Pete Kmech
President
Creative Promotional Marketing Agency
PPAI 729924, Standard-Base
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Creative Promotional Marketing Agency has done some unique promotions using plants. For instance, Kmech’s team created a campaign for the Entrepreneur Organization that sparked creativity and motivated members to attend a high-profile guest speaker event. To tie into the organization’s brand promise, “Engaging leading entrepreneurs to learn and GROW,” a plant-themed gift reinforced the message in a fun and memorable way.
After emailing Entrepreneur Organization members an invitation with a unique interactive flash presentation, Kmech’s team sent a 16-oz. Planter Mug that doubled as a flowerpot for a very unique potted bean plant. The beans, laser-engraved with motivational words like “Aspire,” “Learn” and “Grow” by a now-defunct supplier called Magic Bean, revealed the brand message as they grew on the recipient’s desk. This innovative approach led to a record-breaking event attendance of 91%, exceeding the target of 80%.
“We distributed these as coffee mugs with beans in a separate container so people could plant and grow them,” Kmech says. “This ties into the association’s value of growth, which helps young entrepreneurs. The mug can also be used for coffee afterward, giving it multi-purpose value.” The 16 oz. Planter Mug can be used to grow succulents or enjoy a hot beverage – and can be paired with a live plant or seeds for a similar promo.
Gordon Sinclair / PPAI 111537, Standard-Plus / gordonsinclair.com
“There’s a growing shift toward plant products, and they make great desk items,” Kmech says. “Plus, sustainability continues to be a growing category. These creative ‘live’ products can serve as the hook to draw people in, and then you can shift the focus toward sustainability and the other benefits these items offer.”
For animal welfare nonprofit World Animal Protection’s upcoming trade shows, Kmech’s team selected 100% plantable Seed Paper Circle Coasters that sprout wildflowers when planted. “Every day, billions of animals experience unbearable suffering,” Kmech says. “We selected this product to promote their cause and help build a food system that’s humane, sustainable and fair. The coaster also uses a QR code for recipients to learn more about their cause and sustainability. Sustainability is critical for people and businesses around the world to offset their carbon footprint – and these coasters show how businesses can make sustainable choices when promoting their brands.”
Botanical Paperworks / PPAI 674278, Standard-Base / botanicalpaperworks.com
Kmech would like to use more counter or desk gardens for upcoming promos. The Terzetto Blossom Kit is a great botanic accent for the home or workspace and brings the outdoors inside. “The herbs are great for cooking, adding fresh scents, and having a plant that grows over time,” Kmech says. “Especially in the spring, people love using fresh herbs in their cooking, so I think this is a perfect direction to go in with a promo plant gift.” This scaled-down version of a window box planter comes with everything you need to grow your indoor herb garden.
Illini / PPAI 111235, Gold / illiniline.com
Chelsea Williams
Owner and CEO
Spark Branded Solutions
PPAI 793840, Professional Solver
Mount Juliet, TN
Williams created a successful Earth Day initiative for a client who wanted a budget-friendly gift for employees that could still be used after the plant was finished. She chose the Mini Campfire Mug Blossom Kit, a perfect match for the promotion.
The gift box includes a mini campfire mug planter, seed packet, coconut coir pellets and planting instructions. The mug is made of galvanized steel with a speckled carbon powder finish, mimicking classic campfire mugs. Choose from 24 seed options for a personalized gardening experience.
“The product hit the Earth Day theme and encouraged recipients to plant and grow their kit,” Williams says. “Plus, recipients kept the mini mug and used it for espresso long after the plant was gone. These kits also had a great give-back component the client and recipients felt good about, with a tree donated to One Tree Planted for every kit we ordered.”
Illini / PPAI 111235, Gold / illiniline.com
As a go-to promo plant gift, Williams is a fan of the Modern Sprout Glow & Grow Live Well Gift Set. This unique set starts as a soy-blend candle in a stylish ceramic holder. Once the candle has burned down, the holder transforms into a planter, complete with a kit for growing basil, aloe, or daisies.
“I love how it’s multi-functional,” Williams says. “After you’ve enjoyed the candle, you can use the same container to grow something fresh. The basil kit is my personal favorite — I’m always excited to have fresh herbs on hand for cooking.”
Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum / gemline.com
Williams says plant gifts are great for appreciation and welcome kits, so she’s looking forward to using an attractively packaged plant in a Large Mason Grey pot. “The pot is made from 100% GRS-certified post-consumer recycled plastics in a carbon-neutral facility,” she says. “You can choose your plant type from several options, and the packaging is incredible.”
These pots offer a durable, no-bend structure with a sleek satin finish, exuding a premium feel. To further personalize your client’s gift, select from various plants to suit your brand or audience, such as snake plants, jade plants, Bella palms, money trees, or Norfolk pines.
Desk Plants / PPAI 797124, Standard-Plus / deskplants.com
