Our rep showed up the other day to give a presentation on lapel pins and embroidered patches. Having been in the business for almost 20 years, I was starting to fall asleep. I can’t begin to tell you how many custom lapel pins I’ve seen in my life. Die cast, Die struck, cloisonne, poly dome, etched and color fill, etc., etc., etc. (In case you don’t know the difference between these different processes, drop us a note with your shipper number and we will forward samples to you). Then we moved into the highly exciting field of patches. Without going into too much detail, I was equally bored. Then he came out with the hardware!!!

These were one of the most unique decoration processes I’ve seen. The metal was so thin, yet real sturdy. He had a few samples of the metal attachments and each one was curved specifically to the shape of the glass. My mind started racing. Wow… these are great for these glasses, but what else could we do with them? I would really like to use them for limited edition growlers. Another great feature is that they can also be custom shapes.

The next thing that drew my attention was the pricing. Minimum orders are 144 units and the prices ranged from $5 to $8, with the pints falling under $6.50 and ceramic mugs at $6 and $7. Current selection also includes insulated tumblers.

If you think this is an idea you would like to try for your company, forward your artwork, and we will make up a virtual sample for you.

Every year we have a universe full of custom logo apparel that floods the market before golf season. There are constantly new product launches as well as closeouts and discontinued items.
Professional Gifting has recently contracted with Callaway Golf and will be distributing their apparel line and their bag, or soft goods line.

In describing the Callaway line, I would say that the overall designs are straight forward and probably on the conservative side in color. The quality however is rock solid and Nordstrom quality. Here are a few of our favorites.

When it comes to basics, Every guy needs a couple of mock turtlenecks. What makes this one so cool is the micro pique finish. it is also a nice light weight. I have not worn it a number of times yet to see how well the neck holds up, but I am sure it will get worn 25 times or more this year.

Callaway offers 3 garments that are priced in the $30 – $40 range. The entry level  Classic Pique comes in a number of great colors.  It retails at $38 blank. There’s even a companion style for ladies!

The two below don’t really impress me… However the ladies is rock solid!  I especially like the Callaway logo on the bottom shirt tail.

Here is another one of my favorites. The color selection is bold and it’s available in mens and ladies sizes. Retail price is $45 and we will offer a $10 discount per shirt with your 24 piece order, with mention of this post. Embroidery is included.

As we move up the line, The mens and ladies Dry Solid Polo rocks!!! This 4.75 ounce 100% polyester, moisture wicking fabric feels great.  The open cuff sleeves add to the luxury look. Retails at $59 each with discounts also available to existing customers.

The remainder of the line  can be found here. Callaway Golf Clothing

Professional Gifting is a distributor for Callaway Golf Clothing, Nike, Ashworth, Cutter Buck, PGA Tour Apparel, OGIO, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Antigua, Slazenger, IZOD and many more.

Start shopping here!

Professional Gifting has recently become a supplier for The Game Headwear.

When ”The Game’s” national representative called on PGI to carry their line, we felt like we already had plenty of hat suppliers to share with our customers. Little did we know the high level of quality they were about to show us.

Upon traveling to a few customers with the rep, we found that not only was the brand name well recognized, but the client wanted to place an order immediately. Upon receipt of the pre production sample, I believed that this was the nicest hat I have ever produced after 19 years in the business.

After further study, we found that “The Game” was licenced and was currently producing hats for over 1890 different schools and colleges around the country. In fact, if you are a corporate hat buyer, they will send you a free sample (you provide a shipper number) of your alma mater as a test hat. Be sure to first check their licence list.

Minimum order for a totally custom hat is 72 pieces, with an average price of $13 each.  At 288 caps, the price falls more into the $8-$9 range. The USC book store retails these for almost $17. Kent State and Fandome retail them for almost $20 and Pebble Beach retails their hat at $34. If you are looking for a domestic made “Game” cap, there is no minimum order.

We offer a number of embroidered hats that go down as low as $3 each in larger quantities. These hats are great for mass promotions.  But if you are looking to impress clients at your next golf outing, switch over to The Game and you will see your hat being worn after your event much more.

If you are a qualified buyer of hats, we will make up a sample for you.  Mention Code# GAMEPGI. Contact your PG sales associate for your sample.

Ask for Ken Reinstrom for a current catalog.

One of the latest tools of the ultimate tailgater is the Cruzin Cooler, brought to you by Professional Gifting. This is without a doubt the hottest dealer loader produced.

Featured on the Ellen show, this unit was custom built especially for her.  Other famous riders include Jay Leno, Montel Williams and even Hugh Hefner!!! While total customization is an option, not many people will shell out the $5000+ price for this beauty.

Pricing for the most modest powered unit starts at $399 per each.  There may be discounts available after 6 pieces, depending on how you want the scooler (not a typ-o) decorated. This model boasts a 4 hour charge (drive time) and up to 13 MPH. It will also hold a case of your favorite beverage… with ice!!! The top of the line unit starts at $799 for your 1 piece order. The overall weight ranges from 60 to 90 pounds. Add your own custom decal ($50 upcharge) and you will be sporting along nicely.

But how are you really going to stand out? The only thing that limits your ability to customize is your imagination and your wallet. You might even want to customize the event with your own personalized Energy Drinks.

They even make a non motorized trailer that can be tricked out.

These can also be purchased through Cooler Scooter, American Tailgater, Kegerator or Cooler Stores. If you are just looking for one piece you may want to use these sources. But if you are a corporate buyer, we are able to deliver the most comprehensive promotional services available. Our product selection and  creative gift packaging  provides the most bang for your promotional dollar.

The next time you need an idea that has the WOW FACTOR attached to it, be sure you call your PGI sales representitive.

Branded apparel has always been the most commonly used promotional item. With our unique decoration techniques we can understand why. We have t-shirts, polos, button down shirts, fleece & knits, jackets & outerwear, uniforms, accessories, etc. With brands such as Nike, Tehama, Adidas, Red House, PING, American Apparel, Tommy Hilfiger, Devon & Jones, etc.

We also have an extremely wide array of golf ideas including brands like Callaway, Tiger Woods, Top Flite, Wilson, Titleist, etc. There are so many unique ways to incorporate golf into your gift or award. Here are some of our favorite ideas…

Golf Awards
Cart Caddies
Caddy Cover
Desk Golf Clock
Golf BBQ Set

For creative ideas on how Professional Gifting can find your perfect branded gift, contact one of our sales associates at 800.350.1796 or send us a message!

When it comes to golf ball retrievers, this is the most valuable club in my bag. OK… It’s not really a club, but it is extremely valuable. With the cost of some golf balls topping $5 each, I just cant stomach the idea of leaving a perfectly good soldier behind.

A few weeks ago a vendor contacted me with his latest golf ball retriever invention. At first I thought that it would be a waste of time, but then I tried it out.

What I found was that from a functionality point of view, it worked great.  I was able to spot the ball, lay the patented claw right over the ball and scoop it up.  You would not believe some of the ridiculous contraptions I have seen over the years. I also liked how the exterior casing had a huge area for the logo. The case actually stays attached to the unit while it is in use, so you don’t have to take it on and off.

Another feature that surprised me was how light the product was.  Made with a fiberglass shaft, it couldn’t weigh more than 8 ounces. It also comes with a 2 year warranty. The minimum order quantity for custom logo branding is 24 pieces and the price is $25 each.  Orders for 150 pieces is $20 each.

For more information on the latest in golf ideas, contact your Professional Gifting sales associate at 800-350-1796.

One of my favorite golf hand outs is the Divot Tool.  In many cases you can spend between $.50 and $8.00.  My favorite tool is lower priced and offers a fairly unique decorating process.

The tool itself can be shaped to look just like your product and you can use multiple colors. If you order them with the ball marker, the marker can also be customized to the shape of your product or logo. When you put the marker in your pocket, it easily finds the magnetic tool so it rarely gets lost. It also has a very simple cardboard folder that shows how to properly fix a divot. This can also be customized.

There are a number of more expensive options similar to the one shown below. Packaging can be the difference between giving someone a divot tool or giving someone a gift.

For additional golf relatied ideas, contact your Professional Gifting sales associate.

Every year there are new innovations in golf equipment and the promotions that support golf outings and corporate hospitality.  Here are a few of the items that are making headlines.

The R9 Driver is most likely the hottest piece of equipment available this year. It allows you to adjust the head to draw or fade the ball and also allows you to adjust the loft.  There are also different weight settings that can be changed . 

Our clients have been using these in “Gift with Purchase” programs or as door prizes at golf events.  In fact, we are offering a free driver with any apparel order over $5000.

Logo golf ball sales are down significantly this year with the exception of the executive office.  when it comes to executive golf, the Titleist PRO-V1 is still the dominant executive ball.  Minimum order is 12 dozen and the price is $55 per dozen.  Price without a logo is $48 per doven.  With our current special, place an order for 12 dozen Titleist golf balls, any model and receive a free dozen Pro-V1′s.  If this selection does not fit, be sure to look at our other offerings.

We also carry a full line of Golf Kits and Golf Bags designed to fit any need. Golf towels are another item that has a lasting effect, as long as you do a nice one.  Cutter & Buck has a full selection that can be co-branded, similar to the towles done for Lilly.

For additional information on ideas you should consider for your next golf event, be sure to contact your Professional Gifting associate.

For samples

Cutter & Buck has been a long time staple in upscale corporate apparel as well as on the golf tour with stars such as Annika Sorenstam and Stuart Appleby being the prime time promoter.  While CB was founded in 1990, we have been working with Cutter & Buck for over 17 years.   Since those early days I have not seen such a diverse selection.  Last April a European company named New Wave aquired Cutter and Buck.

New lines such as Clique and New Wave that have significant strength in European markets are welcome additions to the CB family.  While they have always been known for “higher end” apparel, Clique and New Wave open up the middle tier price point, still focusing on the highest quality standards. 

What I like most with Clique is the full compliment of retail colors in the jacket line.  The upper scale hoodies in the New Wave line are great quality at a mid price range of $24 to $32.  Cutter Bucks full corporate markets line is filled with winners. 

One trend I am finding from many of my clients is that they are giving out fewer promotional products and logo apparel during these down times.  In contrast, they are using higher end products and brands like Cutter & Buck to ride on the coat tails of these well developed brands. 

A few of the decoration methods being used are also changing.  While a big left chest custom embroidery was always the standard, now we are seeing more subtle methods.  My favorite is using a PVC rubber or Woven Label that is attached to the zipper pull or attached onto the sleeve.  When giving an item to a customer, less is always better.

The next time you need an idea that makes your company stand out, contact us at 800-350-1796.

Remember when you used to have a small Swiss Army Knife on your key chain?  It was there for everything.  You could open boxes or cut paper with the scissors.  Depending on what model you owned, you could do just about anything.  So what happened to the Swiss Army Knife?  AIRPORT SECURITY!!!  Someone along the way deemed it best that they be confiscated as they pose a serious risk to airline travelers and national security.

While those restrictions still apply, there is a new kid on the block in the multi tool arena.  Swiss+Tech.

The Swiss Tech design is truly unique.  Their website offers a number of videos that show the full use of each product.  I have heard accounts of the key style piece going straight through airport inspection.  Please understand that we are not promoting that you attempt top bring these on the plane with you, but it has been done.  Regarding the price, the low end model starts at under $10 with a 50 piece minimum.

Here is a company that has created a new line of tools that revoloutionize the pocket knife industry.  Who does this product fit best with?  Anyone that has a safety program or drivers on the road.  The Body Guard tool offers a devise designed to break through auto glass and includes a seat belt cutter.

If you have further interest in this product, forward your artwork to us and we will make a virtual sample for you or contact us to see a sample.

Professional Gifting specializes in finding creative ideas to help motivate your target audience.