It may only be July, but as any kid will tell you, school will be back in session before you know it. That means it's time for businesses to get moving and buy those promotional products!

For businesses, school-related promotional products are, believe it or not, most effective when given out before school starts. The reason is fairly simple. You want your promo product used by children as one of their regular school supplies. If you wait too long, mom and dad will already have bought everything on the supply list. At that point, the chances of your promo item making it into a school desk are diminished.

Let's say you've decided to give out a handy item like a Nylon Sports Pack. These packs make for a convenient way to carry books, pens, and other school day essentials. When you give them out over the summer, there's no need for parents to buy a backpack come September. Now your logo will be seen by hundreds of eyes - students, teachers, and parents.

Don't forget about the teachers! Everyday they're in the classroom from early morning to late afternoon. There are days when every teacher needs a strong cup of coffee to recharge their batteries. Show teachers you appreciate what they do for the community by giving them a special coffee mug like the 16 oz Roadster Travel Mug.

Promotional products aren't just for businesses. Schools can make great use of these items, too. Mid-summer is the right time for schools to start ordering their promotional products, too. That way, there's plenty of time for the items to arrive. Also, you can give them out on the first day of school to set the tone for a great year!

No matter what grade level, writing instruments are at the top of the supply list. Promotional pens and pencils featuring your school's name and mascot are useful gifts for all your students. Pencils are perhaps the most budget-friendly promo product around. Most schools have very little wiggle room in their budget. Luckily, pencils can be purchased for less than a couple of dimes. One example is the Best Value Pencil.

For elementary school students, promotional pencils can be used as rewards for good behavior or good grades. You can bet that younger children will be especially delighted to get a flashy gold or silver pencil, such as the Best Metallic Foil Colors Pencil.

The older students get, the more they tend to abandon pencils for pens. A great thing about pens is that they come in every color imaginable. You'll have no trouble finding a pen in your school colors. For example, some promotional pens, like a Bic Round Stic, give you the option of mixing and match more than a dozen colors.

Without dedicated and hard-working teachers, there could be no school. As an administrator, you can help your teachers feel school pride all year with a nice coffee mug in your school colors imprinted with your school's name, mascot, and/or logo. Mugs can be more affordable than you think. There are promotional mugs, such as the C-Handle 11 Oz. Ceramic Mug, available for less than a dollar a piece.

Everyone benefits when students take pride in their school. They'll respect each other and respect school property. With promotional products, businesses and schools can partner together to make education your community's top priority.