Originally published in Potentials
magazine, May 2007For promotions, incentives, rewards and thank yous, if you're going to give them merchandise, then give them what they want. Here, for your convenience,
Potentials has compiled a golden wish list of stylish products with mass appeal. Sprinkle any of these desirables into an upcoming event, program or client relationship, and watch your business grow.
ELECTRONICS
Sony DCRDVD508Digital cameras are in their prime. This DVD camcorder from Sony features dual-layer DVD recording, 6.1MP still shots, 4.6MP still shots while shooting video, 5.1 surround recording, smooth record, and Steady Shot image stabilization.
www.motivation.sony.com; $899.99
JVC 46-inch 1080p Flat Panel LCD TVIf you're looking for the best in high-definition LCD screens, look no further. This flat panel monolith offers no less than 46 inches of full HD. Other features include MaxxBass; intelligent noise reduction circuitry; and flicker-free, high-resolution picture.
[email protected]; $3,499.95
Canon PowerShot SD750 Digital ElphPerfectly priced, the iconic design of this new Canon is backed by state of the art capabilities such as a 7.1 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens, DIGIC III Imaging processor and advanced face detection.
www.usa.canon.com/corporategifts; $299.99
Lowrance iWay 250CLowrance portable navigators are arguably the best. This unit has been noted for its bright 3.5-inch screen and ability to provide the fastest, most reliable and accurate navigational data. It also features digital music playback and picture viewing.
www.crutchfield.com; $249
The Companion 5-Speaker SystemMore acoustical brilliance from the advanced society known as Bose. These two desktop speakers and hideaway module deliver five-speaker surround sound, featuring rich, full-range audio.
www.incentiveconcepts.com; $399
GOOD CAUSES
SHP Cake & Cookie MedleyThis gift box includes a plethora of sugar and molasses cookies, shortbread and cake. But the sweetest part is that 35 percent of each purchase goes to help homeless families.
www.dancingdeer.com; $46.95
American Red Cross FR250 by EtonLike the Red Cross, this self-powered radio with built-in flashlight and cellphone charger is good to have around in case of an emergency. Eton Corporation donates 65 cents of the sales price to the American Red Cross.
www.etoncorp.com; $50
Natural Rubber Yoga MatThis eco-friendly yoga mat is 100 percent rubber. With environmental degredation off their conscience, recipients will easily find nirvana.
www.gaiam.com; $40
Beauty and GraceA gift of flowers doesn’t have to look dowdy. These elegant bouquets are also altruistic—10 percent of all purchases at Giftback are donated to charity.
www.giftback.com; $55
Hope DriverFrom Wilson, the Hope line of golf products supports the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. A thoughtful gift for advanced golf players who are interested in this cause.
[email protected]; $79.99
PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS
Parlor PuzzlesParlor Puzzles promote your business through fun and engaging puzzle games. Featured here are the new corkscrew/bottle opener puzzles.
www.parlorpuzzles.com; $36-$60
Lands' End ThermaCheckNothing beats a good fleece when it comes to promotional apparel. ThermaCheck fleece from Lands' End has an antistatic finish and is pet-hair resistant.
www.landsend.com/business; $39.50-$44.50
Custom USB Flash DriveFlash drives are white hot. At Custom USB, you can choose from 75 available styles or design your own.
www.customusb.com; Prices vary
L.L. Bean Open-Top Boat and ToteThese durable cotton-canvas totes are the perfect spring or summer promotional item.
www.llbean.com; $19-$32
Mini Rechargeable FlashlightJust five pumps of the retractable handle generates one hour of light. Definitely the kind of promo people prize.
[email protected]; $15.95
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
La Maison du ChocolatLa Maison du Chocolat? Try La Maison du Heaven. LMDC's latest creation is the Sevillane Collection, a combination of chocolate and fruit, inspired by Spanish Flamenco dance. One bite, and recipients will be snapping their castanets in ecstasy.
Stephanie Janique, Corporate Sales Manager, (212) 744-7117; $16-$68
Harry and David PearsNothing compares to a box of Harry and David pears. Renown for their ripe, juicy perfection they are a classic gift of good taste that also tastes good.
www.harryanddavid.com; $34.95
Omaha Steaks Filet MignonWhen work gets weary for your valued employees, try a little tenderloin. This 6-ounce filet mignon from Omaha Steaks is carved from the finest grain-fed beef and has been a customer favorite for over 89 years.
www.osincentives.com; $39.99
Hi. WinesTransform your next corporate event into a relaxing soiree with any one of these exceptional wine varieties. The gregarious labels say Hi., but the flavor says, "Wow."
www.morrellwine.com; $11.99-$14.99
Legal Sea Foods Filet and King Crab Legs DinnerSurf and turf just got interesting. For two, this amazing combo includes 1 1/4 pounds of King Crab legs and two 6-ounce Legal Signature filet mignon
www.shop.legalseafoods.com; $86.95-$152.95
Dean & DelucaYou'll receive a million thanks for the elegant Mille Crepes from Dean & Deluca. Each delicate crepe is layered with a heavenly blend of fresh cream and a light custard.
[email protected]; $100
Godiva 36-piece Gold BallotinWhen in doubt, go Godiva. Your recipient will know for sure that they're special, and there’s no better motivation than that. Corporate discounts available.
[email protected]; $36
LobsterGram Deluxe DinnerA simple yet incredibly fancy meal that spells seafood nirvana for most of us. Two fresh, live, Maine lobsters and everything you need to make the meal complete.
www.lobstergram.com; $99.95-$109.95
John & Kira's Chocolate Lady BugsThese little treasures are a perfect 10 on the cuteness scale. Complimenting their beautiful and shiny chocolate shells is a raspberry ganache filling.
www.johnandkiras.com; Prices vary
Nueske's Smoked BaconThose who have tried Nueske’s bacon can’t stop raving about it. Its nationally acclaimed smoky flavor is vacuum sealed in the hearts of all its sated customers.
www.nueskes.com; $19.95-$39.95
HOME
The Roseto CollectionThe beauty and quality of a glass and tile mosaic table and plantation-grown teak, spindle-back cushion chairs will transform any backyard from patio to paradise.
www.crateandbarrel.com; $398-$999
Le Creuset Cast-Iron CookwareThey may be more expensive than the average pot, but for anything from boiling pasta to creating delicious stews, these enamel-polished casseroles are the best. Besides that, they're gorgeous.
www.lecreuset.com/usa; Prices vary
Intensity VacuumThis powerful new vacuum from Electrolux is great for both home and apartment dwellers. It delivers 50 percenablet higher power than the leading upright, is lightweight and features a telescopic handle for easy storage.
www.electrolux.com; $299.99
Farberware 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware SetHail to the chef in each in every one of us! This enormous set features hard-anodized lids, stainless steel handles, and a layer of aluminum for fast, even heating. Dishwasher safe. Oven safe to 500°F.
www.rymaxinc.com; $199.99
DeWalt DC022Carpentry or car repair enthusiasts can work all night in a cramped garage if they want to. This cordless/corded 38W fluorescent worklight offers plenty of versatility and power.
[email protected]; $259
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Active Brain CenterThis wooden block with colorful beads and balls has a lot going on, especially for curious toddlers who can use this toy to learn hand-eye coordination, letters and counting skills.
www.hammacher.com; $119.95
King Pine Dome TentFamily camping trips are all the more exciting when you know you have a really cool tent that is sturdy and weatherproof. This fine looking dome tent from L.L. Bean has a spacious interior that features a large attached screen room. Other features include a durable floor and easy color-coded set-up system.
www.llbean.com; $299
Dirigo Tandem Plus KayakPlanning outdoor activities with the family more fun with this tandem kayak from L.L. Bean provides stability and plenty of space for two people. Features include a removable child seat in the rear cockpit and dry hatch for cell phone and other valuables in the front cockpit.
www.llbean.com; $999
Classic TravelerPeople who love their pets trust Sherpa to carry them. This classic traveler makes the perfect reward. It features mesh panels, an expandable accessory pocket and structured walls.
www.sherpapet.net; $80-$100
Mongoose MischiefBMX bikes will be reaching a new level of recognition in 2008, when they will be included for the first time in the 2008 Olympics. The Mongoose is the leading bike brand in the 7-24 age demographic.
www.epicinternational.com; $199.99
MUSIC
Apple iPodShuffle, nano or iPod, they can all be summed up in three words: Everybody wants one. This is definitely an item you'll want to make available in your merchandise catalog.
www.ipod.com; $79 - $349
Bose In-Ear HeadphonesDelivering great big sound in little ear bud size, these headphones make an awesome incentive for music mavens of all song genres.
www.incentiveconcepts.com; $99.95
InMotion iM600This sound dock is special for four reasons. It delivers superlative sound quality, has a built-in FM receiver, an alarm clock and is compatible with any portable audio device.
www.alteclansing.com; $149.95
LP-to-CD Recorder Stereo SystemFor music mavens with rare 12-inch singles, or baby boomers with collections of classic 45s they just can't find online, the value of this stereo system goes way beyond the actual price.
www.hammacher.com; $399.95
Tivoli Model SatelliteTivoli radios have just gotten Sirius. Not only the hippest looking radios around, they are renowned for exceptional sound. This tabletop model neatly incorporate Sirius Satellite, along with a Henry Kloss Analog AM/FM Tuner, internal FM antenna and alarm clock.
www.tivoliaudio.com; $299.99
STYLE
Movado Men's Series 800The high priests of watches have revved up their aesthetics to create a serious sports line with incomparable style. Man or woman, to anyone with a flair for intelligent fashion, the 800 series is hot.
www.movadoincentives.com; $700
S.T. Dupont Olympio Medium Roller Convertible PenNothing says top exec like a beautiful and elegant pen. This fine specimen features rich decorations such as contemporary lacquer and palladium with a square guilloche and exceptional writing quality and comfort.
www.rymaxinc.com; $310
Vista Super Light 22-inch Wheeled Packing CaseDescribed online as "almost weightless," this compact and attractive carry-on can really pack it in. Made of lightweight nylon with leather trim, it features a roomy main compartment and organizational pockets.
www.tumispecialmarkets.com; $395
Burberry UmbrellaThere is nothing wrong with a rainy day when you're standing under the taut canopy of a Burberry umbrella. These beautiful 42-inch signature umbrellas are very light to carry and feature a curved wooden handle and velcro closure strap.
www.burberry.com/corporategifts; $225
Samsonite Black LabelIf you're looking for a reward for someone who is seriously creative with an outlaw edge, then this bad-to-the-bone A1 Hero Upright by Alexander McQueen for Samsonite Black label is the perfect item.
[email protected]; $750
SPORTS AND FITNESS
Resistance Cord Workout KitPromote fitness by offering each employee this simple and easy exercise tool that they can carry with them almost anywhere. Included in the kit are three resistance cords of varying levels of resistance, foam-cushioned handles and a guided workout DVD.
www.gaiam.com; $30
TaylorMade Burner DriverTaylorMade drivers always make the top of golfers' most wanted list. The Burner driver has a 460 cc bullet-shaped clubhead, patented Inverted Conte Technology and light-and-long shaft.
www.rymaxinc.com; $359
Elan Gravity SnowboardFor anyone interested in snowboarding, this relatively low-price point board from Elan is an incredible value. Features include a woodcore, directional shape and full cap construction for real all-mountain performance.
www.elansnowboards.com; $229
EX-55This compact home elliptical machine operates in the same powerful, fluid motion as a real gym elliptical. Features include a tacked flywheel design, magnetic resistance, pivoting footpads, and a low step-on height.
www.horizonfitness.com; $699
Schwinn Super Sport DBXMotivate them to achieve formidable goals with a super cool bike. Featuring a vibration-damping carbon fiber fork for an extra smooth ride, 700C tires with minimal tread for decreased rolling resistance, this highly acclaimed all-purpose bike will set their heart racing.
www.epicinternational.com; $1,199.99
In need of more motivation information? Click here to read Hold the Phone: Is the Incentive Market Ready for Smartphones?
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