USB Xmas Trees

With thousands more expected to be on the list of unemployed this Christmas the outlook for many is bleak and prospects in the short term are poor. Against this backdrop any Christmas spend needs to be appropriate, measured and thoroughly considered or it may backfire on you and send out the wrong message.

So, if you are looking to say “Thank You” to your customers for the business they have given you over the last 12 months or perhaps you want to show your appreciation to your staff for their commitment over the year the message is to do so in an appropriate manner. Despite the tough times we find ourselves in there is a balance between doing nothing and appearing uncaring, unappreciative and mean spirited and doing too much and appearing recklessly extravagant.

Finding this balance is not always easy but if you can keep the spend per customer or employee within a budget of say £3-£5 whilst at the same time giving something that is either fun, meaningful or has a higher perceived value then your actions are more likely to be thanked and appreciated rather than criticised within certain sectors or indeed criticised by your own staff. If you can give something that helps to promote your brand beyond the Christmas period then so much the better.

Xmas USB Sticks

In the “fun and amusing” category you might consider branded USB Christmas Trees or USB Snowmen. These are designed for a desktop, they plug into any spare USB port to power them (so no batteries required) and they light up and cycle through a range of different colours and some play a melody of Christmas tunes. They’re easy to brand and they bring a smile to the face of anyone that they are given to.

Within the same price range are branded USB memory sticks. These ever-popular products can be printed up with a company logo and appropriate Christmas message. You could even pre-load a Christmas greeting or virtual Christmas card onto the USB sticks that automatically display when the USB stick is used. If you’re sending the branded USB memory sticks out to current or prospective customers you don’t have to stop at just pre-loading your Christmas greeting, why not consider loading any electronic versions of your sales brochures or latest press releases at the same time.

Branded USB products are great value at the moment and generally very well received and as such they make excellent Christmas gifts

USB Writing Pens

If you think about it most of these activities require companies that are participating in them to hand out lots of supporting material, copies of presentation slides, speaker notes, agendas and details of other forthcoming events/activities. The attendees on the other hand are likely to want to write lots of notes throughout the event(s) so its typical to provide pens to enable them to do this (often provided by the hotel or venue at which the event is being held)

USB writing pens tackle these two requirements in one simple but nevertheless attractive and stylish approach. The USB pens look and work just like any regular pen but they have the added benefit of containing a USB connector and flash memory. So, it’s possible to pre-load all of the conference or event data (speaker notes etc.) onto the USB pens flash memory and to hand these out to the delegates/attendees and equip them not only with the content from the days event but also with a writing pen so they can start making notes straight away.

USB Pens

Typically the USB connector is discretely tucked away inside the main body of the pen and is accessed by unscrewing the top half of the pen. When revealed the USB “half” of the pen can then be used just like any normal USB memory stick. This means that not only can the recipient access and print the data you have stored on it but they can also use the flash memory to save their own data to and carry it around with them.

USB pens are popular because they are easy to carry (simply clip them inside your suit or jacket pocket), they’re

USB Pen

discrete, they look great and they carry branding very well. They’re also a little different from the standard USB flash drives that are typically given away so they create a bit more of an “impact” when given out.

The pens come in a range of different memory sizes starting at 512MB all the way up to 8GB. Some models include a laser pointer and small torch but most are just a “biro” style pens. Because of the need to include a standard USB connector they are a little “fatter” than a conventional pen but not enough to make it a problem or to detract from their overall aesthetics.

Are you looking for a way of ensuring your brand sits proudly on your customers desk so you are always top of mind? Branded mouse mats, desk pads and mugs are rather old hat, overdone and they don’t offer any interaction or bragging power. However, there is a solution……Branded USB Gifts and Gadgets!

There is an amazing variety of USB Gadgets that would enhance any desktop with high-perceived value and notoriety. It is unlikely that these promotional goods will be relegated to the back of a desk draw, but rather be displayed proudly for all to see. They range from the very practical to pure fun factor.

USB Gifts and Gadgets are easy to use, just plug them into an empty port on a computer and they are ready to go. There is no need for an external power source since they are powered via the USB port, though some can be operated with batteries for greater portability and flexibility.

You’ll be surprised just how little these cost, so why not contact sales@usb2u.co.uk to obtain a quote. Here are just a selection of some of the Top 10 USB Gifts and Gadgets for the desktop that are ideal for branding.

1. USB Hub

These small devices split one USB port into multiple ports, typically 4 and 7 ports. They sit on the desk and allow the user to plug in USB devices without having to fight there way to the back of a PC. This is a practical solution to a real issue, that has a perfect footprint to carry your brand.

2. USB Desktop Photoframe

This must have gadget add some real life to any desk with this 2.4″ Digital Photo Frame screen. It makes the perfect promotion gift as the logo can be added to the unit as well as promotion photos pre-loaded into the internal memory. The slideshow mode lets the photos scroll continuously. It comes with a handy time, alarm and temperature display. A logo can be added to the base of the photoframe.

3. USB Vacuum

This lightweight compact vacuum cleaner will suck up dirt and dust from every nook and cranny on the desktop. This neat little gadget can prolong the life of PC hardware and keep it functioning efficiently. It enables users to keep their working environment clean and as such makes it an ideal product for an internal ‘clear desk’ campaign. A logo can be added to the body of the cleaner.

4. USB Fans

The USB fan is a must-have for the hot summer days sat at the computer. These have flexible bodies so that they can be adjusted to target any part of the body that needs cooling down. No need to rely on the air conditioning when you have this little gadget at the touch of a button. A small logo can be added to the neck of the fan.

5. USB Microscope

This clever gadget is a great educational tool, or can simply quench the appetite of the inquisitive that just wants to know what stuff looks like really close up. With x 200-400 magnification this device also has photo capture and video recording options to share a wealth of knowledge or to perhaps add depth to a school project. A logo can be added to the body of the microscope.

6. USB Voice Recorder

This USB Voice Recorder looks is the perfect Desktop accompaniment. It is extremely simple to operate, just turn it on and it will immediately start recording. When you want to playback what you recorded, simply plug into the USB port on your computer to copy and save the files and then play them in the same way you would any other audio file. 2GB of Flash memory will give you up to 40 hours total recording. A logo can be added to the body of the recorder.

7. USB Exercise Mouse

This little USB rodent plugs into the USB port and can keep track of both typing speed and total word counts. It is a great device for anyone who wants to have some fun, improve their touch-typing skills, but equally useful for writers who need to keep track of their word count. A logo can be added to the top of the counter.

8. USB Pencil Sharpener

Keep your customer’s pencils sharp with the neat and useful gadget. Simply insert the pencil and watch the lightshow that results in a pinpoint pencil tip. A logo can be added to the top of the unit.

9. USB Paper Shredder

This device may not have the full shredding capacity of its’ larger relatives, but is a convenient desktop version that allows small documents/receipts/post-its etc to be destroyed at a moments notice. Such a gadget is more likely to be used because of handy proximity. A logo can be added to the front of the unit.

10. USB Cup Warmer

This Sleek, silver USB powered cup warmer will keep drinks warm at between 50-60 degrees. Separate “On/Off” switch and LED indicators to show when the cup warmer is in use. It can also come with a 4-port USB hub. A logo can be added to the side of the unit.