Cool Stuff / Promotional Products

One terrific advantage about having both “X” and “Y” chromosomes is never having to explain a fascination with gadgets, toys, gizmos, and geeky little contraptions. I haunt websites like Trend Hunter and Trend Watching to find the quirky little items that feed my habit.

For your consideration, I offer a couple that caught my eye.

First, a toaster that shoots toast to you (at you?) when it’s done. This was clearly devised by a fellow Saturday morning cartoon addict; specifically, the one where the wolf on Bugs Bunny is getting ready to go to work and the whole process of waking up is automated. For the uninitiated, it can be found here.

The second provides a solution to a personal pet peeve. I live with three individuals (one wife and two kids) who have an aversion to tightening the screw tops on soft drink bottles and the drinks lose their “fizz”. This contraption attaches to the bottle and creates a spout…very clever.

At first glance, the LushLife looks like a pretty simple apple corer but the hole it creates is larger. It turns apples and pears into shot glasses. I think it could also be used to craft a pretty interesting dessert? I’m thinking about cutting a hole in a pear, stuffing it with cream cheese and baking it.

And FINALLY, someone has had the foresight to move beyond the plastic “spork” (combination fork and spoon that shows up in fast food take out bags). This one combines a fork and a knife and they’re selling it as the “KNORK”. Very handy! One side of the fork has a sharpened tine…so only one side of your mouth gets cut up?

For businesses looking to throw their logo on products given away to clients, consider what kind of “buzz” you might create? While pens, key chains and coffee mugs are appreciated…they usually end up in a cupboard or drawer. I try to steer clients toward products that are always visible, usually functional…and ones that come with a story. To promote a cottage listening/camp cleanup promotion, we convinced a radio station into giving away toilet brushes with the station logo on them (years later, I still see them). Another radio promotion brought a frozen juice company together with a station to brand out a very large juice jug (who doesn’t want to stretch a can of frozen concentrate?).

If you need some ideas…send me a quick note and I’ll happily share my thoughts.