Top 5 Holiday Gifts For Clients And Employees

Amid all the other projects you need to complete by the end of the year, you also have to think about year-end appreciation gifts for clients and/or employees.  Don’t let the gift selection stress you out.  Here are our Barefoot Swag top 5 gift ideas to show your appreciation.

1. Food is always a popular gift, especially if you are looking for something an entire office can share.  Tins of cookies, nuts or popcorn are top choices for sharing. Towers with an assortment of items offer variety and an impressive presentation.  Individually wrapped treats, such as cookies, give you the flexibility to adjust the quantity you give out based on the recipient.  Just fill an imprinted gift bag or gift box with the appropriate number of individual treats for a personal gift.

 

Individually wrapped cookies with logo

Food Towers offer a variety of fill options

 

2. Backpacks are a great choice for something that is a little different from a traditional gift, but sure to be appreciated by employees and clients alike.  Whether they commute to work, use it for travel or a trip to the gym, backpacks are a great choice for a unisex gift across all generations.

Sleek designs are trending

3. Power Banks come in handy for, well, everyone with a mobile phone.  Ranging from those that will simply charge your phone to those that will also charge a laptop, there are power banks to fit every budget and need. You can get a simple power bank or one that includes other features such as a built-in flashlight or speaker.

Gold Power Bank and Speaker Combo

4. Blankets are an excellent choice for a gift for the family, a more generic personal gift or a gift for the home.  Fleece, sherpa and wool blankets can be decorated discretely for a high-end look and a more subtle message.  Fun retail inspired designs such as plaid or cable knit offer a high end look.

Cable knit patter will match any decor

5. Retail brands such as S’well, Igloo, Ogio, RTI, Nike  and others give appreciation gifts a higher perceived value and also allow you to tie in to their brand integrity and increases your value as well.   Contact us to see what brands will work best with your logo.

 

http://www.barefootswag.com   866-247-4320

sales@barefootswag.com

 

A Breakdown of Decorating Terms

Putting your logo on swag should be simple right?  Just plop it on there.  There are so many variables we have to look at when deciding the best way to get your logo on an item- the material it is going on, the number of colors in your logo, the look you want to achieve and the message you want to send, just to name a few.

If you are looking for something trendy and eye catching for events, using glitter, which is trending right now, is a fun choice.  For insurance companies that want to convey their solid reputation, a left chest embroidery is the obvious, traditional choice.

Not sure what you want or even what is available for your logo? Just ask us and we will help you find the option that will work best for your logo.

Here is a brief explanation of various types of imprints we have available.

Screen Printing An imprinting method in which an image is printed onto fabric or other substance, by straining ink through a stenciled screen stretched over a frame.

Embroidery The art of embellishing a piece of apparel with a needle and thread or yarn to create depth, movement and detail.

Direct-To-Garment Printing (DTG) Also known as Digital Textile Printing, DTG uses specialized inkjet technology to print detailed, colorful graphics directly onto apparel.  DTG is often used for full color or multi color designs and is also an option for small runs of garments.

Heat Press/Heat Transfer The use of a heat press to transfer a design onto an apparel surface, popular for small runs, sports uniforms and specialty finishes (such as foil imprint).

Emboss Embossing creates raised relief images on surfaces using a metal-engraved die. Embossed patterns are raised against the background material and will not fade or wash away.

Deboss Debossing creates recessed relief images on surfaces. Debossed patterns are sunken into the surface of the material and will not fade or wash away.

Laser Etching A subtle tone-on-tone decoration style created by etching a design or pattern into the top layer of the apparel or other material, using focused laser beams.

Pad Printing The used of a soft silicone pad and an etched plate to imprint the design in ink onto products.  Often used for items that are too difficult to imprint with other methods.

Dye Sublimation A printing process that uses extreme heat and pressure to transfer a design that is printed on a special paper onto fabric.

Different imprint methods can be combined to create a unique look, such as screen print and embroidery, or laser etching and deboss.

At Barefoot Swag, we listen to what you want to achieve and will make suggestions based on your item, logo, budget and timeline.

http://www.barefootswag.com  866-247-4320

sales@barefootswag.com

What’s Trending in Swag?

That’s a loaded question.  There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when we are suggesting products for your marketing & branding- we look at your industry, your customer’s demographics, where and how you will be giving items away just to name a few.

But, for the sake of this blog,  let’s take a broad overview of all the new swag giveaway ideas out there- what we see that is popular, what people are loving to get as giveaways and what is popular at retail, which is playing a larger and larger roll in the promotional products industry.

S’well bottles have recently become available to add your logo to.  As a widely recognized, and well respected, retail brand S’well has a wide line of products and colors that you can add your logo to.    The S’well logo will still appear on the back of the bottle and your logo can be etched or printed on the opposite side.

Straws are being banned everywhere, by all the big names (not saying it isn’t justified), but it is going to create a branding opportunity for either paper straws (like the fun ones above) or reusable stainless steel straws.  I’ve seen some fun options for collapsible straws as well with the logo on the case.  I can see logo reusable straws being an ideal marketing idea for food or beverage manufacturers, wellness programs or environmental services.

Tech items continue to be a favorite way for companies to brand themselves with employee gifts, trade show giveaways and general swag.  Tech organizers are especially popular for companies with a mobile workforce or for trade show giveaway ideas.  Everyone has an abundance of power cords, adapters and accessories to keep track of and with the variety of style and price ranges available it makes these a cool corporate gift.  We are really loving the Ruckman Tech Roll above for its hip look and feel and the fact that you can order only 1 with your logo if you like.

Bags continue to be one of the most popular overall categories for swag, but the new trend is the rucksack look for backpacks and other bags.  This gives bags a younger vibe with a more retail look.  Imprint options for your logo go beyond screen printing or embroidery as well.  We can do full color patches (like on the backpack above), debossed leather patch or full color transfer depending on the bag style you choose.  Combing a cool bag with a creative decoration gives you a memorable swag bag giveaway item.

Internet security and safety concerns continue to grow on a daily basis, and honestly freak me out when I think about someone watching me through my webcam, phone camera or even my smart TV!!   Webcam covers are an inexpensive giveaway item with a big impact.  Choose from mini sizes for smart phones or full size for desktops, laptops and tablets in bulk or add a custom backer card.  Or do a set to cover both!  With their compact size they make an excellent option for a direct mail promotion or trade show giveaway.

Call or email us today for more information on these items or additional ideas for cool swag to brand with your company logo.

http://www.barefootswag.com          866-247-4320

sales@barefootswag.com

 

 

 

 

 

Rewarding and Recognizing Employees

A job well done

A goal accomplished

A milestone reached

Sales Record

Years of Services

Volunteer Appreciation

Donor Recognition

The reasons behind rewarding and recognizing people within your company or organization are as varied as the awards themselves.  However, the reason behind the act of the recognition remains the same- to show the recipient they are appreciated and valued.

According to this Inc article, Employees consistently list appreciation and recognition of their hard work as one of their Top 5 desires.  Gallup analysis found that employees who receive praise for doing good work perform better.  It seems pretty common sense, but it is often overlooked or not considered a priority.

Customized awards are an effective way for companies to attract and keep talent as well as to encourage employees to continue putting their best efforts forward.  According to the Gallup analysis referenced above, employees who do not feel adequately recognized are twice as likely to say they will quit in the next year.

When asked about what made recognition the most memorable, one of the top answers was public recognition or acknowledgement with an award, certificate or commendation.  This shows us that people want to feel important and appreciated.

The same can be said about recognizing volunteers for your group or organization. Because volunteers give so freely of their time and are often key to an organizations function, acknowledging their contributions is vital.  This can be as simple as a “Volunteer of the Month” recognition, a plaque or volunteer wall.

Donor walls are popular and affordable ways to recognize those that contribute to your organization or cause.  Small paperweight type awards are also popular to show appreciation for donations.

Let us help you design a recognition program or yearly awards that will align with your needs, company culture and budget that will also achieve your reward and recognition goals.

    

Awards can range from framed certificates, custom paperweights or wall plaques up to custom crystal awards, grandfather clocks (great for years of service awards), beautiful art glass awards or even awards where we embed your product or a reproduction of your equipment inside to make it truly unique.

      

barefootswag.com   866-247-4320

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Three Things You Need to Know about Power Banks

Over the years in this industry I’ve seen many new items come along- items that no one knew they needed…until they used them.  Power Banks are definitely one of those items.

Practically everyone has a smart phone.  All you have to do is look around and you see heads down staring at that screen- in line at the grocery store, in restaurants, even walking down the street.  We can’t seem to live without them.  I’m just as guilty.  When I see that battery getting low and I have nowhere to recharge I start to panic.  I mean, what if I have an emergency and need to google the answer to some random trivia?  Luckily, this is where the fabulous mobile phone charger comes to the rescue!

Light up tablet power bank

Power Banks come in a wide range of prices and with a variety of options, making them an ideal giveaway item for trade shows, corporate branding and employee gifts- they are one of our top swag items as they work for the vast majority of demographics.

Before you buy these promotional items, make sure you understand three of the most important things to look for (and if you don’t want to read the blog, watch the video here):

1. mAh (milliamp Hours) is basically the power of the battery.  The higher this number, the more times you will be able to charge your devices (phone, tablet or even computer) with one charge of the power bank.  A 2200 mAh should charge your smart phone one time.  When you get up to 8000 mAh or 10,000 mAh, you will be able to charge your phone approximately 3 times or you could charge a tablet.  Think about what you want the recipient to use the power bank for.  For an insurance company, a 2200 mAh could be the perfect promo to promote being prepared for emergency situations.  For a company with a large “road warrior” staff, a 10,000 mAh would help make sure they are always fully powered up.
2.  Output.  This tells you the speed at which the power bank will charge.  The higher this number the faster the charge.  The 8000 mAh with a 5V 2.1A output will charge my phone to just over 90% in about 35 minutes.
3. Safety Certification.  Not all power banks comply with UL certification.  While they may be a few dollars cheaper, the dangers and risks are not worth the money saved, not for the people you will be giving these to and not for the negative publicity your company could receive.  If you are shopping on our website and aren’t sure, just ask and we will provide you with all the safety information.

After these key considerations, it is time to choose the style, features and options you want.

Let us know how we can help you select the perfect power bank to showcase your logo and market your brand.

http://www.barefootswag.com       866-247-4320

sales@barefootswag.com

On Loss

June 28th. It rolls around every year, but for the last 13 I have hated this day.  This year seems even worse than others. Maybe because the day is cloudy and overcast, which fits my mood.  Maybe because this year I’m the age my husband was on this day 13 years ago when he took his last breath.  Maybe because last week I spent time kayaking with his (our) granddaughter and know how much he would have adored her (and his grandsons), and they him. Maybe because on this day it doesn’t seem like years have passed since I lost him. It seems like only yesterday.

My favorite picture of Mark. Taken the night we were married.

I’m angrier than normal this year. I’m angry that he was stubborn and wouldn’t go to the doctor soon enough. I’m angry there is no cure for cancer. I’m angry that I had only 5 very short years with him. I’m angry he isn’t here for me to discuss business matters with.  I’m angry that his life was cut short and that he didn’t get to fulfill all his dreams. I’m angry that I want to talk to him and can’t.

I’m also grateful- grateful that I met that stubborn Yankee, that he convinced me to go out with him (even though I told him nice Southern girls don’t date Yankees- he took that as a challenge).  Grateful that he loved me so completely and unconditionally that I never had to doubt it for one second. Grateful that his laugh still echos in my head when I need it most. Grateful for every second that I had with him and the many ways he changed my life.  Grateful that he was the man he was.

If you were lucky enough to have known Mark Orze, you liked him. There was no way you couldn’t. If you never met him. I wish you could have. He was a smart businessman, had the ability to talk to anyone, he was funny and could laugh at himself like no one I have ever met.  He was stubborn, organized,  creative, an amazing cook, loved to travel and was a great Dad.  And a wonderful husband.

Now it’s time for my soapbox. If you smoke, stop (and if you don’t, don’t even think about starting).  I don’t give a shit how hard it is. It can’t possibly be as hard as knowing your family and those you love will have to live the rest of their lives missing you. Smoking can’t possibly be more important that being here to watch your children and grandchildren grow up.  Smoking can’t possibly make you feel good enough to justify the pain you will put yourself and your loved ones through.  Lung Cancer kills more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.  For the record, Mark had stopped smoking long before I met him, 12 years prior to his diagnosis.

Today we all go on.  Memories make me smile and laugh (I still laugh as his misunderstanding of some southern sayings), they make me sad and lonely.  But I treasure each one. Especially on this day.

 

Golf Tournament Giveaways That Go Beyond the Course.

Planning your golf giveaways for a charity golf tournament or corporate golf outing does not need to be daunting- or boring.

Many people that play in golf tournaments do so because they support the cause or organization, not necessarily because they are avid golfers. Maybe this is one of the only times they play each year (I definitely fall into this category.  I get bored after 9 holes). This is also true for corporate golf outings where employees play to enjoy a day of socializing with their co-workers.  For this type of golfers, choosing event giveaways does not necessarily mean you need items that are golf related.  As a matter of fact, if you want your brand identity to be seen more (and who doesn’t), selecting items that are functional beyond golf is a smart marketing strategy.  Even the avid golfers appreciate items that have a use other than while golfing (how many shoe bags does one golfer need?)

Here are our Top 5 Golf Giveaway ideas that can do double duty:

1. The weekender duffle bag comes in a wide variety of colors to coordinate with your brand. Your logo can be debossed on the patch or printed in color.  The variety of pockets can be stuffed with other swag items (golf tees, golf balls or other golf swag).  The additional imprint area makes it possible to add another sponsor logo as well.
2. Whether organizing the trunk or used as a convenient way to carry items from the car to the house, this utility tote is ideal as a giveaway, raffle item (fill it with golf goodies) or tournament prize. With a low minimum, reasonable price and large imprint area, this is one of my favorite pieces for its versatility.
3. Socks have become a hot promotional item and the possibilities are endless. And who is going to throw away a pair of socks?  Choose from a variety of styles, from no- show to dress socks to knee highs.  Want to add a fun element for a hole sponsor- have each golfer show their socks at the hole and the one with the biggest “hole” at the end of the day wins an extra prize.
4. Flashlights are one of those items you never throw away because you never know when you are going to need it.
5. Tech items are always popular, and sought after, gift ideas. Power banks will come in handy on and off the golf course and will be an well used promotional item. Available in a variety of sizes to charge just a smart phone or charging multiple devices.

If these aren’t exactly what you are looking for check out this previous post on non-traditional golf ideas for giveaways or this blog on choosing the right golf ball with your logo.

 

Need more ideas or information?  Call or email us today and we will put together ideas that fit your needs and your budget.

sales@barefootswag.com   866-247-4320

http://www.barefootswag.com