Ignite's Hot Product Picks
Make a splash and give your brand a boost with Oskar, the sticky-note holder. Oskar adds a touch of whimsy to lifeless desktops, and can be customized with your company logo. Oskar comes with one pad of adhesive flags.
Price: US$5–10 (depending on order size and logo)
A GPS system and micro-LED screen built right into these Zeal Z-3 SPPX ski goggles offers real-time feedback on speed, latitude/longitude, altitude, distance traveled, time and temperature. The ultimate gift for the backcountry adventurer, it can even synch to Bluetooth devices, to use as an in-goggle camera viewfinder, take calls or hear music.
Developed by Vancouver’s Recon Instruments, this model retails for around $500, available through sporting goods dealers including Sporting Life.
This quirky desktop calendar comes with instructions on seven different configurations to set the date. Made of plastic blocks, it comes in a package measuring 4-3/4 by 3-3/4 by 1-1/4. Look for it at retail for under $15, or contact Vancouver’s Made by Humans for wholesale pricing or to customize as a promotional item.
Lift spirits this season with the Kirschler corkscrew set, a gender-neutral gift suitable for staff and clients alike. Brand the solid Brazilian rosewood gift box with the company logo or make a symbolic “toast” to the recipient by engraving their name.
Slip your portable device into something more comfortable with removable covers that both protect and customize from Canadian company GelaSkins. Choose from an exciting assortment of artistic prints, like Cable Cranes by Nanami Cowdroy (shown), or create a custom GelaSkin for your business or brand.
For a Canadian promo gift with a delectable, edible edge, this maple duo comes packaged in a sleek, now-you-see-them acrylic cube peeking through to maple flavoured shortbread and milk chocolate maple almonds. From Plum, Toronto, starting at $12.95 per unit with a minimum order of 50. Custom branding available.
Sourced with local, organic and artisan products from suppliers that comply to fair labour and environmental standards, this is a gift box that gives back. Foodies will love this eclectic collection of good eats, including black olive jam, savoury wheat crisps and seasonal fruit preserves. And for an eco-sweet, organic fair trade chocolate s’mores from artisanal chocolate maker, Sarandipity, in Ladysmith, B.C.
Power Up! Custom energy drinks
Let fans enjoy a real boost from your brand with your own custom-imprinted energy drink. The slim aluminum cans can be imprinted with high impact colour. Slightly carbonated drink is also available in a sugar-free option. Made in the USA and FDA-approved, cost starts at $2.45 a piece with volume pricing. Available through www.genumark.com
Canada-made crystal for a good cause—what more could you want in a gift! Created by Halifax-based Nova Scotian Crystal, $35 from the sale of each Children’s Wish Bowl will be donated to the Children’s Wish Foundation to help those with high-risk illnesses realize their dearest wishes. Nova Scotian Crystal ships worldwide and gift wrapping is included.
Plastic water bottles begone! Instead, picture these take-home beauties lined up on the boardroom table of a high-end meeting or think tank. Winner of the 2010 Red Dot Design Award and designed right here in Canada, the Tkaro is a portable glass bottle that can be engraved with a corporate logo on the top, side or band.
Invented for active parents who have their hands full with kid control, we can see how this Texthook smartphone holder would be great for hands-free viewing of features from video calls to GPS while on the go. The device easily straps onto shopping carts, strollers, bicycle handles or workout equipment for easy access and a handy display. Recently given the nod as best novelty gift in the Canadian Gift & Tableware Association’s 2011 product awards, the holder fits most smartphones and retails for about $28.
Distributed in Canada by Kidcentral Supply, Toronto.
Give the gift of a sweet ride for your recipient’s laptop! These sleek laptop sleeves from Heys Canada come in both bold and understated colours. An inner protective sleeve fits into an outer shell which has a removable shoulder strap. It’s a modern take on the traditional briefcase!
This unique home and garden gift will appeal to the urban patio chef: a barbecue and herb garden in one, disguised as a terracotta pot. Concealed inside is a heavy duty stainless steel grill with heat insulated ceramic coating. Included are stainless steel tongs. Conceived by London design firm Black + Blum, the Hot-Pot BBQ retails for about $150, with wholesale pricing available to the trade or bulk orders.
Represented in Canada by Igloo Imports
Preload a Kobo eReader with a collection of classics or books as a great gift to complement your event’s theme or subject matter. Now in a Touch Edition, the reader comes in an array of pretty new colours, and can store up to 30,000 books, making it a treasured promo or speaker gift. Retails for about $140; get a custom quote from Kobo for corporate orders of 40 or more.
The Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket is just about as Canadian as a gift can get. Around since it was first introduced into the fur trade in 1780, it’s a 100% wool, high-quality classic that every recipient will recognize and appreciate. Available in sizes twin to king, starting at $275.
A perfect gift for the savvy business traveller who goes to dangerous places, this personal alarm emits a woman's scream for help at a piercing 130dB. It comes in a range of fun designs that include a clip and key ring, and is activated by pulling the chain.
Finally, a new home for your slippery high-tech friend while it’s charging up or lounging around on your desk. This chic little number comes in tan or black leather, folds flat for mailing or travel, and would look oh so cool emblazoned with your company logo (leadtime is two-to-three weeks from final artwork approval).
Evergreen Memories offers earth-friendly gifts for corporate events, all home-grown. Tree seedlings and seed favours are a keepsake which continues to grow, for corporate clients that have included Honda Canada and Jamieson Vitamins. Owned and operated locally in Dryden, Ontario, the company ships around North America.
Giftware company Board ’n Batten is now exclusive Canadian distributor of the flagship line of BooJee Beads. These pretty baubles transform boring lanyards for employee passcards and conference nametags into coveted fashion accessories. From $10 to $20, with orders from 25 pieces, ask about volume pricing for wholesale or custom orders that can include a logo.