Nick Augustine
Branded Solutions Specialist
Innovative Office Solutions
PPAI 102575, Silver
Burnsville, Minnesota
The holidays are rapidly approaching, which means corporate gifting is in full swing. A high-quality and thoughtfully designed product makes receivers feel important, valued and appreciated. But luxury doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank. Items made of high-quality materials with minimalistic or timeless designs can create a feeling of comfort and elegance.
One of Augustine’s go-to items is the Daybreak Wool-Like Shirt Jacket, which comes in women’s and men’s versions and timeless color options. “This piece is going to be a part of my wardrobe and proposals to clients looking for a nicer outerwear piece,” Augustine says. “It’s fashion forward and less corporate than other options but is more distinctive than a quarter zip.”
Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold / stormcreek.com
Another recommendation from Augustine that is ideal for the office is the Mira Backpack, which has a 100% recycled nylon quilted exterior with plenty of internal pockets, a laptop sleeve and trolley sleeve. The default branding is a brand patch on the front of the bag, and you can get anywhere from 25-500 bags in an order. “This is gaining a lot of excitement from the people who have seen it because it has that retail, luxury feel to it for a decent price,” Augustine says.
Spector & Co. / PPAI 168328, Gold / spectorandco.com
Tech gifts like portable chargers can be great for travel or in a pinch at work, while items like speakers are perfect for entertaining at home.
One product Augustine is hoping to try soon is the iLive Indoor and Outdoor Bluetooth Solar Speakers. These speakers come in pairs of two with removable stakes so they can be used outside or indoors. “I would really like to try these out and see how the tech performs in a real outdoor setting,” says Augustine, a self-described lover of music and entertaining.
They feature 360-degree sound, which creates something more experiential than most Bluetooth speakers. They also have a battery life of around 20 hours at 50% volume, making them perfect for longer get-togethers.
Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum / gemline.com
Another tech gift that Augustine recommends is the SILKEN Kit 15. “[This is] a premium all-in-one gift that requires a larger budget but delivers an impressive presentation and strong perceived value,” he says.
The kit is in an elevated presentation box, which includes a speaker, charger and PowerTag card. Additionally, this gift makes a difference as part of the One Tree Planted Giveback Program, adding a meaningful philanthropic element to the product.
Powerstick / PPAI 383252, Gold / powerstick.com
The MiiR Grounded Camp Cup is something Augustine uses on the daily. The Camp Cup holds 12 ounces and is perfect for keeping your office coffee warm or for cozy mornings at home. It has Thermo 3D double-wall vacuum insulation technology and won’t sweat regardless of the beverage temperature. Additionally, MiiR gives at least 1% of its revenue to nonprofit organizations.
Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum / gemline.com
The LF134 Radcliffe Stoneware Utensil Holder and Spatula Set blends elegant minimalism and function into one product. “It takes a pretty healthy budget, as these items can be expensive to ship, but landing your brand’s messaging in someone’s kitchen is always a win,” Augustine says. The utensil holder comes in an array of stylish colors, including winter-ready burgundy, evergreen and navy blue. It also features an acacia wood rotating base and utensil handles.
Spector & Co. / PPAI 168328, Gold / spectorandco.com
