a nice gesture. It could have saved the hassle of hearing the bottles clanging around in the trunk when they escaped the paper bag with a cardboard divider. And definitely could have made me look a little classier when entering someone’s house. They’re also great because they’re reusable and probably won’t be thrown away after one party. What stinks about other promotional products is that people don’t really tend to mind if they lose the sticky pad or let someone borrow their pen- because they’re replaceable. When you give a good quality product people will tend to hang onto them longer — meaning more exposure to your brand.

So as you’re freezing your buns off at the next tailgate or your child’s football game (maybe don’t bring the wine there…) and you see others enjoying their warm promotional goodies don’t say I didn’t warn ya!

Let me know if I can assist you in any way! I’m tellin’ ya… it’s going to be a cold one this winter so start planning now for your companies 4th quarter, Christmas, and client corporate gifts!

I am Lauren and I can be reached at 615-221-1158 x108

Let’s Have Some Fun In The Sun | Promotional Beach Items

Natalie — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:48:45 +0000

Oh how time flies. I cannot believe we are already in the (almost) middle of July. We went to the beach last week to celebrate the Fourth of July, and it got me thinking of some great promotional items for the beach.

For starters, you need a promotional tote bag and towel to take down to the beach. Those items are pretty much a must! You also need sunscreen and lip balm. You definitely don’t want to forget to protect your skin! You also don’t want to forget to stay hydrated by bringing a custom acrylic tumbler full of water to sip on. The great thing about the acrylic tumbler is that is keeps your drink cold longer, and it does not sweat! If you are bringing kids or maybe just a kid at heart you will definitely need a promotional frisbee or beach pail. A couple of items that are good to have, but not necessarily a must are beach mat to lay out on and an imprinted water tight beach box to keep your valuables from getting wet.

For more beach items search the site here.

Promotional Drinkware for you and your favorite furry one too!

Natalie — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:39:38 +0000

I love finding new products that are multi-purpose items. One of the hottest promotional products this year is the Cosmo. It’s an 18 oz. double wall insulated bottle that is BPA-free! It comes with an 12 oz. threaded cup/lid and can be used for hot or cold beverages. The Cosmo is available in a wide variety of colors (Clear, Blue, Aqua, Purple, Red, Graphite, Tangerine, Apple and Fuchsia.)

The other day my husband and I took our puppy on a picnic. It was on one of the hottest days we have had so far this spring, so I knew we had to have some water for the pup. I didn’t want to carry a bowl or tupperware, so I decided to take the Cosmo along. I filled it up with ice cold water and poured a little at a time into the cup/lid for her to drink out of. It was portable and easy to carry along without making a mess.

Another use for this particular cup is to take to the beach or the lake. Everyone likes to take some sort of cocktail or beverage with them to the beach or while boating on the lake. The cup is ideal for sipping out of without having to hold on to the 18 oz. bottle. This way to you are able to keep it out of the sun, so the entire bottle avoids getting warm at once.

My favorite thing about this particular custom drinkwareitem is the cup/lid. I haven’t seen a ton of products like this in the industry which causes it to stand out, and causes it to be more multi-purpose than just your average acrylic tumbler!

View more custom drinkware items here!

Spring Break 2012: Beach Style | Great Beach Giveaway Ideas

Natalie — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:47:23 +0000

Two weeks ago, we got to relive our school days and celebrate spring break at the beach with my brothers in high school and college. While we were there, I did some shopping and came across some neat promotional products I felt were worth sharing. Sometimes all it takes to love a product is to have the right imprint.

1. I love the short, stubby 12 oz. Tritan double wall tumbler. It also comes with an option lid and straw option. Also, it is available in 16 oz. It keeps your cold drinks cooler and your hot drinks hotter!

2. I am also a huge fan of these imprinted floating keychains.What a great way to keep your brand afloat! Floating keychains are great for the beach, pool, lake, pond (fishing), etc.

3. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again… the ceramic diner mug is still one of my all time favorite products. It looks amazing with a simple, crisp logo. It makes drinking your morning cup of coffee at the beach that much sweeter (assuming you take yours with cream + sugar.)

4. Lastly, a stainless steel travel mug is a must at the beach. Whether you are driving around, walking to the beach, or riding a bike you need something portable to put your favorite drink in while you are on the go.

All this talk about the beach makes me itching to go back!

Camp Time, Fun Time!

Shari — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 02:46:27 +0000

Growing up there was always one thing I looked forward to and that was going to Summer Camp! As a kid there was nothing better than a week of adventure, meeting new friends and of course, cute boys! I love looking through my old camp t-shirts that I acquired over the years. Mom and Dad were good about always sending us to camp with some money for buying a camp t-shirt and group picture on the last day.

The times sure have changed! A couple of summers ago I had the privilege of going to Crooked Creek Ranch in Colorado as a Young Life camp counselor. Just a few of hours after arriving I saw kids running around wearing Camp logo’ed sweatshirts and t-shirts and drinking from Camp logo’ed water bottles. Promotional Camp Products were already being purchased by the kids on the first day, I was amazed!

Early the next morning I stopped in at the camp coffee shop to get a little caffeine before starting day. While I was in there, I couldn’t help but check out the cool looking camp logo’ed mugs and tumblers for sale. It was then that I realized this was definitely different from the camp I went to as a kid. Mom and Dad gave me cash for a t-shirt and picture and these kids had probably already spend 80 bucks on merch their first day.

A few of my favorite Camp Promo Products from USimprints!

Later on that day I had some time to kill, so I decided to check out the gift shop. To be honest calling it a gift shop is kind of an understatement. The “gift shop” was about the size of an average store in the mall. Aside from a huge crowd of kids in there, it was full of Camp logo’ed apparel – including jackets, long sleeve t-shirts, hoodies, and even shorts. I browsed through the rest of the store and found sweatshirt blankets, journal books, tote bags and so much more! I was in there for a while, but luckily managed to walk out with just two t-shirts, a sweatband, one water bottle and a keepsake picture frame. I rushed back to my cabin to put on my new camp t-shirt – I was one of the cool kids now!

2010 Crooked Creek Camp photos and some of the greatest gals I've ever known!

Needless to say that almost all kids either go to summer camp every year, or they have been at least once. Promotional Camp Products are a great way for kids to remember the fun they had at camp or as Young Life promises the kids that atttend their camps “The best week of your life, or your money back”.

If you are looking for a wide selection of camp products at budget prices, you should definitely check out our Promotional Products for Camp category. Also if you need products in a hurry, just ask – we have tons of products that are offered with a Free Rush Service!

As an added bonus, now through August 1st mention our promo code CAMP2012 we’ll give you $25 off any order of $200 or more!

“We’ll All Be Gone For The Summer”, Our Favorite Beach Products

Natalie — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:03:34 +0000

I’m back for day four of Favorite’s Week to discuss my favorite beach products. It’s officially March first, and I don’t know about you but I am ready to get down to the beach for some fun in the sun. The pasty, winter bod needs some color, and I would love to lay back with a beach read surrounded by a few of my favorite things. Promotional beach gear provides you with endless advantages of imprinting your custom logo on the beach product of your choice.

Here is my list of favorites…

1. San Tropez – Tubular Polypropylene Beach Mat

I love a good beach mat to lay on in sand. This one in particular is water and sand resistant. It includes an inflatable pillow to lift up that neck a little while reading and looking down the beach.

2. Cosmo H2go Bfree (r) – 18 Oz, Double Wall Insulated Bottle That’s Bpa Free

Want to sip on a mixed drink while staring at the shore? This double wall insulated bottle includes a 12 oz. threaded cup/lid to pour your drink in. It can be used for hot or cold beverages, but because we are talking about the beach I know you aren’t planning on pouring hot coffee in it while laying out in the heat. Available in a wide variety of colors (shown below in Tangerine.)

3. 9″ – Pail And Shovel

It would not be a real beach trip without a trusty pail and shovel combo. Whether you are still a kid at heart or have kids of your own, sand castle building competition is seen up down the coast. Plastic sand pails are great promotional giveaways for resorts, vacation spots, beach clubs or spas! Also available in pastel color combos!

4. Malibu – Sunglasses Made Of Recycled San Material

One thing you definitely don’t want to forget on a trip to the beach is a pair of sunglasses. The Malibu’s come in an assortment of fun colors. Custom sunglasses are the perfect way to market your company or brand. They are also a great wedding, prom, or party favor.

5. Diamond Collection – Embroidery – Midweight Colored Beach Towel, 35″ X 60″

Another beach must have is a imprinted beach towel. You just can’t go to the beach without one! Promotional beach towels are a great marketing tactic to colorfully and creatively show off your logo.

6. Mood Stadium Cup

At the beach, don’t be afraid to drink in style with our favorite mood stadium cup. These custom stadium cups are available in 12 oz. and 17 oz. sizes. They come in 11 vibrant colors and a full color digital imprint. Color changes when you pour ice cold liquids in it. Perfect for any outdoor event!

Now all I need is to plan a trip! Tomorrow is the final Favorite Week post. Stay tuned!

It’s time for some tailgating!

Shari — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:47:04 +0000

Let me just tell you that I absolutely love football season!! The action of the game, the sound of the excited crowd, I just love the atmosphere! My favorite part of it all is the tailgating festivities. How could you not love food and football?

We all get pretty excited about football at the Prints. Most of us are from different parts of the country, so we each have our favorite teams (mine being the Dallas Cowboys). Sometimes a little team trash talk can add a bit of excitement to a morning coffee break!

Thinking about football reminds me about how people love to get together before the game to do a little eating, drinking and just hanging with friends. This is a great opportunity to personalize products to commemorate the event. Some pre-game party or tailgating necessities might include coolers, lounge chairs, can coolies, and BBQ grilling utensils.

Don’t forget to show some team spirit at the game with a rally towel or foam hands!

Gearing Up for the Great Outdoors!

Shari — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:51:01 +0000

Some of my happiest memories as a child were the weekends we spent enjoying the great outdoors. We would head to the lake early in the morning so that we could get in a full day of fishing. I always got excited about sunset because I knew we would make a campfire and cook hotdogs and make s’mores.

These happy memories inspired me to put together a list of my favorite camping products that will make any Great Outdoors adventure a great success!

Item #10000600 - Bug-Not Backpack Tent

Item #9478638 - LED Hurricane Lantern

Item #8239952 - Coleman Cooler

Item #8241350 - Folding Chair

Item #8212883 - Workmate Pro Tool with 16 Functions

Item #7813515 - S'mores Kit

Say Yes to Beach Towels for Your Next Promotion!

Shari — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 02:39:59 +0000

If you have ever thought of or you are considering purchasing Beach Towels for your next promotion, then you should check out the below 6 reasons on why they make pretty awesome giveaways:

1. Universal - from big to small one size fits all.

2. Durability – when was the last time you threw one away? I still have an old beach towel my dad gave me for Christmas years ago that says ‘butt’ on one end and ‘face’ on the other.

3. Leisure - let your customer take YOUR logo on vacation with them, consider it free advertising.

4. Value – beach towels are used over and over for years which makes them worth their price.

5. Large imprint area – so you can go big or go home.

6. Style - you can get creative with colors and patterns, for a cool look try a tone on tone or color on color. The rule of thumb is to imprint lighter towels with darker colors and darker towels with lighter colors.

**On a final note, USimprints does not sell the towel seen below, it’s from Target, but it was too funny to not put in this post.

Walk a Mile in Your Shoes

Shari — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 04:04:27 +0000

One the most underrated gadgets in my opinion is the pedometer. They are worn at the waist and count every step you take. They are surprisingly effective at helping people move more. According to a study done by researchers at Stanford University people who used pedometers walked about 2,000 more steps (close to a mile) compared to those who weren’t counting steps.

After reading this, I knew that I had to put on a pedometer and give it a try. It turned my day into a contest against myself — I started finding ways to move more to boost my step count. I found myself choosing parking spots far from the door, just so I would have to walk a further distance. The elevator no longer was an option as I chose to take the stairs.

Since I have a competitive nature, I decided to give one to my co-worker and make it a contest against her. It was funny to see us both arguing over who would distribute faxes throughout the building or walk across the street to check the mail.

Pedometers are a fun and easy way to get the entire office on board to better health. USimprints has several custom pedometer styles and colors available. Contact us for a quote and free virtual proof so you can walk a few extra miles in your shoes!

USimprints: The Blog » Fun & Outdoor

Cold Weather Marketing & Promo Ideas: Our Favorites!

Related posts:

Let’s Have Some Fun In The Sun | Promotional Beach Items

Related posts:

Promotional Drinkware for you and your favorite furry one too!

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Spring Break 2012: Beach Style | Great Beach Giveaway Ideas

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Camp Time, Fun Time!

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“We’ll All Be Gone For The Summer”, Our Favorite Beach Products

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It’s time for some tailgating!

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Gearing Up for the Great Outdoors!

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Say Yes to Beach Towels for Your Next Promotion!

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Walk a Mile in Your Shoes

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