Forget plants, string lights, and oil diffusers. Sometimes the best office décor is as simple as really cool custom mouse pads, and you want to make sure yours look awesome.
Get ready to customize personalized mouse pads using this design guide. You’ll find a ton of great tips that will take your mouse pads from boring mats to full-blown desk accessories!
Order custom mouse pads for…
A mouse pad is one of those things you need, but don’t really think about buying for yourself. For that reason, they’re great promotional gifts for a number of situations such as:
Grand Openings
Are you a new tech startup or electronics store? Host a big grand opening, and give out custom mouse pads to all the visitors. They’ll remember you every time they look down and see your logo by their computer.
Open Houses
If you work in real estate, this one’s for you! A mouse pad is like a bigger, better magnet. You can print your name and phone number, and get a bunch of recommendations in the process.
Schools & Libraries
Students are always writing essays, doing research, or taking part in e-learning. They need a reliable work area they can use, and custom mouse pads will make your computer lab seem inviting and professional.
Employee Gifts
Your employees are hard at work every day, and their mouse pads are sure to get worn out over time. Decorate new ones, order them in bulk, and hand them out to everyone in the office as corporate gifts.
Trade Shows
Regardless of your industry, you should consider having custom mouse pads as giveaways at your display. After all, it’s common trade show etiquette to come with something free for the crowd.
Fundraisers
People aren’t going to be able to resist personalized mouse pads Sell them at your fundraiser, and watch the money come pouring in for your organization!
Direct Mailers
Virtual events are becoming extremely popular, but you can still hook everyone up with swag! Personalized mouse pads are flat, so they’re easy to fit into envelopes and mail out as gifts.
Tips for Customizing Mouse Pads
- Choose the right material.
- Be creative with the shape.
- Print in full color.
- Use some text.
- Think outside of the box.
Tip 1. Choose the Right Material
Aluminum Mouse Pads
An aluminum mouse pad is sleek and futuristic. If you’re announcing the launch of a new high-tech product, this could be the perfect pairing!
Pro: Mouse easily rolls around on the surface
Con: May be slightly uncomfortable on the wrist
Neoprene Mouse Pads
Do you want a mouse pad with a softer feel? You can’t go wrong with neoprene!
Pro: Waterproof so won’t be damaged by accidental spills
Con: Could easily be torn or punctured
Leather Mouse Pads
Leather mouse pads are perfect if you’re going for a higher-end look. If you need a gift for Boss’s Day, this style is an excellent choice!
Pro: Debossed logo gives the design a 3D look that won’t chip or fade over time
Con: More expensive than other materials
Microfiber Mouse Pads
Microfiber is one of those materials that’s everywhere. It’s extremely versatile and affordable for any budget.
Pro: Easy to keep clean
Con: Tends to create a lot of static
Paper Mouse Pads
Keep track of appointments, birthdays, and other big dates with a mouse pad that doubles as a desktop calendar. Throw it in recycling at the end of the year!
Pro: Serves a dual purpose as it’s a great place for notes
Con: May rip if you’re not careful
Vynex Mouse Pads
While it may sound like a cool superhero name, Vynex is actually a textured surface specifically made for mouse pads.
Pro: Extremely durable and tough
Con: May be difficult to clean due to the rough exterior
Plastic Mouse Pads
You’ll see plastic used in all kinds of items, but it’s rarely associated with custom mouse pads. This material creates a harder surface that’s comparable to a laptop’s touchpad.
Pro: Mouse easily rolls around on the surface
Con: Not very eco-friendly
Polyester Mouse Pads
It may be found in tacky suits, but polyester is also good for your promotional mouse pads. This material is a bit thicker so it provides good padding for your mouse.
Pro: Design won’t fade as quickly
Con: Rougher exterior than other fabrics
Polyurethane Mouse Pads
Your favorite stress balls are made from polyurethane, but this material can also be used for personalized mouse pads. It’s like a little cushion for your wrist while you’re hard at work!
Pro: Super soft and squishy
Con: White mouse pads may yellow over time
The material you choose for your customized mouse pads is a matter of preference. No matter what, the design you add on top will look amazing!
Tip 2. Be Creative with the Shape
You don’t have to just go with a square mouse pad and call it a day. There are a ton of unique shapes you can choose from!
Try any of the following:
That’s not all! You can get custom printed mouse pads that are apple, football, and even awareness ribbon shaped. Find a style that makes sense for your business or event!
Tip 3. Print in Full Color
Almost every mouse pad is printed with a full color design on the front. This means you can use as many colors as you want, without worrying about paying any extra per ink.
Do you need some ideas on how to lay out your design? Try any of these looks!
All Over Color
Your design will be printed over every square inch of the mouse pad, from top to bottom. This is a great option if you want to use a photograph or have a super colorful logo.
Colorful Design on a Solid Background
Choose a mouse pad in a solid color and then add a smaller design in full color in the center. The mouse pad’s color will peek through in the background, and serve as a nice complement for your design.
Half Design, Half Solid Color
Take up the top or bottom half of the mouse pad with a design, and print only text on the other half. This is a great way to make sure your message is super easy to read.
Tip 4. Use Some Text
A mouse pad is a mini billboard that will be seen on desks every single day. With that in mind, you want to make sure your custom mouse pads have something to say!
Try to include at least one of the following in your design:
- Name of your company or event
- Website URL
- Phone number
- Short & sweet message
Name
Website URL
Phone Number
Short & Sweet Message
The imprint area, also known as the space where the design is printed, is fairly large for a mouse pad. You have all the room in the world to be creative with the text that you print on top!
Tip 5. Think Outside of the Box
A mouse pad may seem like a boring gift, but it doesn’t have to be! It’s up to you to add visual interest to yours and make it original and exciting.
Do you need some inspiration? Check out these unique mouse pads!
Camoflauge
Source: https://smallbiztrends.com/2015/03/creative-mousepads.html
Designer Rug
Source: https://www.ebay.com/b/Persian-Rug-Mouse-Pad/23895/bn_7023372918
Quirky
Source: https://smallbiztrends.com/2015/03/creative-mousepads.html
The best promotional gifts are stylish, memorable, and unique. Start brainstorming before your order so you can come up with a design that makes your personalized mouse pads stand out!
Other Considerations When Buying Custom Mouse Pads
Antibacterial
With the increased focus on hygiene following the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not a bad idea to invest in antibacterial mouse pads. They’ll help cut down on the growth of bacteria, especially when paired with a good hand sanitizer.
Size
Some people have small desks, while others have giant work areas. Try to order customized mouse pads that will fit comfortably by the computer, without encroaching on other items like the keyboard, monitor, or speakers.
Eco-friendly
Every little thing we do now protects that planet in the future. Try to order mouse pads in bulk that are made from recycled materials.
Made in the USA
It’s very easy to find custom mouse pads that are made in America. You’ll give the economy a little boost in a time where it needs it most.
Shipping time
Do you need your promotional mouse pads asap? Shop for rush options, and get them at your door in less than a week!
Minimum
If you work in a small office and want to give everyone gifts, look into low minimum options. You can get the exact number of mouse pads you need without unnecessary extras.
Price
Above all, look for personalized mouse pads that fit within your budget. Many custom mouse pads are about $1 each, so you can order them as giveaways or gifts without breaking the bank!
Real Life Example
Custom mouse pads are great gifts because everyone needs one, whether it’s an office worker, entrepreneur, or person working at home. Students, especially those in college, also benefit from these computer accessories.
Just look at these collegiate mouse pads from around the country!
Arizona: https://www.zazzle.com/store/arizonawildcats Colorado: https://www.cubookstore.com/default.aspx Illinois: https://bookstore.illinois.edu/default.asp
Kansas: https://www.kubookstore.com/default.aspx Kentucky: https://uky.bncollege.com/shop/uky/home Massachusetts: https://umassstore.com/home
Minnesota: https://www.zazzle.com/store/minnesotagophers Oregon: https://www.uoduckstore.com Wisconsin: https://www.uwbookstore.com/home
A ton of universities keep personalized mouse pads in stock at their bookstores. From the east to west coast, these schools are coming through with something the students will benefit from using every time they’re working on an essay or big project.
Mouse pads are useful, and if you customize them in a creative way, they’re also stylish desk accessories. What’s not to love?
Are you ready to place your order for custom mouse pads? Order them in bulk at Quality Logo Products!
Alyssa Mertes
Alyssa Mertes is an expert on branded swag. She's done it all, from uncovering the world's first custom tote bag to interviewing the designer who created AC/DC's logo. Her work has been featured on several podcasts and media websites.
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