By Julie Anderson
BDA senior product developer

BDA product developers headed to Las Vegas last week for the advertising specialty industry's largest annual tradeshow, the 2011 PPAI Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

This year's show featured more that 3,300 exhibitor booths, giving attendees the chance to preview the latest offerings from more than 1,400 supplier companies.

Here's a glimpse at BDA's Five Favorite Products from the 2011 PPAI Expo:

• BudKeeper™ by Alpine Innovations: A cool and secure way to keep your earbuds tangle-free. Fasten the neoprene case to a backpack or belt loop with the carabiner clip.

• I'm Not a Soda Can Tumbler by Gordon Sinclair: Finally, a new shape for drinkware. The insert lets you create custom artwork without a lot of added cost.

• Aqua Pen by Spector & Co.: Made of 80% recycled materials from plastic bottles, this transparent ballpoint is very eco-chic. One 1.5-liter plastic bottle can be turned into five pens.

• iBeani by Purple G: This beanie cap with built-in headphone speakers combines fashion and technology. Plus, the sound quality is surprisingly good.

• V Natural™ Kraft Lunch Bag by Vitronic Promotional: Decorate this sturdy, eco-friendly bag with crayons, markers or colored pencils. A great daily-use item for children.