It’s A Gift

One thing this industry is gifted at, is being adaptable and providing incentives and rewards for all types of people, in all sorts of circumstances and for all occasions – and Valentine's day is no exception. But, take note you promoters and brand managers, these girly gifts are just as acceptable all year round. Whilst chocolate, Champagne and perfume (all featured here) are perhaps the first gifts you think of in connection with the fairer sex, the industry also gives us more practical gifts such as the pink Filofax, branded nail files and even eye lash curlers. So read on and find out how to get to the hearts of the ladies who are your customers or staff.

HAVE A HEART
Our first Valentine promotional product is the heart-shaped 'ScreenWipe With Love' from Screenwipe.com. It is ideal for use as a giveaway where the target audience uses mobile phones. Print your marketing message in up to four colours on a handy LCD screen cleaner. The company also supplies adorable, mouse-shaped computer screen wipes to keep your computer 'squeaky clean'! (Don't you just love it? Ed.) www.screenwipe.com

Staying with the heart-shaped theme, GroovyChocolate has delicious looking, red-foiled Belgian chocolate hearts in a net, a box or an attractive clear acetate cube. This is a great product for individuals or for sharing around the office.

Cubes are available with five, 12 or 26 hearts per box and are finished with a red ribbon and a full colour printed tag! Also available in a printed box, with a single colour foil block print. www.groovychocolate.com

Crystal Impressions has a new 'Love Series' of crystal pendants designed specially for the coming Valentine's day. The crystals come in different colours and have a 'Love You' inscription.

Of course, you may also customise the product with any image and words you like, ie photos or names. Also, the pendant makes an ideal necklace and can be used as a mobile or handbag charm. www.3dcrystalart.co.uk

What this industry loves more than Valentine's day is a bargain and this 9ct gold, hand engraved locket, with 20" chain, from Procurement International Ltd, is in the Relocation Clearance Sale for just £52.83 vat (rrp £195.00).

Procurement has just moved to new, larger premises and we'll have more news on this shortly.
www.procurement.ltd.uk

THE SMELL OF SUCCESS
If you want to reward your team's success with a fragrance you should know that Fragrance For You has created 12 new, sophisticated fragrances, one for each sign of the Zodiac.

Each Zodiac perfume comes in a 65 ml spray bottle contained in a hand-made Thai silk bag in a range of gorgeous colours; each colour is different for each Zodiac sign and perfume. The label can be personalised and delivery is typically within three days by first class mail, so plenty of time to order now for Valentine's day. www.fragranceforyou.com

PRETTY PRACTICAL
Merlins Marketing has some salon-quality, branded nail files which make inexpensive, but very practical promotional gifts. I'm sure most girls have one in their desk so make sure it's your name she remembers whenever the need arises for a quick bit of nail maintenance.

Printed in full colour on one side or two, the files can include logos, pictures – in fact virtually anything you care to include. In addition, as the image is under the grit, it should not wear off and can last for up to 12 months. New for 2008 are 'Mirror Files' full colour printed nail files on one side and a mirror on the other. www.merlinsmarketing.com

Recognising that women are an important market for the promotional sector, Nathan Collé, marketing executive at The Corporate Merchandise Company: "At CMC we are very conscious to cater for both men and women in our extensive range of products. With women making up just under half of the total national labour force in the UK, it is imperative that we have a range of products specifically aimed at them."

For the busy, working woman, The Corporate Merchandise Company (CMC) has the perfect solution – a girly pink Filofax.

This special edition pink Filofax organiser has the added benefit that it raises funds for the Breast Cancer Campaign. The Breast Cancer Campaign is the only charity that specialises in funding independent breast cancer research throughout the UK – a subject that every woman cares about. The Filofax includes a 12 month diary and diary stickers, dividers, address pages, a pink ruler, breast cancer awareness pages and a selection of organiser stationery. The Filofax can be easily branded on both the inside and the outside. (Guide Price: 50 at £15.77 each.) www.cmc-uk.net

For that flirty moment girls can enjoy fuller, curlier eyelashes that will keep their eyes looking deep and radiant. The Panasonic eyelash curler from EIC comes with batteries, a detachable comb head and cleaning brush for quick and simple cleaning.
The EH2351P can be used with or without mascara, lengthening lashes and spreading them into a pretty and faultless fan shape. (Price £13.55 vat) www.the-eic.co.uk

A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND?
No, not diamonds. Although always welcome, diamonds are a one-off, very special gift. I think most girls would agree that gifts of Champagne and/or chocolates are an excellent way to say 'thank you' or 'well done' to a business colleague.

However, if it's a romantic message you are trying to send, you can show how much you care with this special champagne gift from Nextday Champagne's extensive range.

Then you can choose a romantic champagne label with a unique personalised greeting or a professionally printed gift card. The company also supplies wines and spirits that can be personalised and gifts, such as a cuddly teddy, can also be included. www.nextdaychampagne.co.uk

I know we've mentioned it before, but a girl can never have too much chocolate.
Promotional confectionery company Sweet Temptations has cards filled with heart shaped chocs and you can have a lot of fun with the personalisation.

Colin Levene, MD of Sweet Temptations said, "The healthy eating movement has been with us for some time now, but people still want an indulgent treat and that usually is what promotional confectionery is about. Yes for the healthier options we have the Smoothies, Cereal Bars made with quality cereals, nuts and honey as well as Chewy Fruit and Oat Bars not forgetting sugar free options on our range of lollies, logo sweets and sticks of rock."
www.sweettemptations.com

If you do overdo it on the Champagne and chocs then Pod Packaging has the answer in the Retox Box. This exciting new promotional solution is the ideal pampering treat for any girl.

Beautifully presented in a pink handmade box, this gift is filled with Pod's popular 'corked pods' including bath salts and a tasty nut mix, a single Vitamin C tablet keeping you sharp for those hectic lifestyles and a refreshing eye gel for the delicate eye area to keep you looking your very best. An ideal gift to keep you soothed, nourished, revitalised and refreshed.
www.podpackaging.com

Next month we are taking a much more responsible look at ecofriendly, recyclable and recycled products, including badges, banners, key rings. Please feel free to e-mail me with your product information or words of wisdom on this emotive subject.

Carole Bull
Editor

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