HAMMOND -- The Christmas shopping season came early for invited guests Wednesday, with wines, crystal, apparel, towers of chocolate treats, tins filled with popcorn and more gift items filling a conference room at the Indiana Welcome Center.

The gifts were promotional items offered by various vendors through McShane's Total Graphic Solutions Inc. of Munster and the guests were representatives of local businesses, schools, hospitals and others who want to buy the gifts to show their appreciation to their employees and thank their clients.

"We specialize in helping businesses grow," said Ed Thompson, vice president of sales for McShane's Total Graphic Solutions Inc., a division of parent company McShane's Business Products and Solutions, also of Munster.

"If you can get your clients or workers wearing or using articles with your name on it, you're always advertising," he said.

Thompson said about 500 clients and possible clients were invited to the first Image Expo, which he called a large trade show.

He said now is the time businesses are looking for Christmas gifts for clients and workers, but also on display were practical everyday items including paper, pens, hand sanitizers and other office products.

Stu Newcomb, of Etching Wines & Spirits in Indianapolis, sells wines, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and "messages in a bottle," a small bottle with sand and tiny sea shells at the bottom with a note inside from the giver, among other items.

"We can provide 8,000 different wines," he said.

But Chandra Gary, regional director of Career Services for Ivy Tech Northwest's campuses, was looking for more practical and less expensive items.

"We have different employer representatives come to our campus. We like to give them something to say thank you, like paper clip holders, which are economical and practical. When they use them, they'll say, 'Oh yes, Ivy Tech,'" Gary said.

Gary was also enthusiastic about the Leeds & Bullet booth that was selling water bottles with a filter inside. "You can use regular tap water instead of bottled water," she said.

Three employees of Pinnacle Hospital in Merrillville had a productive day at the expo.

Not only did they find some new promotional ideas, but they might have found this year's Christmas presents for the physician-owners, according to Pinnacle materials manager Jamie Anderson.

"I'm pleased with this show," said Anderson, who wouldn't reveal the holiday gift she has in mind.