Ignite's Hot Product Picks
You’ll never have to scramble to find you mobile device if you've got one of these sleek holders on your desk. Sourced from Philippi of Germany, the clean design is the perfect expression of form follows function. Available from Red Scarf Promotions, it retails for $24.95.
The innovative material of the towel retains moisture while remaining dry to the touch. Just wet the towel to start the evaporation process that cools the user. It will work for one to four hours depending on the conditions. When it stops cooling, just wet again. The towel is machine washable and comes in its own storage container. The Chilly Pad retails for $10.95, and is available in a variety of colours.
For the “kitchen sink” types (and we all know them by their perpetually bulging handbags), relief is in sight with The Clutch for iPad3, a brand-new product by Happy Owl Studio. Made of 100 per cent leather, it’s divided into accordion-style sections with a range of pocket sizes to fit pens, credit cards, a mobile phone, and of course, Apple’s trendiest tablet. Available in red or black.
Soak up the rays in these sun-savvy sunglasses with UV protection. There’s a minimum order of six units. Custom branding is available.
Conducting business on the road just got a whole lot safer with the BlueAnt S4. The truly hands-free device allows drivers to make and receive calls using only their voices. Pre-set trigger phrases, such as, "Blue Ant speak to me," activate voice commands and dialing features.
The Contigo Kangaroo water bottle hides a handy compartment for gym key, ID or cash when you’re on the go. The sleek BPA-free, leak-proof bottle comes in four vibrant colours and retails for $12.99.
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