Problem solved

Ever wonder how you can make sure crumbs don’t fall into your soda can? Or how to get every last bit of toothpaste out before discarding the tube? Find solutions to these and many other tricky life problems in the following showcase.

Here, you’ll read about products that would work wonderfully for health clubs, travel agencies, supermarkets, restaurants, corporate offices, doctors’ offices, nonprofits, universities and other lucrative markets.

Get more bang for your buck with a pen that serves as a USB drive and stylus, a second pen that doubles as a highlighter, or a third pen that completes an executive gift set. Or take a break from writing with a whimsical mini football game or a creative stress reliever.

Whatever events or promotions your customers are planning, you’re bound to get inspiration from the innovative products on these pages. Get them while they’re hot!

– By Patricia Cangelosi

1. CARD HOLDER.

Auto ID/passport case features a clear slot on front for ID, driver’s license or business cards as well as a clear pocket on back for passport or auto insurance card. Available in black, navy and burgundy. From Waldor Products, asi/94770, 800-481-3042.

2. DOUBLE DUTY.

The Twinner is a ballpoint pen and a highlighter in one. Features a silver metal Florentine barrel and metal clip. Perfect for students, teachers or bank employees. From Gotham Pen & Pencil Co., asi/57860, 800-334-7970.

3. FUN AND GAMES.

The Fun Cup comes with snap-on lid and color-coordinated straw. Made of BPA-free Tritan and double-walled to lock in beverage temperature. Suggest for any party or child-oriented promotion. From Moderne Glass, asi/71920, 800-645-5131.

4. TAG YOU’RE IT.

Keytag is custom-made from 100% silicone. Consider for car dealerships, service stations or traveling businesspeople. From IDProductsource, asi/62088, 866-798-1549.

5. CUDDLE BUDDY.

Plush teddy bear measures 20" head to toe and 12" sitting. Accessory options include T-shirt, tie, bandana, Santa hat and more. Show the love with a Valentine’s Day promotion featuring teddy in these heart boxers. From Vitronic Promotional Group, asi/93990, 800-666-7117.

6. SPEAK UP.

Portable silicone mini speaker amplifies sound from your iPhone using horn/ megaphone technology – no batteries needed. It can hold phone vertically or horizontally and features an opening for charger. Works with iPhone 4S, 4G, 3S and 3G phones. From Calibre International, asi/43442, 800-707-2757.

7. FIT TO BE DYED.

Tie-dyed ladies’ cap is unstructured and low-profile with six panels. Made of cotton twill with precurved visor and hook-and-loop closure. One size fits most. From Outdoor Cap Co., asi/75420, 800-826-6047.

8. PICTURE PERFECT.

Rectangular slate award is handcrafted with four-color process imprint. Two supports are included with each award to allow for easy display. Suggest this for employee recognition programs or anniversaries. From The Magnet Group, asi/68507, 800-458-9457.

9. BOTTLED UP.

Bottle cooler is made of foam and contains zipper. Imprinted by sublimation; many customization options available. Target beer and soda companies, grocery stores and more. From Cooler Graphics Ltd., asi/80345, 877-922-0262.

10. SAFETY FIRST.

Flip-top safety kit contains two adhesive bandages and three handsanitizer packets. Available in 10 bright colors. Three imprint locations can leave a lasting impression. Great for wellness initiatives and doctors’ offices. From Garyline, asi/55990, 800-227-4279.

11. RALLY UP.

Spirit/rally flag is made of a 65/35 poly/ cotton blend and measures 11" x 22". Choose from 20 colors. Ideal for cheerleaders and sports fans. From Marathon/ Prestige, asi/68707, 800-521-2860.

12. BODY ART.

Temporary tattoo consists of a QR code to direct smartphone users to client's website. Can be customized to include text, URL, e-mail address, phone number and more. Think of ink for companies sponsoring contests or social media promotions. From Tattoo Factory, asi/90650, 941-923-4110.

13. ON THE TABLE.

USA-made table cover is made of 100% stitchbond polyester. Reusable and washable. Dyesublimated with water-based, eco-friendly inks. Available in seven colors. From Aprons Etc., asi/36558, 800-467-1996.

1. OZONE LAYER.

Ozone ballpoint pen comes with a super glide refill. Designed to write smoothly every time. Features full translucent barrel and clip and solid plunger. From Gold Bond Inc., asi/57653, 800-438-5757.

2. A NEW TWIST.

Stress reliever contains 20 pivoting ergonomic interconnected pieces. Made of ABS plastic covered with latex-free rubberized material. Perfect for therapists’ offices. From Tangle, asi/90534, 888-829-3808.

3. PEN PAL.

Twist-action ballpoint pen with black ink is also a USB drive and a screen stylus. Many colors and imprint methods are available. Ideal for high-tech promotions or electronics stores. From KTI Promo, asi/63776, 800-275-6387.

4. FLOWER POWER.

Fleur-de-lis tote features nonwoven front pocket, 18" handles and 6" gusset. Comes in blue, lime, pink, purple and red. Suggest this for grocery stores or boutiques. From Crown Products, asi/47700, 800-367-2769.

5. COZY COTTON.

Ladies’ T-shirt consists of 100% cotton preshrunk jersey. Designed with denser fabric for more lifelike prints and tighter stitch density for less shrinkage. Features feminine fit and double-needle bottom hem. From Fruit of the Loom, asi/84257, 888-378-4829.

6. SOCK IT TO ’EM.

Jacquard-stitch logoed ankle sock consists of 80% acrylic/20% nylon blend. Features heel-and-toe construction and cushioned sole. Choose from 21 colors. Consider for school uniforms. From Soyad, asi/88403, 800-521-2860.

1. ELEGANT GIFT.

Keyring and executive pen gift set comes in heavy-duty cardboard gift box. Pen and/or keyring can be imprinted or laser-engraved. Smart idea for employee awards or anniversaries. From STOPNGO Line, asi/57655, 800-833-8981.

2. BIRTHDAY TREAT.

A tin of freshly baked cookies, along with a hand-signed birthday gift, is shipped to everyone on your list. Just send an Excel spreadsheet with names and dates for an entire year, and the rest is taken care of. From Fresh Beginnings, asi/55439, 866-444-7923.

3. EMBLEM ENDORSEMENT.

Four-inch embroidered patch can be washed or dry-cleaned. Many shapes and colors are available, along with customization options. Suggest for clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and national parks. From Norco, asi/74100, 800-358-6602.

4. DRINK UP.

Stainless water bottle features 18-oz. Capacity, stainless-steel construction, flip-up drinking spout, easy-hold shape and carabiner attachment. Great for fitness promotions. From Zipline, asi/99030, 866-344-7677.

5. WALK IT OFF.

Aluminum/plastic slim pedometer accurately measures every step you take. It features an accelerator and seven-day memory, and can also measure distance and calories. Great idea for corporate wellness initiatives. From Leed’s, asi/66887, 866-533-3724.

6. THINK INK.

Plastic ballpoint pen with removable cap comes in black, blue, green, orange, red or yellow. The perfect item to hand out at job fairs or open houses. From Bullet, asi/42424, 800-749-7367.

7. SAVE IN STYLE.

Coupon bag can be customized according to size, color, material and style. Print on either one or both sides for the same price; imprint can include up to six colors. Smart idea for car washes, radio stations or retail stores. From Rainbow Polybag, asi/80460, 800-882-9393.

8. SOLID EVI-DENSE.

HiDensi-T T-shirt is made with 50% denser fabric. It’s 5 oz., 100% cotton and preshrunk with 1x1 seamless ribbed crewneck collar and two-needle hemmed sleeves and bottom. Available in sizes S-5XL in up to 23 colors. From JERZEES Activewear, asi/84257, 888-378-4829.

1. IN THIS CASE.

Plastic case snaps onto back of user’s phone to protect it from dust and dirt. Compatible with iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Colleges and universities would be lucrative markets to target. From Featured Promos, asi/53915, 920-969-0556.

2. TOUCHDOWN.

Foam desktop football game stands about 6" tall when assembled. Suggesting it to sports buffs or hardworking clients who need a break might score you big sales. From Footprints USA, asi/55030, 800-381-8940.

3. TAG ALONG.

Luggage tag is made from fluorescent acrylic. Quarter-inch-thick laser-cut edges appear to glow when illuminated by light. Business-cardsize ID card is placed in vinyl pocket on back of each tag. Bag strap included. From Glow Bright Products, asi/30985, 888-722-7954.

4. MAIN SQUEEZE.

Toothpaste squeezer contains built-in dispenser that is permanently attached to tubing to get every last bit of toothpaste. Also works with tube-shape lotions, ointments and creams. Perfect for dentists’ offices or stores that sell beauty products. From Tekweld, asi/90807, 877-835-9353.

FLASH FORWARD.

Extreme flash drive holds 2 GB and comes with free three-color imprint, free 100 MB upload and lifetime warranty. Available in five eye-catching colors.
From US Flash & Technologies LLC, asi/93131, 877-872-3527.

6. SIP SAFELY.

Drinkin’ Duck attaches to beverage can to block unwanted particles from landing in drink. Comes in pack of three; each Drinkin’ Duck has a pouch so it can be transported in purses, pockets or lunch boxes. Washable and reusable. From Tainnovation LLC, asi/90555, 408-868-8243.

7. OVER THE SHOULDER.

Tote bag is reusable, lightweight and durable. Features binding edges, embossed seams, dual shoulder straps and gusseted bottom and sides. Made of 100% polypropylene and available in five colors. From Otto International, asi/75350, 800-367-6886.