Border North Marketing and Icon Trophies & Designs

Case Study: Lunchtime Loot

Feb 19

A restaurant supply company was planning its annual company picnic for employees and their families. Every year, the company gives employees a nice gift in the $10 range. This year, the company cho...

The Big Three

Dec 22, 2025

For well over two hundred years, promotional products have been a staple in marketing! From yesterday's presidential campaign buttons to today's Popsockets, promo will never go away. And neither wi...

Case Study: Put That on Your Calendar!

Nov 30, 2025

Objective: A local insurance agent wanted a way to connect with her customers and capture new leads with a useful promotional item that would also boost her personal branding and promote her serv...

Case Study: Brighten Their Day

Nov 15, 2025

A realtor wanted to give a thank-you gift to those who purchased a new home with them. They chose the LED Carbon Fiber Aluminum Flashlight. They printed their logo along with the tagline, "We will ...

Case Study: Welcome New Hires!

Oct 31, 2025

Objective A small business owner wanted an easy way to present important paperwork to new employees to help them stay organized in their first few months with the company. They wanted to instill p...

Industry Mini Dive: The Trucking Industry

Oct 9, 2025

The trucking industry is an essential part of the economy, transporting goods across the country and keeping businesses running smoothly. With such an important role, it's crucial for trucking comp...

Case Study: A Comforting Friend

Aug 10, 2025

This ambulance service is very active in its local community. They use this plush Saint Bernard for children faced with the trauma of when an ambulance is needed. They consider their Saint Bernard ...

Case Study: I've Got You Covered

Jul 12, 2025

Description: Chenille Blanket Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A local hospital needed blankets to hand out to children who were currently patients that they coul...

Case Study: Celebrate Milestones

Jul 5, 2025

A bank wanted to promote 110 years of serving individuals and businesses in Pennsylvania through an "Open House" celebration at their branches. Among the many products selected to commemorate this ...

Case Study: A Shoe-In

Jun 28, 2025

Golf Mesh Shoe Bag for Association Tournaments A national golf association wanted a giveaway item for golfers in weekend tournaments and high school students considering golf at the collegiate lev...

Case Study: Happy to Hang Around

May 23, 2025

Description: Standard Door Hangers Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: A collision center wanted to increase the number of customer satisfaction survey responses and boost online appo...

Case Study: The Techno Pup!

Mar 27, 2025

A software company creates attention at tradeshow events with custom plush animal mascot giveaways. This plush Leonberger Dog Mascot for the company as giveaways at trade shows and other marketing ...

Case Study: I Was Framed!

Mar 13, 2025

Objective: The city was celebrating National Public Works Week with a community event. The event provided education for community members, as well as games for entertainment. Event planners wante...

Case Study: Keeping Colds at Bay, One Spritz at a Time

Jan 22, 2025

Keeping Colds at Bay, One Spritz at a Time Organization High School Product Featured Spray Hand Sanitizer Goal of Promotion To promote good health for the winter season Description of Cas...

Industry Deep Dive: Salons & Spas

Nov 4, 2024

Salons and spas are part of a booming industry that continues to grow yearly as the demand for beauty and wellness services is at an all-time high. From haircuts and manicures to massages and facia...

Case Study: A Not-So-Silly Idea

Oct 27, 2024

An insurance company signed up to be the “hydration” sponsor for a fun and colorful 5K run/walk for charity. The race was popular in the community because it was known as a vibrant, fun...

Case Study: Sign the Deal

Oct 13, 2024

In the fall, a car dealership introduced a new model and promoted it to potential customers. The car dealer purchased a mailing list and merged it with its own database. The Ranger Stylus Sati...

Case Study: Improve Sales and Traffic

Aug 2, 2024

A hotel wanted to promote its amenities to guests in a personable, yet non-intrusive manner. The goal was to encourage guests to utilize hotel amenities instead of going off-site to fulfill their n...

Case Study: A

May 7, 2024

Organization Tanning Salon Product Featured Polyester Lanyard Goal of Promotion To create new clients for salon Description of Case History A tanning salon wanted a creative way to give ou...

Case Study: Snap a Pic!

Apr 8, 2024

Objective: A large photography studio wanted a better welcome kit for their wedding clients than just a few loose flyers. Product: Mini Horizontal Pocket Folder Personalization: The photography s...

Case Study: Rock out on the Run

Mar 10, 2024

Description: Earbuds With a Wristband Industry: Marathon What it was purchased for: A sponsor was looking for an item or items that runners/walkers could be given at the race that they could use ...

Case Study: Fresh Mesh Promotions

Mar 3, 2024

Market: Real Estate Product Use: Incentive Gift Promotion: A high-end resort selected the Atlantis Mesh Beach Tote as an incentive gift for the visitors who attended their timeshare presentatio...

Case Study: A Hole in One Promotion

Feb 18, 2024

Product: Jumbo Cooler Bag Industry: Agriculture What it was purchased for: These bags were given out to participants in a company golf tournament. How it was distributed: All participants receiv...

Case Study: A Spoon-taneous Promotion

Feb 10, 2024

Description: Spoon Mug Industry: Advertising What it was purchased for: A major coupon distributor was looking for a thank you to give out to advertisers. How it was distributed: The spoon mug...

Case Study: A Prom Ticket Keepsake

Jan 27, 2024

A Prom Ticket Keepsake Organization High School Product Featured Neoprene Bracelet Goal of Promotion Issuing prom tickets ...

Case Study: Have a Seat

Oct 8, 2023

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, a non-profit healthcare provider needed additional waiting room seating for their clinics and health centers across the state. As a non-profit, they needed an affor...

Case Study: Keep it Sweet

Sep 30, 2023

Vertical Market: Hospitality Product Use: Employee Appreciation Promotion: A nationally known hotel chain gifted their staff the Everyday Sweet and Savory Gourmet Carry Caddy for Employee Appreci...

Case Study: This Promotional Product is in the Bag

Sep 23, 2023

Description: Laundry Bag Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A credit union wanted to target college students and offer them an incentive to open a new account. They chose a stock desi...

Case Study: What Does Your Phone Stand For?

Aug 17, 2023

Product: Phone Stand Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A local financial institution needed a giveaway item for current and potential clients. It had to be useful to keep their name ...

Case Study: Fun in the Sun

Jul 4, 2023

Product: Two-Tone Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Sports What it was purchased for: A major sports team was having difficulty keeping attendance up at weeknight games. They came up with the idea of d...

Wooing Discerning Celebs with the CARSON Double Wall Bolero Tumbler

Jun 19, 2023

What do you get the celebrity-chef-turned-travel-show-host who has everything? How about the VP of Paid Media at a premier hotel chain you'd love to snag an advertising deal with? Brands like Tra...

Case Study: Wave Hello to Promotions

Jun 12, 2023

Description: Custom Wave Cap Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: The client was looking for a signature cap that would be unique, high-quality, and something that the recipient wo...

Case Study: Write to Paradise!

Jun 4, 2023

A 5 Star Resort wanted to ensure its guests received the best experience. To encourage feedback on services provided, guests were offered a coupon for use at their next visit in return for com...

Case Study: Sometimes You Just Need to Vent

Apr 7, 2023

Description: Auto Air Vent Magnetic Phone Mount Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A technology business was looking for a giveaway item that was unique but also fit within their b...

Case Study: This Event Needs More Cowbell

Mar 23, 2023

Description: Cow Bell Industry: Trade Show / Convention / Events What it was purchased for: A charity marathon coordinator wanted a giveaway that spectators could use to cheer on their runner...

Case Study: Do the Wave

Mar 16, 2023

Market: School Objective: A school's athletic program was struggling to pay for recurring expenses. Game attendance had dropped over the previous year, and alumni attendance was weak. The schoo...

Braving Campground Antics with the SAHARA Sports Bottle

Feb 23, 2023

Camping isn't always a vacation, y'all. Seasonal KOA(r) Work Kampers help KOA owners wrangle feisty RV transients (a.k.a. retirees) for their supper. The least they deserve is a free RV hookup&he...

Case Study: Time for a Rebrand

Feb 2, 2023

Objective: A university had just completed a major rebrand complete with a new logo and wanted to make sure they had all the necessary branded items for functions throughout the year. They had prev...

Case Study: It's in the Bag

Dec 27, 2022

Description Non-Woven Shopper Tote Bag Industry Bookstore What it was purchased for A large Metropolitan Community College Bookstore wanted to feature a reusable shopping bag to the students w...

Case Study: A Wedded Keepsake

Oct 6, 2022

Item: JAFFA(r) Scalloped Edge Vase Purpose: Gift vase for use during wedding ceremonies Audience: Engaged couples A church wanted an elegant and useful gift for couples who chose their venue for...

Case Study: Inking Impressions

Sep 22, 2022

Portability and permanence are among the desirable traits sought in an effective promotional product. A company was looking for a unique self-promotion that incorporated these elements and decided ...

Case Study: Health & Wellness Spas

Aug 24, 2022

Products Javalina Jewel(r) Pen Industry Health & Wellness Spas Application Future Visits A day spa wanted to ensure that its guests always received the royal treatment. To encourage ...

Case Study: These Calendars Aren't Week

Aug 17, 2022

Objective: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high-perceived value. Product: Beach Trifold Calendar Personalization: The bank ...

Case Study: A Getaway Promotion

Aug 2, 2022

A resort wanted to make sure guests felt safe as they reopened after COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were lifted. At check-in, they chose to provide each guest with a Fold-Up Cinch Corner Tote to ke...

Case Study: Zip It Up

May 5, 2022

Description: Hit Sports Pack with Front Zipper Industry: Broadcast Media/Telecommunication What it was purchased for: A cellular provider needed giveaways for an event at a major university. How ...

Case Study: Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic

Apr 12, 2022

The “Golden Lanyard” to Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic Organization: Health Care Organization Product Featured: Cotton Water Bottle Strap Goal of Promotion: Driving Traff...

Case Study: A StuPENdous Promotion

Mar 6, 2022

Description: Dart Pen Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A data storage company wanted an item they could put on their company store website in which branches or divisions could purc...

Case Study: Insuring Happy Employees

Feb 19, 2022

Item: JAFFA(r) Round Zinc Coaster Purpose: End of year gifts for employees Audience: Insurance firm employees An insurance firm had a particularly prosperous year and wanted to give employees en...

Case Study: A Golfer Giveaway

Jan 6, 2022

Objective An event organizer wanted consistent branding for everything from their tournament save the dates to golfer giveaways. Products Custom Tri-Fold Calendar, A2 (4-1/4" x 5-1/2") Folded Pr...

Case Study: Shine Bright

Dec 30, 2021

Description: Sunglasses and Sunglass Case Industry: Food & Beverage What it was purchased for: Summer is a big opportunity for coffee chains to sell frozen drinks. Part of an employee reward duri...

Case Study: Piece of Cake

Dec 15, 2021

Objective: A bakery owner had built solid connections with other service providers within their local event industry, but they were looking to grow their business within the wedding market. Produc...

Case Study: Safety First

Nov 9, 2021

Product: Auto Safety Kit Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: As a gift to anyone who opened a new bank account for over $1,000.00. How it was distributed: The bank was looking for a bra...

Case Study: Staying Safe for Back-to-School

Nov 2, 2021

A private school held an online meeting to outline plans for returning to school safely during the Coronavirus pandemic. As a follow-up, the school sent information packets to students' parents. Ea...

Case Study: Charity Fundraiser

Oct 5, 2021

The organizer of a charity fundraiser wanted to add an element of fun and excitement to their door prize giveaways. As each guest arrived, they were given a Mardi Gras Jubilee pen and instructions ...

Case Study: Yes, We Can!

Sep 28, 2021

Description: Kan-Tastic Industry: Food & Beverage What it was purchased for: Fast-food chain giveaway for college football night. How it was distributed: The vendor handed the Kan-Tastic out a...

Case Study: Success on Campus

Sep 6, 2021

A large university needed a useful tool to promote its school app to students and faculty because it wanted to use the app to communicate important college news and upcoming events. Since most stud...

Case Study: Raise Your Glass

Aug 29, 2021

The NY Yankees wanted to create special commemorative bottles to celebrate Derek Jeter's accomplishments at Yankee Stadium. They chose 150 magnum-sized (1.5L) bottles with a special logo and Jeter'...

Case Study: Make a Spectacle

Aug 22, 2021

Description: Rubberized Sunglasses Industry: Broadcast Media / Telecommunication What it was purchased for: A vampire-based television show hosted blood drives at outdoor events. These were given...

Case Study: Sharper Students

Aug 7, 2021

Description: Pencil Sharpener Industry: Construction What it was purchased for: A shipyard in a major city harbor has advocates who go out to local schools to promote shipbuilding. These advocate...

Case Study: Too Hot to Jot

Jul 23, 2021

Objective: Department managers wanted their new employees to have an easy way to take notes during the onboarding process. They wanted to incorporate company branding to keep their image consiste...

Case Study: Practice Putting

Jun 24, 2021

2 Ball Pillow Pack – Titleist(r) TruFeel for Non-Profit Event When a non-profit had to cancel their annual fundraising dinner due to Coronavirus, a golf course donated their clubhouse patio ...

Case Study: Bake in Business

Jun 10, 2021

Description: Set of 4 Measuring Cups Industry: Hospitality / Tourism What it was purchased for: A casino in the Milwaukee area wanted to spice up a "normal giveaway" with a theme. They had come t...

Case Study: Masks and Casks

May 12, 2021

When a distillery was launching a new line of spirits, they collaborated with a large chain of liquor stores to promote their new products. The stores gave all employees PrevaGuard(tm) Face Masks i...

Case Study: Lunchtime Appreciation

May 5, 2021

Description: ID Lunch Bag Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A hospital wanted a unisex item to give out for Nurses Week. Since most of the nursing staff brought th...

Case Study: Back in Business

Apr 13, 2021

A behavioral health practice was preparing to reopen when shelter-in-place orders were lifted. However, they needed a way to communicate the enhanced safety protocols they put in place to patients ...

Case Study: Don't Bottle It Up

Mar 30, 2021

An oil & gas company was building employee gift packages that would appeal to their entire workforce during the COVID-19 public health crisis. With employees working both at home and continuing to ...

Case Study: Where Has Your Pen Been?

Mar 22, 2021

Products Javalina Splash(r) Pen Industry Technology Application Contest An internet company created a branded website for a promotion called “Where has your pen been?”...

Case Study: Pillow Box

Mar 8, 2021

Objective A children's hospital wanted to send a thank you gift package to donors. They wanted patients to be able to add a personalized touch to the gift to connect donors better to the cause. P...

Case Study: It's Raining Cats and Dogs

Mar 1, 2021

Item: Puppies & Kittens Mini Appointment Calendar Client: Pet Food Manufacturer Purpose: Increase pet food sales through goodwill campaign A pet food manufacturer partnered with a nationwide ...

Case Study: Wine for the Win

Feb 8, 2021

A local winery at their annual fall festival was looking for a way to boost their sales on take-home bottles of wine. So, they gave away the imprinted Winged Corkscrew to anyone who purchased three...

Case Study: Calendar Puns are Week

Jan 24, 2021

Objective: A real estate agent wanted a useful promotional item to boost her personal branding and promote her services while staying top of mind all year round. Product: Desk Calendar with 4-Co...

Case Study: Spec-Tacular Promotions

Jan 10, 2021

Description: CUSTOM Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Food & Beverage What it was purchased for: The end user wanted to give something away at this year's Spring Break in Jamaica for an MTV event t...

Case Study: Guess the Flavor Lip Balm

Nov 27, 2020

Guess the Flavor Lip Balm Organization Health Insurance Organization Product Featured Lip Balm & Lip Balm Sleeve Goal of Promotion Generating positive reinforcement with sales reps ...

Case Study: Go Green or Go Home

Nov 12, 2020

Item: goingreen(tm) Stapled Appointment Calendar Purpose: Promote awareness of recycling programs and provide recycling information to the community Audience: Residents of the company's service...

Case Study: Thank You for Spooning

Nov 5, 2020

Description: 10 Oz. Aztec Spooner Mug Industry: Advertising / Marketing / Publishing What it was purchased for: A major coupon distributor was looking for a thank you to give out to advertisers...

Case Study: Attract New Customers

Sep 30, 2020

As part of their new corporate wellness program, the company wanted to stress the importance of healthy nutrition to its employees. Along with literature, discount memberships at a local health clu...

Case Study: Resort Incentive Yields Oceans of Opportunity

Aug 17, 2020

A five-star resort that frequently hosts corporate events for Fortune 500 companies wanted to reach out to corporate guests to entice them to return for family vacations. The goal was for the guest...

A Lunch That Packs a Punch

Aug 2, 2020

Description: 3 Section Lunch Container Industry: Healthcare What it was purchased for: A hospital was looking for a unique lunch packet for nurses, doctors, and anyone else employed at any of the...

Case Study: Wheelie Important Paperwork

Jul 26, 2020

Market: Automotive Objective: A motorcycle dealership wanted professional, branded document pouches to hold important paperwork for new customers to take home after their motorcycle purchase. Th...

Case Study: Adventure Awaits

Jul 19, 2020

An event promoter was compiling a gift box for top-tier ticket holders for a large-scale national summer concert tour. The Koozie(r) Adventure Dry Sack 10L was a natural fit for the outdoor lifesty...

Case Study: Do a Double Take

Jul 12, 2020

Objective: A general contracting company was looking for a fun way to provide "before and after" photos to their clients after a remodeling project was complete. Product: Double-Sided Portrait F...

Case Study: Stick to the Schedule

Jun 20, 2020

Industry: Hospitality Personalization: A small sandwich shop wanted to increase their business during lunch hour. Their target market was people who worked near their restaurant. Method of Distri...

Case Study: Hay, Where'd You Get That Tote?

Jun 13, 2020

Description: Large Boat Tote Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: Horse show giveaways How it was distributed: A local horse show needed gifts for their major contributors. A ...

Case Study: Life of the Mardi

May 15, 2020

Market: Hospitality Objective: With their event scheduled close to Mardi Gras, event planners wanted to provide a themed goodie package for attendees with giveaways from event sponsors. They wan...

Case Study: Keeping it All Together

Apr 24, 2020

Objective: An insurance company wanted to send new customers home with a special gift and a way to keep their new insurance policy documentation organized. Product: Insurance Document Pouch & Fu...

Case Study: It Takes a Village

Feb 26, 2020

Objective A village needed an easy way to let residents know when there were issues with their water meters. They wanted a faster method of communication than mailing letters, and somethin...

Case Study: Computer Repair At Your Fuzzy Fingertips

Jan 29, 2020

A computer repair store attended a local home show and wanted something useful but unique to attract attendees to their booth. They also wanted something that would keep their name top of mind when...

Case Study: The Big Picture

Jan 22, 2020

Description: Coupon Photo Folder Industry: Hospitality What it was purchased for: A restaurant was looking for a unique way to deliver custom printed coupons to their guests to attract more repea...

Case Study: College Fair Giveaway

Jan 7, 2020

Description: 4" Mini Plush Buddies Frog with Shirt Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A community college was looking for a giveaway item to have at their booth for the upcoming colle...

Case Study: Real Modern Recognition

Dec 24, 2019

Market: Finance Product Use: Employee Recognition Promotion: A wealth management firm selected the Samsonite Executive Computer Backpack as an employee recognition gift. At the company's ye...