Branded to Remember: Fans, Fetch Toys & Fresh Starts
From graduation weekends to branded fans, plants, and play—this week’s picks are personal, practical, and made to stick (or unstick).
Coming off an emotional graduation weekend, I had the joy of watching Erin become a second-generation Fairfield Stag. I wrote more about it in this week’s MARK. Set. Go... (📬 marksetgo.substack.com) if you want to read the personal side.
The weather was picture-perfect—a far cry from Coleen’s and my own sweltering Fairfield graduation in 1994. Honestly, we could’ve used one of the mister fans featured below!
This week’s POWER. Of. Promo... is all about seasonal merch, sensory-friendly swag, and small-but-mighty items that make a lasting impression. Let’s jump in.
Tariff Update:
As of Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, the United States and China agreed to reduce tariffs they've placed on each other for 90 days following weekend talks in Switzerland.
Effective Wednesday, the United States will cut the tariff rate it has put on China-made imports so far in 2025 from 145% to 30%.
The 30% rate includes a 10% reciprocal tariff and 20% tariff related to what the White House has alleged is China’s role in allowing illicit fentanyl to flow into the United States. The 30% is in addition to import duties President Donald Trump imposed on China during his first term.
China, meanwhile, has agreed to slash tariffs it placed on many U.S.-made imports in 2025 from 125% to 10% for the three-month pause. The U.S. and China are continuing discussions on trade and economic policy.
As tariff regulations evolve, our team is committed to keeping you updated.
A Cool Touch of Style: Bamboo Folding Fans
This week’s first feature is equal parts functional, eye-catching, and cultural flair: the Bamboo Folding Fan.
Crafted with a genuine bamboo frame and classic paper cover, these folding fans measure 8.27" x 15" when opened and fold down neatly for easy carrying. Whether you're looking to cool down an outdoor event, add ambiance to a summer soirée, or create a unique table centerpiece, these fans deliver charm with purpose.
Why They Work:
Material: Bamboo ribs + paper covering = timeless aesthetic
Size: 8.27" fan bone, expands to a 15" half-circle
Available in Assorted Colors – Match your event theme or brand palette Customizable with Your Logo or Message – Great imprint space
Perfect For: Outdoor weddings, festivals, graduations, galas, or summer promotions
Add a breeze to your branding—literally. These fans are as memorable as they are useful, and they fold right into your next warm-weather event strategy. *Allow 4-6 weeks for this item.
Grow Your Brand—Literally: Desk Plants 🌿🪴
You know what’s really cool? When someone from your hometown (Norwell, MA)—who made the same one-hour commute each way to Xaverian Brothers High School—ends up in the same industry, only now as a vendor partner at an incredible company.
I didn’t realize Lawrence Hanley was that guy, but he is. And he’s with (owns) Desk Plants, a promo company that’s growing something really special.
Looking for a branded gift that lasts longer, feels more personal, and gets seen every single day? Meet Desk Plants—a sustainable, hard-to-kill promo item that delivers both beauty and ROI.
Unlike most swag that gets tossed in a drawer, Desk Plants live front and center, generating up to 63% more daily impressions than the average branded item. And with a curated selection of low-maintenance plants, they’re perfect for anyone—green thumb or not.
Each order includes:
✅ A sleek desk plant in a customizable pot
✅ A greeting card with a QR code to simple care instructions
✅ An elevated unboxing experience that makes an immediate impression
Why Desk Plants Work:
Memorable & Meaningful – A true “thank you” with staying power
Drop-Shippable & Personal – Perfect for WFH teams or remote clients
63% More Daily Impressions – Because they stay on the desk, not in a drawer
"What a bright way to start my week. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated."
Great for client appreciation, new hires, remote teams, donor gifts, or just brightening someone’s day—Desk Plants are the kind of promo that grows on people. Literally.
Stick with It: Custom Lint Brushes for Everyday Use
Sure, lint rollers are a pet owner’s best friend, but let’s be honest—they’re pretty handy for everyone. Whether it’s pet hair, fuzz, or a surprise on your blazer before a meeting, this compact, brandable lint brush is a must-have for home, office, or on the go.
Each roller features 20 sheets, comes in colors like black, pink, red, white, and blue, and offers a great imprint space for your logo or message. Bonus: they make perfect tradeshow giveaways—low-cost, high-use, and actually appreciated.
Why It Works:
Great for Pet Owners… and Everyone Else – A universal problem solver
Multiple Color Options – Match your brand or campaign
Customizable Imprint Area – Put your logo front and center
Great Giveaway Item – Useful, lightweight, and practical
Size: 6.25" x 1.125" – Compact for bags, desks, or glove boxes
Functional, affordable, and easy to brand—this is one of those giveaways that actually gets used (and seen) again and again. Let’s roll!
Cool Down, Power Up: The Rechargeable Mister Fan
Standing in long lines at summer events? Waiting for a shuttle? Staffing an outdoor activation? This little fan can make a big difference.
With 3 fan speeds and continuous nano mist functionality, the Rechargeable Mister Fan is the kind of promo item that people will not only appreciate but use immediately—and repeatedly.
It features a 40ml water tank, runs for up to 1.5 hours, and comes with a USB-C charging cable for quick recharges on the go. Lightweight, branded, and super practical—this is heat relief with your logo attached.
Specs & Features:
3 Fan Speeds – From light breeze to full-on cooling
Continuous Nano Mist – Stay cool and hydrated
500 mAh Rechargeable Battery – Up to 1.5 hours of runtime
Compact Size: 3" x 2" x 6.5" – Easy to hold or toss in a tote
USB-C Charging Cable Included
CE & FCC Certified
Perfect for summer tradeshows, concerts, sporting events, outdoor staff, or client appreciation during the hot months. Want to make your booth the most visited at the next event? Hand these out.
Let’s brand a batch and beat the heat—stylishly.
Fetch Some Brand Love: Pet Tennis Balls for Playful Promotion
Man’s best friend deserves more than basic swag—and this pet-friendly tennis ball is a tail-wagging winner. Designed with low bounce for easy catching and a 2.5” diameter for all canine mouths, it’s built for safe, healthy play while keeping your brand front and center.
With a full-color, non-toxic imprint, this ball is as safe as it is smart—perfect for rescue shelters, veterinary clinics, pet stores, doggy daycare centers, or pet adoption events.
Why It’s a Best-in-Show Giveaway:
Low Bounce Design – Easy for dogs to chase and catch
Full-Color, Pet-Safe Imprint – Promote with peace of mind
2.5” Diameter – Perfect size for most dogs
Ideal for Animal-Focused Brands & Events – Memorable, useful, and fun
Great for Giveaways, Welcome Kits, or Promotions
Give pets something to chase—and give their humans a reason to remember your brand. Let’s fetch you a custom order today.
Spot It Fast: Bright Silicone Luggage Tags for On-the-Go Branding
Durable, flexible, and ready to travel, this bright silicone luggage tag makes it easy to identify bags of all sizes—from carry-ons and backpacks to golf bags and gym gear.
With a sleek privacy window, only your name is visible while keeping personal details tucked away. The attached steel loop ensures a secure fit, yet it’s easy to remove or swap between bags. Plus, it’s made from PVC-free silicone that’s built to last—and built to promote.
Features:
✔️ Durable, flexible, and easy-to-clean silicone
✔️ Bright colors make bags easy to spot
✔️ Includes secure steel loop attachment
✔️ Privacy window protects personal info
✔️ Great for all luggage types: travel, school, gym, golf
✔️ Available in five vibrant colors
✔️ PVC-free product
Whether you're building a corporate travel kit, creating event swag, or gifting a simple, functional branded item, this luggage tag travels well—and keeps your brand in motion.
Bring the Bounce: 3" Round Spring Toy for Playful Promotions
Add a little retro fun and energy to your next promotion with this 3" round spring toy—a jumbo-sized throwback that both kids and adults will love. Whether it’s walking down the stairs or bouncing between hands at a desk, this nostalgic giveaway gets picked up, played with, and remembered.
Best of all? Your brand appears on the spring every time it’s compressed, keeping you front and center during every twist, stretch, and bounce.
Features:
✔️ Large 3" diameter for bigger branding and play
✔️ Available in solid colors or rainbow for extra flair
✔️ Full-color imprint on the spring
✔️ Packaged in a kraft-style gift box with window—ready to gift or display
✔️ Ideal for events, trade shows, school spirit days, or nostalgic team gifts
Fun, functional, and totally unexpected—this is the kind of promo that people pass around, keep on their desks, and talk about. Let’s put your brand in motion.
Press. Pop. Repeat. The Push Pop Bubble Ball Is Here 🧠🫧
Whether you're looking to relieve stress, stay focused, or just fidget with something fun, the Push Pop Bubble Ball delivers a satisfying hands-on experience that’s hard to put down.
Made from soft, durable silicone, this sensory toy lets users press bubbles around the surface, and thanks to the air pressure inside the ball, the bubbles pop back out on their own—ready to be pressed again and again.
Features:
✔️ Made from high-quality silicone
✔️ Stress-relief + sensory-friendly fun
✔️ Air inside pushes bubbles back to shape
✔️ Great for kids, students, and adults alike
✔️ Easy to brand and even easier to use
Perfect for trade shows, school events, health and wellness programs, or desk giveaways—this is the kind of promo that gets picked up and played with, keeping your brand top of mind with every pop.
Let’s create something that clicks—literally.
I'll see you next week. Please share with colleagues, friends, family, and enemies. I'm just kidding—I was wondering if you still were paying attention.