Emerald Ink and Stitches: Blog

Your Brand Is Your Business - Market It!

Jun 16

As a marketing professional, you understand better than anyone the importance of establishing a distinct brand presence for your company. People gravitate to those they identify with and can trust wit...

Case Study: Custom Caps with a Budget Cap

Jun 01

Description: Custom Cap Industry: Trade Show/Convention/Events What it was purchased for: A major national racing event was looking for giveaways to hand out to folks in suites and VIP sponsors. The...

Case Study: Have a Seat

May 18

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, a non-profit healthcare provider needed additional waiting room seating for their clinics and health centers across the state. As a non-profit, they needed an affordab...

Case Study: Snack Pack It!

May 03

Vertical Market: Hospitality Product Use: Gift with Enrollment Promotion: An ocean excursion company chose the Igloo® Marine Backpack Cooler as a gift with enrollment for customers participating...

Graphic Design Terms Everyone Should Know

Apr 19

It can be hard to communicate with a design team on a project when the designers speak their very own language. That's why we have a rundown of words you may come across frequently that can save you f...

Generation Z vs. Millennials: What’s the Difference?

Apr 05

We’re all familiar with the stereotypes that characterize the millennial generation- avocado toast, “killing” chain restaurants, and being social media obsessed. But what actually de...

Case Study: Sharper Students

Mar 21

Description: Pencil Sharpener Industry: Construction What it was purchased for: A shipyard in a major city harbor has advocates who go out to local schools to promote shipbuilding. These advocates n...

Trending Now: Sustainable Apparel Options

Mar 07

If you’ve spent any time in fashion circles this year, you know that sustainability is the hot topic of the moment. With discussions swirling about fast fashion, ethical production, and everythi...

Perk up Your Promotions With These 6 Coffee Products

Feb 20

Coffee enthusiasts will love these promotional products that look like they’re straight from the coffee shop! Millions of people drink coffee and tea every day, even multiple times a day which m...

Must-Have Promotional Products for the Real Estate Industry

Feb 06

Real estate promotional products are a memorable way to stay top of mind with your clients by promoting your brand, while also giving something back to your clients. Whether it’s part of a direc...

Case Study: The Big Picture

Jan 23

Description: Coupon Photo Folder Industry: Hospitality What it was purchased for: A restaurant was looking for a unique way to deliver custom printed coupons to their guests to attract more repeat b...

5 Phone Accessories to Help You Get a Grip

Jan 09

It’s pretty safe to say that cell phones are a ubiquitous part of everyday life. In any room with more than a few people in it, you’re likely to find a few phone screens lighting up in som...

5 Easy Ways to Achieve a Positive Outlook

Dec 26, 2021

One of the most powerful things you can do to set yourself up for success is practice the art of positive thinking. It's easy to let the struggles of everyday life control your attitude. But by practi...

8 Corporate Gifts for Your Employees

Dec 12, 2021

The employees are the backbone of every company. And when your employees have been working hard all year to bring in tremendous results, nothing conveys your appreciation more than a corporate gift. A...

Lead a Healthier Lifestyle With These 6 Promotional Products

Nov 27, 2021

Eating healthy. Weight management. Working out five times a week. There are many health-related resolutions we set at the beginning of a new year. But, do we follow through with them? Many times, the ...

Advice for Getting the Most Out of a Business Trip

Nov 13, 2021

Traveling for business can be a hectic experience if you approach your upcoming trip without any preparation. As with everything else in the world, there is an art to getting the most out of business ...

Case Study: A Flavorful Promotion

Oct 30, 2021

A Flavorful Promotion Boosts This Credit Union’s Popularity Organization: Credit Union Product Featured: Lip Balm Goal of Promotion: Generate New Loans Description of Case History: Thi...

Case Study: Yes, We Can!

Oct 15, 2021

Description: Kan-Tastic Industry: Food & Beverage What it was purchased for: Fast-food chain giveaway for college football night. How it was distributed: The vendor handed the Kan-Tastic out at t...

A Lunch That Packs a Punch

Oct 01, 2021

Description: 3 Section Lunch Container Industry: Healthcare What it was purchased for: A hospital was looking for a unique lunch packet for nurses, doctors, and anyone else employed at any of the ho...

Case Study: Insuring Happy Employees

Sep 17, 2021

Item: JAFFA® Round Zinc Coaster Purpose: End of year gifts for employees Audience: Insurance firm employees An insurance firm had a particularly prosperous year and wanted to give employees end...

6 Calming Products for Skincare Lovers

Sep 03, 2021

The hottest beauty trend of the late 2010s among millennials and Gen Zers was the dewy, bare-faced, minimal makeup look. This “Glossier girl” revolution led to a resurgence in skincare as ...

Case Study: Raise Your Glass!

Aug 20, 2021

Objective A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sales and highlight their weekly specials while encouraging enrollment for their ta...

How to Juggle Work and Life Balance Like a Boss

Aug 05, 2021

Sometimes life gets hard. You don’t have to work a night shift from Monday to Sunday to agree with that statement. Even the most effortless of jobs, those we believe to have truly mastered, can...

Let's Get Physical With These Activewear Promo Products

Jul 22, 2021

Activewear promotional products are a great option for company wellness programs, fitness centers, or any brand promoting an active lifestyle! Exercise is an important part of our overall wellness and...

Case Study: Shop 'til You Drop

Jul 08, 2021

A shopping mall was holding a late-winter promotion to increase traffic during typically slower months. Visitors to the complex received a "passport" to take to different stores within the mall for st...

Case Study: Resort Incentive Yields Oceans of Opportunity

Jun 23, 2021

A five-star resort that frequently hosts corporate events for Fortune 500 companies wanted to reach out to corporate guests to entice them to return for family vacations. The goal was for the guests t...

Five Frugal Promotions for the Cost-Savvy Consumer

Jun 09, 2021

Did you know that promotional products are one of the most cost-effective ways to market your business or organization? Because people hang on to promotional products and use them in their everyday li...

Case Study: A Getaway Promotion

May 25, 2021

A resort wanted to make sure guests felt safe as they reopened after COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were lifted. At check-in, they chose to provide each guest with a Fold-Up Cinch Corner Tote to keep ...

Case Study: Keep Warm Buddy Set

May 11, 2021

Description: Keep Warm Buddy Set Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A local school was looking for a fundraiser item to help older kids raise money for an overnight camping trip. They ch...

Case Study: Pull Up a Chair and Stay Awhile

Apr 27, 2021

Description: Foldable Chair Industry: Education/Sports What it was purchased for: A high school wanted to purchase an item they could resell to the parents in the spirit shop for fundraising dollars...

Case Study: Bringing Back the Fanny Pack

Apr 13, 2021

Market: Entertainment Product Use: Gift With Purchase Promotion: A major theme park chose the Safeguard Security Waist Belt as a gift with purchase for customers who bought season passes. The wais...

Case Study: "Single Use" Pens for COVID-19

Mar 30, 2021

In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, a financial institution decided to provide single-use pens in all their locations and for drive thru banking. This idea was intended to help stop the spread ...

Case Study: Thank You for Spooning

Mar 15, 2021

Description: 10 Oz. Aztec Spooner Mug Industry: Advertising / Marketing / Publishing What it was purchased for: A major coupon distributor was looking for a thank you to give out to advertisers. ...

Case Study: Go Green or Go Home

Mar 01, 2021

Item: goingreen™ Stapled Appointment Calendar Purpose: Promote awareness of recycling programs and provide recycling information to the community Audience: Residents of the company’s s...

Using Customer Profiles to Find the Perfect Promo Products

Feb 14, 2021

When business owners are asked about the customers they serve, many times, their response is: “Well, we serve everyone…” If a company served everyone, it would be impossible to bui...

Case Study: Let the Games Begin!

Jan 31, 2021

Product: Custom Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Automotive/Banking What it was purchased for: A car company wanted to find a product that would promote their brand at a local college BCS Bowl Games. Ho...

Case Study: Don't Run from this Promo!

Jan 17, 2021

Description: Running Belt Fanny Pack Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: A nationwide gym chain was looking for an item to give away with the purchase of yearly memberships. Th...

Case Study: An Icy Cool Promotion

Jan 03, 2021

Description: 16 Oz. Swiggy Stainless Steel Bottle Industry: Non-Profit What it was purchased for: The item was purchased for a youth camping trip. The bottles were meant to hold the water for a ...

Case Study: These Calendars Aren't Week

Dec 20, 2020

Objective: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high-perceived value. Product: Beach Trifold Calendar Personalization: The bank inc...

7 Fitness Promotional Products to Help You Stay in Shape

Dec 05, 2020

Exercise is an important part of our overall wellness and many companies are using wellness initiatives to promote healthy choices like regular exercise. Whether your company is encouraging physical f...

Case Study: Financial Industry

Nov 21, 2020

Products Javalina® Classic Pen Industry Financial Application Direct Mail A local bank wanted to increase awareness of its low mortgage rates and decided to do a direct mailing t...

Take 5 of These Promotional Products for the Medical Field, and Call Me in the Morning

Nov 07, 2020

It can be tough for people in the medical field to get their names out to new patients. If you own a restaurant, you can have your cool mascot show up at a local sports game and toss out t-shirts. But...

How to Gain Inspiration in 5 Minutes

Oct 24, 2020

People demand a lot of creativity from professionals these days. We live in an era of media overload, where viral video marketing and colorful infographics have become accepted means to engage an audi...

6 A+ Products for Online Education Courses

Oct 10, 2020

Classrooms have looked very different this year. Who agrees? Notebooks have turned into laptops, desks have turned into dining room tables, and students have kept their distance by learning and study...

Case Study: Do the Wave

Sep 26, 2020

Market: School Objective: A school’s athletic program was struggling to pay for recurring expenses. Game attendance had dropped over the previous year, and alumni attendance was weak. The sc...

10 Must-Have Tech Products and Accessories

Sep 11, 2020

If you want to give your brand a modern and fresh new identity try throwing some cutting-edge tech gadgets into your marketing mix. The wave of wireless charging options, portable speakers, and wearab...

Case Study: The Weather is Snow Joke

Aug 28, 2020

Description: Keep Warm Buddy Set Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A local school was looking for a fundraiser item to help older kids raise money for an overnight camping trip. The...

Case Study: A Picture is Worth...a Nice Donation

Aug 14, 2020

Description: Folded Photograph Card Industry: Fundraising What it was purchased for: A historical preservation society needed invitations for their annual dinner. A board member donated their photog...

Giving Back: The Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility

Jul 31, 2020

Whether you’re putting together a fundraiser, donating food to a local shelter, or volunteering at a soup kitchen, supporting causes you care about makes you feel good and makes the world a bett...

10 Promo Products for Auto-Lovers

Jul 17, 2020

Grab your keys and prepare for a Bo Duke slide across the hood of your car. It’s time to take a look at 10 promo products for auto-lovers. For this list, we put together a travel-bag of gear wor...

Soak Up The Sun With These 7 Summer Promo Products

Jul 03, 2020

With an array of outdoor events like concerts, company picnics, and festivals on deck this summer, immerse your brand in nights that last forever and days we will be dreaming about long after the sun ...

Case Study: Adventure Awaits

Jun 18, 2020

An event promoter was compiling a gift box for top-tier ticket holders for a large-scale national summer concert tour. The Koozie® Adventure Dry Sack 10L was a natural fit for the outdoor lifestyl...

6 Retro Products That Are a Blast From the Past

Jun 04, 2020

No matter what decade you think of when you think of “retro products”, you can bet there’s a customizable product perfect for your next event. Using nostalgia to promote your busines...

Case Study: Save the Date, Save the Day

May 21, 2020

Description: Trifold Calendars Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high perceived value...

Your Guide to Drinkware

May 06, 2020

Mugs, tumblers, and bottles…oh my! There is an abundance of variety available when it comes to promotional drinkware, which can make it difficult to decide what is the best choice for your bran...

Case Study: Real Modern Recognition

Apr 22, 2020

Market: Finance Product Use: Employee Recognition Promotion: A wealth management firm selected the Samsonite Executive Computer Backpack as an employee recognition gift. At the company’s...

7 Sources to Boost Your Creativity

Apr 08, 2020

Feeling stumped? Uninspired? Fresh out of ideas? Thanks to the wonderful gift that is the World Wide Web, creative inspiration is just a few clicks away. These are some of our favorite sources to get ...

10 Promotional Products for Healthy Living

Mar 25, 2020

We all strive to be our best selves, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. We can all make excuses to make unhealthy choices. Your niece has a birthday and it would seem rude to turn down th...

Know Your Shades: 4 Types of Iconic Sunglasses

Mar 10, 2020

“The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.” - Timbuk 3 Sunglasses have been and always will be one of the most popular promotional products. Why? Because practically everyone wea...

Your Graphic & Web Design Cheat Sheet

Feb 25, 2020

The world of graphic and web design is complicated and there is a lot of terminology out there to learn. To help you out, we’ve put together a cheat sheet with answers to some of the top graphic...

Case Study: Fun in the Sun

Feb 11, 2020

Product: Two-Tone Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Sports What it was purchased for: A major sports team was having difficulty keeping attendance up at weeknight games. They came up with the idea of doin...

9 Useful Apps for Sales & Marketing Professionals

Jan 28, 2020

Your phone’s ringing off the hook. You’ve got three meetings back to back. Emails are piling up in your inbox. And when you have a moment to book your next business trip, you wonder how yo...

Case Study: A Hole in One Promotion

Jan 13, 2020

Product: Jumbo Cooler Bag Industry: Agriculture What it was purchased for: These bags were given out to participants in a company golf tournament. How it was distributed: All participants received ...

6 USA-Made Products Especially for Kids

Dec 30, 2019

Who didn’t enjoy getting to dig through the prize basket after a trip to the dentist or the bank? It’s a fact – children love giveaways. Get your brand, school, or organization in fr...

Case Study: This Promotional Product is in the Bag

Dec 16, 2019

Description: Laundry Bag Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A credit union wanted to target college students and offer them an incentive to open a new account. They chose a stock design,...

Case Study: Wave Hello to Promotions

Dec 02, 2019

Description: Custom Wave Cap Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: The client was looking for a signature cap that would be unique, high-quality, and something that the recipient w...

Case Study: Attract New Customers

Nov 17, 2019

As part of their new corporate wellness program, the company wanted to stress the importance of healthy nutrition to its employees. Along with literature, discount memberships at a local health club a...

Case Study: 3D is the Key

Nov 03, 2019

A company was looking for unique items to commemorate the celebration of its 45th year in business. They wanted to incorporate a new logo that communicated the anniversary as well as the range of prod...

Case Study: Keep it Cooler

Oct 20, 2019

Description: Dual Compartment Cooler Bag Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: An annual company picnic for employees and their families. Each year they give their empl...

Relax and Unwind With These 10 Promo Products

Oct 06, 2019

Like that classic Beatles song, sometimes it can feel like your working eight days a week. Maybe you’ve had back to back meetings or you’ve had a stressful travel week. Whatever the case, ...

Graphic Design Terms Everyone Should Know

Sep 22, 2019

It can be hard to communicate with a design team on a project when the designers speak their very own language. That’s why we have a rundown of words you may come across frequently that can sav...

Here Are Our Votes For The Best Political Promotional Product Staples

Sep 08, 2019

Whether you are right or left, red or blue, or somewhere in the middle, if you’re in need of political promotional product staples, we've got some great candidates for you! Yard Signs ...

6 Ways to Get More Done Every Day

Aug 10, 2019

From the moment you get to work in the morning, you’re probably planning all the things you intend to get done. By the time you head home, you may wonder how the day got away from you! We’...

Why You Need Promotional Products

Jul 27, 2019

In a world of ever-changing advertisement trends, there is one marketing solution that never grows old – promotional products. Studies show promotional products were ranked as the highest advert...

6 On-the-Go Products for Travelers

Jul 13, 2019

Being prepared isn't just for the Scouts, it's good advice for anyone who lives life on the go! Add your logo to these hospitality and travel themed promotional products and your customers will rem...

Get Ready for Game Day! 5 Promotional Products for Sports Teams

May 31, 2019

Having high-quality equipment and gear is an important part of every team no matter how big or small. When your team walks out onto the field, you want them to stand out from the crowd and show off th...

Game On: 10 Promo Product Games We Love!

May 17, 2019

From traditional favorites to new and trendy games, you can put your brand at the center of the fun whether it is at a tailgate, a special party or event, or just around the office. Bean Bag Toss Ga...

Case Study: Computer Repair At Your Fuzzy Fingertips

May 03, 2019

A computer repair store attended a local home show and wanted something useful but unique to attract attendees to their booth. They also wanted something that would keep their name top of mind when th...

Win Big With These Promotional Products for Sports Lovers

Apr 19, 2019

If you’re looking for some awesome gear to support your team—or for some killer merch for your team’s fans—we’ve got you covered with these awesome promotional products f...

Case Study: Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic

Apr 04, 2019

The “Golden Lanyard” to Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic Organization: Health Care Organization Product Featured: Cotton Water Bottle Strap Goal of Promotion: Driving Traffic ...

Case Study: A New Way to Do Cross-Promotions

Mar 21, 2019

Clever Meets Subtle: A New Way to Do Cross-Promotions Organization: Department Store Product Featured: Lanyard with Vinyl Pouch Goal of Promotion: Promoting Store Sales Description of Case His...

5 Promotional Products for School That Are 2 Cool 2-B 4-Got-N

Mar 07, 2019

Each school year, millions of students hit the books, shoot some hoops, and work hard to bring home that golden 4.0 GPA. Sometimes, the best way to promote your brand is by supporting the students in ...

Why You Should Be Having More Fun at Work

Feb 21, 2019

In the past, the words “work” and “fun” were two very different concepts that could never be caught in the same sentence. The old school rationale taught us that if you are enj...

8 Dental Products That Will Make You Smile

Feb 07, 2019

Promotional products are great for handing out after patient visits, at conferences and events, or to have available in your reception area. Here are our 8 favorite dental promotional products that he...

Case Study: Recycle, Reuse, Read a Book!

Jan 24, 2019

Product: Non-Woven Shopper Tote Bag Industry: Bookstore What it was purchased for: A large college bookstore wanted to feature a reusable shopping bag for students. The goal was to get the students ...

5 Office Toys That Will Bring Your Brand Joy

Jan 10, 2019

Look around your office and you will probably find that your coworkers’ desktops are riddled with a variety of knick-knacks, toys, puzzles, and stress balls. Office toys are a great way to st...

8 Elegant & Engravable Promotional Products

Dec 27, 2018

The promotional products industry has become so successful for one reason: people like free stuff. It’s true! So, how do you know which of the millions of products you want to be associated with...

5 Corporate Gifts Your Clients Will Love

Dec 27, 2018

Corporate gifts are a great way to thank your clients for keeping you in business. When done right, they can also function as employee rewards/incentives. Here are a few of our favorite promotional pr...

You Need More Cowbell

Dec 27, 2018

Description: Cowbell Industry: Sporting Events, Athletics What it was purchased for: A charity marathon coordinator wanted a giveaway that spectators could use to cheer on their runners. They chose ...

7 Promotional Products Perfect for Weddings

Jun 29, 2019

Adding names, monograms, or wedding dates to wedding favors is a great way to increase the wow-factor of any event. After everyone leaves the reception, these personalized gifts are there to help them...

5 Unique Rainy-Day Promotional Products to Keep You Covered!

Jun 15, 2019

Unpredictable weather is a shared experience in life. No matter your age, geographical location, job, or personality, it will always rain. These unique and functional promotional products are sure to ...