Alcohol Awareness Month

Schools, universities, nonprofits and health organizations are some of the groups that work this month to raise awareness about the problem of underage drinking (www.ncadd.org). Help promote the cause with pins, wristbands and T-shirts (all with an anti-drinking message) that these potential clients can give to youths.

International Customer Loyalty Month

This month companies make an extra push to create loyal clients by enhancing customer service (www.customerloyaltymonth.com). Create an incentives program for your clients in which they use branded merchandise to reward customer service representatives who go above and beyond. Products can include anything from mugs and pens to higher-end outerwear.

National Occupational Therapy Month

During April, occupational therapists engage in a variety of activities – from hosting parties to public speaking events to increased prospecting – to promote their profession (www.aota.org). Fuel their effort with branded items like unique pens, gel balls, balloons, drawstring “thank-you” bags, business cards and even hand grip exercisers.

April 2 International Children’s Book Day

Branded bookmarks, pencils, erasers and stickers decorated with storybook-style imagery – all are items bookstores can give to children who attend special reading events these retailers host to celebrate children’s literature (www.usbby.org/icbd.html).

April 7 National Beer Day

Provide bars, brewpubs, microbreweries and beer-tasting events with special coasters, drinkware, matchbooks, staff shirts and party paraphernalia for this day that commemorates the signing of the Cullen-Harrison Act, which in 1933 allowed low-alcohol beer (3.2%) to be bought legally following 13 years of prohibition.

April 12-18 National Volunteer Week

This week recognizes the valuable contributions of volunteers, and seeks to encourage more people to get in on the altruism (www.pointsoflight.org). Empower organizations that depend on volunteers to thank these individuals and recruit others with gifts that include key chains, caps, power banks and shirts that feature messaging about contributing to worthy causes.

April 18 Record Store Day

Hundreds of independently-owned record stores celebrate with special events that include in-store appearances by musical artists (www.recordstoreday.com). In addition to supplying stores with buttons, trendy tees and cool caps to sell to customers, also look for opportunities with bands and DJs that will be performing and/or releasing new music as part of the day’s festivities.

April 22 Administrative Professionals Day

For this appreciation event, executives can present personalized clocks, watches, jewelry and vases to the administrative employees who play vital roles in their organizations (www.iaap-hq.org).

April 29 International Dance Day

A day aimed at attracting attention to the art of dance is celebrated by millions of dancers around the world (www.cid-portal.org). Get in on the act by providing dance schools and companies with uniforms for special performances they’re giving, as well as gym bags, fitness wear, rhinestone-decorated troupe shirts and more.