Cool Stuff ... Very Cool Stuff
By Cynthia L. Ironson

You know promotional products work, but have you stuck with traditional designs and looks for yours? You might want to consider spreading your marketing wings a bit more. Call or e-mail your counselor (who sponsors your Imprint subscription) or visit their Web site for imprinted products that can be cutting-edge as well as cost-effective.
Innovative design in fashion, architecture, cars, clothing, furniture and much more has been part of the country’s cultural landscape for decades. So why, in the past few years, has there been such a fuss about high style? Not long ago, the cover of Time proclaimed that Americans are dazzled by “The Rebirth of Design.” GQ followed a few months later with an article on the “Democratization of Style.” A story in Wired featured a bicycle made by a small Danish company. But it wasn’t your ordinary two-wheeler. It was a glow-in-the-dark, super-plastic/aluminum model described as an object “almost too pretty to ride.” Mostly, the media has been recently crowing about design because it’s no longer accessible only to the rich; it’s now the privilege of John and Mary Average to browse for stylish home accessories at discount department stores like Target or order sleek office furnishings from IKEA.  More Than Expected Which leads us to this magazine. What about design in the promotional products arena? Once upon a time it may have been considered the ugly stepsister of the retail/gift markets, but today it can match anyone else style for style. The Counselor recently asked a few promotional consultants whether products attract more attention if they’re well-designed. “I think design absolutely makes a difference,” says Eileen Montalvo. “People are always looking for a higher perceived value, and design can give that to promotional products.” Bill Peck notes, “Design is the most important factor in catching the eye.” To which Gil Levitch adds, “A product is only well designed if the recipient thinks it is.”  What follows is a representative selection of some of the industry’s latest offerings in stylish, eye-catching design. And the best part? Your counselor can hook you up with any of them with just a phone call or two.  Cynthia L. Ironson is a contributing editor to Imprint.
This colorful tin CD holder may look square, but take it from us, it’s way cool. Ask for (asi/38140)
	Stuck at your desk all day staring at drab accessories? Not good. Try this eye-pleasing frosted green desk set. The functional grouping (clock, letter opener, business card holder and key tag) has style to spare. Ask for (asi/38140)
The “Next Generation Cyber Radio Receivers” fit on the ear via an adjustable “hanger,” and feature a one-touch pop-up antenna. Scan the dial using the big button at the center, and control power/volume with the small switch to the right. Ask for (asi/38140)
	These eye-pleasing plastic “Modern Totes” close with two snaps and are strong enough to be loaded to the brim. Colors abound, and single-bottle sizes are available. Ask for (asi/44558)
A truly different way to store and protect CDs, allowing you to see the titles and enjoy the artwork on them. “CD Paper” is available in many fabrications and colors, and in two different sizes. Ask for (asi/82470)
	This shocking yellow “CellGrip” adds a splash of funky color while making a cell phone non-slip and protecting it from minor bumps and scrapes. It also comes in clear, purple, red, metallic and custom colors. Three versions fit Nokia, Ericsson and Audioxov cell phones. Ask for (asi/46189)
Clean up your mouse’s act with the “Mousewand.” It keeps computer mice dirt- and dust-free. The rubber gripper bottom helps remove the tracking ball, while the opposite Velcro-covered end gently cleans the inside rollers. In six colors. Ask for (asi/46189)
	Beyond their unique shape and opening mechanism, “Ion” ballpoints come filled with one of gel-ink colors like orbital orange, electron red and galaxy green and more. The clip attachment also allows them to hang on a chain. Ask for (asi/47520)
For the wine or brandy aficionado, these high-tech bottle stoppers offer a very classy way to preserve those spirits. Ask for (asi/46190)
	This substantial, satin-finished, metal “Tri-Arc” alarm clock is over three inches high with an acrylic clock face viewable from above. Ask for (asi/47550)
For an added touch of style, a high-perceived value keytag can nestle in a felt-lined hinged gift box of high-tech-looking brushed aluminum. Or, the box can serve as a gift all by itself. Ask for (asi/62820)
	Rubber has become a futuristic, funky and favorite material for desk items. Witness these colorful rubber clocks, which also come with alarms. Ask for (asi/99100)
The satin matte finish over metal alloy and leather easel-backs give these travel alarm clocks a look that’s equal parts nostalgia and new wave. Ask for (asi/62820)
	They look interplanetary, but these items – the “UFO” digital clock, AM/FM radio and voice recorder – are purely earthly in origin. Ask for (asi/33910)
Cool Curves. These metal desk accessories are very contemporary in design. Shown is the pen. The matching clip holder and desk clock can be ordered with it as a boxed gift set. Ask for (asi/33910)
	Looking like something from Robocop, the “Zeus Hanger” is a fold-out hanger that can remain attached to a car’s headrest. Also in gym and traveler models. Ask for (asi/62082)
The “Daytrek Backpack Cooler” is made of genuine wetsuit material and ballistic vinyl. It features an insulated main compartment, exterior pocket and adjustable straps. Ask for (asi/66887)
	This line of recycled products employs eco-conscious design by using materials like “post-consumer” (i.e., recycled) metal and rubber. The “Hubcap Duffel Bag” is all rubber with authentic chromed hubcaps. Ask for (asi/66887)
Must a computer mouse be … mousy? Nope. This stylish version comes with a matching pad. The set’s available in gray, pink, lime and blue. Ask for (asi/38480)
	Two years ago, the rubber radio was a major hit. So why not a rubber calculator? This number-cruncher goes by the name “Tykho.” Ask for (asi/38480)
Here’s an AM/FM radio design that will definitely pique curiosity. The paddle-like levers control the volume and tuning. Ask for (asi/91435)
	They look like metal, and they’re called “Titanium,” but these CD/DVD cases are semi-hard shells in matte silver with contrasting black piping and hardware. The holders are see-through fabric with curved die-cuts. Ask for (asi/79028)
“Toothpick Man” is one of the more innovative kitchen, table and gift items. It’s made of black plastic and aluminum, and comes complete with picks. Ask for (asi/87560)
	Tools are also enjoying a design renaissance. This steel tape measure comes in neutral tones, as well as red, blue and translucent blue. Ask for (asi/88156)
“Travel” tape dispensers are available in one of six colors and feature a protective guard that swings up to cover the steel cutter when not in use. Ask for (asi/88156)
	These aluminum thermometer’s blue or black accents and black temperature scale help contrast the elegant metallic body. Ask for (asi/88156)
The “Supernovae” pen sits in a mesmerizing spiral holder, a shape that’s echoed in the cigar-shaped ballpoint’s top trim. The frosted color adds to its otherworldly appearance. Ask for (asi/76832)
	These stainless-steel coasters can be filled with imprintable suede foam (in 11 colors) or recycled rubber inserts. Or, you can imprint right on the stainless or use die-cut inserts. Ask for (asi/90252)
Both for the conference room and for the home, these contemporary carafes look so good you can hardly take your eyes off them. Ask for (asi/90252)
	For those not into leather, or if you just want something different, aluminum attachés can fill one void. These three sizes offer storage  pockets and accessories to protect contents as delicate as PDAs and laptops. Ask for (asi/90519)
This metal cow-print purse is simultaneously stylish, sleek and sophisticated. Ask for (asi/90519)
	Tape dispensers in unexpected shapes, such as these translucent gears, will attract attention on any desktop. Ask for (asi/91780)
“Big Head” digital watches sport plenty of features, among them a dual time function, stopwatch and calendar. Ask for (asi/91435)
	The “Dome” calculator is composed of rubberized plastic sandwiched between aluminum plates. The imprint goes, natch, under the dome. Ask for (asi/91435)
Closed, it looks like a pod-like paperweight. Opened, the zinc alloy “Morpho” alarm clock looks like a Star Wars-era spaceship. Ask for (asi/91435)
	These comfortable, colorful foam-grip pens are actually metal rollerballs with a twist-off cap. Very hip. Ask for (asi/91435)

[ BACK ]