Hi, Celine, I know many people will be traveling this season, so I was wondering if you could give me some promotional travel ideas to get me going. Isn't it good to know that people are actually traveling or plan to travel this season? Not only will this help the economy, but traveling will give us all stressed-out folks some time off to recharge. Those heading to the beach will need ample supply of lip balm and sunscreen to last the season, so make sure you order more more than enough--the better to have your logo visible the entire summer. Some people like me will continue to travel on business, in which case, neck pillows personalized with your logo will make cozy on-board companions. Jetsetters will love practical travel accessories like these luggage spotters, so they won't have any problems telling their bags apart from the others (this will also get your logo seen), as well as these custom earplugs (to discourage the talkative seatmate from chatting them up the entire flight). FoxNews recently came out with a feature that some practical-minded families prefer to stay at home or camp in nearby areas, in which case, camping and picnic essentials that can be shared, ...

Dear Celine, I run a small deli shop, and I'd really like to promote my turkey products. Turkey is a healthy, low-calorie alternative to chicken and pork, and meat vendors like us really need a lot of help to boost our sales. Thanksgiving and Christmas are still a long way off, but I'd like my consumers to know that they can buy turkey and canned turkey byproducts any time of the year. There are countless things you can do to promote your turkey products. And you're right, Thanksgiving isn't the only time to promote turkey. June happens to be Turkey Lovers Month, so why not boost the turkey love with these promotional items, all below $5: Build brand recall with these promotional turkey-shaped stress relievers. Offer it as a giveaway for at least $50 worth of turkey products purchase. Promote turkey recipes as healthy options! You can print your recipes on promotional coasters or custom magnets and give them out to shoppers or send them by direct mail to regular clients. Remember to have your number printed clearly so customers know how to reach you. SAVINGS ALERT: Another less costly way to send your recipes is through an e-newsletter. Ask for your customers' e-mail addresses by offering a small gift in exchange, ...

Dear Celine, I am a southern gal and I came to New York to pursue my writing career and found love on the side. I'll be getting married in June, and I was wondering if you have any unique wedding giveaways that I can give to my out-of-town friends who come to wish me well as I start this new chapter in my life. No Longer Single in New York Congratulations on finding both a career and love in New York! I'm happy to know there'll be one less single gal in New York, and I'm sure Carrie Bradshaw would be damn proud of you, because a girl can certainly have it all, can't she? Speaking of unique, memorable giveaways, I just found the perfect memento for your New York wedding that I'm sure every out-of-towner will find useful. The 4.25x5.75-inch Little Black Book of New York ($9.45 for 25 minimum) is a 208-page guide to discovering the Big Apple--best things to see and do, places to eat, drink, and shop and where to take the kids--so you can enjoy your honeymoon and not have to babysit your guests. What's more, the list of not-to-miss places is divided by area and comes with ...

Dear Celine, We're thinking of something to give to the mommies in church this Mother's Day, and we're working with a small budget. Can you suggest something below $5? Cheap-O Mom I feel your economic pain, and I am immensely proud of you for even thinking of giving your church mommies with a Mother's Day present. They who work so hard to keep the house, make sure the kids are well fed and dressed, balance the budget, and go to bed still thinking of ways to pay the bills, the mortgage, and have enough left to run the house--moms are just amazing! They're simply superb. And yes, I know every frugal, hardworking mom will hit the roof if she finds out you spent so much on a gift for her (but of course, you know she likes it anyway). So here are some Mother's Day choices below $5. Have fun choosing! 1. The Accent nonwoven tote ($4.19 for a minimum of 96) is both durable and fashionable. It's made of 75gsm nonwoven PP, has thick shoulder straps, and an adjustable snap closure. Moms know this one's a great buy! 2. For mommies who are constantly stressed, these custom sensations aromatherapy sticks ($1.20 for a minimum ...

Dear Celine, I own a small seafood place, and I'm looking into building relationships with customers. I was wondering what Branders has that I could put to good use. Can you recommend something that's not too expensive for me? I was randomly searching the Branders site for something useful and saw this really cool promotional disposable nonwoven bib ($1.23 for 300 pieces ), which will really be useful for your diners. I especially like how it looks on you, and it doesn't get in the way of a good meal. This promotional bib measures 18x20 inches and has an imprint area of 8x12 inches, which is a big opportunity for brand promotion, if you ask me. Even Branders client Sachar gives the item five stars, saying, "These are great for lobster bakes and weddings! Quality is above and beyond and classy (for a bib)!" Promotional mints are cheaper alternatives if you want to build rapport with your customers. No matter how good a seafood meal is, it can leave a bad taste in the mouth sometimes, so it's always a good idea to leave a small bowl of custom mints at every table. Don’t miss out on these special subscriber-only promos! ...

Dear Celine, We're a canned food manufacturer, and we're looking for some recycled promotional home items that we could give out as an Earth special thing. You got any green ideas? I thought you'd never ask! Since you're a canned food manufacturer, I thought this promotional beverage can opener (as low as $0.52) would be a good fit for your industry. What makes this promotional home item eco-friendly is that it's made from recycled electronics: materials from TVs, computers, printers, mobile phones, CD and DVD players, TV remote control and other handheld electronic devices have been recycled to make new items like this promotional can opener. Remember that when you buy this item within April, Branders will have a seedling planted in your name. Find out more here. More, more promotional eco-friendly promotional items here. Don’t miss out on these special subscriber-only promos! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Hi, Celine, You worked in a real estate firm. How do I brand mine? What are good (outta the box) promo items and giveaways? Thanks, CoffeyCoffey I'm happy to note that business continues for you, and the dismal face of the economy hasn't discouraged you from promoting your brand. Way to go! Anything shaped like a house makes a good promotional item for those in the real estate industry. To ensure that it's worth your buck, I suggest choosing items that people use constantly or will give you optimum visibility. Some daily-use promotional items you might want to consider are custom magnets (as low as $0.95), keychains (as low as $0.99), stress relievers (as low as $1.49), Make a grand gesture out of handing the house keys to clients with these chrome-plated key holders. Or if you're pushing for a deal, why not give this custom house bank to a prospect to encourage him to save for his own home? These days, you don't have to limit yourself to anything house-shaped. Why, even umbrellas are great promotional items because of their large imprint area, which lets you blow up your logo so it's conspicuous. Need promotional advice? Write Celine at cbenjamin[AT]branders[DOT]com. Get subscriber-only discounts on promotional items when you ...

Hi, Celine, This worldwide financial slump hasn't been good to people like me who run wineries. Between food and wine, is there even a question on what a consumer will choose? I have never tried any promotional items before, so I don't know where to begin with. I want to make connoisseurs of my market, not alcoholics! Can you help me? Not wining and dining, certainly. Dear Wine Man, You didn't indicate whether yours is a small business or a big one, but either one, I would like to know, do you sell your wine online? I suggest that you don't limit your market to your zip code. Going online will allow you to reach more people, especially those who cannot physically visit you in your shop. Aside from expanding your market, find a way to connect to your consumer through packaging. If you've been wrapping your wines in paper bags, why not replace these with custom reusable flock pouches? Wine is meant to lend a fine touch to a dinner, a wedding, or any other special occasion, so take the extra effort to have your wine brand come in a unique packaging that will people will remember. Cultivate the taste of your market by ...