Retro promo items give good summer vibes

By Michelle Banks

Nostalgia—that feeling of longing for the good ol’ days—isn’t just a fleeting sentiment. It serves a purpose. Research shows nostalgia can increase our sense of well-being opens in new window and make us feel younger, more optimistic and energetic. That’s a lot of benefit packed into one warm and fuzzy feeling. Bring your audience back in time with these summer-fun ideas and retro promo items.

Research shows nostalgia can increase our sense of well-being and make us feel younger, more optimistic and energetic.

Host a summer picnic

Nothing says nostalgia like a picnic. What’s more, hosting an employee picnic is a great way to show appreciation while also providing an opportunity for team members to get to know one other (and each other’s families). Invite the whole team for an afternoon of food, fun and friendship.

Serve crowd-pleasing classics like hot dogs and hamburgers. Or pack individual picnics in fun throwback lunch boxes. Pro tip: Check in advance for dietary restrictions and food allergies to ensure there’s something for everyone.

Get your guests mixing and mingling with retro promo items that are ideal for outdoor fun. Sport flyers are a thrill for all ages. Sidewalk chalk can be used for drawing, hopscotch or a game of four square. If you have an active crowd, a classic potato sack race or game of tug of war is sure to bring the fun. Winners get bragging rights and a nostalgic prize, like a metal cooler or retro promo planter. Coin purses, yo-yos and pinwheels make fun consolation prizes.

Organize a baseball game

Not only is baseball a summer tradition, it’s also America’s pastime. Whether you organize a single game or a summer league, the experience can foster a sense of pride and unity among your team. Survey employees to gauge interest and determine best times for practices and games.

Outfit team members in baseball shirts for a uniform look. Provide plenty of refreshments to keep everyone hydrated. The Coleman^® classic cooler looks the part with its painted steel body and metal handles. Plus, it holds up to 85 cans. And don’t forget the fans! Take them out to the ballgame with a baseball snack kit.

Put on an outdoor movie night

The big screen and time outdoors—it’s the best of both worlds. Host an outdoor summer movie night for the community, customers or employees. Provide a list of summertime classics, like “Jaws,” “Grease” or “The Sandlot,” and poll your audience to see which they prefer.

Invite everyone to bring a lawn chair or hand out picnic blankets for seating. Serve classic movie snacks, like boxed popcorn and candy. Really knock their socks off by offering root beer floats served in a classic mug that doubles as a memento of the occasion.

Give retro swag that promotes summer fun

Sandcastles, shells, swimming and sun—what is more lovely than a day at the beach? Whether your audience is heading out for a seaside vacation or visiting their local shoreline this summer, classic items for fun in the sun help ensure your brand tags along on the adventure. A beach-themed gift basket makes a great employee appreciation or referral thank-you gift. Start with a classic straw tote. Add a striped beach towel, throwback water bottle and pair of flip-flops. Or fill a small sand pail with an inflatable beach ball, kite and pair of neon sunglasses.

If the beach isn’t their thing, maybe a summer bonfire is. Help them enjoy the ambiance with a classic campfire mug and s’mores kit. A tie-dye blanket can keep them extra toasty if the temperature dips after the sun sets.

Retro swag brings back the good ol’ days of summer

You can’t go back in time, but you can conjure up fond memories of the good ol’ days. Try one or all of these summer-fun ideas to associate your brand with those feel-good times. Make the memories last with unforgettable retro promo items.

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