Abstract: A promotional item for being dispensed in a vending machine that dispenses a product item having a product within a product container upon receipt of a predetermined payment amount. The promotional item includes a product container similar to the product container of the product item, and a compressed fabric article contained within the product container and having an exterior load bearing dimension substantially equal to an interior load bearing dimension of the container. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the product container comprises a plastic bottle cut into two pieces, and the interior load bearing dimension comprises an inner diameter of the bottle. In addition, the compressed fabric article is generally cylindrical and the exterior load bearing dimension comprises an outer diameter of the compressed article. The promotional item further comprises means for securing the two pieces of the bottle together with the compressed fabric article contained therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing promotional and product items is provided, which includes an item dispensing machine. The item dispensing machine includes a payment receipt mechanism, a storage compartment storing the promotional and product items, and a dispensing mechanism. The promotional item and the product item are substantially the same size and shape. Upon receipt of a predetermined payment amount by the payment receipt mechanism, the machine dispenses either the promotional item or the product item, depending upon which item was in position for dispensing. The promotional item includes a preselected monetary amount.

Abstract: A promotional package is disclosed which simulates a product package. The promotional package includes a fabric article compressed into a shape simulating a portion of the external contour of the product package. The fabric article is compressed sufficiently under substantially pressure such that it is dimensionally stable and self-supporting; as such, it provides substantially all of the shape of the promotional package at the position of the compressed fabric article. At least one decorative unit having a shape simulating another portion of the product package is located adjacent to the compressed fabric article. A flexible retainer maintains the compressed fabric article adjacent to the decorative unit so as to form a combined shape simulating the external contour of the product package.