Sometimes we get overly excited about promotional products at Idea Custom Solutions. We know the specialty advertising industry helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) market their goods and services in a unique, cost-effective way. Plus, we recognize promotional products are a marketing approach that is influenced by what is going on in branding and technology, as well as trends in fashion, sports and recreation.

But when it comes to the summer season, the driving forces for product selection tend to be good old fashioned fun in the sun, as well as events that we attend as both consumers and businesspeople. With that in mind, here are two categories to consider when proposing promotions to clients and prospects to boost their business.

Play: Outdoor Items

It wasn't long after the Frisbee was invented that this recreational wonder became a favorite of children and adults all over the world. The 60-year old toy, first marketed by Wham-O, comes in countless colors and designs and retails starting at under $10.

It is not surprising the Frisbee and other flying discs have become a staple for SMBs that want to encourage their customers’ playful side. This easily brand-able giveaway is a great way for any organization to display its logo prominently. Along with Frisbees, plenty of other summer specialties from flip-flops, to beach towels and protective sun hats have become popular with SMBs.

Speaking of summer, we all know that warm weather presents the opportunity to eat and cook outdoors. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA), "practically everyone" in the U.S. barbecues. Specifically, the HPBA says 75% of all households have an outdoor grill and, according to CNN, 87% of Americans are planning to fire up the grill over the upcoming July 4th holiday — grilling's most prominent day of the year.

As such, there's also a big appetite for barbecue supplies and picnic items, both among SMBs and the customers that receive their specialty advertising giveaways.

Work: Trade Show Specialties

While summer might mean outdoor recreation, it also means trade shows and conventions. Throughout the year, cities all across North America host attendees interested in everything from automobiles and boats to farm equipment and heavy machinery. The calendar is packed with trade shows between spring and fall every year.

There's also big business in conventions dedicated to pastimes and hobbies. In early June, Philadelphia hosted Wizard World Comic Con — just one of the various comic book conventions out there. Some of the freebies available for attendees included classics like totes and pens, as well as masks, comic character themed shirts and other fun items that are right up the alley of comic fans.

Not to be outdone, bookworms attending May 2016's Book Con in Chicago got their share of the goods. Here, avid readers met authors and snatched up genre-related desk toys, freebies and literature samples.

No matter who your best customers are, there is definitely something to help them promote their brands and businesses during the summer. Look to Idea Custom Solutions as your partner in the process of delivering to your SMB customers the best promotional products and branding campaigns available in 2016.