How do you carry all that stuff?

An Expo Tote or Conference Messenger bag is essential for every meeting goer. Where else would you put all the handouts, brochures, stress balls, pens, etc. that you pick up as you travel from booth to booth?

Gemline has come out with a line of eco-friendly bags. The Eco-Choice line has several different styles of bags made from either recycled or organic materials.

The Recycled Essential Portfolio (above) is made from 51% recycled fabric. This line also has an Organic Economy Tote made from 100% organic cotton. But my favorite bag in the Eco-Choice line is the Organic Spa Tote (right). It too is made from 100% organic cotton with a front straw panel and coconut button closure provide added appeal.

View the entire Eco-Choice Line

A gift that says "You Mean the World to Me!"

Having a hard time expressing to your clients or employees how much they mean to you? Give them the world - at least a miniature world.

EcoSpheres are a miniature worlds that fit in the palm of your hand. They contain marine shrimp, algae and seawater. It sustains itself by producing and recycling everything it needs to survive. "It's the perfect balance of life and art, technology and nature; a living treasure and an incredible learning tool.", says Michel Harmony, owner of EcoSphere Associates, Inc.

The EcoSphere is a living example of cooperative relationships. What better way to say to someone, what we do together is important? It can be used to say thank you for a job well done or thank you for your business.

The EcoSphere is a techie gift, earthy gift, and high-end premium gift. It also works well as an award. It's perfect for someone who has everything and yet appreciates something unusual.

For more information about the EcoSphere, visit their website, www.ecosphereasi.com.

Dos and Don'ts of Corporate Gift Giving

Gift Giving in a business environment isn't quite the same as giving a gift to your best friend. Special considerations need to be made when selecting the appropriate gift for an employee or client.

This is a list of some of the dos and don'ts of corporate gift giving.

• DO give gifts of high quality.
• DON'T give gifts that appear cheap of that are in poor taste.
• DO give gifts that are stylish, yet classic and relevant.
• DON'T wait until the last minute and make a "desperate" purchase.
• DO make sure your gift is elegantly packaged.
• DO add a personal touch, such as a hand written note, to show some thought was put into the gift.
• DON'T buy something you would like, focus on what they would like.
• DO try to be culturally sensitive.
• DON'T give gifts that imply self-improvement in needed.
  
• DO give a different gift each year.
• DO consult with a colleague or friend when you're not sure what would be appropriate for the individual.
  

To logo or not to logo? That is the question. It really depends on the gift and the reason for giving it. If you are giving a gift to thank someone for a referral or their time, then most often the answer is yes. You want them to remember you and your service. However, if you are giving an upscale gift for a special event or the holidays, then maybe not. I think the impact of Mont Blanc pen, Coach bag or Bulova watch will be a lasting memory in the mind of the recipient.

The Kaeser & Blair Corporate Gift site has gifts that are appropriate for just about every business gift giving occasion.

The Industry is Going Green

The September edition of Advantages magazine, a trade publication for the promotional products industry, is all about how the industry is following the trend of going "GREEN".

Many suppliers are adding quality organic and recycled products to their lines. They are implementing eco-friendly printing processes such as digital printing that uses water-based inks and recycling the cartridges they come in. I'm very grateful that the suppliers in my industry are stepping up to the plate and doing their part to help our environment.

Now it's up to me and you to take advantage of this opportunity.

I promise to do the research. I will continue to learn about organic products and their contribution to the environment. I will learn which suppliers are truly committed to being environmental responsible. I will offer eco-friendly products to my customers as an alternative to the conventional products that may be damaging to the environment.

But it's really up to you to make the difference. Next time you need a product to carry your message to your target audience, choose to go "GREEN". Use a biodegradable pen made from plant fibers, not oil; a journal made from recycled materials.; a t-shirt made from organically grown cotton; a tote made from bamboo or straw.

Our combined efforts to be environmentally conscious and to do the right thing will pay off for years to come. As the demand for eco-friendly products rises more suppliers in this industry and others will take on an environmentally responsible policy.

Let's prove Kermit the Frog wrong! It is easy being GREEN!

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!

I started this blog because I'm always learning about new products, thinking about creative ways to use promotional products, thinking about the impact promotional products have on the environment, and I wanted an outlet to share my knowledge and thoughts with the general public. There just isn't enough room in my monthly newsletter!

Feedback and thoughts on anything and everything I write about are highly encouraged. I love to hear other people's perspective.

I hope you enjoy!

Kim