campaign kickstarter: Fun and Games

Even casual fans of "The Simpsons" will recognize it as Helen Lovejoy's catchphrase—one of many quotes from the show to work its way into the vernacular and launch a thousand Internet memes—but in the promotional industry, "Won't somebody please think of the children?" is more than just fun and games. It's smart business.

See, toys, games and other children's products are a great way for brands to build goodwill with their target audience—if you make kids happy, chances are you make parents happy too. And beyond that, it's never a bad thing for a brand to associate itself with fun. So before you rush to pitch a mug or a pen for your client's next promotion, why not try one of these children's products instead?

SUNNY SIDE UP

Better Life Line's Summer Safety with Sunny the Seagull Coloring Book takes two of our favorite things—the beach and seagull-related alliteration—and combines them into one great educational product. The 16-page coloring and activity book features a word search and a jokes page, and has a 5x1.5" imprint area. For more information, visit www.betterlifeline.com.

PACK ANIMAL

Because carrying a cute baby animal with you wherever you go seems like a cool idea but is probably a PETA violation, there is the Paws N Claws Backpack from Vitronic Promotional Group. The polyester backpack comes in a variety of animal designs and has a front slip pocket, a zippered closure and a 7x3" imprint area. For more information, visit www.vitronicpromotional.com.

SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL

Illini's Baby Rattle has a 1.75" round imprint area and can hold a two-color imprint. It's great for hospitals and daycare centers, and even better for mariachi bands that misplaced their maracas. For more information, visit www.illiniline.com.

ON THE BUBBLE

TLC warned us about the grave dangers of chasing waterfalls, but they never said anything about chasing bubbles—and why would they? That's just plain fun. Have at it with the Neon 1 oz. Bubbles from WOWLine. The plastic containers come in assorted colors and have a 1.25x0.75" imprint area. For more information, visit www.wowline.com.