Zip Specialties - Awards and Promotional Items | Crystal Lake, IL

Case Study: The Weather is Snow Joke

Sep 24

Description: Keep Warm Buddy Set Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A local school was looking for a fundraiser item to help older kids raise money for an overnight camping trip....

Case Study: Sometimes You Just Need to Vent

Sep 10

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: A

Jun 29

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: A Shoe-In

Mar 21

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...

Braving Campground Antics with the SAHARA Sports Bottle

Mar 7

Camping isn't always a vacation, y'all. Seasonal KOA® 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...AN...

Industry Mini Drive: Doggy Daycare

Nov 27, 2025

The doggy daycare industry is booming, and for good reason. With more and more people owning pets and treating them as members of the family, the demand for quality pet care services has never been...

Industry Deep Dive: Pet Industry

Oct 15, 2025

The pet industry is booming, with more and more people welcoming furry friends into their homes every year. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent a whopping $...

Case Study: A Not-So-Silly Idea

Aug 5, 2025

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-filled even...

Case Study: Success on Campus

May 11, 2025

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: Let Them Eat Cake!

Apr 13, 2025

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. Pro...

Case Study: This Event Needs More Cowbell

Mar 1, 2025

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: A New Way to Do Cross-Promotions

Feb 15, 2025

Clever Meets Subtle: A New Way to Do Cross-Promotions Organization: Department Store Product Featured: Lanyard with Vinyl Pouch Goal of Promotion: Promoting Store Sales Description of Case ...

A Case Study in Promo: A Medieval Dinner Theater Chain

Feb 1, 2025

Romanticizing medieval European life, particularly medieval fantasy life, has a distinctly modern allure. Americans especially have a deep affinity for medieval culture, evident not only in our med...

Case Study: I Was Framed!

Oct 25, 2024

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: Sign the Deal

Oct 10, 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: Roaming Free with the YUMA Clear Freedom Bottle

Aug 14, 2024

What do outdoor gear brands like Marmot® and Teva® have in common? Their target customers, high-value brand partners, and pretty much all of their employees are thirsty for adventure in the mount...

Case Study: Masks and Casks

Jul 16, 2024

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™ Face Masks impr...

Case Study: Snap a Pic!

Jul 2, 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...

Cheers! Let’s Sell More Beer!

Mar 9, 2024

Description: Custom Wave Table Tent Industry: Hospitality What it was purchased for: A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sale...

Case Study: Inking Impressions

Feb 9, 2024

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: Good Deeds for Kids in Need

Jan 11, 2024

Item: Landscape Mesh Tote Purpose: Fundraising Gala gift bag Audience: Kids in Need Foundation supporters The Kids in Need Foundation Gala is one of the organization's largest fundraising eve...

Case Study: Fewer Tricks and More Treats: Halloween Safety Lanyard

Oct 18, 2023

Fewer Tricks and More Treats: Halloween Safety Lanyard Organization Insurance Company Product Featured Reflective Lanyard Goal of Promotion Promoting safety on Halloween Description of Cas...

Case Study: These Calendars Aren't Week

Jun 11, 2023

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: Spec-Tacular Promotions

Apr 14, 2023

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 th...

Case Study: It Takes a Village

Mar 30, 2023

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 something more...

Case Study: Snack Pack It!

Mar 16, 2023

Vertical Market: Hospitality Product Use: Gift with Enrollment Promotion: An ocean excursion company chose the Igloo® Marine Backpack Cooler as a gift with enrollment for customers participating ...

Case Study: Put That on Your Calendar!

Mar 2, 2023

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: A Prom Ticket Keepsake

Feb 15, 2023

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

Case Study: Take a Map!

Jan 18, 2023

Objective: A university wanted a practical handout to give to prospective students, alumni, and other campus visitors. The handout was intended for first-time visitors and those who hadn't been o...

Case Study: Write to Paradise!

Sep 10, 2022

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: Improve Sales and Traffic

Aug 27, 2022

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: Keep it Sweet

Jul 30, 2022

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: A Comforting Friend

Jul 15, 2022

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: Have a Seat

Jul 1, 2022

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: A Wedded Keepsake

May 19, 2022

Item: JAFFA® 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 t...

Case Study: Employee Appreciation Gift

Apr 20, 2022

A company with many sales representatives needed an item for their top sales performers. Since their sales staff has both men and women, they needed an item that could be used by either gender. The...

Case Study: Plastics Make it Possible

Mar 23, 2022

Description: Oasis Recycled Bottle Pen Industry: Chemicals What it was purchased for: Trade Show Giveaways How it was distributed: A chemical company needed something to give away at a tradeshow...

A Lunch That Packs a Punch

Feb 22, 2022

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: Practice Putting

Jan 10, 2022

2 Ball Pillow Pack - Titleist® 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 and prac...

Case Study: 3D is the Key

Nov 14, 2021

A company was looking for unique items to commemorate the celebration of its 45th year in business. They wanted to incorporate a new logo that communicated the anniversary as well as the range of p...

Case Study: Welcome New Hires!

Aug 21, 2021

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...

Case Study: College Fair Giveaway

Jul 10, 2021

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: Save the Date, Save the Day

Jun 11, 2021

Description: Trifold Calendars Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high perceived va...

Case Study: Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic

May 28, 2021

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

Case Study: The Write Stuff

Apr 29, 2021

Description: Rumba Pen Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: An automotive supplier wanted to make their name visible in automotive stores around the country. How it was distributed: P...

Case Study: Keep it Cooler

Apr 15, 2021

Description: Dual Compartment Cooler Bag Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: An annual company picnic for employees and their families. Each year they give thei...

Case Study: Wave Hello to Recognition

Apr 1, 2021

Item: JAFFA® Wave Award Purpose: Welcome gift for incentive winners Audience: Software company sales representatives A software company held a sales incentive contest for reps to win a trip t...

Case Study: Shop 'til You Drop

Mar 17, 2021

A shopping mall was holding a late-winter promotion to increase traffic during typically slower months. Visitors to the complex received a "passport" to take to different stores within the mall for...

Case Study: Life of the Mardi

Mar 3, 2021

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: You Can Count on Us

Feb 3, 2021

The marketing department for a regional credit union was considering a custom writing instrument from overseas as part of a re-branding campaign. However, supply chain disruptions due to Coronavi...

Case Study: Bringing Back the Fanny Pack

Jan 20, 2021

Market: Entertainment Product Use: Gift With Purchase Promotion: A major theme park chose the Safeguard Security Waist Belt as a gift with purchase for customers who bought season passes. The w...

Case Study: A Cheese-y Promotion

Dec 22, 2020

Objective: A restaurant was looking for a unique way to deliver custom printed coupons to their guests to attract more repeat business. Product: Coupon Gatefold Photo Folder Personalization: R...

Case Study: Computer Repair At Your Fuzzy Fingertips

Oct 12, 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: A Flavorful Promotion

Sep 28, 2020

A Flavorful Promotion Boosts This Credit Union's Popularity Organization: Credit Union Product Featured: Lip Balm Goal of Promotion: Generate New Loans Description of Case History: This c...

Case Study: Wave Hello to Promotions

Aug 30, 2020

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: Let the Games Begin!

Jun 6, 2020

Product: Custom Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Automotive/Banking What it was purchased for: A car company wanted to find a product that would promote their brand at a local college BCS Bowl Games. ...

Case Study: Real Modern Recognition

Apr 10, 2020

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...

Case Study: Financial Industry

Mar 13, 2020

Products Javalina® Classic Pen Industry Financial Application Direct Mail A local bank wanted to increase awareness of its low mortgage rates and decided to do a direct mailing to...

Case Study: Wine for the Win

Feb 28, 2020

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: Fresh Mesh Promotions

Feb 13, 2020

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 present...

Case Study: Do a Double Take

Jan 30, 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 Por...

Case Study: What Does Your Phone Stand For?

Dec 4, 2019

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 ...