Though most of us recognize December 31^st as the end of the year, many businesses complete their fiscal year on a different date. Retailers, for example, tend to complete their 12-month accounting period in January to allow time for collection of December sales.

(source)

Why is this important? If your fiscal year-end is approaching, we have several suggestions to help you use up the remainder of your marketing budget. Branded materials like trade show displays, corporate tents and banners serve as ongoing tools for engagement and outreach. Basic office items and corporate décor are also a great investment any time of year.

In preparation for renewed budgets in 2011, please review this helpful form:

We are here to help you plan!

The third and final part of our list; Jamie and Debbie have some great picks!

Debbie:

Ceramic Travel Mug with Silicon Lid
We used this same mug for our holiday gift last year, and our clients still rave about it. The double-walled ceramic body and removable silicon lid mimic a take-out cup's design, without the waste.

Silly Bands
This item was a huge hit this year with children and adults alike. With options to customize band shape and packaging, these bracelets are now very popular promotional products.

American Apparel Shirts
These are some of the softest T-shirts we've ever felt, and the colors are great!


Jamie:

TSA-approved Travel Luggage
Security lines at the airport aren't getting any shorter, so we especially love carry-on luggage that saves you the trouble of removing your laptop.

Video Camera
This video camera is pocket-sized, simple to use, and has a convenient USB arm that plugs directly into your computer. Built-in software makes it a cinch to share videos and photos with others.


If only I could end this list by promising one of each item to all our readers... but only Oprah is that good!

Let's see... where did we leave off?

Jason: Slap-on Analog Watch
This is just such a neat design! We have several 80's babies in the Sonic office, and the slap-on design stirred nostalgia for neon slap-on bracelets.

Temporary Tattoos
You've heard us rave about temporary tattoos before. Yes, we still think they're great!


Lindsay:

Laser-etched Apparel

Laser-etching is a great option for logoed apparel, especially if you're looking for something a bit more unique than embroidery or screen-printing. With laser-etching, your logo/design is burned directly into the material, so it works exceptionally well on fleece and plush fabrics.

Screen Cleaners
Almost every time I pull my phone out of my purse there is gunk on the screen, so I use my screen cleaner compulsively. Who would have thought a square-inch piece of fabric with an adhesive backing could be so cool?


Amanda: Rock-It Speakers
Rock-It speakers are a portable sound system. This technology takes music from your iPod, MP3 player, phone, or laptop and converts it into vibration sequences. Those vibrations are sent through the Rock-It pod, a speaker that you can adhere to any object (tissue box, door, countertop, lampshade, etc). Instant stereo!


See you Monday for Part 3!

Inspired by Oprah's annual "list of favorite things", the team at Sonic would like to share with you our most desired promotional products of 2010.

Seth:

Logo Beans
Logo beans are laser-engraved jack beans that come packaged with a growing kit. Once the bean is planted and watered, a bean plant bearing your logo will sprout in about 7 days. The logoed leaves will last about a month, and the plant can live up to a year with proper care.

Eco Tubes
Looking for a greener, more efficient way to send a gift? Eco tubes are compact mailing tubes made of 100% recycled cardboard. Pack anything inside! We favor bamboo utensil sets and stainless steel knives.

EGrip(R) Non-Slip Strips with TrackItBack
EGrip Non-Slip Strips are a useful item all by themselves; they keep your handheld devices from sliding around. With the added TrackItBack technology, the EGrip becomes even more functional. When a lost item bearing the strip is found, TrackItBack dispatches a courier service to return it to the registered owner, anywhere in the world, completely free of charge.


Julianne:

Mug/Spoon Sets
With a slot for your stirring spoon right in the handle, this mug keeps everything in one place. Plus, don't tiny spoons just make you happy?

Decision Makers
Decision Makers are a fun desk item for anyone who struggles to make up their mind.


Come back later for the rest of Sonic's picks!