NEW PRODUCTS
By Arn Bernstein

The hardest-working rubber duck in promo business ... You may have already seen “Celebriducks” mentioned on TV or in Entertainment Weekly magazine and considered buying one or more. Now they’re available for the promotional market, too. They’re your basic rubber duckie, complete with squeaker, with one crucial difference: They’re molded and painted to resemble famous personalities! Actually, the idea began with a custom job for one company, and the reaction was so great, things simply morphed from there. Shown is the “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown. Other available ducks include Carmen Miranda, Betty Boop, Ludwig von Beethoven, the Three Stooges, Groucho Marx, Queen Elizabeth, Mae West, Uncle Sam, the Blues Brothers and more, all of which are simply too good to put in the bathtub. Imprinting is accomplished via an attached hang-tag. Could these become the new Beanie Babies, craze-wise? Only time will tell. Ask for asi/37170

Display and/or play ... And while we’re on the subject of photo displays, very few of us are lucky enough to have unlimited desk space. The “Photo Frame D Tower” takes care of that. Actually, the name’s pretty self-descriptive. It’s a plastic frame that displays a 4- by 6-inch photo mounted to a base. Swivel the photo around, however, and the rear of the unit incorporates a CD holder that accommodates up to 16 CDs/DVDs, or double that when slimline cases are used. The basic black and gray color fits almost any décor at office or home. Particularly interesting idea for a new product launch; both a photo and disc with image can be placed in the unit before shipping. Large imprint area, too. Ask for asi/46189

In Thin Air ... Less than a decade ago, the term “anti-gravity” applied strictly to space travel. Today, it also applies to “Levitator,” easily the coolest way to display photos we’ve seen yet. The ultra high-tech-looking unit not only literally suspends a four-sided photo cube in midair, but rotates it on its own axis, too. The secret is a hidden but powerful state-of-the-art electromagnet, and the overall effect is about as attention-grabbing as it comes. The unit is powered by an AC adapter, and features blinking LED lights, an on/off switch and a dial that controls the magnet’s intensity. Photos can be inserted or switched in a few seconds. The item comes gift-boxed with full instructions and a warranty.  Ask for asi/68604

Belly-Rubber ... Some computer accessories are purely functional, some are just for fun and some combine both elements. Like “Screenie Cleanies.” They’re a selection of 12 different bean-filled creatures (hippos, bugs, pigs, elephants, cows, tigers, etc.) that, when not in use, can sit on or near a computer and simply look cute. When your monitor screen’s dirty, however, they spring into action. Each animal’s belly is made of genuine optical-grade chamois, one of the best glass-cleaning substances on earth. Give the screen a wipe or two, and the critter goes back to being cute. Until the next time. Imprintable three different ways. Ask for asi/46183

Fatigue fighter ... While many of us will probably never develop full-bloom carpal tunnel syndrome (wasn’t it simply called a sore wrist until the mid-80s?), there’s no denying that using a computer mouse every day for long periods can be tiring not only to your wrist, but your arm and shoulder, too. The “Morph Rotary Wrist Pad” seeks to end the suffering. It’s an ingeniously constructed plastic and foam unit that freely rotates with each arm movement, remarkably reducing strain and stiffness. The pad portion, which also holds the imprint, is available in pink, blue or green. Ask for asi/43912

Back from memory... Once upon a time, several decades ago, virtually any souvenir shop worth its salt offered a version of an all-metal perpetual “Flip-O-Matic” calendar – the month and day were displayed on the base, controlled by tiny knobs, and the date was revealed by simply turning the unit one full 360-degree revolution. The next day, the process was repeated until month’s end, when the number “1” would reappear, ready to start the next month. One could even travel backward in time (well, at least in one’s mind) by reversing the flip-action. For some reason, those calendars mysteriously and quietly disappeared. Until now. Fossil, the noted watch firm, has reintroduced the flip calendar. Same metal construction, same uncomplicated flip-action, and just as much fun now as it was in 1966. This one is a self-promo model, but one can be created just for your company. Comes boxed. Ask for asi/55145

Back and forth ... We’ve all been there; we’re at a trade show, sales meeting, waiting in line for a plane, or any one of a hundred other places where we have an opportunity to present our business card at the same time we have one hand otherwise occupied. Just keeping loose cards in a pocket isn’t very convenient – or neat. The “EZ Biz Card” dispenser solves the one-handed hand-off. Made of high-impact polycarbonate with brushed chrome accents (and optional wood inserts), it holds 15-20 standard-size business cards, keeping them crisp and unwrinkled until ready. To dispense one, simply move the small rubber roller backward with your thumb. Changed your mind? Retract the card by moving the roller forward. Tough to get any easier.  Ask for asi/68397

Wipe up attention… Imprinted tissue boxes and packs have been available for at least 15 years. Imprinted napkins nearly 60. Both are almost always appreciated by recipients. But until now, nobody ever thought of imprinting another useful household paper product – paper towels. The towels are USA-made, two-ply for extra absorbency and strength, and are produced in 65-count rolls. A logo or ad message (one- or two-color) is placed directly on each towel, and the poly packaging can be imprinted in up to six colors. Incredibly simple, to be sure, but so are lots of great ideas. Ask for asi/75840

Watch them watch you ... After something a little different than the standard refrigerator or file-cabinet magnets to hold papers? Say no more. “Wally Clinger and Friends” are colorful, amusing wooden critters that have a powerful magnet in each “foot.” The result is a playful way to simultaneously dress up the office or kitchen and hold memos, coupons, notes, receipts and any other paper that needs posting. Best of all, each magnetized appendage can hold a different item. The creatures vary in size and design, and are more affordable than you might think for something of this quality. For kids of all ages. Ask for asi/80204

Touch of Deco ... One of the hallmarks of design in the Art Deco era was the use of cobalt blue glass for everything from cocktail shakers to table tops to ashtrays to flower vases. It somehow lent an extra element of elegance without being much more costly than standard glass. Cobalt faded with the ‘40s, but has lately been seeing a quiet but steady resurgence, especially in household glassware. But there’s no reason cobalt can’t supply its own unique touch of class to awards as well. Now it has. This crystal vase and bowl feature cobalt bodies with contrasting clear bases and accents for a rich, eye-catching look that’s enhanced even more so when the unit is etched. It can definitely make an award stand out from others without being gaudy or showy. Gift-boxed, of course. Ask for asi/68915

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