fun stuff

so, i've been doing a lot of research on fun promotional stuff for boston GLOW, which is a non-profit i work with and kind of talk about non stop.  anyway, in the coming months, we're looking into doing some branding opportunities, and i've been having a BALL.  so, we're going to have show and tell on the blog today.  mostly of things i'm NOT buying, because they're funny.

Toiletry Kit--kind of cool

I dig the toiletry kit.  it's kind of for a specific audience, though, no?  i mean there don't seem to be too many segues into "here's a toiletry kit".  "remember me when you cleanse yourself"?  or perhaps "think of my company in the shower"?

Bracelet USB--AWESOME!

I would love one of these.  In fact, the next company that gives me one of these, I will buy their product.  Further in fact, if anyone would like to mail me one because you saw this on my blog, I will buy your product and blog about it profusely.

Flexi-vase? Not really getting this...

Nope.  No idea.

Nail Polish! Promotionally!

I LOVE this idea.  I love it to the point that I'm trying to figure out how to link this in to SCARLET so that I can get away with giving it away with books/at readings, etc.  It doesn't really work for the whole, my main character is in medieval england thing, but hey, details.

Sewing kit and lint brush! in ONE!

Okay, as an employee at a fancy-schmancy hotel, i shouldn't like this as much as i do.  but it just looks so HANDY!  it's the reason people steal stuff from hotel carts in the first place. but it has absolutely no relevance to the things i'm actually researching.

Have any promotional items worked particularly for you?  I'm researching this for GLOW, but in a few months i'll also be coming up with my own promo items for SCARLET and book promotion and everything.  traditionally in the business this seems to mean bookmarks, maybe postcards, maybe temporary tattoos or something, but i just want something fun.  like nail polish!

any good ideas?