The Gift of Experience

We have heard over and over again that we need to “simplify” our holidays in order to get the most meaning out of this season. Easier said than done, right? But what if we could encourage more family time or alone time with our gifts? I did some searching for gifts that encourage more of the “experience” of the holidays  … what do you think?

1.       Movie Night – Popcorn, Movie Theater Candy, DVDs, A Cozy Blanket , Movie Gift Cards.

2.       “Book Worm” – A Hardcover Book (perhaps a classic),  Leather Journal, Ballpoint Pen, Book-Light,  Sleeve Blanket.

3.       Rejuvenate – Manicure Set,  Massager,   Bath & Body Kit, Aromatherapy Candle, Plush Towel.

 

It's Beginning to Look at Lot Like ... Halloween!

Every October I start the month off by lugging down all my Halloween storage containers from the garage attic. And every year, the kids act like it’s Christmas – the oohhhs and aahhhs of long forgotten dress up clothes, scary bat and spider decorations and inevitably the missed piece of leftover candy that someone always wants to eat!  

What I found interesting was as I rummaged through all our Halloween storage boxes, I had saved many items from last year to be reused .. and many of them promotional products! Wouldn't those businesses love to know they are advertising to me again ... a year later. We have the popular plastic handled candy buckets from McDonalds (please don't think I am a bad mom), the orange flashlights from our local pizza place (it would seem we eat out a lot), the flashing safety necklaces from the fire department and of course many plastic bags for trick-or-treating with imprinted store names on them. It goes to show that promotional products really do stand the test of time!

Gotta Love Pinterest!

I was introduced to Pinterest back in January and realized that it was perfect for our industry! It shows how you can take normal, everyday items and create these whimsical, eye-catching giveaways.  It takes the promotional product “to the next level”. Adding a simple label, ribbon or wrapping doesn’t cost much, but can add to the personalization and excitement of an imprinted gift. For example, adding a burlap wrap and raffia ribbon to personalized trees adds interest. Taking an imprinted journal and wrapping it in colorful paper, then slipping in a pen gives an added touch. So much nicer than just handing a sapling to your employee and saying “Here – now go plant it!” I am exaggerating, but you get the point! When you use promotional products, you are already trying to impress your customers, employees or prospects – why not make it more memorable as well?! Check out the journal package at As You Wish Promotions on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/aywp/.

Seeing the World Through Disney

Anyone who has spent time in Orlando, Florida at a Disney Theme Park knows the marketing "Kings" work overtime there! After just a few days, it amazed me how EVERY SINGLE piece of merchandising, carries the Disney logo somewhere on the piece. In the pouring rain, I could still make out those Mickey ears silk screened on the hooded ponchos crowding the park!

On to Universal! After a ride on SHREK, the exit doors dump you right into a theme store filled with donkeys, ogres and princesses! It would have been genius had half of the kids not been screaming and crying as their exhausted parents pulled them out of the store - many empty handed!

Even on the roads, the kids squealed with anticipation as we noticed a Mickey Water Tower, Mickey Ear - Shaped Electrical Poles and unbelievable topiaries in the shapes of our favorite characters!

As much as these are over-the-top ways to market your business, it was fun to go to Disney and walk away with a new sense of "creative energy" ... and some very tired kiddies!

Spring Cleaning

While getting ready for a big holiday party, my husband and I decided to tackle our garage. We surely would have a lost a child or two in the cluttered maze of "stuff" that had accumulated over the winter. Being in the promotional business, I am more observant of the many logos, messages and company names that appear on so many of our tools, toys and equipment. A lot of these items we have had for years which just reinforces the "staying power" of a great product that is used over and over again! Here's just a sampling of the many "finds" we came across ... Outer Banks' Frisbees, Phillies' baseballs, Eagles' helmets, Henderson Plumbing plunger, Terrain gardening tools, Seaview Marina beach chairs, Guinness cooler ...

Who knew our clean-out would be a non-stop commercial?

A "Magnetic" Business Friendship is Created!

Do you know those magnets that you see on everyone's car these days? I never thought much about them until one day I was at pick-up in car line at my son's school on a rainy day. I had gotten there early and with nothing to do, I gazed sleepily at the car in front of me.

A  janicebuck.com magnet stared back at me. Janice Buck? Who is that? What does she do? Why does she have her own magnet? I pulled up her website on my phone and was introduced to her fabulous world of shabby chic and antique finds and her very own version of Craig's List. Now two years later, I have made countless trips to see Janice and have filled my home with beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces (without breaking the bank)! Better yet, each time I head out to her house to see her new inventory, I get to catch up with a new friend and a wonderful  design consultant!

The point to this story? I do see a value in those car magnets. With so many people commuting and with Internet access on our phones, we certainly have created a new opportunity to merge marketing and technology. And the other point ... to my husband's dismay, I have found yet another way to "window shop" on-line!

Random Acts of Kindness Week - February 13-19, 2012

How great is it when someone does something nice for you? Even better, when you do something nice for others?

Holding the door open, returning your cart at the supermarket, leaving fresh flowers on your neighbor's doorstep are all little ways you can spread some kindness! We found a great website, http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/, where you can get inspirational ideas on how to be kind to our fellow man. What's so great about kindness is it doesn't have to cost you anything!

Take this week to do something nice for someone! It may just become addicting!

Keep Smiling,
Kelly