I was all set to offer you a list of awareness ribbon colors in this post, and even started it several times.  However, good lists are already available out there and I hate duplicating effort, so I’ll give you a link at the end of this post for the most complete resource I’ve found.  What I’d like to offer you instead is a few reasons why you should be aware of what those colors are, and why you might find such a list helpful as a resource.

1. In the same way you research a potential business name for unwelcome associations, when you’re developing an awareness campaign, brand packaging or a company logo, you should be aware if the color, set of colors or pattern you intend to use has become associated with a cause.  This could mean either a positive or negative association for your project, but its important to know before you get very far along in a project.
2. If you’re planning a marketing project in support of an awareness campaign, check to see if there are existing awareness colors already in use for that cause.  This helps the cause by building upon their efforts and is less confusing to the public.
3. Be aware that it’s possible that colored ribbons can have intellectual property restrictions on their use.  For example, the pink breast cancer ribbon is considered part of the public domain in most places.  However, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation claims official mark status of theirs.

There are a lot of lists out there, but we’ve found this one to be the most comprehensive.  Bookmark it and check it when you’re starting a new project.  if you’re part of an organization not listed there, drop Dana an email, so this list is as complete as possible.

Public awareness campaigns are usually associated with national or international causes.  For example, CHERUBS (The Association of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research, Awareness and Support – see, isn’t CHERUBS easier to remember?) 2010 campaign is called “Save the Cherubs” and its mission is “to make Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia a phrase everyone knows how to say and everyone knows what it means.  By raising awareness, we hope to raise research funds to save these babies – Save the Cherubs.”

What you may not realize is that the same approach can be taken for other, much more personal causes.  Awareness ribbons have been part of our culture since the early 1900′s and are just as effective in a local setting as for a large national cause.  Ribbons and wristbands in particular are often used for remembrance and commemorative reasons in addition to being popular awareness campaign products.

Here are five types of local projects that could benefit from the tactics and products traditionally used in a national public awareness campaign.

1. Raising money for a local child or family in need of financial aid for overwhelming medical issues, losses from fire, tornado or other natural disaster.
2. Remembrance of a loved one after their death.  This type of projects often involves the death of a local celebrity, someone who has touched a large number of people in the community or a student.  It’s not uncommon for the death of a student to be linked to an issue, and the project raises awareness of that issue (like a typical awareness campaign) in addition to honoring the deceased (when a student is killed in a drunk driving accident for example).
3. Local political and environmental issues can benefit from an organized campaign as much as national ones
4. School spirit and community participation with students can be increased by a focused campaign based on the school’s colors.
5. Support for a community can be increased with awareness campaign tactics.  As a business or organization, one way to increase the goodwill and public awareness of your company is to become a community leader.  What does your community need the most?  Community money staying in the local businesses?  Get a few businesses owners together and create a “buy local” campaign.  Brainstorm ways your community can benefit from an increase in community pride.

We’ve seen these types of campaigns work in many local communities across the country.  They can work for you too!

What do the national debt, Idaho weeds and honor killings have in common? Give up? They’ve each been the focus of an awareness campaign…along with thousands of other issues.  All advertising is an awareness campaign in one way or another, usually with the idea to prompt you to purchasing something.  What we typically think of as public awareness campaigns are also advertising, but with somewhat different goals.  Usually they’re designed to educate and inform, often with a goal to change your behavior or to raise funds for their organization (not too far off a purchase decision (which we’ll explore in another post).

In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in awareness about awareness and the advertising specialties industry has been a partner in that effort.  We’ve seen a new category of products appear that includes specific items, like silicone wristbands and awareness ribbons and non-specific items colored in awareness-specific colors.  Yep, the rise of pink.  We now have myriads of items colored pink, suitable for use for breast cancer awareness campaigns.

We’ll be taking a look this month at lessons we can learn from successful campaigns like Livestrong and Breast Cancer Awareness.  We’ll highlight products and resources useful for creating campaigns of your own.  And if you’re not a non-profit?  There are plenty of applications for brand-building that relate directly to building awareness.  So, sign up for our RSS feed or email updates so you don’t miss anything this month!  Welcome to September!

This month our blog focus has been on back-to-school, that time of year when parents with school age children breathe a sigh of relief that daily routines can get back to normal.  In celebration, they spend a bucket of money on school supplies and new clothes and send their children back to the books.  All month I’ve been talking about products that appeal both to kids and their parents at this time of year (silicon wristbands, insulated lunch bags and our top ten back to school giveaways).  But, I can’t close out this month without touching on the topic of marketing to kids in general.

I own a company that sells marketing products.  I’ve been involved with design work for many years, both in product development and logo/branding design.  Consequently, marketing campaigns, logo design, merchandising and product design tend to be topics of conversation around my home.  I do talk about a lot of topics not covered by Dr. Seuss with my 5 year old son, but generally advertising isn’t one of them.  When at age 3 he began to recognize and remember logos, I truly realized what a huge impact careful branding can have.  I also realized I probably make more trips to Target than necessary.  This Spring, my son requested a special dinner location by describing the Olive Garden logo, a place he had only been once before.  He wanted to eat at the restaurant with the grapes on the building.  And I knew just what he meant.  I do think he notes and remembers details more than most children, but the conclusion is inescapable.  Branding messages sink in at a very, very young age.  Some statistics reported by the non-profit organization Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood indicate

• Children ages 2-11 see more than 25,000 advertisements a year on TV alone, a figure that does not include product placement.
• Children under 12 influence $500 billion in purchases per year.
• Until the age of about 8 children do not understand advertising’s persuasive intent.

In other words, marketing to children is big business, much of which is targeted at an audience who doesn’t understand its motivation.  I believe if you own a business or sell a product that is primarily purchased or used by students, that you have the right to let them know your product or service exists.  But I also believe that we’re a society that has become far too commercialized, far too acquisition-oriented and far too exposed to and dependent on media images and messages to define ourselves.  This begins at a very young age and is a dangerous trend.  As a parent, it’s my job to control and combat my son’s exposure to those messages.  As a marketer and a supplier of marketing goods, it’s my responsibility to encourage you in the strongest way possible to market your products responsibly, especially when children are the target.  Be genuinely concerned about the kids you’re selling to.  Be honest.  Be clear.  Be responsible.

What are your thoughts?

Promotional lunch bags are often used as a back to school giveaway, but in this video I give you some ideas for using them to promote your company or organization.  This particular lunch bag has worked so well in our household that I’m a big fan.  Check out the video to see whats so special about it.  If you’re interested in a deal on these and can use last year’s model in yellow/gold, take a look at this Tuesday’s closeout post.

If you’re reading this in a format where the embedded video doesn’t show up, click here to watch:  promotional lunch bags

If you contact us about this item, please reference the item number #ACO-A610.

Insulated lunch bags are great for both back to school promotions and corporate promotions.  Kids need a way to carry their lunch to school and so do business people.  But, there are some other uses for these bags beyond the basics.  For example, if you’re planning any celebration, group outing or meeting where there’s a box lunch provided, consider packaging the lunch in one of these bags and send your attendees home with something to remind them of  both the event and your brand message.

There’s one item that we love, but haven’t included in this list because it will get its very own post next week, but here are ten of our top favorites for this season (in no particular order):

#LE-2160-18   The absolute coolest thing about this insulated lunch bag is the pre-printed design around the bottom edge–perfect for an environmentally friendly promotion.  It also has a fully insulated main compartment, fold-over top with Velcro closure, open front pocket, side mesh water bottle pocket and a rear location for handwritten ID or notes.  As low as $2.38 each.

#ADM-A635   While only for the most sophisticated of students, this item had to make the list because I love this line.  Made from a leather-like material, it’s perfect for the office.  Generally, I’m not fond of leather substitutes, but this one is really well done.  Holds lunch or (6) 12 ounce cans and comes in seven colors.  PEVA lined for easy clean-up, but not insulated.  As low as $4.79 each.

#LE-2150-10   This shape shows up several times in our list, but the availability of  pink for breast cancer awareness promotions and the striped handle put this one in the list.  It’s available in four colors (the black and white looks really sharp) of quilted non-woven polypropylene and has all that flair for a price as low as $1.98.

#ADM-A646   Available in some interesting color combinations (especially if one happens to be your school colors), this lunch bag makes the list because its made with recycled polypropylene and has a bit different look.  Four two-tone color combinations and a price tag as low as $1.80 make it a great value.  PEVA lined for easy clean-up, but not insulated.

#ADM-F763   For both a business person and a student, the fact that this lunch bag can be folded up and stashed for the trip home makes it super-convenient to use.  Another plus?  The business card sized holder on the outside to identify the owner.  In case your neighbor at the lunch table is eyeing it jealously.  PEVA lined for easy clean-up, but not insulated.  As low as $3.34 each.

#PL-LT4325   Everybody loves the basics.  This is your standard six-pack cooler-styled insulated lunch bag.  What sets it apart from the other bags in this same shape are some less than typical colors (orange and lime green for instance), a fantastic price point (as low as $1.58) and a free rush service.

#LAN-BGT-100   This is another basic with a twist.  The paper lunch sack look is enhanced by a front pocket, 70 Denier nylon material, four color options and insulation.  But, what really sets it apart is the ability to imprint this basic bag with a four color process imprint, allowing your branding message to carry more punch.  As low as $2.47 each for a spot color imprint or $4.12 each for a four color process imprint.

#AG-725420  There are a lot of great things about this tote.  First and best, its available in an astonishing range of 26 colors!  It’s also a large, trapezoidal shape, has a zipper closure, and can hold a six-pack.  To top it all off, it’s made from 50% recycled material!  As low as $2.80 each.

#BM-39AC812   This printed lunch bag has a unique quilted look, folds flat and is constructed of sturdy multi-layered premium quality non-woven polypropylene, insulating polyester fiber and coated thermal film.  It’s got a side gusset pocket for a drink and comes in 7 colors.  As low as $2.38 each.

#KZ-15444   The unique swirl design and mesh side pocket put this lunch tote in the top ten.  Stylish and not inclined to collect crumbs in its pocket, this lunch bag comes in four accent colors, has a top zipper closure and a PEVA backing on its 70 Denier polyester material (not insulated).  As low as  $3.51 each.

There you have it, our top ten promotional lunch bags and a variety of ideas for your back-to-school or office promotions.

** A note on the pricing shown above.  I wanted to include some sort of pricing to allow you to get a ballpark estimate and see the range between the products.  The simplest way to do that was the “as low as” formula.  This means that I’ve taken the highest quantity standard catalog price available (the lowest standard pricing) and applied our company’s discount for you (actually, as a special blog deal…if you reference this post…I’ve included a slightly better than normal discount in the prices above).  If your order is a lower quantity or does not qualify for the discount, your price may be higher than that shown above.  These prices are generally for a one-color one-location imprint and do not include setup and shipping charges.

Lance Armstrong’s kickoff of the Livestrong campaign with the yellow silicone bracelets made a huge marketing splash and launched a promotional category that seems to be sticking around.  Around the wrist and ankles of both kids and adults that is.  Here’s the latest twist on the colored wristbands everyone loves to wear:  a new wider, cuff size.

I mentioned in the video that our silicone wristbands can be color matched to any PMS color.  if you’re wondering, “What’s a PMS color?“  Just check out that blog post link and it will explain.

If you’re seeing this in a place the video doesn’t show up, here’s the link:  colored wristbands

Interested in these products?  Ask for item AV-ABWD (debossed imprint) or AV-ABWS (screen-printed)

Dark Blue is an LAPD drama on TNT that started its sophomore season last week.  Not everyone is thrilled with the new tone of the show, but we were certainly happy they contacted us about providing cups for the season premier parties.  Folks in four cities across the country were drinking out of the plastic blue translucent cups you see here on Wednesday night while I was watching in Middle Tennessee with friends and pizza.  Not quite as glamorous, but definitely fun.

Here’s what you can learn from this customer project.  This item includes four color process printing and most entertainment industry projects include fairly complicated images, often of the cast.  Our printing partner asked if we were sure we wanted such a simple imprint.  While complicated images can be really fun, there are times when simple can be very effective.  If you don’t have the budget for a multi-color imprint, take this as proof that a simple design and color scheme can have just as much impact if done well.

We’ll see if the TNT writers can be just as effective this season.

Let’s get a bit more personal!  Earlier in the week, I shared with you our most popular back to school giveaway categories. Today, I’m going to share our staff picks for reinforcing your brand, both with parents and students.  Back to school season affects a huge portion of our population every August and it’s a great time of year for your organization to tap into that buying behavior.  If your products or services are student-related it’s an obvious time to connect with them.  But, parents also have some specific needs at this time of year.  If your products, services or your promotional items can save them time, money or help them deal with the details of getting prepared for school, you win.

Betsy recommends the GB-EPB20, the 20 oz. Eco Polyclear Water Bottle. “I send my kids to school with water bottles in the fall because it’s still really hot out. I always took one when I was taking college classes a few years ago….I like the pop up spout so they don’t spill. I buy clear ones for my kids so there are no problems with school policy. They are somewhat flexible which make them easier to stuff into a tight pocket of a backpack or bag. I also like the fact that they are made in the USA and are biodegradable.”

Jennifer likes a promotional Rubik’s Cube.  “Its fun; also challenges the brain. A game that gets your brain jumpstarted for all of learning you will be preparing for; hours of entertainment!”

Teri says, “I really like the Notebook Mate that has all the back to school items like pencil, eraser, ruler. These are practical items kids need for school, but I think it is still fun for them to get the one that has those items in it and not the empty one. Also saves the parents a little money when they can get something like this. I have had several doctors and dentists office order these to advertise and to give to kids before school. Sometimes they will use them in backpacks that they are stuffing with other back-to-school items.”  This item happens to be our August Facebook Special, so if you’re interested in it, don’t miss out on that special pricing.

Steffanie goes for a school supply item as well, the simple and classic custom pencil. “I know from experience that kids LOVE anything with their school’s name and/or logo on it. No matter how many “cool” pencils we would buy at the beginning of any school year they would always take their own quarters to school to get pencils from the school!!”

So, there you have it.  Our favorite back to school giveaways!  If you have any questions about these or other products, we’ll be happy to chat with you about them.

Stores are gearing up for the flood of back to school shopping, our state is promoting its tax free weekend and kids are starting to say scary things like, “I’m bored!”  Well, they’ve been saying that for the last 8 weeks, but the other signs definitely point to the fact that summer’s almost over.  If students are a target market for your business, this month is just for you!

First in the lineup for the month is a list of tried-and-true advertising for students.  Check out ten categories (in no particular order) of the most popular back to school giveaways.  Look for a breakdown of our specific favorites s as well as some more unique products in future posts.

1. Backpacks.  Every kid has to have one.  It may as well be one with your brand on it!  After all, parents are shelling out enough for pens, pencils and notebooks.  Win their hearts over with help on one of the larger ticket items (Become a Facebook fan for a special backpack sale price or check out this closeout backpack special).  What’s the best part of a promotional backpack?  It carries your message around everywhere the student travels–and that’s not just to school.  Kids use backpacks to take things to a friend’s house, to pack for travel and around-town outings like the library and public pool.  While it’s a larger investment for you, bags are also the highest value promotional product you can purchase because of the large number of times your brand message will be viewed.
2. Sling Backpacks and Totes. These are a separate category from backpacks for two reasons.  As a general rule, they’re less expensive and they’re used for different purposes.  If printed backpacks are the draft horses of the school bag categories, these are more like quarter horses (fast and reliable ranch horses).  They’ll be used by students for everything from gym gear to overnight trips and have the same value quotient as backpacks due to the fact that they’re so darn usable by anyone in the family. Consequently, they’re seen all over town.
3. School Supply Sets.  These packages come in several shapes and sizes and contain a variety of school supplies.  Our most popular one is a plastic pouch with holes to allow it to be inserted in a three ring binder notebook.  It’s packed with a pencil, pencil sharpener, crayons, an eraser and a stencil.  The great thing about this type of item is that you get several different items printed (including the container) to carry your brand message, another great value.
4. Lunch Bags.  Yep.  Another bag.  Have I mentioned they’re the best value for your marketing dollar and used by students everywhere?  Even my preschooler takes two things to school every single day without fail.  A backpack and a lunch bag.  These are available in all price ranges and in a huge variety of designs.  The one my son has carried for the last two years?  One that I store in the freezer and get out each morning with self contained frozen ice cubes.  There are so many available designs that I’ll profile our favorite lunch bags in an upcoming post.
5. Calculators.  Available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, calculators are a perennial favorite.  They can be quirky, colorful or quite businesslike.  Generally, older students are going to need a specific high-end calculator, so if your aim is middle school and high school students, you’ll be better off steering clear of these and choosing a product from a different category.
6. Pens/Pencils.  Another product every student needs.  If you want your writing utensil to actually be used, choose one with a high cool factor or something unique.  For pencils, that might be an all matte black one or one for which colors of all the parts can be chosen for a unique combination.  For pens, if you don’t choose unique, make sure it writes so doggone well that students can’t help but use it.
7. Highlighters.  For older students, this might be an easier way to break into a pencil holder.  Students of all ages fall in love with highlighters.  I still carry at least four in various places and have a hard time reading without one.  They’re available in various colors as well as multiple color packs.
8. Rulers.  Mostly useful if your target is younger, these come in wood, plastic and flexible vinyl and generally in 6″ and 12″ lengths.  There are some great wooden ones with a large assortment of picture themes that can be colored.  For example if you’re doing a bicycle safety promotion within the schools, these would be a great lesson reminder for students.
9. Water bottles.  Not only are promotional water bottles immensely popular but you’ll get points for being eco-friendly.  Students use bottles for daily consumption as well as a huge range of sports and activities.  There are probably as many bottle designs as different student activities, but two key things to look for are wide mouths for ease of cleaning and BPA free materials.
10. Spirit Gear.  Terrifically useful for fund raising, school spirit gear is also a great way for businesses to show community support.  A huge number of different items are available in a wide variety of price points.  Some of the most popular are stadium cushions, noisemakers of all types, spirit flags and towels, rain ponchos, yard signs, apparel and pom poms.