As design becomes more a part of the everyday shopping experience – for example, look at Target’s association with Philippe Starck and Michael Graves or Kmart’s Martha Stewart line – consumers have developed an aesthetic eye for unique touches and quality materials.

In response to this newfound fascination with form and function, promotional products suppliers have refocused their efforts on cutting-edge design, showcasing items that reflect this burgeoning trend. Everything from calculators and desk accessories to wearables and totebags have been re-imagined and recast, creating an array of choices that appeal to even the most artistically-inclined target audiences. In fact, one manufacturer we know recently signed on with New York’s Museum of Modern Art to create a line of upscale gift items for the MoMA Store.

The upshot of all this? You don’t have to look hard to find imaginatively designed products. In virtually every catalog in our library there are a few items that stand out, and some of the factories we work with have pushed design to the forefront, making it the driving force of their business. And this greatly affects perceived value. Unique designs and materials increase the “Wow” factor of promotional products, making them (and your logo or message) stand out from the crowd.

So the next time you’re in search of an item with real impact, zero in on products that incorporate unique designs, materials, or features. You’ll be amazed at how far we’ve come and how many options you have to select an “object of desire” that will resonate with your employees, clients, prospects, etc.