Instead of insulting my readers with another one of my terrible invention ideas, I want to do something else. Basically, I want to give praise to a concept already out on the market right now. I have a lot of friends in marketing and a lot of friends in the promotional product supply industry who are always looking for the next hot item. Now this particular promo piece isn’t exactly cutting edge but it is still relatively new. Trust me, I haven’t met anyone yet that doesn’t like what I am about to talk about.

Right now I am really big on customized sunglasses. I am not talking about some cheesy writing on the frame or bridge though. Rather, I am all about the glasses with fully customized lenses. By now most of you have probably seen them. You go to a game and you see people sporting shades with their team’s logo or mascot as the eyes or you see slightly intoxicated college kids wearing shamrock-graced glasses at a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Although not everywhere just yet, you have probably seen them at least once or twice.

Rocking my #CCU Chauncey glasses in the office. These customized glasses are the best.

Because I work in marketing at a university, I have access to and distribute a large quantity of promotional items. Including our t-shirts, backpacks, cell phone wallets, and other highly sought giveaway swag, nothing holds a candle to the popularity of our Chauncey shades. This summer I have especially seen the impact they have on students and adults alike. Our university holds 12 orientations in June and July for our freshmen and transfer students. On the second day of each orientation, there is an information fair where different entities on campus are given the opportunity to promote their causes to the new students and their families. I have my own #CCUSocialMedia table at the fair. During these one-hour sessions, I sport the Chauncey sunglasses. The reaction I get is priceless.

I wore these patriotic glasses for 2014 Fourth of July.

Students come right up to me and ask how they can get a pair. Parents stay back and stare at me (thinking I am not looking at them) like I am some sort of freak. However, that moment of shock only lasts for about five seconds where upon they crack up laughing and come up to me to say how much they love the glasses. I have been asked no less than a thousand times whether or not I can see out of them (the answer is yes). I almost covet the collective reaction that the glasses garner more than the opportunity I have to promote #CCUSocialMedia. No wonder I decided to use them in a social media campaign.

These glasses are great to wear at games.

Personally, I love customized sunglasses as well. I find them fun and distinctive. The past two Fourth of July holidays I have rocked patriotic shades. You know how in “Big Daddy” the boy wears those sunglasses and he feels invisible? When I put on customized glasses I don’t feel invisible but I do feel an extra level of confidence. The fact that others can’t see my eyes but are still looking at the glasses themselves because they think they are so cool gives me a sense of comfort. Even as a 28-year-old adult, I have no shame putting them on.

Sidney wearing my glasses that I wore this Fourth of July.

In my opinion, customized shades just stand out compared to all other promo items. They are a little bit pricier than some other pieces of swag you might buy but the practicality, durability, and demand will more than even out your investment. Even though when I wear them you can’t see my eyes, please know that both of them are both WIDE OPEN. Don’t Blink.