First and foremost you should always have a spare tire and a first aid kit.  But there are additional items that you might not think of and if you live in a hot climate some of these are an absolute must.

Always have some extra water, for drinking and/or for the car.  Use a steering wheel cover.  A cloth cover (not leather) allowing you to comfortably handle the steering wheel after the vehicle has been standing in the sun.  If you have leather seats and you don't have a windshield sunshade, place a small towel on the leather seat before leaving the car so you’ll be able to get in and sit down when you return.  Pack snacks such as granola bars or small bags of popcorn or crackers.

Invest in an emergency kit.  Items you should consider include a flashlight, flares, jumper cables, blanket, extra clothes and gloves, paper towels, and a few basic tools like wrenches, a ratchet and sockets, screwdrivers and pliers.

Fold-Up Emergency Flashlight - as low as $9.95

Now with many airlines allowing only one checked bag, it makes sense for your wallet and the planet not to over pack when you travel.
The less you take on the plane, the less fuel it has to use.  Emissions from planes contribute to global warming at 2-4 times the rate of automobiles.

A while back, AirTran joined Continental, Delta, Northwest, and US Airways in charging customers who check more than one bag (United and American charge even for just the one).

Fewer bags mean less hassle.  Most hotels now supply simple necessities such as shampoo, conditioner and hair-dryers so don’t pack what you don’t need.
Packing light is easy.  Pick one base color such as brown, beige or black for all your outfits making it easier to mix and match.  Wear your comfortable or casual shoes on the plane and pack one pair of nice shoes that will go with everything else.
With this airline and auto power adapter you can power laptops, DVD players, and other devices with USB ports or AC/DC power jacks while traveling on an airplane or in a car.  To access the airline adapter simply remove the car adapter at the base.

Promotional Airline and Auto Power Adapter - as low as $56.67

August is National Back to School month.  In the United States some School districts and systems go back to school in August

Kindergarten and elementary students are experiencing this exciting time for their very first time.  Junior high and high school students are moving up in the world and are allowed more freedoms and choices they were not allowed in lower grades.  For those attending colleges and universities back to school often means moving away from home for the first time and having to be more responsible.

Promotional Backpacks - as low as $14.95

The back-to-school season means increased sales.  Students along with their parents are out in force shopping for new clothes and school supplies.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over $7 billion was spent at family clothing stores nationwide in August 2006.  Only in the holiday shopping months of November and December were sales significantly higher.

Promotional Fun Pen - as low as  $1.40

If you’re like a lot of people, your car has become an extension of your home.  We leave the house with more and more things than ever before.  Along with our morning coffee we now bring along our phones and Blackberry™, computers, iPod™ or MP3 players.  Fortunately there are devices that make it easier to have these extra items with us and provide convenient ways to keep them charged.

This Smart Mug is an advanced electronic device that has a thermostat that allows you to choose exactly how hot you want to heat your beverage and plugs right into your cigarette lighter.

Promotional Smart Mug - as low as $33.90

This auto power adapter also plugs into the cigarette lighter socket and is great for charging your iPod™, MP3 players, Blackberry™ or other USB charged devices.

Promotional Auto Adapter - as low as $3.25

This MP3/cell phone wedge organizer fits perfectly between the front seat and center console.  Conveniently organize your valuables so they are all in one easy-to-reach location.

Case Logic MP3/Cell Wedge Storage - as low as $11.50

The Bullet Clip - as low as $1.40

Before you head out to the beach or lake this summer don’t forget to make sure you’ve selected your favorite tunes to take along for the ride!  What could be better than relaxing in your best beach chair, sipping a nice cold drink and tapping your toes to the beat of a steel drum band playing island music or getting lost in some classic Jimmy Buffett that puts you in a Key West frame of mind?  Whatever your music pleasure, be sure you have it with you and in an easy to reach place before you leave your driveway.

Promotional Auto Visor Cd Case - as low as $4.19

Summer is a great time for outdoor fun.  But with all those trips you’re making to the beach or park, in the process of loading and unloading the chairs, coolers and umbrellas you are tracking all kinds of sand and dirt into your car making it difficult to keep it clean.

Vacuuming your car always seems to be such a hassle.  You find yourself dragging out the one from your house or having to stop at a car wash and spend money in order to complete the task.

Make keeping your car clean easy by using a mini vacuum to quickly run over the floor, trunk, and dashboard whenever needed.  It plugs into your vehicle’s 12 volt power outlet and can be conveniently stored in an out of the way place.

Promotional Mini Vacuum - as low as $14.67

Vacation in your own back yard this summer.   With the price of gas soaring, you may need to revise your summer vacation plans and spend more time a little closer to home. 

It’s amazing how many of us travel out of our own hometown in order to check out the museums, state and national parks and restaurants in other states when we haven’t even toured or spent any time at the ones that are right around the corner from where we live!  Gather the family together and pretend you're tourists for a few days.

Keep active and organize some fun for the kids by including fun summer games such as croquet, badminton, swimming, or soccer.  Volleyball can be played in a pool, on the beach or in the shady comfort of your back yard or local park.  And never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned game of hide and seek, frisbee or running around catching fireflies at dusk.

Promotional Flyer - as low as $1.42

Promotional Solace Outdoor Game Set - as low as $48.67

What’s in your glove compartment?

There’s nothing worse than not being able to find something when you’re looking for it and need it most.  If you’ve been in an accident, are broken down or have unfortunately been stopped by the police you don’t want to have to scramble and fumble trying to locate your vehicle information.

Keep your auto insurance card, registration, receipts and maintenance records handy and organized.  Conveniently store this organizer in your glove compartment.  This way you’ll have peace of mind knowing exactly where all that information is if and when you need it.

Car Care Journal Set - as low as $14.83

In case of emergency this combo strobe and spotlight (red light flashes and rotates for up to 30 hours) is another useful little item that stores easily in the glove box.

Garrity 2AA L.E.D. Safety Strobe Lite - as low as $12.67

Proper tire pressure is crucial in the summer months!  Be sure to check your owner's manual for recommended tire pressure and be certain to check the condition of your tires.  Worn, bald or badly aligned or balanced tires can mean accidents.  Accidents and breakdowns are no fun and put your safety at risk.

Just think about the tire commercial that reminds you that you have a lot riding on your tires!  They’re right!  It’s you and your family and friends.

Tire pressure should be checked and air added when the tires are cold.  Tire pressure increases one pound for every 10-degree increase in temperature.  If you inflate your tires to the maximum pressure indicated on the tire sidewall, you risk tire failure from over-inflation, especially if the tire is worn or damaged.  If you are not sure or are uncomfortable checking your tires yourself bring it to a service station and ask for help.

With gas prices what they are today if you want to save money at the pump just stay on top of the air pressure in your tires.  Proper air pressure will result in getting better gas mileage.

If saving money isn't a big enough incentive, how about the added bonus of doing your part and helping preserve the environment?  Less fuel consumption results in less carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere.  Every little bit helps.

Promotional Tire Gauge - as low as $2.29

This compact set is a thoughtful gift idea to use for your next employee or customer appreciation token.  Distribute these to employees at your next company or holiday function or send them out at the end of the year to your loyal customers.  Include a personalized note thanking them for their continued business and support with best wishes for the upcoming new year.

Roadster Gift Set - as low as $9.83

Don’t leave home without your sunglasses!

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) can be the cause of both short-term and long-term ocular problems such as cataracts, photokeratitis, snow blindness as well as various forms of eye cancer.  Experts often advise the public on the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV exposure.

Lots of people find direct sunlight to be way too bright!  In the outdoors the eye can receive more light than usual and wearing sunglasses can improve visual comfort and visual clarity by protecting the eye from glare.

Be sure to properly care for and store your glasses to help with their longevity.

Promotional Sunglass Clip - as low as $2.49

Do you travel a lot?  For business?  Or maybe you have a nice long spring vacation planned.  Have you ever found yourself trying to get comfortable on the long flight home?  This product is compact and easy to carry and can be used anywhere you go.

This efficient travel accessory provides three essential travel comfort items.  An inflatable comfort pillow, eye mask and earplugs.

Promotional Travel Comfort Kit - as low as $6.98

This luggage tag contains sewing components: 5 thread colors with needle, needle threader, safety pin and 2 buttons.

The name plate includes your name, address and phone number.

Promotional Sewing Kit Luggage Tag - as low as $1.85

The spring and summer seasons are bright, cheerful times with colorful explosions of blossoming buds accompanied by warm breezes breathing new life into the atmosphere.

These are the beautiful seasons! 

They captivate your senses with colorful images and enliven your spirits while wrapping you in the cozy comforts of summer heat.

Summer will soon be kicking into high gear across the country.  You can almost hear the constant purr of air conditioners ratcheting up -- with your home energy bills keeping pace.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) based on electricity and gas usage the average household spends $1,900 annually on energy.

Cutting Back.  You can do right by the environment and your wallet without having to make major sacrifices or lifestyle changes.  You can decrease your bills by one-third or more just by making some relatively easy and painless adjustments.
Here are some easy ways to help you save not only during the summer months but some can continue to work for you all year long.

Upgrade Your Thermostat.  Invest in a programmable thermostat.  These are handy little devices that allow you to cool your home or office to different temperatures at times that best suit your needs and schedule.

Turn down the AC during the day or whenever you’ll be away then program it to start up again 30 minutes before you return.  You should also adjust it during the night or early morning hours when everyone is less likely to notice a shift in temperature.

Installing a programmable thermostat should only cost between $100 - $150 and the energy savings can prove substantial.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), it’s possible to cut your heating and cooling bills by 10% annually by turning your thermostat back 10% to 15% for 8 hours a day.

Go Green.  Planting shady trees around your house will not only help shave approximately $100 to $250 off your annual heating and cooling costs but they will help make your yard more beautiful and attractive.  Leafy trees will shield your house from direct sunlight, keeping temperatures down, while still allowing sunlight to hit your house during the winter months.
If outdoor gardening and yard work is too overwhelming or not your forte you can cut energy costs from inside your home by simply closing your curtains or pulling the shades down.

Keep Things Clean.  Keep your air-conditioning unit clean and in peak performance.  This is a big money saver.  Make sure your AC unit gets a professional tune up.  This may cost between $90 - $120.  Also check the air filters every month or so to see if they need to be cleaned or replaced.
Dust off the condenser coils on your refrigerator to allow the unit to run more efficiently.

Buy a Better Bulb.  According to the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE), compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) require 75% less energy than traditional (incandescent) light bulbs, and last up to 10 times longer.  Look for CFLs with the Energy Star label. These bulbs now come in smaller sizes (subcompacts) that can fit into any lamp, and are offered in a wider color spectrum.  By replacing just four well-used 100-watt incandescent bulbs with equivalent 23-watt CFLs will help save you $120 to $200 over three years.

If you still have one of those halogen lamps hanging around do yourself a favor and throw it out!  These dangerous fire starters and their bulbs, which can generate temperatures of 700 to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, are energy hogs.

The Fan Club.  Install a ceiling fan to balance out a room's temperature.  This will allow you to turn down the AC and still feel cool.
Unplug.  Even when all of your home electronics are turned off, many continue to suck energy.  The main culprits in household today are televisions, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, phones and microwave ovens.  Plug the items that can be turned completely off into a power strip and use that as the on/off switch.

Fight Leaks.  You don’t want your pricey, cooled air leaking straight out of your house. Leaky windows and ducts are two ways that cool air can be lost and make your air conditioner work harder.  Make sure your ducts are properly sealed and insulated.  According to the EPA this could save you as much as 10% in energy costs.  So have your duct system checked out by a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) technician.  Find one by visiting the North American Technician Excellence web site.

Savvy Shopping.  Look for the Energy Star label.  The biggest way to help you save is to invest in energy-efficient appliances.  There are more than 44 product categories that qualify.  Sure, replacing large appliances such as a refrigerator or dishwasher requires an upfront investment but you can recoup your costs quickly by replacing it with an Energy Star-qualified model which could cut your operating costs by 30%.

Put your gym membership on hold and try getting your exercise outside.  Beat power waste into submission. Gyms across the country overload on A/C and most training machines also use electricity.

Less of a thrashing on your wallet.   An average gym membership costs $55 per month while parks and trails offer better scenery than any weight room.  At this time of year you never hear anybody talking about the great indoors.  Locate a hiking trail near you.  Take a mat and do yoga poses at home, in the yard, or while you’re at the park.  Check out volunteer opportunities that get you moving such as cleaning up litter from parks, maintaining or clearing trails.

Allergies & Asthma.  After a long winter you’re probably ready to get outside to enjoy and soak up some of those glorious rays of sunshine!
Unfortunately with the arrival of spring also means the start of allergy season.  Millions of people suffer from allergies caused by exposure to agents such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.  Many of these can also cause allergic problems such as asthma, nasal and sinus congestion, hives, and severe anaphylactic reactions.
What are allergies?  Allergies are bodily reactions to perceived threats in your environment. When your body is exposed to a substance you are allergic to your immune system tries to fight off the assault by producing antibodies.  These antibodies cause your cells to release proteins called histamines, which in turn can cause itching, swelling, runny eyes or nose and in severe cases, problems with swallowing and breathing.

What causes allergies?  Hundreds of different allergy triggers exist.  The most common causes include pollens, molds, dust mites, animal or pet dander and industrial chemicals. If you tend to get allergies in the spring, then it’s likely you suffer from hay fever, caused by pollen.  If your symptoms seem to come and go year-round, then it's likely you might be reacting to mold, mites or animal dander, all of which are common allergy triggers than people realize.
It is very important for you to understand the potential of developing allergies and asthma and be educated on the best forms of treatment for both ailments.

Solutions for Summer Fun.  Summer time can present planning challenges for working parents of young children.  With extra activities such as field trips and outings, swim lessons, special camps, amusement parks all requiring additional planning, transportation, work schedule flexibility and affordability.

Check Out Your Local Area Community Center. Many communities have taken advantage of recreation centers and parks to offer reasonable child care during the summer and weeks when children are out of school. Some cities promote summer fun child-care camps as a community service for its residents for a nominal fee.  A possible advantage to using recreation center care is if parents only need a few weeks covered and want certain summer fun days or activities for their kids.  Many centers structure the fees on a week-by-week basis, which allows flexibility for summer fun planning. Parents shouldn't delay in signing up since space is limited and fills up fast.

Start a Neighborhood Co-op.   Gather together parents of similar-aged children in your neighborhood and start a summer fun program for your kids.  Meet and agree to a calendar of activities and events.  Parents can alternate care and plan and carry out a fun outing for all participants for assigned days.  There typically is no money that changes hands.  Everyone equally takes turns and plans an enjoyable and safe day.

Regularly update your content and keep everything informative and interesting.

It is essential for you to acquire new customers and grow your business by being absolutely certain to only send customers relevant, targeted offers that they actually want to receive.

In an industry littered with competition and product variation, now is the time to re-evaluate the ways in which your data is collected and used as well as how you communicate with potential customers.  Recipients no longer tolerate irrelevant marketing materials sent via email or any other medium.
Make sure the URL of your website appears prominently on every piece of paper and all correspondence your business generates.  This is a brilliant approach to free advertising.

Be sure to advertise on items that people find useful.  This makes it more likely that the recipient will keep it or possibly even pass it along to someone else but at least it won’t get thrown away.

Photo Frame Calendar Magnet - as low as $.88

Lately employees and customers seem to not only expect premiums and incentives but they’re getting them to boot! 

What’s the most important rule of good business?  Make sure to keep your employees and customers happy. 

Providing incentives for them to remain loyal to your business is a great way to keep your employees happy and your customers coming back again and again.  Set up a rewards system and offer cash back or discounts to customers for repeat or referred business.  Give gift cards, dinner or theater coupons to employees for increased sales or successful marketing efforts.

Promotional Download Cards - as low as $6.42

Bet you just can’t wait to get on the road again!

If that’s true and you are on the verge of driving off to parts unknown here are some very important points you should consider before you start the engine.
Make absolutely certain you have current insurance and registration information with you at all times.  You should also bring along your car’s owner manual organized maintenance records.

Road Mate Organizer - as low as $10.66

Do a pre-travel check list before heading out on your summer adventure.
With all that hot weather driving you’re going to be doing take precautions now and assess the condition of the vehicle you plan to use on your trips.

Check all your lights and turn signals and be sure to check all fluids.  Change your oil every 3,000 – 5,000.  Summer months are extremely hard on a car's cooling system.  Inspect your radiator for signs of corrosion or leaking.  Flush the radiator and change engine coolant every two years.

Check and fill other fluids such as the power steering, brake, transmission, battery and radiator to recommended levels and don’t forget to top off the windshield washer fluid.

If your windshield has a chip or ding that damage needs to be repaired before "thermal shock" causes it to turn into a major crack. Thermal shock is what can happen when cold air from the air conditioning blows on a hot windshield.  Repairing a windshield is a lot less expensive than replacing one.
Intense summer heat can mean disaster for an older battery.  The average life of a battery is 31/2 years.  If your battery is that age or older then it's probably time for it to be replaced.

Tire pressure is critical in summer.  Check your owner's manual for recommended tire pressure.  Worn, bald or badly aligned or balanced tires can mean accidents.  Tire pressure should be checked and air added when the tires are cold.  Tire pressure increases one pound for every 10-degree increase in temperature. If you inflate your tires to the maximum pressure indicated on the tire sidewall, you risk tire failure from over-inflation, especially if the tire is worn or damaged.

If you’ll be traveling in remote areas, consider having a full-size spare tire instead of a temporary emergency spare.  Temporary emergency spares only have a 50-to-100 mile life expectancy and may be inadequate for your needs.
Check radiator, heater and vacuum hoses for cracks and bulges and inspect all belts for splits or damage.

Worn or misfiring spark plugs can affect how efficiently a vehicle burns the fuel/air mixture.  Worn spark plugs waste gas and increase exhaust emissions.  Check and replaced as needed.

Don't postpone needed brake work. It's dangerous to drive with poorly performing brakes and postponing brake service will only end up costing you more.

Car Escape Tool - as low as $21.66

Summer Safety

Summer is just around the corner!  It’s time for you to start preparing for that vacation you’ve been thinking about all winter.

Be prepared.  Before you leave on your trip pack extra radiator coolant and water, quarts of oil, safety flares and any tools you might need.

Emergency Gas Can - as low as $10.49

Always store a roll of duct tape in your car.  It has many uses and can be a life saver!

Breaking down in the middle of nowhere, while memorable, it does not make for a fun vacation and can be dangerous.

Promotional Safety & Tool Kit

Keep your content fresh!

Regularly update your content and keep everything informative and interesting.

It is essential for you to acquire new customers and grow your business by being absolutely certain to only send customers relevant, targeted offers that they actually want to receive.

In an industry littered with competition and product variation, now is the time to re-evaluate the ways in which your data is collected and used as well as how you communicate with potential customers.  Recipients no longer tolerate irrelevant marketing materials sent via email or any other medium.

Make sure the URL of your website appears prominently on every piece of paper and all correspondence your business generates.  This is a brilliant approach to free advertising.

Be sure to advertise on items that people find useful.  This makes it more likely that the recipient will keep it or possibly even pass it along to someone else but at least it won’t get thrown away.

Photo Frame Calendar Magnet -  as low as $.88

Do you want to learn how to use promotional USB Memory to increase your business? Learn all about USB memory and how to choose the correct one for your marketing campaign.

Listen to our Promotional Products Podcast on USB Memory Drives

Watch the Promotional Products USB Memory Video

PORTABLE MINI-FANS

Beat the heat!  Cool off instantly with these portable mini-fans.
These electric handheld fans make great advertising giveaways!  If your business is planning to host an outdoor promotional event or any type of company outing during the hot months these unique and affordable fans will make ideal giveaways.  Personalized with your logo these promotional gifts will help build your brand identity with your target audience!  Having your logo added to promotional products is always a great way to make sure your company continues to gain exposure.

Cool Breeze Lighted Mini-Fan - as low as $2.25

When the going gets hot, mist yourself.  As the water evaporates, it’ll help cool you down.

Promotional Misting Fan - as low as $2.50

Save money and cut down on waste.

44 million people eat lunch out instead of bringing it from home.  If you’re trying to save a little more money this might be an easy way to help make that happen.
By bringing lunch to work just four days a week (treat yourself with one lunch out during the week), you’ll be amazed how much money it’ll help you save.
You may not realize it but the savings can be substantial.
While take-out lunches are convenient and pretty inexpensive they still impact your wallet.

Let’s say that on average, buying lunch out costs about $7 making eating out five days a week total $35.00.

Whereas, if you bring lunch from home consisting of a sandwich, a piece of fruit and a jell-o or yogurt the cost probably averages around just $2.00.  As you can see there is an added benefit of having the ability to make smarter healthier choices about what you eat.  Be sure to always use a reusable bag to help cut down on waste.

Heavy Duty Insulated Bag - as low as $4.95

So, eating lunches from home four days plus one day out averages $15.00 per week and eating out every day averages $35.00 the difference is a savings of $20.00 making a monthly savings of about $80.00.

When you do go out to get something to eat and bring back to the office use reusable utensils and bring a mug or water bottle from home instead of using Styrofoam or plastic cups for coffee and water.

Icon Cool Gear Freezer Stick Bottle - as low as $3.00

Here are some affordable promotional ideas for spring and summer season activities!
If you have a small business and your marketing budget is limited make sure your promotional ideas are easy and cost effective.

Consider sponsoring local events or activities.  Set up a booth at a street fair or sponsor a local little league or softball team in order to display your product or company name.

Koozie(Tm) Stadium Kushion - as low as $3.99

Show your team support and help make stadium seating more comfortable for sports fans with this lightweight cushion.

4-Color Process Koozie Jersey Can Kooler - as low as $2.59