Stuff We Love: Distributors Share Favorite New Finds From The PPAI Expo

Renee Holmes
Sales Coordinator
Brand Fuel
PPAI 277900, D8
Raleigh, North Carolina

Holmes says her favorite new find overall is the Made Free line of sustainable bags and backpacks.

“Every purchase supports a day of freedom from slavery and poverty through a self-sustaining job, and they apply a custom hang tag on every item stating how many days of freedom were provided from that purchase. I love it when we can make our dollars count, the money goes towards causes I can get behind and the impact is measurable.”

She’s also pleased that the company is based in her home state of North Carolina.

“Their mission is quite impressive, and their bags are, too. It was hard to narrow down exactly which single piece was my favorite, but the Urban Pack Mini AW is just the right size, is available in some great colors, and even has a fun surprise striped lining inside and leather accents, details that we find in higher-end bags. Did I mention the color? Love!?”

Made from durable, weather-resistant, 100% recycled polyester and the finest eco-friendly, vegetable tanned, biodegradable leather, the Urban Pack Mini AW (shown in mustard) features plenty of pockets and features, like the padded back, bottom and straps for comfort; a leather-trimmed, padded 13-inch laptop compartment; and an inside water bottle pocket.

Made Free / PPAI 825553, S0

Holmes says she wants to present something new and unique to her clients, so the custom wood-covered journals from Woodchuck USA, based in Minnesota, caught her eye.

“I can’t wait to present the Spiral Journals from Woodchuck USA to clients. They can select the wood type that would coordinate best with their brand, like cedar or mahogany, and choose between lined, dotted or grid paper fill.”

The journals are handcrafted in the USA from sustainable wood, and they check that environmental stewardship box many clients are looking for. “This sustainable brand will plant a tree for every product sold, falling in line with its vision to create a world more connected to nature, and you will even get the custom coordinates to where your tree lives. I love everything about this!”

Every Spiral Journal is designed and handmade with care in St. Paul, Minnesota, and one tree is planted for every journal sold. Customize with a pre-designed cover or your own design on your choice of five woods (cedar shown) for the cover, with lined, dotted grid or blank paper inside. Durable steel wire binding holds it all together. Custom inserts and pages available on large quantity orders.

Woodchuck USA / PPAI 814983, S5

For herself, Holmes wants this colorful new water bottle.

“Ask anyone at Brand Fuel and they will tell you that I’m the drinkware gal, so of course, I want to try out an EcoVessel The Summit water bottle in the Floral Puff colorway! The color gradient alone gave me heart eyes, and a straw is a must for me, so I’m digging the flip spout for tilt-free drinking.”

EcoVessel donates 5% from all orders to environmental nonprofits, including 1% For The Planet. “It checks all the boxes,” says Holmes.

Stay hydrated with one-handed, tilt-free drinking with The Summit water bottle with straw. Its ergonomic shape makes it easy to grip, and its TriMax triple insulation means drinks will stay cold up to 36 hours. Made without BPA and phthalates, and the materials are recyclable. Available in eight colorways (floral puff and coral sands shown), the 24-oz. stainless steel water bottle fits in most cup holders.

EcoVessel / PPAI 714780, S2

Drew Davis
Owner & Sales
Specialty Incentives
PPAI 104275, D8
Denver, Colorado

For himself, Davis wants this water bottle with lantern lid.

The sturdy, BPA-free water Cosmic Campground 27-oz. Tritan COB Lantern Bottle features a striped lid (four colors available) with integrated LED lighting that works as both an exterior flashlight and an interior lantern. It stays lit for eight hours and comes with a micro USB cable for recharging the battery.

Koozie Group / PPAI 114187, S13

He also liked the DuoSphere Wireless Speakers, a pair of portable speakers with a charging base. “These are cool and compact with good sound,” Davis says, and each speaker is brandable for double the impact.

HPG / PPAI 110772, S11

Davis and his team are looking forward to presenting these three products to clients: 

The IprintIt Portable Wireless Phone Printer easily connects to phone or device via Bluetooth to wirelessly print black-and-white photos, notes, labels and more. “For my clients in hospitality and events, I think this is the perfect giveaway,” Davis says. “It can also be turned into a fun group activity, like a scavenger hunt.” A roll of thermal paper and thermal sticker paper are included, and the printer is compatible with all major phone brands. Its battery provides four hours of continuous use, and a charging cable is included.

PCNA / PPAI 113079, S15

“I have several clients I’m excited to get this in front of, especially sports and concert venues like Red Rocks,” Davis says about this Layered Wood Ornament. Multiple layers of custom cut, all-natural birch wood are finished with a clear acrylic cover, and a pop of glitter on the inside creates a playful sparkle effect. The layers can be laser-engraved or stained to match your client’s brand or message.

HPG / PPAI 110772, S11

Davis and his team are also fans of the Topo Designs Daypack and Rover Pack (shown) 15-inch laptop backpacks. “Super on trend, love the color options and design,” he says. “Great for new hires and event confirmation kits, like President’s Club.” Both are made of durable recycled nylon and feature tons of pockets for storage, as well as an internal laptop sleeve.

PCNA / PPAI 113079, S15