One day we may all have the chance to be shot into space. Until then, we have to speculate about what Ham the Chimp experienced on his epic journey. Back in the 60s, nobody knew quite what to expect. There were some that thought Ham would run into space aliens, extraterrestrial beings that might or might welcome him into their homes. Everyone marveled at the space capsule that would hold Ham the Chimp as he traveled into unknown territory.

Thanks to his brave sacrifice, Ham the Chimp paved the way for astronauts on April 12, 1981. That date represents the first time that a fully-manned new spaceship was sent into space on a maiden voyage. Since then we have sent dozens of men and woman into space. Decades later and we are still learning new things about the sun, moon and stars that we can both see and exist galaxies away.

Can you imagine what we will learn decades from now?

Of course, you don’t need to be a Canadian to know that giving up smoking can change your life forever. But if you are like most smokers, you have tried to kick the habit time and again to no avail. If you are are an organization that is looking to help people quit smoking, consider these promotional products that are certain to make the process a little easier:

Cigarette Box-Shaped Stress Reliever: Sometimes you just really want to give something a hard squeeze when you are frustrated. This unique promotional stress reliever is perfect for your customers who are trying to give up smoking. Shaped like the enemy, a perfect box of cigarettes, it feels so satisfying to give this a squeeze instead of rushing outside to puff on a new cigarette.

Reminder Pen: If you are at work thinking about how amazing a nicotine rush would feel right now, just one look at this “no-smoking” pen will steer you back on course.

Quit Smoking Information Booklet: Need a reminder of why you should give up smoking forever? Just pull out this booklet that is chock-full of information about the dangers of smoking. Sure, you know it is bad but one look at a cancer-riddled lung will set you back on track. Available in both English and Spanish.

Chocolate: You need something to replace the cigarettes, right? This sweet box of chocolates features both delicious chocolates and nuts that are perfect for munching on all day long. Sure, you might put on a few pounds in the process of giving up smoking but it will be worth it in the long run.

Exercise Kit: Need something to replace that good ole’ nicotine feeling? Exercise is a healthy and effective way of releasing endorphins and making your body feel good. This promotional exercise kit has everything you need to work out your frustrations and get rid of those extra chocolate pounds.

The classic snowman is made of three snow balls of increasing size stacked on top of each other. The top ball features a carrot nose, two coal eyes, a hat and a scarf to keep warm. Two long branches make for arms while several stones keep the snowman (or snow woman!) all buttoned up for the winter.

If you live somewhere warm that never sees snow, you can still enjoy International Snowman Day by treating yourself to a frosty gift. Have some fun with the Pop Top Snowman Pen , squeeze out your worries with this adorable stress reliever or light up the night with this uniquely shaped flashlight. A snowman-shaped promotional product is just what you need to put a smile on your customers’ faces while providing them with a neat reminder of your commitment to service.

Can’t figure it out?

They were all born on January 10th. Today!

So we sat down and brainstormed about what type of cool and funky promotional birthday gifts we could give these talented artists. Not just anything will do for these musical geniuses. That is why we culled through our vast inventory to pick five items that would certainly knock their socks off:

Noise Canceling Headphones: These imprinted headphones are all the rave for music enthusiasts. Not only are they comfortable and stylish but they work to reduce ambient noise by as much as 15 dB at 200 Hz.

Portable Speaker System: Pat, Frank and Rod could seriously rock out to this portable yet ultra-cool speaker system. Just attach your iPod or any MP3 player to hear the rocking oldies or latest beats.

iPad Case with Battery Extender: Anybody who is anybody owns an iPad, right? That is why our musical icons are certain to love this special case. Not only does it protect your iPad from wear and tear but extends the battery life. Perfect for musicians (and executives, world travelers and gadget geeks) that are always on the go, you can watch hours of your favorite concert from anywhere.

Unisex Watch: Musicians are notorious for being late to gigs. Why? Maybe they just need a reliable yet snazzy wristwatch. This sleek watch is durable enough to withstand hours of rocking out but comfortable enough to never want to remove.

Personalized Flask: Perfect for post-concert celebrations and for long recording studio sessions, this flask is small enough to fit in your coat, purse or back pocket.

Planning ahead for birthdays can make gift-giving that much easier. With so many options to choose from, you can easily find a promotion product that conveys your message of gratitude for continued customer loyalty while promoting your brand in a sleek and stylish way. Not sure where to start? Contact one of our sales representatives to get some promotional gift-giving ideas.

Wayfarer Sunglasses: What’s old is suddenly cool again thanks to the entertainment industry, the hipster movement and a general nostalgia for things of the past. Our Neon-Brite Wayfarer Logo Sunglasses were a major hit in 2011. These fun quirky glasses kept appearing on our order sheets and it is easy to see why. They are easy to hand out, affordable and come in a wide variety of colors. They appealed to customers of all ages but especially those targeting younger age groups.

Double Wall Tumbler: We saw these everywhere from Starbucks to offices around the country. A promotional product that can be used every day is the best type of marketing tool you can get. Our Double Wall Tumblers hold 16 oz. of your favorite cold beverages. They are so well-built that they keep your drinks cold for hours! We like how there are a variety of colored straws that peek through the clear double walls. We predict that these will be very popular again in 2012.

4-Color Pen: Year after year this pen is one of our top-sellers. While nurses and doctors rave about the pen, we find that it can be used in nearly any industry. It is perfect for teachers and students, accountants, editors and lawyers. While everyone can always use another pen, one that offers four colors is certain to stand out from the rest. This will definitely be one of our top-sellers in 2012. If you are searching for an economical promotional product that you can hand out at conventions, trade shows and seminars, this is the perfect item.

Adhesive Paper Cubes: A staple in offices across America, sticky paper memo cubes are a promotional product that will be appreciated by your customers. You could even hand them out with the 4-Color Pen and you will have a winning combination for your next marketing campaign. We know that these items will definitely sell out in 2012 as well. With so many different styles and sizes, it is easy to choose a new paper cube year after year.

Micro-Fiber Screen Cleaners: In a nation that is dominated by cell phones, tablets and other portable electronic devices, customers of all demographics appreciate a quality screen cleaner. You can choose from a screen cleaning microfiber cloth that can be carried in a purse or briefcase, a keychain to clean on-the-go or hand out clothes in their own carrying cases. It is the type of product that most people will not buy for themselves but will greatly appreciate when you hand them out as free promotional items. With more and more portable electronics hitting the market in 2012, this is going to be one of the hottest promotional products that we offer.

We all need it, we all use it and we all wouldn’t mind having a little bit more of it. No matter what your product or service is, your customers are concerned with one thing: getting the best value for the cost. That is why they are willing to shop around before settling on your company for the product/service they need. So why not remind your customers that they will always get the biggest bang for their buck with your company? It’s easy when you choose dollar-themed promotional goods.

If you think that money-themed promotional items are just for banks and other financial institutions, think again. Sure, they deal with money all day long, but so do you! As a smart and savvy business owner, you not only want to provide your customers with the latest goods/services they want but at a price that will have them coming back for more.

Dollar-themed items are so popular that we offer an entire category featuring them alone. No matter what your budget, there is a promotional item that will reinforce your message that customers will always save big when they choose you. The great thing about money-shaped promotional goods is that they work for nearly any industry.

You can go simple with a pen featuring dollar signs; just add your logo and your customers will remember how you brought them the best product/service at the lowest price. Try a useful item like the recycled notebook with pen that your customers are certain to use day after day. Have a little extra money in your marketing budget this year? Try a dollar-shaped gift that is certain to impress your client base. The jeweled dollar sign key chain is extremely eye-catching while a gold dollar sign paperweight is sure to make all your customers feel like a million bucks.

While dollar signs are popular and a surefire way to reinforce your message of savings, there are plenty of money-themed promotional goods as well that you should peruse. A shredded money pen is a cute yet unique way of marketing your brand; it is functional and small enough to carry around wherever your customers go. Items that can go on your customers’ desks at the office or at home are ideal because they will be seen multiple times during the day. Opt for a promotional good like the cash money scratch pad that can be fully customized to represent your brand. Pair this with the shredded money pen and you have two items that your customers are certain to use all week long.

Everyone knows that you have to spend money to make money. That is why you need to carefully consider how you will structure your next marketing campaign. The right promotional giveaways can make a significant difference between increasing your client base or maintaining current figures. In this day and age, who isn’t interested in finding more customers? As much as you want their customer loyalty, your customers want to be reassured that their money is being well spent. Drive your dedication to quality services/products at affordable prices with money and dollar-themed products.

What, you don’t have that marked in red on your calendar?

Okay, we will let that one slide. But if you had a certain craving for bananas this morning, felt like being a little silly and maybe swinging from vines, you can blame Monkey Day. This funny holiday was started in 2000 by students in Michigan and has stuck ever since. Think I am bananas now? Hallmark even makes cards for Monkey Day and the 2005 King Kong movie was released on November 14th. So what does this mean for you? Well, it gives you an excuse to browse our selection of monkey-themed promotional goods. Our favorite monkey products are the smiling wooden monkey ballpoint pen, the monkey trouble wall calendar and, of course, the glow-in-the dark flying screech monkey. Perfect for scaring your coworkers when the office is just a little too quiet for comfort.

And if you are feeling especially charitable today, donate to Chimps, Inc., a great cause that helps chimps around the world.

What are closeout promotional items? No, this does not refer to defective materials that are being sold off as-is. These are quality products that just did not sell as well as the manufacturer had hoped during the year. The company may have been trying a new product or has stopped selling an existing product at the current price. Either way, you win because the price will be slashed and you score a bargain deal. When this happens, the factory will inform the distributor that the promotional good’s price has been reduced and the distributor can then offer the item to you, the consumer, at a great cost.

While this is a no-brainer for both the company and the distributor, not all consumers like you know that this practice happens. That is why we are letting you in on this industry secret! Any quality distributor is happy to pass on the savings to its customers because in the end, everyone wins. So when is the best time to search for closeout items? You can find them posted online throughout the year, but you are likely to see an increase in promotional goods listed at the beginning of each year. That is because companies evaluate the sales of each item and decide which ones should be discontinued.

Knowing where to search for discontinued items is half the battle. Either search for sales or try the “specials” tab to find great prices on the items that you have been searching for. Want to print your logo on a writing utensil? You are likely to find dozens of pens and highlighters in every shape and style. How about a keychain? Antibacterial spray? Stress reliever? The point is, no matter what you are searching for, you are likely to find at least a few options in the closeout promotional items section. And the best part is that many of them will be listed at under $1 per piece. Bargains abound in the closeout promotional items section that are certain to make even the spend-thrifty employer pleased.

Want to save time AND money? Work with a distributor that constantly updates their closeout promotional goods list. The last thing you want to do is spend your valuable time searching for and finding the promotional item that you are excited about, only to discover that it is either not offered at that price or at all. Developing a relationship with a reliable distributor will save you time, money and aggravation whenever you are working on a promotional campaign. So what are you waiting for? Start searching now to see what fun and exciting promotional goods are waiting for you to try at a fraction of the original cost.

So what are you doing to snag your customers?

In this burgeoning field, you need to attract potential clients and keep existing ones by reminding them how important your services are to their four-legged friends. As with any marketing tool, you want to give your clients something that they will use on a regular basis, an item that displays your logo each and every time they reach for it. Sure, your customers already have dog leashes, water bowls and dog tags, but what they may not have enough of are poop bags.

All dog owners need them but poop bags just aren’t as much fun to buy as a new collar or dog bed. Yet sometimes the best promotional gifts are the ones that your customers wouldn’t think to buy for themselves. Rather than give out another dog-shaped magnet or pen, try a marketing tool that your customers will not only use, but truly appreciate. Most pet owners these days can be seen walking around with a doggie bag dispenser hanging from the leash. You can buy a bone-shaped dispenser for under a dollar that is a breeze to use. Holders like these normally come pre-packaged with at least ten doggie poop bags but you can easily refill them at any pet store. If you are an environmentally-friendly pet owner, than you will love the option of biodegradable pet bags as well.

With towns and cities across the country really cracking down on dog owners, it is important to always have some poop bags handy when going for a walk. In some places like Chicago and New York you can actually get fined for not picking up your dog’s waste! Even if there are no fines in your town, picking up poop is all part of being a responsible dog owner. With more and more people traveling with their pets, hotels have started to offer one-time use poop removal kits. Kits like these often include plastic bags and cardboard shovels that allow you to clean up after your dog even when you are not at home.

Encourage your customers to engage in friendly dog walking practices by offering them a handy poop bag carrier. With so many shapes and colors to choose from, there is at least one that will represent your business well. Just clip the bag onto your purse, belt loop or leash the next time you take Fido, Sparkles, Spot or Bruce out for a walk. See how easy it is? Your customers will also appreciate the handy tool that helps them enjoy each and every walk with their favorite four-legged friends.

Brenda Promotion rolls over and smiles at her husband. “Well, I nominate you to get the ice of the cars this morning with the ice scraper.”

“As long as you make the coffee!” He pulls on his slippers and heads into the bathroom. Brenda meets him there and sets the toothpaste and toothbrushes on the counter. After brushing for a solid two minutes thanks to the dental timer their dentist gave them, Bradley gives his wife a kiss on the cheek and heads outside.

Knowing how much her husband enjoys his morning cup of coffee, Brenda goes to the kitchen to make a pot. She sets out his favorite travel mug, the one that plugs into his car and keeps the coffee warm even on his longest commutes. Brenda glances at the calendar and sees that she has an important meeting today. Good thing she saw it written there, she had almost forgotten!

When Bradley comes back in, he pulls off his gloves and sets them on the counter. “Brr, it’s cold out there! You better wear your hat and scarf today, honey.” He grabs a mug and fills it with steaming hot coffee. Looking down at his watch, he realizes that he needs to hurry to beat rush hour traffic. When he gets into the shower, Bradley turns on the radio to check on the status of the roadways.

Just twenty minutes later Bradley and Brenda are pulling on their jackets. Brenda pulls their keys off the wall holder and locks the door behind her. One more smooch goodbye and the Promotions are off to work in the city.

During the hour it took to wake up and get ready to work, the Promotions used sixteen marketing tools without even realizing it. Each item was imprinted with the logo or slogan of a local or national company that wants to keep them as loyal customers. And that is only during the first hour of their day! That doesn’t include the pens they will use at work, the laser pointer to wow clients in a meeting, the briefcase that holds all their important documents or the awards they received for top sales last quarter.

How do you keep your customers engaged? By providing them with the tools they need on a daily basis. Take a moment to think about the things you use regularly and how many of them bear company logos or slogans. Promotional tools combine two things that your customers will appreciate: a tool they can use that is free. Of course, by giving them a free gift you are investing in a potentially life-long relationship with them. While Mr. and Mrs. Promotion are fictional, their story is not.

How will you wow your customers this year?