Helveticards

Helveticards says they’re, “designed with both the typophile and card player in mind. Helveticards are the beautiful, usable alternative to the traditional deck of cards”

NPG Everyday Napkins

Handmade in Portland, OR from reclaimed linen with colorful stitched edges.

Help Remedies

Even aspirin can come in well-designed packages. This Help I Have Problems Kit has you covered for stocking stuffers or just having on hand for your clumsy or hypochondriac visitors.

PeiPod Pet Pod

Is there a four-legged friend in your life with as much design sense as his or her human? Both will appreciate the clever PeiPod pet bed.

Brush Vase by Harry Allen

A stylish vase for the modern enthusiast in your life.

Of course we’d put tugo on this list as well. Simple, modern and in fun, festive colors for the holidays, we think the design aficionado on your list will enjoy showing off their good taste.

If you’re flying at some point during the remainder of 2011, be sure to pick up the copy of SkyMall in the seat pocket in front of you and flip to page 49…

Ta daaah! There is tugo, featured in the “Inventor’s Showcase” section. It’s just above shoe insoles that “keep the spring in your step and help eliminate chronic back pain” and beside health and fitness gloves that “tone upper body muscles while burning more calories.” You know, all the essentials. What else would you expect from SkyMall?!

You can also find tugo on the SkyMall website here into the new year.

SkyMall now features tugo!

• Loco Cocoa Caffeinated Hot Chocolate
• Stay Puft Marshmallows – The World’s Finest Caffeinated Marshmallows
• BioFUEL – The World’s Most Powerful CAFFEINE INFUSED Popcorn!
• A Snack In The Face Highly Caffeinated Brownies and Cookies
• Shower Shock Caffeinated Soap
• Spazzstick Caffeinated Lip Balm – The World’s First Caffeinated Lip Balm
• Bang!! Caffeinated Ice Cream
• Skin Kiss Caffeine Tights & Shapewear (they claim the effect lasts up to 5 washes)
• NRG Potato Chips
• Morning Spark Natural Energy Instant Oatmeal
• SumSeeds: Energized Sunflower Seeds
• Water Joe – Water with a Work Ethic
• Hot D Wake Up Juice – The Original Bloody Mary Energy Drink

• And our favorite: Perky Jerky – Energizing, All Natural Jerky (The turkey option is, of course, “Turkey Perky Jerky.” Love it!)

We prefer to get our buzz the old-fashioned way, but this may just be the trend of the future. What do you think? Will coffee soon be a thing of the past?

Sources:
- thinkgeek.com
– possessedbycaffeine.com
– bevuniverse.com
– mentalfloss.com
– SFWeeklyBlog

• Runway Red
• Blue Sky
• Prepare for Take-off Pink
• and of course, Basic Black

Available in our online store or from these retailers. Check out our “Why do I love my tugo?” post, too!

Here’s the next installment of our Tour of Airports feature. There are two more “C” states remaining, now that California is completed:

• Colorado: Denver International Airport (DEN, aka DIA – tugo’s home base)
  DIA is the only major airport built in the United States in the last 25 years. No wonder it seems so modern! 
  

  Photograph provided courtesy of Denver International Airport.

  The roof of the Jeppeson Terminal (above) is the airport’s signature, made of a Teflon-coated fiberglass material as thin as a credit card. It is designed to be reminiscent of the area’s snow-capped Rocky Mountains. The terminal is before security, however, so if you’re on a layover be sure to leave time to get back through if you want to check it out.
  Two fun things to do inside security are to cross the only passenger bridge in the U.S . where you can watch an airplane taxi under your feet (Concourse A, shown below) and to ride the underground train between the concourses. Take the northbound tunnel and be sure to look for the 5,280 propellers on the wall that are part of the “Kinetic Light Air Curtain.”

  

  Photograph provided courtesy of Denver International Airport.

• Connecticut: Bradley International Airport (BDL)
  BDL is located in Windsor Locks, and Wikipedia says it’s the second-busiest airport in New England after Boston’s Logan International Airport. If you have the time on a layover, take the short trip over to the New England Air Museum, where they have over 125 aircraft and one of the world’s outstanding collections of aviation artifacts. There are lots of things to do with children, including cockpit tours and flight simulators. 
  

  Photo Credit: New England Air Museum website

Next up: “D” is for Delaware, “F” is for Florida, “G” is for Georgia, and “H” is for Hawaii. Stay tuned, and in the meantime please let us know if you have a tip for an airport you frequent.

Previous:
“A” is for Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, and Arkansas
“C” is for California (all 8 of them!)

Here’s the second installment of our Tour of Airports feature. There are three “C” states to cover, but since California wins the award for the most large airports (that would be 8!) it gets its own edition:

• Burbank: Bob Hope Airport (BUR)
  Bob Hope Airport was the primary airport in LA until the end of World War II. Since then the area has grown a lot, and now the airport is modest in comparison to others nearby. The primary attraction is the proximity to downtown and the convenience the location and smaller size afford. Plus the name is more entertaining that most. 
  

  Photo credit: www.burbankairport.com

• Los Angeles: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  Well, since the Theme Building of LAX is such an iconic landmark, it makes sense that a meal at the Encounter Restaurant (online reservations available) would be a must-do when you’re there. Just be sure to allow for time to get back in since it is located outside of security. After being closed post-September 11th, the observation deck is now open on Saturdays and Sundays for a full view of the LAX area. 
  

  Photo credit: www.encounterlax.com

  Runner-up LAX activity for those of us without one at home is to jet over to the nearby In-N-Out Burger; it’s adjacent to a small park popular with plane spotters. Take the free shuttle to Economy Lot C and cross the street at 96th St. and Sepulveda Blvd.

• Oakland: Oakland International Airport (OAK)
  Oakland’s Terminal 2 actually installed art that is pleasant to look at! As part of its renovation in 2006, the piece, titled “Going Away, Coming Home” by Hung Liu is made of 160 feet of glass panels of  red-crowned cranes, which are a symbol of blessings and safe travel. Nice! 
  

  Photo credit: www.flyoakland.com

• Sacramento: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
  Sacramento’s piece, entitled “Samson,” is a fun diversion while awaiting the arrival of your bag in the baggage claim area of Terminal A. It consists of 1,400 pieces of luggage in two 23-foot stacks. 
  

  Photo credit: Stuck at the Airport blog

• San Diego: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
  Ahhh, what a great idea. San Diego’s Terminal 2 has these rocking chairs set up (near a Starbucks, please note!) for a simple yet pleasant (and seemingly forgotten about) past-time: watching the planes. Love it. 
  

  Photo credit: jaunted.com

• San Francisco: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  SFO wins the award for convenience with their “hydration station.” You can bring an empty bottle through security and then fill up on the other side at their water bottle refilling area. We can only hope this is a popular trend! 
  

  Photo credit: jaunted.com

  Those traveling with youngsters (and their fellow travelers!) will be pleased to see the “Kids’ Spot”  in Terminal 3. Children can “let off steam” at this weather-themed area before getting on the plane.

  

  Photo credit: www.flysfo.com

• San Jose: Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
  Of course Silicon Valley’s airport would have art installations with the theme “Art+Technology,” like this one located in Terminal B. Entitled “Space Observer,” it is interactive with moving parts and an “eye” that displays images from embedded cameras. 
  

  Photo credit: www.flysanjose.com

• Santa Ana: John Wayne Airport – Orange County (SNA)
  Sorry, SNA. The John Wayne Airport doesn’t have anything on DISNEYLAND. It’s only 14 miles away and it is the happiest place on earth. So if there are a few hours to kill, why not?!? 
  

  Cheesy Photo Credit: http://pirates.wikia.com/wiki/Disneyland

Next up: the remaining “C” states! Stay tuned, and in the meantime please let us know if you have a tip for an airport you frequent.

Previous: “A” is for Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, and Arkansas

Men, especially, shop in places they wouldn’t otherwise go, and will take the advice of a sales person (“Why yes, this gift DOES need this [add-on]”) if it means they can finish their shopping then and there. You want shoppers to be crossing names off their lists in your store, so make it as easy as possible for them to do so!

Here are some tips to help you through the busy time:

Make sure you are adequately staffed.
Not just enough people to work the registers, but you need people on the floor to sell to customers. If you hire part-time or temporary workers, have them at the registers while your more seasoned staff work the floor, to not only answer questions but to engage the customer and SELL. They shouldn’t be asking, “Do you have any questions?” Instead, “Whom are you shopping for?” gives a much better opportunity to give suggestions.

Make sure your staff is well trained.
Especially if you have part-time or temporary holiday help, make sure your staff is trained. Your staff should know how to handle shoplifters, and be knowledgeable about the products you carry and how to up sell. Good customer service is key at this time of year, so be sure they know they can (and will) go above and beyond to make the customer’s experience a great one.

Boxes!
Items already boxed become no-brainers because the customer can then immediately check that person off their shopping list. Stock up with products in boxes well in advance. Also make sure you have plenty of gift boxes, and don’t just ask the customer if they want a box while they are being rung up at the register. Have your staff on the floor show the customer the gift in the box so they can see what a great gift it will make. Why do you think Sears puts a screwdriver in a box during the holidays? Because once boxed, voila, all of a sudden it’s now a present.

Keep your shelves well stocked.
Keep your shelves well stocked, especially during the busy times. Small retailers usually use the slow times to re-stock the shelves, but this can make your products seem picked over during the busy times (even if you still have plenty in the back). Keep a steady stream of (small) boxes of product coming from the back to keep the shelves, well, stocked.

Here are some tips for organizing ahead of time:

Make sure the physical preparations of your retail space are organized far in advance. You should have all the decorations you might need, as well as any changes to the layout already prepared, so when it comes time to change things it can occur quickly and efficiently.

Have your advertising and marketing planned out in enough time to be sure you can meet deadlines for any publications you may want to be included in. Now is not the time to scrimp on your advertising budget!

Organize your personal life, too. Not to sound too much like your mother, but if you keep your own stress to a minimum at this busy time, it will make the season go by much more smoothly for you and everyone at the store. Less stress = more holiday spirit, and we could all use more of that. Even in August.

Sources:

Content for Reprint: Holiday Retail Tips
Microsoft Small Business: 5 Mistakes that Ruin Holiday Sales
Microsoft Small Business: Get Ready for the Holidays

INPEX (Invention and New Product Exposition) is “America’s Largest Invention Trade Show,” so of course we just had to be there to network with other inventors and meet with entrepreneurs and industry representatives last month in Pittsburgh.

The collection of exhibitors was eclectic to say the least! We met Wendy Robbins, the woman that invented the head tingler doo-dad who now has a show on TLC called “Homemade Millionaire,” heard Debbi Fields of Mrs. Field’s cookies speak about her beginnings in her kitchen, and got lots of inspiration at the Inventors University.

We are excited and proud to report that tugo took home a gold medal for “Innovative Excellence” in the Novelties/Specialty Gifts category of the INPEX Jury Awards, which are selected by an international jury panel. Winners are determined on the basis of the product’s usefulness, creativity and overall appeal. Way tugo, Karen!

INPEX judges presenting Karen Porte, tugo inventor, with the Gold Medal

Here’s the first installment of our Tour of Airports feature. Four “A” states to cover so without further ado, here we go:

• Alabama: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
  The airport is currently undergoing a major renovation (timeline: 3-5 years) that will doubtlessly include some must-see items when it is done. But for now the must-see feature is actually next door- well, really 3 blocks away: the Southern Museum of Flight, which has plenty of neat things to see, including artifacts from the Red Baron and Amelia Earhart. One of the most popular attractions are the realistic flight simulators.

Photo credit: Southern Museum of Flight website

• Alaska: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
  

  Photo credit: photobucket user esina000

  If you can tear yourself away from the windows that display the beautiful mountains that surround the city, you will find stuffed bears that are fun for both kids and adults to check out close-up, including a polar bear and this record Kodiak grizzly bear below.

  

  Photo credit: Stuck At the Airport blog

• Arizona: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
  PHX was the first airport to install the “backscatter” x-ray scanners in 2007, and they are so pro-pet that they have a pet park in each of the three (!) terminals, but we’ll have to go with the view as one of the main attractions at this airport (beautifully different from the mountains in ANC), especially if you can catch it as the sun is setting. 
  

  Photo credit: Flickr user LoLo_09

• Arkansas: Little Rock National Airport/Adams Field (LIT)
  Little Rock’s airport is the smallest on the list, but still has some features worth checking out. The first item, however, isn’t actually in the airport… it’s their really user-friendly website, including social media! Well done. The big boys should take notes (hear that, ANC?!?). 
  

  Photo credit: www.fly-lit.com

  There is also the “Arkansas Gallery” that showcases art and culture of the state and free concerts at the “Market Place” stage, both of which are outside of security.

Next up: the “C” states! Stay tuned, and in the meantime please let us know if you have a tip for an airport you frequent.

Here’s a preview to get you started. Can you match the airport with its claim to fame (if you want to call them that) below?

• A. Denver
• B. Chicago O’Hare
• C. Atlanta
• D. Vegas
• E. Charlotte
• F. Minneapolis
• G. San Francisco
• H. Philadelphia

1. Minute Suites (at two of the above airports!) offer small but clean and plush rooms for relaxing, doing business, or napping! Pricing starts at a $30 minimum for an hour, adds $7.50 for each additional 15-minute increment, and at more than 4 hours various discounts apply. There are also special rates for pilots, airline employees, and military personnel.
   

   Photo Credit: Jaunted

2. The “Freshen Up!” Store is a great idea, offering shower rooms, massage chairs, a place to iron your clothes and lots of travel-sized toiletries and basics that would come in handy if stranded, like underwear, socks, and pantyhose. Why doesn’t every airport have one of these?!
   

   Photo Credit: Stuck At the Airport

3. Live Bathroom Attendants at this airport will greet you, guide you to the a stall and even pump the hand towel machine for you. Their purpose, however, is reported to be to regulate bathroom traffic and maintain cleanliness. So we guess it makes sense. Kind of.
4. “Fountain of the Future” Super-Deluxe Coca-Cola Machines with touch-screens that let you select from around 100 options can provide minutes of entertainment while waiting at the airport in the town that is home to Coke headquarters.
   

   Photo Credit: Jaunted

    

    

5. A Liquor Store Near Baggage Claim doesn’t actually exist at this airport yet, but the airport considering adding this store will come as no surprise. Probably not a great idea, but no doubt would be successful.
6. Pirates Statues, through August 2011, are entertainment for both the young and the old, especially since pirates are currently so popular (thanks, Johnny!). Life-sized statues are scattered around this airport, promoting an exhibit at this city’s Museum of Nature & Science.
   

   Photo Credit: Stuck At the Airport

7. “Sugar Pop” Candy Shop provides a happy diversion for both the youngsters and the young at heart that are on the go at this airport.
   

   Photo Credit: Jaunted

8. “Magic Ad” Bathroom Mirrors and Water Fountains with Waterbottle Refill Features will keep travelers busy at this airport. The mirrors display ads until you approach, then magically switch to a regular mirror until you walk away. Neat because of the novelty, but they have a high potential to get on your nerves if they become commonplace. Can’t we pee in peace?!
   

   Photo Credit: Jaunted

   These neat water fountains with a water bottle refill option won’t be annoying however, just handy (and eco-conscious!). Especially if the liquids ban stays in place for the long-term. We love!

   

   Photo Credit: Jaunted

   There is a spot in the back to place your bottle where a sensor will fill your bottle super-quickly without even having to touch a button. There is a “Green Ticker” counting the number of plastic bottles it saves as it goes. Hooray!

So if you know of a must-see attraction at an airport near (or far from) you, let us know! You might see it in an upcoming edition.

Answers: A. 6; B. 8; C. 1 and 4; D. 5 (of course!); E. 3; F. 7; G. 2; H. 1

Credits: Jaunted and Stuck At the Airport blogs