February 2015

National Black History Month

Help organizations celebrate the achievements of African Americans (www.asalh.org). Think bookmarks featuring black intellectuals and civic leaders for schools, and go with bracelets with poignant messaging like “I Have A Dream” for specific events.

American Dental Association’s “Give Kids A Smile” Program

Dentists across America offer free dental care to low-income families during this oral health outreach initiative (www.ada.org). Provide participating dentists with fun items for kids like stickers and temporary tattoos, as well as floss containers, toothbrush cases and tooth-shaped refrigerator magnets.

National Condom Month

February is a time for educating people about the importance of safe sex (www.ppsinc.org) Nightclubs (see our cover story) and local talk radio shows with youthful audiences are among the clients that can contribute to the effort with themed promotions that involve giveaways of brandable condom products from suppliers like Condom Monkey (asi/46254).

American Heart Month

Health networks, hospitals, nutritionists, fitness centers and nonprofits are some of the organizations that will be busy this month promoting heart health and their services (www.americanheart.org). In addition to red awareness ribbons, pitch heart-shaped items that include notepads, stress relievers, mint tins, utility clips, keychains and even candles.

Feb. 2 – 6

International Networking Week

A flurry of networking events occur across the country during this week that celebrates the pivotal role networking plays in building businesses. Work with your local chamber of commerce or Business Network International (www.bni.com) to deliver useful products for these events, such as business card holders, lanyards and pens.

Feb. 12

Darwin Day

Events around the world commemorate Charles Darwin and celebrate the contributions of science and reason (www.darwinday.org). Suggest keytags shaped like beakers and microscopes, rocket-shaped pens and atomic-symbol stress relievers.

Feb. 17

Pancake Day

Held eight days before Ash Wednesday each year, this day encourages and celebrates the consuming of pancakes. Help diners, cafés and other eateries promote their pancake specials with banners, signs and buttons for staff.

Feb 22-28

National Engineers Week

Schools, corporations, science centers, engineering societies – all participate in efforts this week to promote the engineering profession to students (www.eweek.org). Enhance the outreach with pens, pocket-sized screwdriver kits, triangular drafting scales and squeeze toys shaped like toolboxes.

Feb. 24

World Spay Day

This worldwide Humane Society campaign encourages spaying and neutering (www.worldspayday.org). Provide pet-themed products for veterinarians, clinics and others to give out or sell to donors who contribute to fundraising efforts aimed at defraying the cost of free spaying and neutering done on and around this day.

Feb. 26

National Chili Day

A day to recognize chili as an American staple – and an excellent warmer in the winter (www.nationalchiliday.com). Sell items like wet wipes and bibs to bars, restaurants and chili cook-offs.