Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Golf Anyone?

Golf is undoubtedly one of America's favorite warm-weather past times.  And hosting corporate golf outings to inspire client relations is practically as old as a tradition as golf itself.   The Ad Specialty suppliers and manufacturers have embraced golf as one of the top ten categories for self-promotions.

Here's a list of some of the most effective Golf-related items available:

1. Logo Golf Balls -
When it comes to balls don't skimp.  Nothing looks worse then giving a customer, especially a customer that's an avid golfer, a cheap ball.  Titleist is still tops in the market. If you need to save money consider giving a single ball tee pack instead of a sleeve.  They still get a quality product and you don't break the bank.

2. Golf Apparel -
Golf shirts have changed!  New moisture wicking fabrics are available in both men's and women's fit.  Brand names are abundant, from Tiger Woods and Nike to Arnold Palmer and Cutter and Buck you can find a stylish shirt to fit your budget.  And don't forget hats, windshirts, fleece jackets, sweaters and vests too.

3. Golf Towels -
Embroidered with your logo, or monogrammed for your customer, this is a great item to give as a gift if you just need a small quantity.

4.  Golf Accessories -
Tees, divot tools, ditty bags, water bottles, umbrellas, shoe bags, ball markers, cleaners---you get the idea, there is a product to fit any theme or budget.

5. Indirectly Related Golf Items -
There are thousands of items in this category. From golf ball-shaped key tags, clocks and lip balm to more practical items such as suntan lotion and hand sanitizer sprays there most certainly is an item that will please your golfing customer.


My favorite new item is both practical and inexpensive. 

The Golf Ball Caddy holds 2 golf balls and two tees. It conveniently clips to your waist or golf bag.  Large imprint area. Great for those of us pocketless golfers....
Minimum order 100
$3.15 ea.

For more ideas call Adwear Specialties 651-699-0696 For All Your Promotional Needs

Thursday, February 25, 2010

The 5 Strangest Ad Specialty Items

I've seen a lot over the years.  There are things out there that you can imprint with your logo that really make me wonder what people are thinking when they come up with the design.

Undoubtedly this is one of the more strange items I've seen..  I'm not sure what practical use it has, maybe it keeps you warm? But it is definitely unique and a conversation starter.  I'm sure this would be great for colleges, bands or even some rock-star-wanna-be's out there.

Tatoo Arm Sleeves
Customize with your own logo or design.
Minimum 50 quantity
$5 ea.



Practical but strange, these products dissolve into shampoo, body wash or hand wash when water is applied.  50 sheets per unit.  Conveniently sized for anyone on the go.
Disolveable Cleaners
Minimum 150 quantity
$5.45 ea.





The Electro Cigarette
Charged by a UPC drive, these "cigarettes" allow you to smoke without the harmful effects.  At least the help you keep your hands busy if you are trying to quit.
Special Order







The Flat Vase
The name seems contradictary, ut this unique item is really quite ingenious.  It's flat as a piece of paper, even mails in a standard envelope,. But tear it open, add water, and this item turns into a 3D vase that holds water.  When your flowers are done, just empty, fold flat and store easily.  Great item for Florists and Gift Shops.
Miniumum 200 quantity
$2 each




And lastly, well I'm just not sure what to say about this item.  It's practical yes, but definitely makes me go "Hmmm?"

Butt Station
It's a pen holder, a pad holder and tape dispenser all in one.  Multi-function, yes, but the name could use some work.
Minimum 50 quantity
$11.50 ea.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Support Haiti Relief Bracelets

The news of the Haiti earthquakes have shocked us all.  As our hearts go out to the victims of that horrible disaster we may be feeling like there is not much that we can personally do to help.

Adwear Specialties has a solution.

One of our suppliers has generously created and is selling silicone bracelets debossed with a
'SUPPORT HAITI RELIEF" message. 
100% of all the profits this supplier receives will go directy to the Haiti relief efforts. 


You can give a couple of ways. One, if you purchase the bracelets the manufactureres profits are going directly to the relief efforts.  Two, if you then sell the bracelets you can donate your proceeds to the relief organization of your choice.

It's a win-win situation for Haiti and for you.

For further information please give us a call at 651-699-0696

Thursday, February 11, 2010

The Latest Promotional Items

In a country where the H1N1 virus was considered a major pandemic threat to our health, the hottest promotional item this last year was the antibacterial hand sanitizer gel.  It comes in a varety of sizes from pen-sized vials with a convenient pocket clip, to 4 oz. bottles to keep on your desktop.  Whether you wanted to imprint them or not, they were a staple in many corporate offices.  And with the threat of re-occurance in 2010, sales of these products will continue to skyrocket.

Hi-Tech products are always popular.  In recent years the USB Flash drives drove the market in sales.  And the Advertising Specialty Industry doesn't let you down when it comes to a creative housing for these products. There is a USB drive in pretty much every shape, size, color and storage capacity you may need.  From the basic oval and rectangle shapes to theme-driven, downright clever, shapes such as guitars, keys, robots, capsules, vehicles, toys...you name it.  There is bound to be a shape that will fit your industry or promotional theme.  Prices will fluctuate day to day as, believe it or not, "memory" is traded on the open stock market.




And if multi-purpose items are your thing, check out this new pen.  It looks like a pen but it also has a built-in USB flash drive, a camera and mini-recorder.  This item will bring out the James Bond in anyone.

For those of you who have to have your music wherever you go but want the freedom from earphones, these cool little speakers just might speak to you. Stereo speakers plug into your MP3 or mobile phone device.  They have adjustable bass and volume and even snap together for easy portability.  Imprint friendly and compact (about 2.5" x 2.5" each) this clever promotional gadget will make sure your advertising message gets heard.

The Latest Promotional Trends - Bottles

Since a Trend is technically something that is analyzed over time, we can't really forecast what the Trends are for 2010 quite yet.  But we can tell you what was strong in the last few years and what we foresee to be strong in 2010 as well.

In 2008 the promotional products industry seemed to be moving strongly toward recycled and reusable items.  We also saw a strong stance against harmful chemicals.  2009 saw a huge number of water bottles being advertised as BPA Free.

BPA or, Bisphenol A, is a component used to make polycarbonate plastic.  According to the American Chemistry Council, "Polycarbonate is clear, strong, lightweight, and resistant to heat and shattering.  This combination of properties makes polycarbonate plastic ideal for use as water bottles."  The problem is that BPA has also been found likely to be harmful to humans causing a variety of health issues from increased asthma to hormonal disruptions.  Water bottles containing BPA should not be put into the diswasher or exposed to sunlight.  The chemicals can leach into the contents inside the bottle and thusly be consumed.  Adwear Specialties saw a complete change in the water bottle market because of this.  Bottles now come with warnings posted or are advertised as BPA Free.  We've seen the prices of these bottles fall from an average of $8 to less than $4 each.

Because of the concern over plastics, we saw an increase in Aluminum and Stainless Steel bottles and mugs.  Some of these products also contain a plastic lining which can contain BPA; therefore, it is important to do your homework to find a quality bottle.  Aluminum bottles are said to have more of an environmental impact as it takes more energy to produce them.  There is also some concern over metal contaminants leaching into the body causing memory disorders, but that has yet to be widely proven.

One of Adwear's favorite bottles in an 18 oz. Stainless Steel water bottle made of 18-8 grade stainless steel.  There is no inner liner to worry about and it is high grade and durable.  Item #KSBFD-GGPYR has a wide enough mouth to accept ice cubes, fits in most cup holders and has an optional carabiner for easy portability.  Prices range from $4.50-$6.00.

Adwear Specialties has the latest promotional products industry research software, so we are able to search for promotional products with specific keywords and price ranges.  Please let us do the research for you.  We can search by quantity, price and even color choice to narrow down the thousands of promotional products on the market to assure you get the best product to meet your promotional budget.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The Latest Promotional Trends - Eco Friendly

Trends are developed over time, and there has been a long-time trend toward Eco-Friendly products.  Eco- Friendly can be defined as: a product that which does not do damage to the environment or is directed at preventing environmental damage.

With this concept in mind, the promotional products industry suppliers and manufacturers have created a plethora of promotional products that are environmentally friendly.  From recycled paper note pads to pens made of mostly recycled cardboard, there is surely a product that will fit both your need for advertising and your need to be green.

According to data released by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 2001, "..in the U.S. plastic bag, sack and wrap consumption, is somewhere between 500 billion and a trillion plastic bags consumed worldwide each year.  Of those, millions end up in the litter stream outside of landfills..."  However, when compared to paper grocery bags, plastic grocery bags consume 40 percent less energy, generate 80 percent less solid waste, produce 70 percent fewer atmospheric emissions, and release up to 94 percent fewer waterborne wastes, according to the federation. 
They also tend to be re-used more often.  But we can do better.  What can the average American do to help?

Use re-useable bags.

You've probably seen every grocer in town sell or give-away tote bags in an effort to save plastic and paper bags.  You've probably even purchased some yourselves.  The question is, "do you use them?"  I know I am guilty of forgetting mine time and time again.  But the staggering fact is that if we actually began to use our re-useable bags just once a week, we could cut down the amount of waste in the landfills by hundreds of millions of bags per year.

Adwear Specialties  works with numerous bag suppliers and manufacturers.  Whether you need a canvas tote or a non-woven poly-pro grocery bag, we will be able to find a product and price-point to suite your promotional needs.  What greater way to promote your company by making an environmental statement that says you care about the Earth.  You'll be doing something to help the environment.  You'll be perceived as a company that cares. And you'll encourage others to make changes that matter to our Earth.  Now that is a really big bang for your promotional dollar.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Welcome to Ad Wear Specialties, Promotional Products Company, St Paul, Minnesota

Promotional Products Company in Minnesota serving St Paul, Minneapolis and out state.

In need of Promotional Products, Logo Apparel and School Spirit items? Ad Wear Specialties can help you with all aspects of your promotional needs. We have been in business over 20 years and have the expertise to help you grow your business utilizing promotional gifts, tradeshow giveaways, or logo apparel. Or let us help you show your school spirit with apparel and promotional products.
Call Ad Wear Specialties, 651-699-0696 or 1-866-774-4787, in St. Paul, Minnesota, for your promotional, logo apparel and school spirit products.