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January

Book Blitz Month

Addtional Health Month

National Volunteer Blood Donor Month

March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month

Thyroid Disease Awareness Month

Human Resources Month

National Hobby Month

Whale Watching Month

National Book Blitz Month

Crime Stoppers Month

Business and Reference Books Month

National Book Month

National Eye Care Month 

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 100,000 people incur eye injuries each year and more than half of the victims of those injuries are children. September is Children's Eye and Health Safety Month, the perfect time to begin teaching your students about the importance of taking care of their eyes.

Coffee Gourmet International Month Who doesn’t appreciate a good cup of coffee? According to statistics, more than half the U.S. population – over 148 million people – enjoys some daily java. Be sure to jump start your day with some gourmet caffeinated goodness; then consider using coffee and coffee accessories, such as mugs, coasters, mug warmers, etc., in promotional campaigns.

International Creativity Month The new year creates opportunity for new ideas for your business. Revitalize, rejuvenate and renew your business with fresh ideas – now is the time to take risks.  Inspirational pictures, calendars, CDs and more can help strike a spark.

Marching Orders New Year’s Day  A time for tradition. On the East Coast if you’re in the City of Brotherly Love you can check out the Mummers Parade. The traditional march up Broad Street features four divisions – Comics, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades. West Coasters can check out the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.

January 9 National Clean Off Your Desk Day  Because you know your boss is always watching. It’s under there somewhere – not that you’ve been able to see the surface of your desk since well before Thanksgiving. Holidays give work the chance to pile up, which makes working efficiently a difficult task. By the time the holidays are over, the food has been eaten and the presents are opened, but the mess on your desk is still there. Take today to clear through the pile and help your employees or clients do the same with a practical logoed desk accessory or organizer.

January 15 Birthday of Martin Luther King   Martin Luther King, Jr. the African-American clergyman who advocated social change through non-violent means. A powerful speaker and a man of great spiritual strength, he shaped the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.  Take time to celebrate this world class leader and how his life and message of equality is still chaning communities across nations. 

January 17 Get to Know Your Customer Day Give them the credit they deserve – and they deserve all the credit. It’s a fact; no business would get anywhere without customers and customer support. Customers are the reason our businesses are successful, which is all the more reason to show your appreciation for them. Try using today as an opportunity to connect with your customers by using more personal promotional products. Picture frames, personalized pens and any kind of apparel are thoughtful and caring suggestions.

January 23 John Hancock’s Birthday  The man who made signing on the dotted line cool.  Let’s take a day to celebrate the man who became famous for being smart enough be first in line to autograph the Declaration of Independence. Pens, pencils and stationery are good promotional gifts to consider for this little celebrated, but always appreciated Founding Father’s birthday.

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February

Black History Month

American Heart Month

American History Month

American Music Month

National Children's Dental Health Month

International Friendship Month

Responsible Pet Owner Month

National Wild Bird Feeding Month

AMD/ Low Vision Awareness Month

Library Lovers Month

Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month  If you’ve ever wanted to make changes in your life or your business, this is a holiday that not only promotes that idea, but celebrates it as well. This holiday says that February is all about making a difference for yourself, your business and your community. Try using “growing” promotional items like plants, trees or even seed packs to convey the message to others.

American Heart Month  T he first Friday in February is focused on educating women about cardiovascular disease. Wearing red or having red accessories on this day is a reminder to women to get informed about cardiovascular disease and how to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself. So think red everything on this day – in any event, red is a hot promotional color that’s in style no matter what holiday we’re celebrating.

February 2 Groundhog Day   In traditional weather lore, if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end. If the groundhog sees its shadow because the weather is bright and clear, it will be frightened and run back into its hole, and the winter will continue for six more weeks.  Use “spring” themed promotional items to promote products and hold a pre-season or Winter Clearance Groundhog Day sale.

Febraury 3 National Wear Red Day  Be thankful for the color that always makes you look hot. 

Febraury 5-11 Freelance Writers Appreciation Week  Appreciate the people who have no other money coming in.  Freelance writers are often lifesavers in the publication industry, coming in to help with extra work and supplying editors with fresh, new ideas. Today would be the day to recognize all of the unsung heroes who make your business, and the businesses of your clients just a little bit better.

Febraury 11 Be Electrific Day Today you can appreciate the man who gave us light.
Today is Thomas Edison’s birthday – and everyone who’s ever used a promotional product that has the ability to light up should stand up and applaud this tenacious inventor. Show your respect for Mr. Edison today by considering more light-up promotional products. Pens, fish tanks, cups, lollipops; there’s very little in the promotional products industry that we haven’t shined a little light on. Thanks, Thomas.

February 12: Lincoln's Birthday  In addition to serving as president during the civil war and saving the Union, Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation that ended slavery in the U.S. forever.  He also wrote and gave The Gettysburg Address, memorializing the bloodiest and most important battle of the Civil War. Gettysburg proved to be the turning point of the war.  Shortly after the war ended, Abraham Lincoln became the first U.S. President to be assassinated. He was shot and mortally wounded on Good Friday, April 14, 1865 by John Wilkes Booth in Ford's Theatre.  Celebrate bravery and American history on this day with promotional products that remind us all of the price paid by so many for our freedom. 

Febraury 12-18 Celebration of Love Week  February brings to mind thoughts of cupids, cards and couples – but there’s more love to go around, people. Show some love for your clients and the people you work with. Gifts for no particular reason at all always score big with people and are definitely memorable.

February 14 Valentine's Day.  The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.  In the United States, the marketing of Valentine's Day has tagged it as a "Hallmark holiday." A recent trend has been to refer to February 14 as Singles Awareness Day.  Take time to send cards and notes of appreciation to your loved ones and those who have contributed to the success of your business. 

February 19 Washington's Birthday (Observed, Actual Birthday is Thursday, 22).  In 1971 President Richard Nixon declared that in order to honor all past presidents of the US, a single holiday, to be called Presidents' Day, would be observed on the third Monday in February.  President Washington is still honored in various communities with  staging pageants and reenactments of important milestones in his life.  If your niche market includes history buffs or patriotic aficionados, set yourself apart from the traditional President’s Sales with a George Washington Birthday bash. 

Febraury 19-25 Build A Better Trade Show Week  Because there’s always room for improvement.  Image is everything, right? This week is a time for businesses to consider how to impress people at trade shows and events. Get your team together and brainstorm ways to update your look to make sure when people pass your booth at trade show, it’s something that they remember. Food is always a big winner among crowds at trade shows – so think about having chocolate bars or water bottles with your company’s name or logo printed on them.

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March

International Ideas Month Even Thomas Edison didn’t get all his ideas right on the first try.  The idea behind Ideas Month is to get people’s thoughts out in the open. New ideas keep the world interesting, even if those ideas are not always an initial success. Encourage the most creative thinkers you know by giving them paper, pens, tools … anything that may help them turn their ideas into something tangible.

American Red Cross Month The International Red Cross was created in 1863 in Switzerland on the premise of providing nonpartisan care to victims in times of war. Clara Barton established the American Red Cross in 1881. She served as the volunteer president, leading the humanitarian organization that provides relief to victims of disasters, until 1904. Use any kind of awareness product to draw attention to disaster victims and the help they’ve received from the Red Cross.  And, March is National Women’s History Month: a good time to remember great women like Clara Barton and their accomplishments.

Music in Our Schools Month  Silence can be golden, but the sound of music is platinum. Use music-related promotional products to rescue kids and adults from their same old daily routine. A musical-themed promotion will be music to their ears.

National Umbrella Month They keep us dry, block the wind, and even protect us from the sun. With so many uses, umbrellas are accessories that are out in the open all the time. So why not use their visibility to your advantage?

March 8 Unique names day. Because every Nigel has his day. Not all of us can find that classic mass-produced keychain with our name already imprinted on it. That’s why today is a day to celebrate everyone you know with a unique name. Show that you care by giving them any kind of product with their name on it. They’ll probably be excited just to see it spelled correctly!

March 17 St. Patrick's Day.  Oh my leprechauns!  The possibilities are as endless as the green grass grows long. 

March 25 Pecan day. Have a nutty good time.  Today marks the day in 1775 when George Washington planted pecan trees – a gift to him from Thomas Jefferson – at Mt. Vernon. The pecan is native to North America and was first grown by American Indians. “America’s own nut,” as it is sometimes called, is more popular in the U.S. than on any other continent. Use any pecan product – pies, fudge, ice cream – to remind your employees and customers to have pride in products that come right from their own backyard.

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April

Child Abuse Prevention Month

Community Services Month (California)

International Amateur Radio Month

International Guitar Month

Keep America Beautiful Month

Listening Awareness Month

Math Education Month

Month of the Young Child

Multicultural Communication Month

National Bike Month

National Egg Month

National Food Month

National Garden Month

National Poetry Month

National STDs Education and Awareness Month

National Teaching and Joy Month

National Youth Sports Safety Month

Older Americans Month

Personal History Awareness Month

Philatelic Societies Month

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

School Library Media Month

Sports Eye Safety Month

Stress Awareness Month

Women's Health Care Month

National Humor Month  E. E. Cummings said that “the most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” In that case, a little bit of laughter in the workplace might boost employee productivity. Laughter can relieve stress and improve relationships between employees. In the big picture, it can create an overall happy work environment where employees won’t want to leave. This month, use any laugh-inducing product to give employees a positive boost. Joke books and funny calendars are a start. Laughter continues throughout the month with National Fun at Work Day (April 1) and Laugh at Work Week (April 1-7).

April 1 April Fool's Day.  A great day to pull a friendly prank and have a little fun.  But, be nice!  Not all employees and clients are made alike.  Might be better to keep the foolishness on the down-low and simply act a fool by doting on your best clients today.   

April 1-7 Golden Rule Week.  What goes around comes around. So, be nice.
We all know the golden rule, so why not take an entire week to remind us why we should follow it? Treating others kindly and in turn being treated in a kind manner makes the world a better place. Give any kind of gold-colored product imprinted with a positive, encouraging statement to make employees and customers feel appreciated.

April 4 Beatles take over the music charts: Anniversary Yeah, Yeah, Yeah …
On this day in 1964 the Fab Four held the top five spots on the Billboard Top 100 Chart. Forty-two years later, the Beatles still have a huge group of loyal fans. Honor your best clients or employees who are still struck with Beatlemania by giving them awards with relevant lyrics from the chart-topping songs.

April 10-16 National Library Week. Book this week for reading.
There are 117,000 libraries in the U.S. with approximately 400,000 library workers, according to the American Library Association, so you won’t have any trouble finding a library or a librarian to celebrate with this week. Celebrate books, reading, and authors. Also praise librarians and all the people who help get books into readers’ hands.

April 12 Walk on your wild side day. Not just for lions and tigers and bears … oh my.
Whether it’s a country- style square dance or a glamorous gala, theme parties can be a blast. Organize an event that gathers people together in a jungle-style atmosphere. Animal prints and bright colors can get people in a wild mood.

April 22 Earth day. Mother Earth needs your love. Celebrated every year on April 22, today is a good day for you to get involved with helping the environment. Look for globe-inspired products to give out in the community or consider using promotional products manufactured from recycled materials.

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May

National Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month
National Physical Education and Sports Month
Mental Health Month
Better Hearing and Speech Month
Better Sleep Month
National Photo Month
Older Americans Month

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month  According to the 2000 Census, there are more than 14 million Americans who identify themselves as being of Asian or Pacific Islander decent. And, percentage-wise, they make up the fastest-growing ethnic group in the U.S. Use this week to celebrate the culture and many contributions of Asians to American society.

May 1 Lei Day  In most of the world it’s May Day, but in Hawaii it’s Lei Day. Join in the state’s tradition by throwing a luau for customers or employees (complete with flower leis, of course).

May 5 Cinco de Mayo  A Mexican holiday that celebrates the day a Mexican army defeated French troops at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, Cinco de Mayo has recently become a popular day to celebrate in the U.S. as well. The tie-in for bars, restaurants and nightclubs is obvious, but any business can celebrate by throwing a fiesta.

May 6 The Martians Are Coming Day  Today recognizes our continuing fascination with outer space. Held on Orson Welles’ birthday to commemorate his famous radio broadcast of War of the Worlds to unsuspecting listeners, today is a great day for space-themed promotions. In this age of information overload, it can also be used as a way for schools, libraries, newspapers, etc., to remind people not to always believe what they see (or hear).

May 6-12 Nurses Week  In addition to medical schools, hospitals and doctor’s offices, other businesses can show honor and appreciation for our seemingly tireless men and women in white. Your promotional consultant has access to thousands of medical-themed products that can fit the occasion.

May 11 Eat What You Want Day  Swimsuit season is still a few weeks away, so why not help people indulge their cravings for just this one day. You’ll find all kinds of promotional foods that satisfy, such as chocolate and other candy; potato chips and snacks; steaks; cookies, cakes and pies… you get the idea.

May 13 Mothers' Day  Chances are many of your employees, clients, vendors, volunteers, donors and other key members of your team are mothers.  Of course this is a great time to sell apparel and accessories with a traditional Mother’s Day sale.  It’s also the perfect opportunity to honor the mother’s on your team. 

May 19 Armed Forces Day  A day to salute sharply to all of the men and women in all branches of the service who protect our country and you. They can be called upon at a moment's notice to perform a risky and perilous mission for freedom and country. They train diligently both physically and mentally so they will be prepared to prevail in any mission they face.  

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June

Adopt-A-Cat Month

Cancer in the Sun Month

Fireworks Safety Month

National Dairy Month

National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Monthongress.

June 17 Fathers' Day.  Inaugurated in the early 20th century to complement Mother's Day in celebrating fatherhood and parenting by males, and to honor and commemorate fathers and forefathers. Father's Day is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide, and typically involves gift-giving to fathers and family-oriented activities.

June 18-24 Take Your Pet To Work Week. Help build employee loyalty and morale by allowing employees to bring in their beloved Fido or Fifi. Promotional items such as pet placemats, blankets, leashes and cleanup bags can help keep the workplace clean and orderly, while food bowls, toys or T-shirts – for pet or owner – will give them something to remember the day.

June 18 National Splurge Day. Go a bit overboard and reward your best employees or customers today with luxury items such as watches, pens, collectibles, electronic equipment, gourmet food or executive toys. Of course, less expensive things can be considered indulgences as well – like chocolate treats, bottles of wine, bath products, flavored teas & coffee, etc.

June 19 World Juggling Day. Traditionally, today’s a day that recognizes the skill of juggling and encourages everyone to give it a try, but why not take the idea a little further? Recognize working moms and dads for juggling the demands of business and family, or top employees for juggling various aspects of their jobs. Logoed balls or juggling sets could complete the theme.

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July

National Ice Cream Month

National Blueberries Month

National Purposeful Parenting Month

National Recreation and Parks Month

National Tennis Month

Cell Phone Courtesy Month. OK, maybe the majority of cell phone users aren’t rude, but it sure seems that way sometimes. You can “shush” them as loudly or politely as you please with bumper stickers, pins, hats, keytags, mugs or other logoed items. Ideal for theaters, restaurants, local governments, churches, schools – just about anyone who might want to warn or “suggest” that cell phone use is discouraged.

July 1 “I Forgot” Day. In today’s fast-paced environment, it’s easier than ever for things to slip the mind. Luckily, there are calendars, electronic organizers, dry-erase boards, memo pads, magnets, memo recorders and other products to jump-start the brain. It’s also a good day for you and your promotional consultant to reach out to overlooked clients or contacts.

July 3-August 1: Dog Days. The title “Dog Days” refers to Sirius, a.k.a. the Dog Star, which ancient people believed was responsible for the high temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere. They also believed the heat negatively affected people, animals and even the earth and sea. Try a lighter approach with a dog-themed promotion, or help people beat the heat with personal fans, caps and hats, beachwear, waterbottles and ice packs.

July 4 United States of America Independence Day.  Commonly known as "the Fourth of July" or "July Fourth") is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, beer, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Fireworks have been associated with the Fourth of July since 1777.

July 13 Embrace Your Geekness Day. With the near-ubiquity of computers and people using the Internet, we’re convinced more than ever that there’s a little bit of geekiness in everyone (some more than others, of course). So even if your clients or employees aren’t the embodiment of geek chic, use today to play up the geeky side of things. Give out pocket protectors, rulers, goofy stressballs for a fun, left-of-center promotion. We’re not sure what the difference is, but on a related note, July 15 is Be A Dork Day.

July 20 Moon Day. Held in commemoration of Neil Armstrong’s historic moonwalk more than 30 years ago, Moon Day lends itself to all sorts of promotional capacities. Just about any company can try a lunar theme or use the day to recognize stellar achievements.

July 3: Paperback Books Introduced, Anniversary. The first modern paperback, Ariel by Andre Maurois, was published on this day in 1935. Schools, libraries, bookstores, malls, community centers and others can commemorate the printing by doing something special for readers. Bookmarks, bookends and bookstands are just a few available book-related items that can carry your message.

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August

Harvest Month

Family Eye Care Month
Foot Health Month
International Air Travel Month
National Child Support Enforcement Month
National Golf Month
National Parks Month
National Water Quality Month

Admit You’re Happy Month. C’mon – it’s warm out; the sun’s shining; and there’s a beach just calling your name. Aren’t you just a little bit happy? OK, even if you’re not, you can use this month to spread joy to others. Consider promotions for employee or customer appreciation, or try incorporating fun or inspirational products. And, for those who don’t like summer, hang in there: August 6 is the Halfway Point of Summer. So, at least you can be happy that it’s half over!

Children’s Eye Health And Safety Month.  Annually, more than 11,000 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for eye injuries caused by toys or sporting equipment. Day care centers, eye doctors, hospitals, retail shops, sporting teams and others can help reduce injuries by making kids and their parents aware of the dangers.

Family Fun Month. Lots of adults take a vacation in August when kids are home from school, so it’s the perfect time to concentrate on family fun. Businesses can hold special family-focused events such as barbecues, beach parties, carnivals, company picnics, etc. Resorts, amusement parks, museums and historical sites can also benefit by promoting a family-friendly atmosphere.

August 6 National Fresh Breath Day. Now, this is a holiday that’s worth promoting. Use promotional gum, mints, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc., to help make the world a nicer, sweeter-smelling place.

August 15 National Relaxation Day. Soothing eye masks, spa gift sets, white-noise players, bubble bath, picnic sets, scented candles, manicure/pedicure sets, beach towels … these are just a few of the products your promotional consultant can help you find so recipients have a more relaxing day. Reward workers by scheduling a retreat, or just allow them some extra time for a low-key picnic or extra-long lunch break.

August 19 National Aviation Day. Acknowledge the birthday of famed aviator Orville Wright (Dayton, OH, in 1871) by using airplane-themed products or promotions today. Keytags, radios, stuffed toys, clocks, hats, model kits, photo frames, pens and banks are just a few of the plane-inspired products available through your promotional consultant.

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September

National Literacy Month

Read-A-New-Book Month
Library Card Sign-Up Month
Baby Safety Month
National Sight Saving Month
Emergency Care Month
National Cholesterol Education and Awareness Month
Organic Harvest Month
Latino Heritage Month
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!
National School Success Month
Self-Improvement Month
Women of Achievement Month
Autumn Month
Classical Music Month
National Piano Month
Making the Case for Music Education
National Courtesy Month

Be Kind To Editors And Writers Month. Always one of our favorite months, “Be Kind To Editors And Writers Month” gives you the chance to show your appreciation to writers employed by your company or ones that help your business. Think stylish pens or pencils, notepads, desk accessories and more.

Fall Hat Month. Time to put away those sun visors and dig out something a little more sturdy. Try outfitting employees with felt or fabric hats in rich fall colors, or have a contest for best hat. Over 16,000 different hat styles are available so it shouldn't be hard to find one for every one!

September 1-7 National Childhood Injury Prevention Week. Each year, 20.6 million children are injured, with 22,000 of them dying from injury and 60,000 becoming permanently disabled. And these injuries rack up $347 billion in health care bills. The “As Safe As Possible Campaign” claims that 90% of unintentional injuries are preventable through proper education, simple detection and correction, so each year it sponsors National Childhood Injury Prevention Week. You can help your customers and employees reduce unintentional childhood injuries through educational materials and safety devices, such as reflectors, swim rings, bath-temperature gauges, electrical outlet covers and more.

September 3 Labor Day.  Celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States since the 1880s, the form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families.  Sounds like a day of rest and a party!  Take your pick of employee recognition promotional products to strenghten your team. 

September 6 Do It! Day (aka Fight Procrastination Day). Have a project that you just haven’t had the inspiration to start? How about vows of getting holiday shopping done early? No matter what you’re putting off, today’s the perfect day to get started. Help employees and customers do the same with funny or inspirational products.

September 19 Talk Like A Pirate Day. Ever since the hit movie Pirates of the Caribbean, it seems that pirates are enjoying a newfound popularity. Capitalize on it by planning a fun event featuring pirate-themed items like eye patches or plush parrots. Or how about a talk like a pirate contest where the winners get their own skull-and-crossbones foam hat or, even better, a treasure of gold-foil-covered chocolate coins?

September 22 American Business Women’s Day.   As more women are added to the labor force, their share will approach that of men. In 2008, women will make up about 48 percent of the labor force and men 52 percent. In 1988, the respective shares were 45 and 55 percent. Use today to celebrate the history of working women and the contributions they’ve made.

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October

Computer Learning Month

Museum Month
Fire Prevention Month
Diversity Awareness Month
Child Health Month
Crime Prevention Month
Campaign for Healthier Babies Month
Consumer Information Month
Family Health Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Energy Awareness Month
Month of the Young Adolescent
Hunger Awareness Month
Mental Illness Awareness Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Dental Hygiene Month
National Adopt-A-Shelter-Animal Month
National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month
National UNICEF Month
National Youth Against Tobacco Month
Stamp Collecting Month
Vegetarian Awareness Month
Family History Month
International Book Fair Month
Lupus Awareness Month
National AIDS Awareness Month
National Depression Education and Awareness Month
National Health Care Food Service Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Book Month. October is a month when schools, clubs, associations and others work to encourage everyone to read. Your business or organization can participate too. Try giving out logoed items like bookmarks, book lights, book covers … you’ll even find many books available through your promotional consultant.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women and one in eight women will develop it in her lifetime. A small percentage of men are diagnosed with the disease as well. But thanks to growing awareness, death rates for women with the disease dropped 2.3% per year during 1990-2000. Help more people learn about breast cancer prevention and treatment by doing what you can to generate awareness. More than 350 cancer-awareness products are available to help you spread the word.

National Crime Prevention Month. More than 25 million Americans are victims of crime every year. You can help reduce crime by giving away logoed safety items like flashlights, whistles, educational story and coloring books for children, ID kits and more.

Self-Promotion Month. Need a reason to toot your own horn? Well here it is. October is set aside for self-promotion. Let's put a plan together to let the rest of the world know how wonderful your business is and find ways to celebrate everyone on your team who makes it possible.

October 5 Larry Fine, Birthday. The Three Stooges still has a hugh fan base. If your employees or clients are enthusiasts, today’s a good day to celebrate. The Stooges’ mishaps could work as a lighthearted start to a serious safety program, or serve as an inspiration for fun and unique awards.

October 29 Internet Created, Anniversary. In 1969, a computer at UCLA was connected with one at the Stanford Research Institute, which was the beginning of ARPANET and the foundation of the Internet as we know it today. By the end of 1969, four sites were connected; by 1970, 10 sites; and, by 1973, the number of estimated users grew to 2,000. Help acknowledge the great learning and communications tool with a computer-themed promotion, using products like screen sweeps, mousepads, wrist rests and more.

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November

National American Indian Heritage Month

Child Safety and Protection Month
Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Good Nutrition Month
International Creative Child and Adult Month
National Alzheimer's Disease Month
National Adoption Month
National Epilepsy Month
National Hospice Month
National Stamp Collecting Month
National Christmas Seal Month
National Family Caregivers Month

Aviation History Month   Joseph Michel and Jacques Etienne Montgolfier, brothers from Annonay, France, first began aeronautical experiments in November 1782. Their (then considered) crackpot ideas and inventions led to the creation of the hot air balloon. Anyone with an inventive spirit can appreciate this day. And custom paper planes, bomber jackets and an incentive program offering free or discounted flights are likely to get any promotion air time.

National Diabetes Month   According to the American Diabetes Association there are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes.  While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.   Work with health care providers, employers and community groups to promote awareness, prevention, treatment and research.

Peanut Butter Lovers' Month   According to Skippy's, 75% of American families bought peanut butter last year. Thought it's seen as a kids' food, adults actually consume more of it. Celebrate this fun food with schools, cooks and peanut-butter and jelly makers - but include information about allergies and an alternative like peanut-free almond butter.

Celebrate Empty Nester Month Parents are often (though not always) sad to see their kids move out. On the bright side, empty nesters have the opportunity to reconnect with each other and enjoy newfound time and financial resources. Celebrate the month with travel agents, hotels, vacation destinations, real estate agents and home-improvement centers.

November 4 Anniversary of King Tut's Tomb Discovery   On this day in 1922 an expedition led by Howard Carter in Luxor, Egypt, uncovered the 3,000-year-old tomb of Egypt's child king Tutankhamen. The relics from the tomb are now held in Egypt's National Museum in Cairo, though some of the tomb's treasures are touring U.S. museums throughout 2007. Partner with a school to promote an activity that allows children to be amateur archaeologists. Storage bins, magnifying glasses and journals to keep track of their findings would be products worth discovering.

November 4 Sadie Hawkins Day Sadie Hawkins Day offers an opportunity for girls and women to ask out the guys they like instead of waiting for an invite. While probably not as wild a concept as it was when introduced in the 1930s in the comic strip Li'lAbner, it's still a fun idea. Tie the day in with a school dance, a speed-dating party, an online event or a bachelor auction for charity.

November 7 Edmund Halley: 350 th Birth Anniversary   The guy who identified what's now known as Halley's Comet is a regularly returning celestial body was a mathematician and the Astronomer Royal in England from 1721-42. In honor of his birthday, organize some star-gazing - either out in the field, in a planetarium or maybe even in Hollywood.

November 13 National Gingerbread House Competition This culinary competition draws an estimated attendance of 500 people, but there will be many others making gingerbread houses nationwide this holiday season. To keep people from eating the building blocks for their architectural masterpiece, provide candy with your company's logo on it.  And gingerbread homemakers won't want to look sloppy once they've finished their project, so offer logoed aprons to help them look their best.

November 16 Great American Smokeout   Annual event sponsored by the American Cancer Society to help smokers quit cigarettes for at least one day, in hopes they will quit forever.  This is a great opportunity to promote or begin a company health campaign and take advantage of the resources provided by the American Cancer Society.  Reward employees who commit to taking the Great American Smokeout challenge and create a supportive environment for participants. 

November 18, 1789 Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre's Birthday Daguerre invented the daguerrotype, the first photographic process to fix a permanent picture. It's tough to imagine life without cameras to keep our memories close at hand. So celebrate Daguerre's birthday and the wonders of the modern world with disposable cameras, frames and albums branded with your corporate message. Don't forget digital frames and digital album keychains.

November 23 Thanksgiving Day  For many people, this is the only holiday that gets us two days off - and that's something to be thankful for!  Thanksgiving and the Friday after is observed as a holida in most states.  It's a time for promoting food drives, parades, football and shopping - but there are so many other things to be thankful for too. This is a great time to send out Thanksgiving Day cards to your customers, employees, vendors and anyone else who has contributed to your success.

November 19-25 National Game and Puzzle Week   It's tough to get families together for a board game night. But family togetherness is most important around the holidays, so give them an extra incentive by organizing an event with free food and prizes. Think about how much fun both kids and adults would have putting together a puzzle that depicts your company logo or message. Scorecards, pens, pencils and seat cushions will get the dice rolling too.

November 21 Hetty Green's Birthday On this day in 1835, Hetty Green was born in New Bedford, MA. Henrietta Howland Robinson Green was reported to have been the richest woman in America, when as a financier, she managed her own wealth of $100 million. The Small Business Administration finds that women-owned businesses account for 28% of all privately owned businesses, and they employ 9.2 million people. Celebrate this day by honoring the women you work with and do business with. 

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December

Winter Month

National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month
National Closed Caption TV Month
Read a New Book Month
Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Universal Human Rights Month

December 1-31 Bingo's Birthday Month It's not just a fun word to say. The game of bingo has been around since 1929. Invented by Edwin S. Lowe, bingo is now a $5 billion-a-year charitable fundraising activity. Help sponsor a bingo event and provide visors, T-shirts and other items to get the fun started.

December 4 Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day   We don't want to hear any excuses. Every company should celebrate this day. There are countless ways to recognize business teams that work well together to produce fabulous results for their organization. Try providing disposable cameras so employees can take snapshots during the company's celebration. Once the pictures are developed, choose the best shots and turn each into a self-inking stamp. Now, that makes a lasting impression.

December 5, 1933 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution Ratified Imagine a world without alcohol ... well, you don't have to. The 18th Amendment, Prohibition, stopped the manufacture, sale and transportation of all intoxicating liquor. The 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition, and alcohol flowed freely once again. Wine gift baskets, gourmet beer samples, bar-tool kits, keychain bottle openers and coolers are must haves to celebrate this day. Nobody under 21 allowed.

December 9  National Horse Day The horse industry contributes $112 billion annually to the American economy. Think about how many horse farms, owners, trainers and caregivers are out there. Brushes, blankets and saddles will keep their ponies prim and proper. And horseshoe-shaped jewelry will make a lucky lady equestrian happy.

December 14 South Pole Discovery 95th Anniversary On this day in 1911, Roald Amundsen, four companions and 52 sled dogs first visited the South Pole. We're getting chilly just thinking about it. Warm employees up to the idea of celebrating this day with hot cocoa, tea and imprinted mugs, hats and gloves.

December 25 Christmas Day Christmas is an annual holiday that marks the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Christmas celebrations often combine the marking of Jesus' birth with various other traditions and customs, many of which were influenced by ancient winter festivals. Christmas traditions include the display of Nativity scenes, Holly and Christmas trees, the exchange of gifts and cards, and the arrival of Father Christmas (Santa Claus) on Christmas Eve. Popular Christmas themes include the promotion of goodwill, giving, compassion, and quality family time.  It is preceded by Christmas Eve on December 24, and in some countries is followed by Boxing Day on December 26. The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Christmas on January 6, while some Eastern Orthodox Churches (old rite or old style Orthodox) celebrate Christmas on January 7, the date on the Gregorian calendar which corresponds to 25 December on the Julian Calendar. The date as a birthdate for Jesus is merely traditional, and is not widely considered to be his actual date of birth.

December 29 William Ewart Gladstone's Birthday This English statesman and author was notorious enough to have the Gladstone-style travel bag named after him. He also served four terms as Britain's prime minister. Use luggage, luggage tags and totebags and your promotion will be in the bag on this day.

December 31 New Year's Eve Light-up cups, glow sticks, funky hats, blinking buttons, shot glasses, cocktail napkins, serving trays, noisemakers ... need we go on? Partyers will be pumped over any promotional product handed out on this fun-filled night to welcome the New Year.

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