Sight Specific
SightSaver reading lenses from Chicago-based Specialty Specs might prove convenient back-ups for aging consumers who accidentally find themselves sans reading glasses. The product is the size of a credit card and features two lenses (available in three magnification strengths). The card can be imprinted with any logo or message and is available in several colors. Minimum order is 1,000 pieces. Prices start at around $2 each. Turnaround time is six weeks. For more information, call 847-374-1740 or see your way to specialtyspecs.com.
Flying Billboards
Do your premium programs need a lift? Go fly a kite — a custom kite from Whittier, CA-based Proma Connection. These high-flyers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, can be outfitted with any corporate message, and are made of tear-proof nylon/polyester material. They come with 250 feet of line on an attached handle. Prices start around $8 per kite on orders of 50 units, and can drop as low as $3 each on 10,000-piece orders (Proma adds customization charges to those base prices). For more information, call 562-696-0690 or head to promaconnection.com.
Tap Into Pleasure
Add new life to pour-poor beverage sampling endeavors with the BarZooka, a portable table-top serving device that is finding its way into mobile and on-premise programs. Manufactured by Brantford, Ontario-based Keg Club, the durable item features a transparent tube and polystyrene tap and base. All three sections can be logoed. Fill the tube with fluid, attach it to the portable base, and serve yourself silly. The BarZooka is available in three sizes (beverage capacity ranges from 2.5 liters to five liters) and comes with an ice sleeve to keep drinks cool. For more information, call 519-751-1201 or head to kegclub.com
Flower Power
Embedded with hundreds of flower seeds, Bloomin’ Flower Cards from the Boulder, CO-based company of the same name are an easy way to add life to direct-mail efforts. The company has a full menu of card and special paper products, and can customize items based on client requests. Recipients plant the seeded paper under one-eighth-inch of loose, well-drained soil, and seeds germinate within a month. (The company also produces seeded gift certificates.) Minimum quantity on a custom order is 200 pieces. Prices range from $1 to $3.50 a pop. Turnaround time is two weeks. For more information, call 800-894-9185 or check out bloomin.com.
Starting Their Engines
Creative Werks’ fully functional miniature pedal cars put kids in the driver’s seat. The cars come in virtually any color and can be plastered with corporate logos, messages, and graphics. They feature a low center of gravity, so they’re virtually tip-proof, and boast brakes, anti-slip pedals, and enclosed gear boxes. The cars are 50 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 22 inches tall. Minimum order is 500. Prices run around $120 each, and turnaround time is 10 weeks. For more information, call Schaumburg, IL-based Creative Werks at 847-413-1700 or check out creative-werks.com.
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