National Barbecue Month
With the weather turning mild, May is the month for kicking off barbecue season with a bang. BBQ eateries, minor league baseball teams, corporate cookouts and retailers that sell grills, patio
furniture or even camping equipment could all tap into the summer-fun theme. Provide products such as branded aprons, flying discs, logoed paper plates, sunglasses, beach balls and more.
National Preservation Month
The National Trust for Historic Preservation encourages preservation-focused nonprofits and Main Street organizations to communicate how they celebrate and save historic places. Help these history buffs bring the message to their communities and raise funds through sales of bumper stickers and T-shirts that bear images of local historic structures.
National Bike Month
Diverse organizations participate in this initiative that celebrates biking for fun, fitness and
transportation. Bicycling organizations, environmental groups, PTAs, police departments, health
businesses and civic groups all could hold local events related to cycling. Consider pitching items that include sports bottles, bike bells, logoed reflective sticky dots, mountable bike lights and bicycle seat covers.
National Military Appreciation Month
Identify businesses whose prospects and customers contain a high number of veterans, current
military members and pro-military individuals. These businesses could be anything from service providers targeting military/veterans to brands and retailers that sell apparel and equipment for hunting,fishing, ATVing and more. During the month, such potential clients can run special promotions for military members, veterans and their families – promotions for which you can deliver an array of products, from carabiner pocket knives and caps to camo-patterned mugs, coolers and keychain flashlights.
May 6
Free Comic Book Day
Thousands of independent comic book stores give out free comic books to children on the first Saturday in May (www.freecomicbookday.com). Provide comic book publishers and stores with branded items they can hand out along with the books. Think character-themed temporary tattoos, stickers, posters, magic answer balls and T-shirts.
May 6-12
National Nurses Week
Simply put, this week is a massive opportunity. Hospitals, health networks, doctors’ offices,
nursing homes – all aim to show appreciation to their dedicated nurses. Often, the biggest sales
potential lies with health systems that encompass multiple hospitals; revenue on orders, especially if the products are custom, can accelerate into six figures. Potential gift items run the gamut from stainless-steel tumblers and power banks to silicone card sleeves for smartphones.
May 7 – 13
National Pet Week
Shelters, pet stores and veterinarians can promote responsible pet ownership – and their businesses – with scoopers, flying discs, leashes, bandannas and waste bag dispensers (www.petweek.org).
May 12
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Observed on U.S. military posts worldwide, this day features events that recognize and thank the
spouses of men and women in uniform. Patriotically themed bracelets, watches, T-shirts and caps can serve as gifts to these dedicated partners.
May 19
Endangered Species Day
Help zoos, universities and nonprofits focused on animal protection educate the public about the importance of safeguarding endangered species. Think awareness wristbands, organic cotton tees, totes and foldable flying discs.
May 19
National Pizza Party Day
Both pizza chains and local shops should run promotions. Part of the fun can include giving away a select number of branded pizza cutters.
May 20
National Learn To Swim Day
Work with local YMCAs, swim clubs and community pools on campaigns that promote swimming and water safety (www.teachmetoswim.com). Consider towels, imprinted bracelets and goggles with branded cases.
May 25
National Wine Day
Celebrate the elixir of the grape by connecting wineries, wine bars and wine brands with branded
merchandise for special events and promotions they’ll run in relation to this Thursday of imbibing. Single-bottle wine tote bags would be ideal gifts for exclusive tastings.
May 31
Senior Health & Fitness
An estimated 100,000 people across the U.S. will participate in this annual health and fitness event for older adults (www.fitnessday.com). Gyms, yoga studios, senior centers and association boards at 55-and-older housing developments are potential clients. Pitch water bottles, health trackers, pedometers and workout towels.
