Product Recall: The latest PPAI show served up some memorable premiums.
Promo’s unofficial premium scout, Richard Baron of promotional product supplier In Sight, Lancaster, PA, kept his eyes wide open while traipsing the aisles at the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Expo 2000 in Dallas in January. The largest ad specialty show in the U.S. attracted manufacturers from around the world and boasted more than 4,000 booths, so there was plenty of eye candy for Baron to absorb. We herewith present his picks for the most creative, the most unique – and in some cases, maybe the silliest – products at the show.
Igneous Ingenuity
You’re at the beach and ready for a dip. Where do you stash the car keys? The Key Rock from Frontier Corp., Pema, IA, gives you that secure feeling you’re looking for. Just pull back the door on this realistic-looking gem, and not even a savvy snooper will find your valuables. The Key Rock comes in five different designs. Logos can be imprinted on the base. (Of course, that might tip off would-be thieves.)
Tray Bien
Here’s a tray that serves you right. The Butler Beverage Tray, also from Frontier, keeps tuna salad sand-free. Just stick it into the ground or sand and you have a tray for drinks, snacks, or maybe your key rack. Fold it up and carry it in a beach bag or purse.
Facing Stress
Tired of the same old stress ball? Try this happy face model with arms and legs from Prime Resources. Seeing a need for a more animated item, Bridgeport, CT-based Prime adapted the universally recognized happy face, then humanized it even more by adding appendages. The product can also serve as a reminder to sales reps to “talk with a smile.” Have a nice squeeze!
21st Century Billfold
You’re ready for your next business trip: You’ve got your cell phone, wallet, credit cards, money, and breath mints. That’s a lot of pocket ballast. Why not try a combination wallet for everything? The Cell Phone Wallet from North Miami-based La Belle Time does it right. Made of tough vinyl, it holds everything and looks great doing it. It even has a Velcro belt fastener to keep your pockets free for sitting.
Light show
Chances are you’ve got a few of these rolling around the office. (They’ve already been banned in the promo hallways). They’re Buzballs – rubber balls that literally light up when bounced – from Buztronics, Indianapolis. BMC Software needed an item that would entertain potential customers but also impress the company logo upon them. According to marketing director Tifney McGrath, the item has been especially popular with the computer and electronics industry because of its exposed circuitry.
Blazing Bubbly
Here’s a glass that’s light years away. Place the Lighting Glass from S&S Creations, Los Angeles, on a flat surface, pour a drink, and watch the light turn on instantly from the liquid pressure. S&S president Sami Sharone says the glass adds a ray of light to weddings, holiday celebrations, and office parties.
Slapdash
Commuters who must fumble with cell phones and other items while zipping along the interstate should all get Dashpads. Developed by Idea Group, Indio, CA, the product was an accidental invention. According to Idea Group’s Bob Stevens, the company was working on a special project for a thin rubber mouse pad. In testing the material, they found it kept sticking to things. And that’s how Dashpad was born. And just about anything – sunglasses, coins, garage door openers, pens – will stick to it.
Number Squeezing
Here’s a perfect way for bean-counters to add some physical exercise to their spreadsheet workouts: Wheeling, IL-based Time Products International introduced the Exer-Calculator, a hand-held model with soft rubber walls. Simply squeeze the spring-loaded sides of the calculator to reduce pent-up stress and work the forearms. It even counts the repetitions. Time Products is pushing the item in the senior and health markets.
