Making it Personal

Modern man is a delicate creature. A too-bright sun, an office full of too-dry air, or even a tiny fleck of errant cream cheese on a tie can ruin a morning to the point no amount of lattes or New York Times op-eds can fix. Fret not over the waning might of man however, because from the perspective of a promotional marketer, increased delicacy equates closely with increased dollars.

From lip balm and hand sanitizers to pill containers, travel sewing kits and airplane-friendly shampoo bottles, there is an incredible range of products out there just waiting for a company's logo and a chance to show end-users that someone, be it the local breast cancer walk or the marketing department of TD Bank, cares about their personal well-being. This care doesn't have to be limited to the golf course or trade show floor either. There are plenty of situations, clients and marketing campaigns where you might not expect it, but personal care items would be a great choice. Below, we provide a few examples of this versatility from some of the more popular personal care items.

LIP BALM

There is more to promotional lip balm than portability and the promise of multiple daily impressions. The product's connection to both weather protection and taste provides a wide range of marketing potential. "Lip balm is very versatile," said Katie Kaalberg, director of marketing for Raining Rose Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "We see it used a lot in dentist patient-care bags, hospitals and for outdoor events like races, runs and walks. One of my favorite uses is when a beverage company will do a custom lip balm flavor to match a new drink or new flavor they are promoting."

A Practical Tip: As with any product that offers chemical benefits, be sure it has undergone the proper testing and certifications. "It is so important to make sure that the facility making your lip balm is audited by the FDA," said Kaalberg. Similarly, with organic products, always check for USDA certifications as well.