For much of the country, February is one of the coldest months of the year, but thankfully there are still a number of observances to warm up the winter blues. Branded products can help schools and museums enhance educational events, healthcare companies raise awareness of preventable disease, and restaurants advertise their specials for game day.

Black History Month

This annual observance is set aside to recognize and celebrate Black figures in American history. The first celebration took place in 1969 at Kent State University in Ohio; it grew over the following years and in 1976, it was recognized at a national level by U.S. President Gerald Ford as an opportunity to honor Black people and achievements. It has since expanded around the world to countries such as Canada, the U.K. and Germany.

PITCH: Schools, museums and community centers will host special educational events this month. Think activity books, classroom accessories and giveaways like bookmarks and wristbands.

Black History wall calendar (2023-0219) from Magnus Pen Corp. (asi/68529)

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Feb. 3/National Wear Red Day

Hosted by the American Heart Association, Go Red for Women and National Wear Red Day raise awareness of women’s risk to cardiovascular disease. According to the AHA, it’s the top cause of death among women, accounting for one in three deaths a year. The AHA encourages healthcare providers and the public to share the risk factors and ask the women in their lives to check their risk factors and get screened.

PITCH: Present red accessories to healthcare clients that can distribute them to staff and patients.

Red dress pin (S1108) from Creative House (asi/47150)

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Feb. 12/Super Bowl Sunday

One of the most-watched games all year, the Super Bowl is an occasion for millions of parties with family and friends. Chicken wings, in particular, are one of the most popular food items this day. The National Chicken Council estimates that more than 1.4 billion wings will be consumed during the game.

PITCH: Propose to local restaurants and markets that they advertise their Super Bowl specials in the weeks ahead of the game with special edition menus and signage to help customers plan their parties.

Tri-fold menu (TFM-16) from Budgetcard (asi/42393)

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Feb. 17/National Random Acts of Kindness Day

Teachers and administrators can take advantage of this observance to inspire their students to be kind. It was launched by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in Denver, founded in 1995, with a mission to “make kindness the norm.” People are asked to consider volunteering, paying for the next customer’s order in a drive-thru and letting other drivers go first, among other acts of goodwill.

PITCH: Schools can give out kindness-themed items to students, like pencils, bookmarks, silicone bracelets and even plush animals.

Plush triceratops (CT838) from IMAGEN Brands (asi/93990)

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Feb. 28/National Tooth Fairy Day

Losing baby teeth is exciting for young children, but it can also be an emotional time. This day is set aside to educate about the importance of good oral health and to get kids scheduled for their regular checkups. Dental and orthodontist offices can use email or direct mail campaigns, signage and fun giveaways to promote healthy teeth from an early age.

PITCH: Branded kids’ toothbrushes and baby teeth boxes are ideal as giveaways this day – also consider direct mail campaigns for pediatric dentists.

Tooth saver box (889) from Illini (asi/62190)

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