Nothing is better than getting a gift, especially something that you wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself, yet you could definitely use. How often do we go out and buy pens, mouse pads, carabiners or sticky notes? We can use these items every day, so why not make your promotional merchandise something that people will want to use for years to come? You can find a really innovative, customized promotional product if you're willing to spend a few bucks and do a little digging.

One of the exciting and new promotional products is the "Keyboard Organizer," first unveiled at the Las Vegas ASI tradeshow in 2007, where it won "Most Innovative/Best Creative Concept." Since the unveiling, the Keyboard Organizer has won nine other awards and was projected to be the newest "tested, tried and true" marketing method. This promotional marketing tool is a fully functioning computer keyboard that also offers additional internal storage beneath the keys to organize one's computer desk top area.

The new "Keyboard Organizer" is the first and only fully functional computer keyboard that opens to have internal storage to organize the computer desk top area. This custom promotional product is compatible with all MS Windows and Apple computers and can be fitted with a full colored wrap over the entire keyboard, showcasing your logo. Check out "Keyboard Organizer" for all the details.

The winner of the 2008, Advertising Specialty Institute's "Innovative New Promotional Product of the Year" award is Sourcery's customizable MP3 player. The device comes with 512 MB of storage and links up with any computer through USB.

You can imprint your logo onto the case and MP3 player itself, as well as choose from a base color of black, white or red. You can find this exciting promo product at "Promo Peddler", "Image Builders Marketing" and "Custom USB". You can browse many different varieties of customizable promotional products with sleek, futuristic, iPod-like designs and full functionality, including video play options.

A new study from the Promotional Products Association International empirically proved that the promotional product is the most effective advertising medium out there. They found that in the 18-24 year old demographic, respondents had a more positive attitude to an ad when exposed to a promo product, rather than just through TV commercials (41% to 18%), and the intent to purchase was 25% (compared to 17% for those who just saw TV/print ads).

Additionally, twenty-six percent of the people who received a custom promotional item referred at least one person. "It's gratifying to see hard data prove what we as an industry have known for years," said Steve Slagle, CAE, PPAI president.

"Promotional products continue to grow in popularity because, simply put, they work. Promotional products are the only advertising medium capable of engaging all five senses. When used as a key element in the marketing mix, promotional products create a more positive outlook toward the ad and the brand."