As summer winds down and kids head back to school, most of us shift out of vacation mindset and get back to business in the fall. Since you’ve probably got school supplies covered, we put together five of our favorite branded office essentials to help you finish the year strong!
#1: Computer Backpacks:
New backpacks are not just for the kiddos. If you travel with a laptop (whether it’s in the airport or just to and from the office), you need a good quality computer bag. Our favorite tech company added backpacks and messenger bags to their collection this year, and there are no minimums or set up fees. That means you can customize ONE at a time with your full color logo! I personally traded in my old computer backpack for the new Embarcadero Pack, and I absolutely love it. It’s thoughtfully designed for both convenience and security. My favorite features? The hidden water bottle pockets and the super cushy straps.
#2: Good quality pens.
If there’s a pen you absolutely love, ask us about it! We can add your logo to many of your favorite retail brands, like Bic, Pilot, and Inkjoy, among others. Of course, as we saw in last month’s product test, generic options often perform just as well as their name brand competitors. (So go and order that Cross gift set if that’s what you want, but know that if you need an inexpensive pen that writes really well, we’ve got you covered there, too.) 
#3: Mouse pads.
A customer recently asked me, “Do people even use mouse pads anymore? Yes, they do. Although we still sell traditional mouse pads, a lot of clients opt for a more modern version, like these multi-purpose microfiber ones. (They double as a microfiber cloth and screen protector too, and pack easily for business on the go.) Want more ideas? Check out these mouse pads which feature a note pad and annual calendar. This comes in handy when you need to take a quick note without combing through apps on your phone to do it. 
#4: Dry Erase Boards.
Lots of businesses use large dry erase boards for marketing and project management, and now we can print them in full color with your logo and design! (You have several options for size as well as frame color and material.) With so many potential applications for dry erase boards, we pulled a few ideas together to get you started:
- Scheduling
- Special offers
- Menus
- Price lists
- Checklists & charts
- Calendars
#5: Calendars and Planners:
Yes, we know, it’s August and you can’t believe they already have Halloween stuff on display at Wal-Mart. However, in promo world, this is the best time to snag a deal on calendars and planners with your company logo. Despite our reliance on smartphones and mobile tech, a surprising number of people still prefer traditional pen and paper. However, if you really want boost your brand, look for ways to link your paper calendar to the digital world. (Take Chick-Fil-A’s ever popular cow calendar, for example. Customers purchase the calendar and also receive a loyalty card that qualifies them for a free offer every month. The card syncs up with their mobile app. Our local stores invariably sell out well before Christmas. It’s marketing genius!) For more ideas on how to use calendars and planners (and why paper calendars still sell in the digital age), click here. 
What can we do to help YOU get back to business this fall?
