--- title: Back To School in a Breeze description: It's back to school season! Get your brand some pens, water bottles, backpacks, planners, and a lunch box today. image: https://content.obriencorp.com/hubfs/Obrien%20December2017%20Theme/images/GettyImages-496277488_2000_600_80_s_c1.jpg --- ![Banner Image](https://content.obriencorp.com/hubfs/Obrien%20December2017%20Theme/images/GettyImages-496277488_2000_600_80_s_c1.jpg) # Back To School in a Breeze ### Article By: Mena Turi In less than a month, your students will be hitting those books once again! We know you've already been busy planning for their arrival. According to Keri Soukup in [A Lesson Plan For Selling to the Education Market](https://magazine.promomarketing.com/article/a-lesson-plan-for-selling-to-the-education-market/), “Summer is never a time of rest with education buyers. They are always working, and summer is especially busy, as they gear up for the next school year.”** Let O'Brien help ease your school stress. **Office and school supplies are something we can provide to your organization at any time of the year and we will make sure that branding those items is an easy task to check off your to-do list. **At O’Brien we can provide you with all your writing instruments, backpacks, notebooks, planners, and lunch kits. Contact us today for more information regarding how we can help with your branded materials!** [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4135929/c64e4551-7bb2-4b4e-993b-fd415cc2db6b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4135929/c64e4551-7bb2-4b4e-993b-fd415cc2db6b)   #1 The tongue of the mind. ![Black Pen with marble background](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/chuttersnap-J2LZCWk-BpY-unsplash.jpg?width=300&name=chuttersnap-J2LZCWk-BpY-unsplash.jpg) A [writing instrument](https://content.obriencorp.com/blog/choosing-your-next-best-pen) is something every office worker, teacher, nurse, construction worker, and student needs. For the most part, office workers and nurses are going to be using [pens,](https://content.obriencorp.com/blog/choosing-your-next-best-pen) whereas students, construction workers, and teachers are using both [pens](https://content.obriencorp.com/blog/choosing-your-next-best-pen) and pencils. Interested in learning more about the type of [pen](https://content.obriencorp.com/blog/choosing-your-next-best-pen) that suits you? Check out our recent blog [Your next best pen.](https://content.obriencorp.com/blog/choosing-your-next-best-pen) We’ve got all your branded [writing instruments covered](https://content.obriencorp.com/blog/choosing-your-next-best-pen).     #2 Lunch Time is the Best Time! let's be honest - we can all remember those back to school weeks when lunch time was he best time of the day! When it comes to lunch, take the time to consider exactly what it is you want in your lunch box. Lunch boxes can be big, small, insulated, waterproof, pocketed, zippered, you name it and we can do it. Give us a call and we will help you discover what it is that you need for your lunch hour on the daily. At O’Brien making lunch time enjoyable is something we have perfected! Take a moment to check out one of our recent case studies about how we helped create a lunch kit for a heart health walk for [The University of Chicago’s Healthcare Based University](https://www.obriencorp.com/the-obrien-difference/case-studies/xyz-university-sponsored-heart-walk). Not only were we able to assist the walk with their promotional needs, but we were able to create memories for those taking-part in the walk. At O’Brien our goal is to help make your brand memorable. #3 Get that Backpack swag on! ![Brown backpack on street corner](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/backpack-1991487.jpg?width=300&name=backpack-1991487.jpg) Need help carrying your stuff while keeping your hands free? You need a backpack! At O'Brien we can help you discover your perfect backpack. When it comes to picking out your backpack you first need to consider what features are most important to you. Are you carrying around a laptop, books, and pens? Then you'll need a backpack that can hold all that weight. Do you have back problems and need a bag with complete comfort? Then you need a backpack with adjustable straps and extra padding for your back. [Contact us](https://content.obriencorp.com/contact-us) today to discuss how we can help you discover the perfect backpack tailored to your specific needs.   #4 Plan your work and work your plan. Having trouble remembering the events going on in your life? Have you ever thought about getting a planner? According to [The Huffington post Australia](https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/04/21/writing-by-hand-benefits_n_9735384.html), "Writing by hand appears to improve our ability to remember things, meaning even in today's tech-obsessed society, the pen just might be mightier than Word."It seems that many are catching onto this "return to paper" trend as from 2015 to 2016 paper planners sales rose 10% and calendar sales also increased by 8%. This shows that although our smartphones are amazing, the paper planner is never leaving. Need help discovering you perfect planner? Take a look at the New York times recent article [“What happened when I ditched my smartphone for a paper planner.”](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/04/smarter-living/paper-planner-guide.html) For information regarding how to pick out the perfect planner and why paper planners are still better than electronic ones. Need a planner that can be branded according to your wishes? [Contact us](https://content.obriencorp.com/contact-us) to discover your ultimate planner! #5 Water is life. ![Purple water bottle surrounded by rocks](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bottle-bright-close-up-1342529.jpg?width=302&name=bottle-bright-close-up-1342529.jpg) Finding yourself the perfect water bottle is important. There are so many different types of water bottles you can pick from that it can be hard to discover the perfect one for you. Interested in learning more? Check out [https://www.pharmaca.com/projectwellness/glass-metal-plastic-choosing-the-right-water-bottle/](https://www.pharmaca.com/projectwellness/glass-metal-plastic-choosing-the-right-water-bottle/) for more information. Overall, with whatever water bottle you choose do not forget to stay [hydrated](https://content.obriencorp.com/blog/dont-forget-to-stay-hydrated) throughout your day at school, work, or home. Interested in learning more about how you can [stay hydrated](https://content.obriencorp.com/blog/dont-forget-to-stay-hydrated) throughout your busy day? Look at our recent [hydration blog](https://content.obriencorp.com/blog/dont-forget-to-stay-hydrated) to discover why it is so important to keep drinking that water!     The beginning of a new school year is a great time to make sure you have these five necessities for your work environment. The [O'Brien](https://www.facebook.com/pg/OBrien-Corporation-184197441567/posts/?ref=page_internal) team would love to help you with fresh new ideas custom branded to reflect your unique style. [Contact us](https://content.obriencorp.com/contact-us) today for all your promotional and print products! Keep in Touch Singing Our Praises - Sarah Marketing- Centegra Health System “We have had the pleasure of working with the O’Brien team for many years. Keri O’Brien Soukup and Sara Spring are reliable, creative and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your organization receives the best quality products to represent your brand. They truly care about their clients and it is apparent in every interaction we.. - Rhonda Roseland Community Hospital O’Brien Corporation offers a variety of quality products fitting for any occasion. Sheila is amazing at customizing different options and providing quotes in a short time frame. We are always confident that our orders will be delivered in a timely matter, even with last minute orders that may require special instruction/attention. The New Roseland.. - Jennifer Fortune 500 company Devin and his team at O'Brien have been a wonderful resource for what we were looking for. We have worked with them on several projects over the years and they consistently deliver a great product with wonderful customer service throughout the collaboration. They not only listened to what we needed, but came up with creative ideas that enhanced.. - Cathy Human Resources, University of Illinois Health I am always impressed with the level of service and response I receive from Devin and O’Brien Corp! They offer a wide variety of promotional products at a variety of pricing. The creative team at O’Brien Corp is outstanding! They’ve taken my thoughts and helped me identify great gifts and awards. The team exceeds my expectations during each.. - Joan Purchasing, Edward-Elmhurst Health Edward-Elmhurst Health has partnered with O’Brien for the majority of our printing needs over the past 10 years. During this time, O’Brien has proven how knowledgeable they are within the Healthcare arena, offering us nothing less than exceptional customer service throughout the years. Their friendly staff is a call away and has proven on more.. - Michalle Materials Management, Roseland Community Hospital O'Brien Corporation has given excellent service to Roseland Community Hospital, with prompt delivery, expertise sales from Rich Burruss, Account Manager, and proficient customer service from Julie Bauer, Customer Service Representative.  - Christine Human Resources, Reliable Home Improvement and Supply, Inc. We starting working with O’Brien Corporation in 2007 and are currently still working with them. We have done printing on apparel, stationery and even gifts for our clients and every time it comes out top notch! They are very prompt and on top of every order. Their timelines are fantastic and you can’t beat the pricing! Anytime we print we look to.. - Julie Owner, Paws in Time Pet Resort I love working with O'Brien! Love the professionalism, attention to detail, and how things get done when I work with them! - Nancy Marketing, Norwegian American Hospital I have had the opportunity to work with O’Brien for the past three years. My experience has been nothing but outstanding. Rich and Sheila are always eager to help me with whatever request I need. They always respond very quickly and offer great recommendations. Their philosophy and dedication to fulfill their clients’ expectations surpass the.. - Sue Ellen Purchasing, 9 Hospital Healthcare System in Illinois As the purchasing agent for one of the largest Healthcare systems in Illinois working with O’Brien on promotional items and print has been an exceptional experience for me for the past 15 years. They have worked endlessly to improve our working relationship, creating an online store for requestors to find anything from a needed diagnostic form to.. - Dana Human Resources, 9 Hospital Healthcare System in Illinois O’Brien Corp has been a great company to work with. They have fantastic recommendations and have gone above and beyond to ensure that the products are of great quality and received in a timely manner. They are always looking for the most effective ways for us to represent our organization and understand the needs within the healthcare market. We.. - Mike CEO, Metro Health Solutions Devin and his team have been a great marketing partner to Metro Health. With focused ideas, competitive prices and the ability to meet tight deadlines, Team O'Brien adds value to any project. - Sophia Foundation, Methodist Hospitals Methodist Hospitals works with O'Brien on several different projects. O'Brien never disappoints! They are professional and courteous and their service always goes beyond our expectations. Our rep, Rich Burruss, is a delight to work with and we can always count on his prompt and reliable service! We look forward to more productive years ahead.. - Fabiola Marketing, MacNeal Hospital I’ve had the pleasure of working with O’Brien for over ten years. No matter how small or large the project we always receive the best customer service. Prompt replies for quotes and ideas. Quality work and products. - Scott Marketing and Communications, Hiram College As a marketing executive, O'Brien Corporation has been my go-to resource for both print and promotional products for the past ten years. Their exceptional customer service and ability to deliver cost-effective solutions on strategy, on time, and on budget, are the reasons why I rely on O'Brien Corporation. - Jeanne Purchasing, HeathQuest Systems O’Brien’s products and costs always meet or exceed our expectations and they deliver in a timely manner regardless of how many changes we request. It is always a pleasure working with their friendly and attentive staff. Their patience and attention to detail is second to none. - Shelly Marketing, Edward-Elmhurst Health I have been working with Devin and Sara for many years and their service, communication and professionalism have been outstanding. I appreciate their knowledge -- I can give them a theme and they will research and provide the best possible items for recommendation. It is such a great pleasure working with the team at O’Brien Corporation. - Julie Human Resources, Edward-Elmhurst Health Without a doubt, O’Brien Corporation has one of the best customer service models that I’ve ever seen. Whenever I have a request, they turn around multiple options within days, often hours. They provide cost effective solutions, quality, and are always a pleasure to work with. [ Read All ](https://www.obriencorp.com/the-obrien-difference/testimonials-success-stories/testimonials)