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

sales@barefootswag.com

 

 

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

A Rainbow of Swag

Pride Month, parades, festivals and rallies offer businesses, corporations, colleges and universities a great opportunity to show their support and to promote their Diversity and Inclusion programs to employees and potential employees, students and to customers across the US (and beyond).

Barefoot Swag offers a wide variety of items with a stock rainbow background that we can add your logo to, such as these rainbow can coolers which are perfect, lightweight giveaways for outdoor events.  Hot summer days lend themselves to hand fans – a popular swag item that also offers a large imprint area for your message.  Slab bracelets or bead medallions are ideal for parade toss items.

T shirts and hats are popular items for Diversity and Inclusion initiatives within a company, college or university.  Tie dye shirts offer a fun option, or we can use the same imprint color on a variety of shirt colors.  Complete the look by matching hats to shirt colors or create a rainbow of hats with such styles as this trucker cap available in many colors.

Items with a full color imprint option, such as these microfibers, allow you to get creative with the imprint and incorporate your logo and message along with a custom background on the imprint area.  Tote bags, hats, adhesive notes, magnets, clips and more can offer a digital imprint to give you a full color option.

Need more ideas or want to know what options are available for your corporate branding for Pride?  Call or email us today and we will put options together that fit your needs and budget.

http://www.barefootswag.com

866-247-4320       sales@barefootswag.com

 

 

The Swag I Choose

There are days I am literally tripping over samples in my office.   If I’m honest, I’m going to say that happens most days. Ok, every day.  There are boxes and bags and more boxes filled with samples that I need.  They cover the desk and floor, fill up drawers and hide out in the closet.  But they aren’t just in my office. Oh, no. They spread out over the rest of my world too.  The kitchen, bathroom, car, my purse, laundry room, garage.  They.are.everywhere.  But I do it for you,. I need to test and try out all the swag so I can make recommendations to you. See the sacrifices I make for my clients?

Sometimes these get packed up and shipped of to a client that I think will like them or whose brand could benefit from a particular product.  Often they are added to the closet for future use.  Sometimes they end up in file 13 (that would be the trash if you didn’t already know that).  There are also those “keepers” that I can’t bear to stow or give away. The ones that are useful, functional and have a purpose in my life and I keep around.  But, then there are the ones I love. The ones that are so useful they become my “Chosen Few”.  My go-to’s.

In marketing your business and making the decision of what promotional items are going to work well for your logo and brand, either of these last two categories are where you want your swag to end up- The Keepers or The Chosen Few.  If you can keep your name in front of clients & prospects every day, your ROI is going to be greater.  At Barefoot Swag we help you consider your audience, the needs and what swag ideas will work best.  We don’t want you to just have “something to give away”, we want you to have the “right” item to showcase your brand.   The perfect item for your brand and target audience might not be the perfect item for the next person. We will help you look at the options and make that decision.

Here are some of the swag items that have made it to my Chosen Few list that you might want to consider as well:

1. Scissors with Magnetic Holder– these are heavy duty, well made scissors that are perfect for the office or kitchen (where mine reside).  They hang out on the side of the refrigerator so they are handy to open packages, cut string, snip herbs, cut wrapping paper & tape- pretty much anything.  The handles have a gripper to help with stubborn jar or bottle lids.    And I just pop them in the dishwasher to clean them then they slip right back in the magnetic sheath (which offers a larger full color imprint area) and hang out until I need them again.
2. Backpack. I do love my backpacks.  I have this one that is my carry on when I travel and also works perfect as an overnight bag.  Then this one is packed with all the items for a group I volunteer with so I have everything together and can just grab my bag for meetings and know what I need is already in there.  And then one for the car– dog items, first aid kit, hiking items, etc.  One cannot have too many backpacks.
3. Notebooks. I love notebooks even more than backpacks.  We did this one with our logo and I love it so much it sits on my desk and I’m resisting writing in it.  Or this one is the perfect size for desk, home, travel, trade show handouts.  And this one with stone paper is the smoothest writing paper ever.  It is waterproof, tear proof and smudge resistant.  Notebooks are handy for the home, office or car.  No one is going to throw away a notebook so your branding will be seen.
4. Stainless steel bottle and mug.  I am constantly filling up a bottle with water before I leave the house and this one is my favorite.  It keeps the water cold for hours, even if it sits in the hot car.  And the stainless steel doesn’t leave a funky taste.  And for the desk this is the one I grab first.  Even for hiking I use the the double wall stainless steel bottle- I need my water cold!
5. Sling Grip.  I don’t know what I did before this thing. Other than drop my phone a lot. Seriously one of my favorite new swag ideas to come along in a while.
6. I eat at my desk a lot. Two meals a day and sometimes a snack.  This bowl keeps me from overdoing it with portion control.  Veggies and hummus or chips and salsa are staples and  I don’t have to balance multiple containers with this little guy.
7. I love the tech tacos to keep cords organized when traveling, in  my purse, or in a drawer (how do cords get so tangled just relaxing in a drawer).  And this super cute metallic gold one is my current favorite.
8. Another thing I love is wine.  This wine opener is a great custom gift idea and does a fantastic job of quickly opening a bottle.  Pair it with this wine cooler bag for a corporate or holiday gift or even a closing gift.  And a bottle of wine to make it even more personal.
9. I can’t list my favorite things without at least some apparel. I haven’t bought a t shirt is years.  Next Level and Bella + Canvas are two of my favorite all around brands. I have others that I like specific styles or for specific purposes, but my closet holds a lot of these two brands.
10. And last, but not least, a power bank, a.k.a mobile charger. I carry one when I travel and keep one charged all the time in case of a power outage.  This one came in handy a couple weeks ago when I was trying to work using the mobile hotspot on a phone with a quickly dwindling battery.  2200 mAh is enough to charge a smart phone fully once.  This one will charge a tablet or can charge a smart phone multiple times.  There are so many options when it comes to power banks- there are combos with bluetooth speakers, earbuds, ones that will stick to your phone, have a flashlight or the logo lights up.

    I know I’m forgetting something that I will remember as soon as I hit publish!  Let me know what your favorite swag items are.  We love to hear different perspectives on why you like what you do.

    Need help finding the perfect swag ideas for your brand and your budget?  Give us a call or email us today and we will put some ideas together for you.

    sales@barefootswag.com     866-247-4320

    www.barefootswag.com