Emmy Awards guests receive promotional bags full of...more bags!

Gifting suites were set up around Hollywood this weekend for the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, and the promotional bags celebrities received at these locations were filled with goodies from hotel stays to jewelry to even more bags. The Huffington Post reported on a few of these, both making me totally jealous of television stars and confirming my suspicion that bags are an awesome giveaway choice in any context. The P. F. Chang's Home Menu Gift Lounge, for example, offered visitors Vera Bradley duffels, Barnes & Noble's ebook reader the NOOK, and a Kodak Slice touchscreen digital camera; meanwhile, Kari Feinstein's 2010 Style Lounge in Association with Mike McGuinness sent celebs home with

Promotional Bags for Mommy Divas

The Internet thinks Mariah Carey is pregnant – and when Billboard and Fox News are both talking about the same thing, chances are it's got some weight. Whether that's Mariah's baby weight or not is yet to be confirmed by the diva herself, but just in case Mimi is shopping for nursery supplies on her laptop somewhere out there, I thought I'd take it upon myself to give her a sneak peek at many new moms' favorite items: promotional diaper bags. Even celebrity babies poop, believe it or not, so these promotional bags come in handy whether you're a Grammy-winning recording artist or just the star of your shower.

Promotional Bags for Wedding Guests

Chelsea Clinton married her longtime beau Marc Mezvinsky last weekend in Rhinebeck, New York, in a posh ceremony complete with $15,000 porta-potties and goodie-filled promotional bags for her 400 guests. Each bag contained a bottle of wine, fresh peaches, cookies, pretzels, and more, making for a pretty awesome party favor.

If wedding bells are in your future, consider taking Chelsea's route and customizing

Promotional Bags for Local Farmers Markets

Reason #942 why I love summer: Farmers Markets. And there's one in or around Atlanta open every day of the week! I like knowing where my food is coming from and that I'm supporting real, local people – it's a great feeling to sit down to a dinner and be able to tell your guests about the conversation you had with a vendor about how the produce you're eating was grown or what makes that pasta special. When I take my first bite, I smile not only because what I'm eating is totally fresh and delicious, but also because I'm recalling the smile on the face of the person I bought it from when they sold it to me. Market vendors wake up at the crack of dawn and spend long hours outside many times a week because they're passionate about what they're doing, and it's great to be able to support that!

In fact, I love providing that kind of support so much that I usually end up taking home a ton of food because everything looks so good – which is why I load up my car with promotional bags every time I head for a market. It goes against the eco-friendly initiative that's a primary goal of many farmers markets when vendors have to supply disposable bags to shoppers, and taking just one would be a disaster (I can't put frozen beef in the same bag as my delicate croissants, can I?). Using promotional bags, from totes to cinch packs to whatever else I have lying around the house, is great for the environment as well as all the delicious grub I bring home with me!

My new kitten's favorite toy? Promotional bags.

I recently adopted a four-month old kitten. He is totally adorable and also totally crazy. He loves to sprint laps around my couch, climb walls, and roll around on the ground with anything he can find – including my swimsuit collection, candy wrappers, and promotional bags. I have quite a few cinch packs, and Pip loves their shoestring-like straps and lightweight material that makes it easy for him to drag them around wherever he pleases; I've found a variety of promotional bags under my bed and in the shower, among other places. Luckily, I have enough to share, because I seem to have found a cat who appreciates a good promotional bag as much as I do!

Travel-friendly promotional bags

If you're hitting the road soon – whether it's for a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a business trip – you'll want to bring along a travel-friendly promotional bag. CoolHunting.com has endorsed Steven Alan's ultimate travel bag as the best one out there, but there are tons of options for travelers. You'll want to choose a bag that fits your itinerary, destination, and (of course!) your personality. Traveling light? Consider a backpack with padded straps for comfort and mobility. Spending a lot of time in transit? You'll definitely want a rolling bag to give your back and shoulders a fighting chance. No matter what your trip entails or how much stuff you'll be bringing along, there's bound to be a promotional bag to make your travels more enjoyable!

Promotional bags for new moms

When you have a baby, your hands are always full – both figuratively and literally! When going up or down stairs, from the house to the car, or anywhere else that's not worth the hassle of getting out the stroller, promotional bags are a must-have. Sturdy duffels and totes can be a lifesaver when it comes to carrying pretty much anything from diapers to groceries as you're trying to move your little guy or gal around with you. Many moms like to keep multiple promotional bags packed with essentials in various places: at work, in the car, or near the door in case of an emergency. This cuts down on chore time and, as a result, gives you more time to play (and show off) your special baby!

Promotional Bags for Runners

I was a distance runner in college and competed year-round, which meant that I was headed to the gym at least once a day for four years – and never without a promotional bag slung over my shoulder. I usually had practice immediately before or after class, and without any time to go back to my dorm, my collection of promotional bags was truly a lifesaver. These guys hold everything: I carried two pairs of shoes, a change of clothes, and the necessary array of snacks with me everywhere I went, each in its own designated pocket for ease of use on the go.

Even though I've graduated I still run daily, and having a couple of promotional bags on hand to tote my gym clothes and sneakers around with me makes it easy to get in a run whenever and wherever I feel the urge!

Promotional Bags for the Stairs

Promotional bags have found a greater role in my life now that I have recently moved into a new apartment – that is on the 3rd floor in an old building with no elevator. I went to the grocery store one day and mistakenly forgot to bring my promotional bags and was thus forced to carry my groceries home in plastic ones. I discovered that it took me double the amount of trips up and down the stairs to my apartment to carry all of my groceries. I never before realized quite how much I am able to fit into my promotional bags as compared to plastic bags and with that how durable they are, being able to carry twice the amount with ease. I hope to never forget my own bags again.

promotional bags for the fourth of july

The Fourth of July is going to be a long day. Multiple cookouts, fireworks, pool parties and driving across town. Or, maybe you've decided, like me, to choose one destination and hunker down there for the entire day. Either way you'll need to bring promotional bags.

Fill your promotional bags with towels for the pool, sunscreen, hats or visors, sunglasses, food and drinks if you're going to a potluck, and a change of clothes.

Promotional bags always come in handy for day-long excursions. You'll have everything you need to swim, eat hotdogs, watch a baseball game or set off fireworks.

pack promotional bags for a caravan trip

For your next vacation, take promotional bags on a retro caravan ride.

My Cool Caravan's mission is to photo-document retro caravans and the people who love them.

Camping out in a caravan is a great way to see the countryside. You can rent one and take your family or a group of friends through Oregon and Wyoming. Experience what life is like outside the city and the suburbs.

Pack non-perishables in promotional bags and cook your own food in the caravan kitchen. My Cool Caravan promises promotional products are coming soon on their site, so cross your fingers for some caravan-themed promotional bags.

use promotional bags at job fairs

Promotional bags help you stay organized and professional at job fairs. If you're looking for a job in casual retail, like at Urban Outfitters, use a slouchy promotional bag with a long strap you can sling over your shoulder. Make sure it's big enough to keep an accordion file with copies of your resume, but it should flow seamlessly into your outfit.

To a creative job fair, bring laptop bags that are colorful and unique. They should fit and protect your portfolio, and also leave room for a notebook and business cards.

Most importantly, you should feel comfortable and confident wearing these promotional bags. Good luck!

how to choose business cards for your promotional bags

Promotional bags brand your company not only by carrying your organization's logo, but also by using design to convey culture and values.

Business cards do the same thing. That's why it's important to make sure the cards in your promotional bags reflect your company's identity. See this Inc. article on how to choose the best business card.

Some advice in a nutshell? Make your card stand out. Focus on both design and delivery. Don't place text over images and use a readable font. Don't be cheap, and don't try to include too much information.

Come to think of it, the same rules can apply to promotional bags and all other branded merchandise.

Good luck!

take promotional bags on a weekend getaway

My promotional bags and I have been itching for a weekend getaway. Canoeing in Dahlonega? Camping in Blue Ridge? Partying in Athens? Somewhere that's only an hour or two away, where I can spend one night in a sleeping bag.

Maybe next weekend I'll pack some promotional bags full of clothes and snacks and jump in the car with a couple of cool people. We'll put our feet on the dash and our arms out the windows and take turns driving.

Any plans for a weekend getaway sometime soon? What's most essential to bring in your promotional bags?

take promotional bags to the atlanta jazz festival

This weekend, take your promotional bags to the Atlanta Jazz Festival in Piedmont Park. Expect to see large crowds and have to park pretty far away. Since you'll be walking into the park and staying for hours, stash necessities in your promotional bags.

Bring an umbrella or light jacket with hood, since rain is expected. Also put bottled water and snacks in your promotional bag, since food will likely be expensive. Don't forget sunglasses and a visor, sunscreen, and antibacterial hand soap or wet wipes. Include a plastic bag to use for trash.

Wear comfortable shoes, layer, and get excited about all the live music.

put Twin Peaks in your promotional bags

Want to know what to do with your promotional bags this weekend? Head to the video store and pick up every disc of Season 1 of the legendary television series, Twin Peaks. It's perfect watching for a rainy Saturday, and once you start you won't be able to stop.

You'll only want to make one stop before the viewing, so fill your promotional bags with popcorn, chocolate, and beer/soda/hot chocolate, depending on your preference. Find a friend or two to join you, since Twin Peaks is better shared.

What else will you do with your promotional bags this weekend?

promotional bags for a busy weekend

I'm taking a whirlwind trip this weekend to Chicago, then coming back early for a friend's wedding. That means I'll need to wear my dress on the plane and use promotional bags to pack a change of shoes. I'll drop off my suitcase at the house, change in the car, and leave extra stuff in a promotional bag in the trunk while I enjoy myself at the wedding.

Promotional bags are a great way to stay organized on flights, car trips and any busy weekend.

Got any ideas for stuff to do in Chicago? Make it good, because I have less than 48 hours.

fill promotional bags with summer dresses

Where are you taking your promotional bags this weekend? I, for one, need to get a dress for a wedding. The wedding will be casual, so I'm not too stressed about finding something before next Saturday. I'll probably head to Urban as well as some second-hand stores.

At this time of year in Atlanta, outdoor weddings can get excruciating. I'll never again make the mistake of wearing satin. Instead, I'll fill my promotional bags with knit and cotton dresses that are light in weight and color. For work, I can re-wear them by layering a blouse underneath.

Where to take your promotional bags this weekend: outdoor film screenings

If you live in Atlanta, take your promotional bags tonight at 9 to the High Museum of Art's free screening of Goldfinger, supposedly the best Sean Connery Bond movie. Fill your promotional bags with a picnic blanket, snacks, and drinks (though alcohol is not allowed). The film is part of an ongoing Races & Chases film series at the High, in conjunction with their current exhibit, The Allure of the Automobile.

One of the best parts of summer is attending outdoor film screenings. Other great things about summer? Eating on porches, driving with your windows down, and wearing shorts.

If you forget your promotional bag just hit up the museum shop.

creative wallets for promotional bags

Check out these creative wallets on design blog Toxel. Jazz up a promotional bag gift to clients by including a unique and stylish wallet, like the wallet above made of mattress fabric, or the one on the right that is waterproof. Or a holster wallet that could double as a

promotional bags for spring festivals

This weekend in Atlanta is the Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park, 420 Fest in Candler Park, and Record Store Day nationwide. It's also the notorious Freaknik, which promises to fill the streets with debauchery, raise hell, and block traffic completely all over town, all weekend.

My plan? Bike the mile from my house to Criminal Records and spend the day listening to bands, eating food and sipping beer. I also plan to bring a nice big promotional bag to carry all the supplies needed for a full day out of doors.

Things my friends and I will stock in promotional bags:
--plenty of water
--sunglasses
--sunscreen
--cash money
--a sweater/jacket for when it gets cooler

Where will you take your promotional bags this weekend?

go vintage shopping this weekend with promotional bags

I don't know what spring looks like in your town, but here in Atlanta it looks an awful lot like summer. Seriously: it's cold, cold, cold all through March then BAM. Eighty degrees and sunny, pollen all over your car and face. You're just ripping off sweaters trying to get cool. All of a sudden it's too hot for sleeves and closed-toed shoes and jeans are only okay on rainy days. So toss your promotional bag over your shoulder and head to the vintage shops; you need some new clothes.

Items to pile into your promotional bags:
--lacy slip tops
--mumu-type lightweight silk overshirts
--breezy blouses
--cutoff shorts for girls & guys
--wraparound sunglasses
--long necklaces and bangle bracelets

What spring clothes have you found shopping with your promotional bags?

promotional bags at music festivals this summer

As SXSW wraps up, I'm thinking of all the music festivals to come this summer: hot, crowded, long, and crawling with awesome bands. More and more companies are sending their employees to represent at music, film and media conferences, which makes the events prime territory for branding with promotional bags and other items.

Promotional bags are especially suited to festivals, since often you can't leave the festival grounds once you've handed over your ticket. With long water lines and grossly expensive food, you'd be smart to pack the following items in your promotional bag:

--water bottles
--good quality camera with extra batteries
--peanut butter, bananas, granola bars
--bandana
--sunscreen
--wet wipes
--sweatshirt, even if you only use it to drape over your eyes when you take the inevitable mid-afternoon "I CAN'T TAKE THE CROWDS ANYMORE" nap

promotional bags for travel

I'm going out of the country this weekend, so I spent quite a bit of time last night packing.

I found promotional bags were incredibly useful. Here are just a few ways promotional bags make packing easier:

1. Use custom makeup bags -- often free giveaways from Clinique or others -- to organize your toiletries. Make-up in one, jewelry in another, hair or shaving accessories in a third, etc.

2. Reusable grocery bags make great carry-ons. Just toss in some books, a blanket, pillow, and headphones. They should be able to ride standing up through the airport security belt.

3. Pack a snack in a plastic or paper promotional bag. It's always good to have a sandwich and (empty) water bottle in the airport to save money.

Promotional Bags for Swim Teams

Swimmers and their coaches can present a unified front when attending swim meets by carrying matching promotional bags emblazoned with the team’s name and mascot. As end of season gifts, for a nominal fee, parents could pay to have their swimmers’ names or initials embroidered onto the bags to ensure they would not be mixed up with a teammate’s identical bag. Duffels or cinch packs made from waterproof or water resistant materials or with isolated mesh compartments are ideal for swimmers to store damp belongings. Practical promotional bags are beneficial items that foster a sense of unity among swim teams.

how to politely refuse a plastic bag when you bring your own promotional bag

What to do when you bring a promotional bag shopping, and must decline a plastic bag, from Good.is?

Now, I don't actually think these refusals are very polite... more like passive aggressive. I prefer to say, "I don't need a bag; thanks, though." Because I'm sure if a salesperson didn't offer some people a bag they would get rather put off by it. Customer service and all that.

Fortunately using promotional bags at most grocery stores now is pretty seamless; if you put a promotional bag on the belt or counter people know what to do.

But I like Good.is, and it has a lot of great stuff you should check out, including an infographic displaying what foods are in season in different states that is hanging on my cubicle wall right now.

Promotional Bags to Make Long Plane Rides Less Draining

This morning my father left for South Africa, and when I dropped him off at the airport, he mentioned how glad he was to have spacious and portable promotional bags to have his traveling necessities on hand during the arduous journey. From an extra set of clothing, in case his checked luggage gets lost in transit, to a toothbrush to ensure minty fresh breath when he meets our family members at the airport upon arrival, the convenience of having wheeled carry-on bags with lots of hidden storage is tremendous. With attractive promotional bags, he is traveling in style!

A Girl Can Never Have Too Many Promotional Bags

I have an unhealthy addiction to bags- all kinds of bags, from hobos to promotional bags and totes, line the shelves of my closet, and I am almost out of space! A woman can never have too many options to choose from in her collection, as finding the perfect bag to match an outfit and occasion can be difficult. As gifts for female employees or clients, promotional bags may become go-to accessories for achieving the look they are aiming for, thereby garnering tons of exposure for your marketing message whenever the bags make it into a woman’s wardrobe rotation.

Promotional Bags That Help Prevent Back Pain Later in Life

Back and neck pain plague many individuals because of poor choice of promotional bags during their schooling and developmental years. Recently, backpacks on wheels have been recommended by many school systems as a precautionary measure to keep students from developing spinal issues related to the weight of heavy school books. Also, many schools require children to have two sets of textbooks, one for home and one for class, to avoid the need for oversized backpacks altogether. Another creative way that school systems have found to eliminate the risk of kids developing back problems is by offering reading materials online, thereby letting students log into a secure server to download required reading at home.

Promotional bags with padded, reinforced shoulder straps are the best option for schools to recommend for their students if they have decided not to take one of the aforementioned alternate routes. Messenger bags could also help kids ensure that the weight of their belongings is distributed evenly across their chest, provided that they are worn properly. The challenge comes in when boys and girls choose to emphasize the fashion aspects of messenger bags, rather than function, slinging them over one shoulder and consequently putting all the weight of the bag on one side of their body. Totes are not ideal for developing bodies at all, as they force the weight of their contents to fall solely on one shoulder, putting severe pressure on that portion of the body and potentially causing irreversible serious muscle damage.

Promotional Bags as Iconic Marketing Tools

Some of the most recognizable marketing accessories happen to be promotional bags. Just the sight of a particular jewelry store’s trademarked robin’s egg blue carrying bags is enough to bring tears to women’s eyes during the holiday season, and logo imprinted bags from a global leader in sports apparel may make dedicated athletes gasp in surprise. When companies reach the pinnacle of success with regard to branding, their brand recognition may be strong enough to only require the usage of a certain color or shape of shopping bag to denote the origins of the bags’ contents to observant end users. Many companies lack the acclaim warranted by some of the aforementioned varieties of promotional bags, but they all ultimately aspire to one day achieve similar triumph with their respective marketing collateral.

By giving recipients a not so subtle clue as to the items contained in promotional bags, they will be able to ponder the types of gifts that they may soon be receiving. The cohesive message delivered by giving end users gifts or giveaways in personalized promotional bags enhances brand recall by emphasizing the name of the organization responsible for offering the gift(s). Cleverly planned packaging can significantly maximize the overall impact of giveaways, as some nostalgic end users may take steps to preserve promotional bags because of the meaningful sentiments tied to the wrapping. Holiday gifts, in particular, are likely to garner that kind of warm reception, as well as gift items related to career milestones or momentous occasions.

Promotional Bags to Compile Meaningful Giveaways

Today I spent much of my morning compiling promotional bags for a coworker to hand out at a tradeshow this weekend. Filled with informational pamphlets, useful inexpensive giveaways, and contact information for our company, these custom bags will showcase our brand’s professionalism and attention to detail. Instead of merely handing out imprinted items, the extra effort we have taken to create a kit sets us apart from the average tradeshow attendee. Individual promotional products make an impact on recipients, but imagine the potential impression you could make by going above and beyond established standards and differentiating your brand with carefully compiled promotional bags… Recipients are likely to remember your presence at the event or meeting because of your organized collateral.

It is easy for tradeshow attendees to discount the relevance of particular giveaways because they simply have no convenient place to store them while they navigate the show floor, but a selection of products emblazoned with the logo and contact information of your organization contained in promotional bags, also featuring your logo, increases the likelihood of recipients retaining the goodies. People are only able to carry so many things at once, so the value of promotional bags is immense at tradeshows, where all attendees traditionally bring branded giveaways with them to hand out to fellow exhibitors and guests. For those attendees without the clever foresight to distribute promotional bags, your bags may provide a handy place to stash their giveaways as well, thereby making your promotion even more advantageous.

Clip Coupons and Store Them in Promotional Bags

One of the smartest ways to cut costs for your household is to clip and save relevant coupons, and why not organize your finds in promotional bags? They simplify trips to the grocery store: carry coupons to the store in the bags and then use totes to transport groceries home. I paperclip coupons together for easy access, but there are other ways to keep coupons accessible. Promotional bags can be found at grocery stores, or you can try to convince your employer to start distributing these practical giveaways to valued customers, while keeping a few for personal use!

Promotional Bags Worth a Fortune

The prevalence of logo imprinted promotional bags among today’s society is astounding. Designer labels appeal to a wide variety of individuals, including men, who have fallen prey to the same logo imprinted craze as their female counterparts. Bold, recognizable emblems represent prestige, and trademarked prints decorate bags of all sizes, from evening clutches to oversized luggage. Subtlety used to be a key component of style, but recent trends have alluded to name recognition as more desirable than innovative form and function alone. Decades ago, who could’ve predicted the popularity of promotional bags monogrammed with the initials of esteemed designers?

Striped Promotional Bags: SO In Right Now!

Nautical themes are on my list of top trends for spring, and they should definitely be on your radar when seeking promotional bags as giveaways for staff and clients as well. Ladies will love receiving gifts like subtly striped tees imprinted with your company’s name and logo, and men, too, will appreciate the stylish notion of a striped company polo to add to their spring wardrobes! To further supplement a nautical campaign for your brand, why not deliver sea-worthy apparel items in adorable striped reusable promotional bags for recipients to take to the grocery store or the beach?

Promotional Bags for Sending Special Packages

Packing up an array of goodies in promotional bags to send via air mail is a tough task, so you want to make sure that the bags are suited to the contents you are trying to send. Packages are likely to be treated roughly and tossed around before reaching their final destinations, so securely wrapping and reinforcing any enclosed gift items and giveaways is always recommended. Rather than recipients opening a box to find a disorganized slew of products, promotional bags allow you to communicate your brand cohesively and professionally once your direct mail reaches your desired end users.

Promotional Bags for the Birds!

National Bird Day is a prime opportunity to venture outdoors and feed the birds, and what better way to encourage staff and clients to recognize this obscure holiday than by giving out promotional bags stocked with bird seed and binoculars for bird watching? Consider printing information about the holiday on a full color pamphlet inserted in the bags to build awareness about endangered species of birds and preservation groups. Stylish sketches of exotic birds or even of ordinary pigeons can enhance the appearance of promotional bags to appeal to a broad audience and maximize exposure for your entire organization.

National Trivia Day: Promotional Bags Fun Fact

In honor of today’s observance of National Trivia Day, it seems only fitting that I share a few educational tidbits about ever-popular promotional bags. Did you know that 2002 marked the 25th anniversary of the invention of plastic bags? And that in the time since this useful, but environmentally hazardous, creation came to the forefront of global society TRILLIONS of plastic bags have been used by mankind? Durable, eco-friendly reusable promotional bags serve a valuable purpose in reducing our dependence on wasteful plastic shopping bags, and we can all benefit from switching to more environmentally sound practices this year.