PPB March 2021

The Editors’ Favorites This year, the PPB editorial team took a virtual dive into the Expo Direct-2-You show floor in search of the most unique, useful and innovatively designed promotional products. Below are some of the team’s favorites seen at this year’s show. Tina Berres Filipski , Editor: The first time I laid eyes on this t-shirt decorating technique during Expo Direct-2-You, I was completely wowed. The company uses a proprietary process to uniquely customize and transform a provided basic tee, resulting in an all-over rustic and vintage “dye- like” appearance that I couldn’t resist. Stain Imaging, a business services company that is new to PPAI and the promotional products industry, describes the process as “a monochromatic image-based, wash-like/dye-like all-over printing alternative to traditional allover decorating methods.” However they create it, this look gets my vote. Stain Imaging / PPAI 792120, A1 / www.stainimaging.com Kristina Valdez , Associate Editor: When I first read about the MEATER , a wireless meat thermometer, I immediately thought of my dad. While he doesn’t need help grilling burgers and steak to perfection, this meat thermometer will make the cooking process easier for him. With a 33-foot range that connects to an app and allows grillers to select a meat and how they’d like it cooked, the app also tells grillers how long it needs to cook, along with details such as its internal, target and ambient temperatures. Besides burgers and steaks, the MEATER can help cook the juiciest chicken, turkey, fish or other meats perfectly every time for every occasion. The stainless steel and ceramic construction makes this product water-resistant and easy to clean. Hirsch Gift, Inc. / PPAI 221823, S10 / www.hirschgift.com Danielle Renda , Associate Editor: While browsing through the Green category in the Product Pavilion, this Washable Paper Laptop Backpack by supplier Gordon Sinclair caught my eye immediately, and I couldn’t wait to share it with the PPB team. Not only is this earth-toned backpack 100-percent recyclable, but it’s made from cellulose plant fibers, and once it’s placed in the ground, it will start decomposing within two weeks— yes, recipients can actually “plant” their backpacks. Vegan-friendly, it’s made from tear-resistant paper that washes like fabric, while giving the look of weathered and worn leather. This eco-friendly, unique product is a true conversation-starter, and a win-win for both clients and recipie nts. Gordon Sinclair / PPAI 111537, S4 / www.gordonsinclair.com James Khattak , News Editor: The easier it becomes to participate in positive environmental action and the better that’s integrated into daily life, the more likely those positive effects will make an impact on the world. So it was exciting to see Fill It Forward’s 18-ounce Cupanion Bottle on the show floor. Recipients of the water bottle can download an app, Fill It Forward, and every time users scan the Fill It Forward sticker adhered to the bottle, the company contributes to worldwide clean water initiatives and other charitable partners. Quick, simple and good for the environment, what’s not to li ke? Fill It Forward / PPAI 792815, S1 / www.fillitforward.com | MARCH 2021 | 47 GROW