Lori Barry, director of administration and finance for Iowa-based Harrison County REC, was looking for quality, multifunctional, and useful promotional items that her company, an electric cooperative, could give out to its 2,600 members during its annual meeting every April. For previous annual meetings, Lori had purchased custom wind-up flashlights and CFL lights, and this year, she wanted something as practical but industry related, and these 25-foot custom pro grip tape measures were suggested by her account manager, Yara Smith. "Yara [did] a great job and [was] very helpful and professional!" Lori said in an e-mail. "You have great people! I would say the promotional tape measures we got were excellent and we have been very happy with them! Again, thanks for all the wonderful customer service and product support!" Don’t miss out on these special subscriber-only promos! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

I imagine James Bond would have a cool-looking techie gadget in his pocket like the promotional Silver Bullet USB pen--a multifunction pen featuring a USB flash drive. The innocent-looking pen would probably be one of his instruments in saving the world. Not everyone can be James Bond--but one can be as cool. Way cooler news is the fact that the Silver Bullet USB pen on sale for $7.59, about 50% off its original price. Hurry and buy now. Offer is good while supply is available. Get subscriber-only discounts on promotional items when you sign up with the Branders newsletter.

People are coming up with new ways to make life easier for everyone. Some of those inventions and gadgets are simple. Like a promotional wristwatch or a promotional stress ball. Little things can make a big difference when it comes to making a day at home or work easier and more enjoyable. The promotional USB flash drive is for everyone, because everyone in this time period has used a computer at least once. Those of you who have a flash drive or multiple flash drives know that they are small (easy to carry with you), portable, reliable, tough, and have a lot of room for storing information. These incredible gadgets can be used in your work life and personal life as well. They make the lives of students, teachers, businessmen and women, IT workers and other professions a lot more relaxed and carefree. So using this product as a way to advertise, expose, and expand your business is a logical idea.

Do you know how many people you see on their cellphones while driving? My guess is a lot. Nowadays laws are getting furthermore strict when it comes to driving in general but especially while using cellphones in the process. Using your cellphone is a problem because some laws have already banned the convenience of talking on your cellphone, to a client for example, on the way to your meeting or to work. They say you need both hands on the wheel. Problem fixed: our promotional bluetooth hands-free headset has up to eight hours of talking time and 240 hours of standby time. Now, talking on the phone while in the car or even at home is way easier and made convenient. This is a perfect holiday gift to family or friends and a perfect promotional opportunity for you.

Yes, almost everybody has one these days: I'm referring to the USB memory drive. It's so ubiquitous that I feel I don't need to carry one anymore because there's someone who can surely lend me one. The newest promotional memory drive on Branders that caught my attention is the 512MB Altwister. I like: The 0.67x0.38-inch Altwister memory driver comes with an aluminum swivel cover--so you won't ever lose the cap. You can have your logo laser-engraved or screen-printed on the cap or on the USB drive's body for brand recall. The promotional product comes only in silver, which I'm sure will match any bright-colored logo. What's more: It features Interface USB Spec 2.0 operating system and Windows 89 SE/ME/2000/XP or Mac OS 9.0 or higher. It's also compatible with Linux 2.4.0 kennel version (driverless).

This will be loved by: Jetsetting sales reps or executives who feel very homesick on each trip. Perennial latecomers to meetings can also appreciate. It is actually a: One-half 1.5-inch digital photo frame that can display up to 35 pictures that you can store in its 12MB built-in memory. Screen resolution is 128x128 pixels. The other half is a backlit digital clock with alarm and snooze functions. Armor/Weaponry: ABS plastic, USB cord, software, instructions and 1 AAA battery Imprint: Silk-screen (Tip: Minimal/basic logo designs would not interrupt the sleek appearance) Bonus: Comes wrapped in gift box

Already a full week into 2008, here's a heads up on the hottest (not simply “newest”) promotional items and marketing products for the year. Multifunctionality, strong visual appeal and environment-friendliness are dominant trends, with some designs fusing all three qualities. Electronic promotional items set for release this 2008 include key chains with proximity detectors and promotional USB accessories for various uses. USB-powered magic answer balls and wood-encased flash drives will join PC-connected cup warmers, fans and desk lamps in the mix. Ballpoint pens that double as laser pointers or memory-card readers, or project graphics will also be offered. USB-ready heated mouse pads featuring snow-globe hubs with calculator, clock and mobile-phone-charging functions will be available in the coming months as well. Nonelectronic promotional items with bundled handy tools such as screwdrivers and miniature pliers are also among the products to watch. Further, many will be integrated with add-ons like carabiners, ID holders, compasses, whistles, bottle holders and openers and flashlights. The new year will also see promotional items with vivid detailing. Designed to lend a higher perceived value, the latest marketing products will have more-solid colors, novel and ergonomic forms, and richer textures. Additionally, bold and brightly hued prints, and ...

I just want to share a little something I found in my inbox yesterday! Just to spread a little holiday cheer to everyone. A Branders employee sent her little poem around. Seeing that the company has such enthusiastic, motivated and involved employees just goes to show how Branders.com really practices what it preaches. Here's my own version of 12 Days of Christmas. I know it’s a little corny but I couldn’t help it! I hope you'll like it! On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Twelve rubber duckies Eleven balls for sporty Ten sweety candies Nine stress balls Eight golf accessories Seven pens for writings Six travel baggies Five USBs Four pretty tops Three padfolios Two headgears And a wine set that is heavy!!! This is cool!

I know I already wrote some posts about promotional products that support environmental awareness. But I just had to blog about this topic that is so dear to my heart. I don't want to go on and on with an empassioned speech about doing your share to radically slow down the degradation of our planet. So, I'll just inspire you with some great eco friendly products to show you how easy it is to be environmentally relevant and to still retain your business driven attitude. Using these items in one's marketing campaigns and gift giving initiatives is definitely a win-win situation!

Cute and cuddly, amusing promotional items are great ideas but they might not be the right one that would fit your marketing needs. It is not the greatest idea to give promotional stuffed toys to a powerful executive nor is it a great idea to use candies as giveaways in a convention for diabetes. Using pretty flowered bags are definitely not going to be appreciated by male recipients nor would giving away calling card holders to kids. It is easier to get ideas for effective promotional products if you have a very focused and targeted recipients but it is very hard if your situation is otherwise. You cannot please everybody, right? You actually can! By using generic but useful products, your giveaway will definitely be appreciated by almost anyone. Here are some of my picks from the Branders.com website: