What makes a ordinary object extra-ordinary? Simply, an element of surprise. A hidden multifunction accessory, an unexpected color or a rather weird construction that you keep trying to have figured out—these are exactly the things that add pizzazz to an ordinary promotional item:

I can easily describe this multipurpose golf tool like an action figure (you know, the 99 points of articulation and auto-transform technology selling phrases). It’s that packed with features. Attached to an ergonomic handle, whose design reflects golf bag motifs, is a cleaning brush made of phosphorous bronze and nylon bristles that are easy on clubs but tough for clearing shoe soles of stubborn soil and grass. A 100 percent nylon replacement brush head is at hand, too. Elements of surprise: A groove cleaner, also replaceable, that pops out from the backside of the brush, and the retractable 2.5ft-long snap-back cord.

My man (or any man) will love this polyester Reebok jacket that has 3M® reflective trims on the front and back seams. Washing machine-safe, the lightweight product is available in red and royal blue. Names can be embroidered on the front in script or block letters for $6 (2 words max). Elements of surprise: Front zippered horizontal chest pocket and cinched drawstring waist.

This pair of EVA flip-flops has a large imprint area at the heel for logos. The artwork can be imprinted in metallic silver ink, among others. One element of surprise is that it can be disassembled for storage. But such feature is hands-down inferior to this Element of surprise: A die-cut outer-sole logo imprint will stamp your brand on the sand or on any similarly soft surface. Didn’t you say you wanted to leave a good impression?