The coronavirus pandemic has tested the mettle of the promotional products industry, with many suppliers and distributors pivoting into personal protective equipment (PPE) to stay afloat. As the response to COVID-19 has evolved and the public has become more accustomed to wearing masks and other gear, promo professionals have responded with ever more creative and clever iterations of what started off as sterile medical items.

Counselor is highlighting that creativity with our Decorated PPE Challenge, showing off some of the best work being done by the industry right now. We had more than 50 entries, all of which were impressive in their own right. ASI writers and editors narrowed the field to 10 finalists, which you’ll find below.

Now it’s your turn to pick a winner. Please vote on your favorite entry. Voting will close on Monday, July 13. The top vote-getters will be featured in the September issue of Counselor.

1. Burt Reynolds Mustache Masks
Gateway Sports Source (asi/562416) 

Gateway Sports Source in Bridgeton, MO, created these face masks, featuring legendary actor Burt Reynolds’ unmistakable mustache and his authorized autograph for Restore a Muscle Car, an automobile restoration shop in Lincoln, NE.

2. Festive Face Shields
Morris Magnets (asi/72521) 

Morris Magnets in Monroe, WA, designed 50 custom face shields for its production staff who were returning to work with new safety protocols. “We set these up to make the new requirement fun and to allow our employees to show off their unique sense of humor and personalities,” says Callie Kite-Strinden, sales manager at Morris Magnets.

3. Cat and Dog Masks
Advertising Solutions Today

Advertising Solutions Today in Jackson, MI, created 50 cat- and dog-themed masks for Cascades Humane Society fundraiser.

4. Smile Masks and Neck Gaiters
Impressions in Print 

Impressions in Print in Virginia Beach, VA, created a full line of Smile merchandise for its restaurant and retail clients. Included in the line are face masks and neck gaiters with the slogan “Here Is My Smile.” Impressions in Print President Debbie Higgins says: “In an environment where connecting with your customer is so important, the Smile line of masks lets them give their customers a smile. The humorous mask breaks the ice and makes the customer feel more welcome.”

5. Portable Sneeze Guards
Zeit Company (asi/98975)

Zeit Company, based in Salt Lake City, created portable custom acrylic sneeze guards that can be personalized with a logo or design in an effort to help keep employees and consumers safe. “Many distributors have been looking for PPE items, and more and more are looking for something custom,” says Jim Millburn, owner of Zeit Company. “Not all 24” by 24” protection shields work for all applications.”

6. KISS Masks
FPS Apparel (asi/53475)

Chester, NY-based supplier FPS Apparel created a line of sublimated masks for the band KISS. The double-layered, breathable masks are made of lightweight polyester and feature an antimicrobial finish and a pocket for a carbon filter. About 10,000 masks total were created for the band. “KISS wanted masks made to raise funds for the Global Relief Fund for Live Music Crews,” says Kevin Johnstone, director of sales and marketing at FPS Apparel. “They chose to have us create masks featuring album art of their three most-popular albums.”

7. Welcome Back Kit
Essef Distributors (asi/52710)

Essef Distributors in Mineola, NY, created a Welcome Back Kit that includes a mask, gloves, hand sanitizer and a CDC prevention flyer. “This kit was created to assist businesses with reopening in the wake of the pandemic,” says Brent Elenowitz of Essef. “We included the essential PPE supplies in this bundle to offer employees and customers peace of mind while getting back into the swing of things.”

8. Masks for Pediatric Cancer Foundation
Esson Corp (asi/564810) 

Esson Corp created these three-ply cotton masks with a hang tag and adjustable slider for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Made for patients in treatment and survivors, each mask was individualized with their player number from sports teams they participate in, logos and more.

9. Children’s Masks
Canada Sportswear 

Toronto-based Canada Sportswear created these masks for a children’s ward in one of the largest hospitals in Halifax. “They wanted something geared for kids to take the seriousness out of wearing a mask,” says Michelle Wilson, an inside sales rep for the supplier. “We created several fun designs, including this one.” Canada Sportswear made more than 900,000 masks for the hospital.

10. Preloved Masks
Redwood Classics (asi/81627) 

Redwood Classics created these masks for Preloved, one of its Toronto-based clients that rescues old clothing and upcycles them into new and unique pieces. The masks are made from old wool sweaters and include a signature red heart on each. For every set of masks sold, $3 are donated to Canada Helps COVID-19 Relief. The upcycled masks “promotes sustainability by saving hundreds of sweaters from hitting our landfills,” says Ashley Chan, administrative and sustainability specialist with Redwood. “This project is in line with the 3 Ps of our brand values – people, planet, profit.”