If you’re running for your life and you trip, your car doesn’t start and there’s absolutely no service, you’re probably in a horror movie – starring you.

Can you survive the night? Some do’s and don’ts to surviving a horror movie are no-brainers. For example, never move into an old house or bring home a creepy doll.

But true horror fans know the simplest things can go wrong. That’s where promo comes in. While a weapon may be hard to come by, everyday products can really save you in emergency situations. Here are five tips to surviving a horror movie with promo.

Skip The Party

There’s a full moon, and you get invited to a party. Should you go? Absolutely not. You’ve seen Scream (1996) or even Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022). Avoid all dances, too. Think Carrie (1976). Enjoy a night in and lock all the doors and windows.

Amber Sanderford, owner of Mississippi-based distributor Miss Printing, says if she was in a horror movie, she’d want a blanket, headphones and a power bank. “I mean, if I am going to die anyway, I might as well go out watching something.”

This Chelsea throw blanket adds instant luxury and comfort to any room. The classic throw is made from soft premium knitted yarn and has a silky finish. It’s perfect for curling up with good book or movie.

Towel Specialties / PPAI 113150, S7 / www.towelspecialties.com

Keep your snacks close with this charcuterie board. This board includes a block of your choice of natural or shelf stable cheese with a bevy of delicious treats to satisfy at any snack time. It all comes packed with a bamboo cutting board that’s fire branded with your client’s logo.

Maple Ridge Farms, Inc. / PPAI 114165, S8 / www.mapleridge.com

Avoid Showers

When you’re getting ready for bed, don’t jump in the shower. If you’ve seen Psycho (1960) or The Invisible Man (2020), you know there’s always someone sneaking up on you. Take a bath instead.

 

This four-piece spa kit includes a pumice stone, wood nail brush, sisal sponge and loofah in a wooden box.

Logomark, Inc. / PPAI 110898, S11 / www.logomark.com

 

This Good Vibes bath bomb set includes three bath bombs: Good Karma (Musk), Tie Dye (Patchouli) and Groovy (Sandalwood). They are packaged in a Kraft box tied with a black fabric ribbon with white stitched edging. This kit is a fun gift for employees, customers and holidays.

GroLine / PPAI 111079, S3 / www.thegroline.com

Ignore Strange Noises

You’re laying in bed, and you hear a noise – a floorboard creaks or door slams shut. Or worse, someone whispers your name in the dead of night like in Nightmare On Elm Street (1984). Do not investigate. Turn some music on and go to sleep.

Sleep restfully and wake up energized with the Zenergy Sunrise bedside alarm clock. Wake up naturally with simulated sunrise. Enjoy soothing, nature and white noise sounds designed to help the mind and body relax. A specially designed sound program reduces volume as you fall asleep. Recipients can stream music wirelessly through Bluetooth and charge their devices through the USB port.

Hirsch / PPAI 221823, S10 / www.hirschpromo.com

Take Care Of Your Car

You make it to your car with the psycho killer on your heels. But of course, your car doesn’t start. Do you get out and fix it or make a run for it?

 

This Roadway Handy Multi Tool is perfect for any roadside emergency. Store this multi-tool in your glove compartment to keep on hand. It includes a knife blade, bottle opener, scissors, standard screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver with wrench, built-in emergency seat belt cutter, and window breaker. There’s a steady on and blinking LED light with red light ring. The light zooms in and out to control size of beam.

Ariel Premium Supply, Inc. / PPAI 161650, S11 / ArielPremium.com

The Lumina Jump Starter high-capacity power bank with a powerful battery, capable of boosting car, motorcycle, or other recreational vehicle engines. The dual USB ports can be used simultaneously to charge devices. It’s equipped with a light for roadside emergencies. The kit includes jumper cable clamps, micro-USB cable, AC adapter, car adapter and user manual, all conveniently housed in a sleek black case. Spend four to five hours charging before leaving home.

Starline USA / PPAI 112719, S10 / www.starline.com

Keep Your Phone Charged

You’ve decided to make a run for it. You’re running through the dark woods using your phone’s flashlight. But this was a fatal flaw. The light is draining your battery. Luckily, you brought your power bank. Congrats! You’ve made it to the sequel.

 

This five-in-one wireless power bank is a life saver. It can charge multiple devices at one time with ample power left over. It can also wirelessly power devices on top of the power bank.

Hit Promotional Products / PPAI 113910, S13 / www.hitpromo.net

Why Horror Is Popular

In 2020, horror made history, bringing in the largest share of the box office. Now, the genre has only become more popular. Promo pros should tap into the scary popularity of horror.

Paramount’s Smile had the year’s most successful second weekend, cashing in on word of mouth and a unique viral campaign. Creative marketing strategies like pop-up ‘Smilers,’ or actors randomly smiling in the background of live broadcasts, creeped out fans while sparking interest.

Seeking out terror-inducing films seems nonsensical, but it can be soothing. In 2020, anxiety rose sharply among Americans, according to the American Psychiatric Association. They worried about keeping their families safe (80%), COVID-19 (75%), gun violence (73%) and the presidential election (72%). As anxiety grew, so did horror’s popularity.

Ironically, some anxious people use horror to deal with their anxiety. For those who suffer from anxiety, horror offers an outlet and a sense of control. Lack of control is a trigger for anxiety, but when you’re watching a horror movie, you’re in control: You can adjust the volume or turn on the lights.

Horror is also a way for us to learn. Seeing our fears facing us on the screen teaches us how to survive.

One thing’s for sure: we can’t survive without promo.

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