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Monday, February 20, 2012
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Don't know what to do on your first anniversary, okay here is some ideas
I know that sometimes it's too hard to find something to do or to buy on your anniversary …well that's okay … the most important thing is to be creative … it doesn't have to be fancy ... or expensive … I know a friend of mine … who took her BF out for a picnic that she made herself. She took him to the place they shared their first kiss, while they were eating, a CD she made of their songs was playing, she also gave him a picture of them in a frame she made, It was so fun, he loved it, and it was inexpensive.
Also you can book a table in a romantic restaurant, or a restaurant that have special memories for both of you, write a romantic letter or a poem, put it in an envelop with the restaurant reservation, hide it in a way that makes your BF see it in the mourning and join you in the dinner by the end of the day, this is also a romantic inexpensive way to celebrate your anniversary, or you can choose one of his fantasies and try to make it come true that night also you can arrange with the restaurant to serve your small gift with the dinner, or whatever … just be yourself and also be creative.
If he has a favorite radio channel you can call the station for a gift song with a note that says I love you, or if he has a pet you can wrap a small gift around his/her neck and make sure that your BF will find it when he come home.
There are more and more ideas, like thousand of them, you can use candles, find out his favorite sport and give him a related gift, you can make a nice small cake just for the two of you, one time I made a funny survey for my BF and all the questions were like … what is the percentage of your love to me? 20% , 50% , 80 % ,100 % , it was fun and he answered all the questions and send the answers to my home, we had fun that year, what I am just saying is be simple, be yourself and above all, be creative.
Friday, March 5, 2010
How To Plan For A Disney Cars Party Favors Birthday Theme
Thinking of surprising your little boy by arranging for a Disney Cars party favors theme for him? Well, if this is the first time you are planning such a theme, then you might need some help in the process. Disney Cars is a famous movie that is adored by children of all ages. Your kid will really look forward for his birthday. There are many websites that offer party supplies and other materials for arranging such themes for birthdays.
Birthday invitations need to be decided well in advance so that there is no confusion at the time of the party. You can either go in for personalized birthday invites sold at many of the online stores or create one. Cardboard cuttings of different Disney cars like Luigi, Ramone, Doc and McQueen can be cut out and innovative wordings can be written on them. Make sure provide all the information like the venue, time and date of the party.
No party is complete without decorations. Streamers can be hung from the ceilings and balloons in red, white and black shaped in any of the Disney Cars character can be hung at the entrance. For special effects, you might want to add race car checker flags along with standing props of these Disney Car characters. Kids love piatas and you can even arrange for Cars piatas and fill them up with toys, gifts and candies. You might even want to look at some of the party supplies and materials offered by a number of stores online.
Kids tend to be impatient and may get into tantrums if bored. Their boredom can be easily resolved by making them to take part in some fun filled activities that can keep them busy till the rest of the guests arrive. Arrange for some coloring books or a sticker sheet and make the children draw and color their favorite Disney car. Prizes can be given to the best picture.
You might want to consider ordering the food and beverages based on your Disney Car party favors theme. Cakes can be in the form of McQueen, Ramone and many other characters of this popular movie. If you have the time, you can even bake a 3D race car. Sandwiches and burgers can be cut in the form of cars and decorated with carrots or cucumbers. Sodas or fruit juices can be added to the beverages list.
Party games add life to the party and kids enjoy them thoroughly. Some of the most popular games adored by both the adults and the kids are McQueen says, Car race, T-shirt painting competition, identify the Disney Cars character and many more.
Next in line are the party favor bags otherwise called as goodie bags. You can either purchase empty bags and fill them with car toys, stickers, candies and cookies or opt in for Disney party favor bags that can be easily bought online at affordable rates. In the end you can attach a thank you note acknowledging the presence of the guests to the party.
The above tips and advice are sure to make your Disney Cars party favors theme a success. This is the best way to make this day special for him and adore and love you more. These memories will be with him throughout his growing years. All you need is patience and the assistance of your friends or relatives.
How to choose a party favours for children
Having your weeding soon? Are there children attending your party? okay, here is a cool idea to give children something they will remember for a long time.
Children like to be treated as a grown-up. So having their very own favour, is fun and something they will love so much.
Here are a few ideas to consider when choosing favours for children.
1. NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND AGES
Ensure you have the exact number of children and ages.
2. WHAT AGES SHOULD RECEIVE FAVOURS
Rule of thumb, is between the ages of 0 to 12 years of age. However, if you know your guests very well, and it is within your budget, you may want to include those who are between the ages of 13 to 18. But remember, a favour that may tickle a 10 year old may not capture the excitement of a 16 year old. In this case, you may want to have alternate ideas for those 13 to 18 year olds.
3. CHOOSE GENDER APPROPRIATE FAVOURS
Once you have decided on what ages are to be receiving the favours, choose gender appropriate favours. This will be a lovely keepsake of the event.
4. GENERIC FAVOURS VERSUS CUSTOMIZED FAVOURS
Knowing your guests and how many children attending will strongly help you decide whether to choose generic or customized favours. If there are just a few at the event and who are close relatives, then perhaps you can choose a customized favour for each child. However, if there are several that are coming to the event, then it will be prudent to choose a generic gender appropriate favour as suggested above.
5. EXTRA FAVOURS
Always have a few extra favours on hand, to replace broken or lost favours, or for that extra guest from out of town. The above suggestions depend on the formality of your celebration. However, if the children attending your wedding or event are precious to you and are a major part of your life, giving them their own favour would be a keepsake they will always cherish.
Children like to be treated as a grown-up. So having their very own favour, is fun and something they will love so much.
Here are a few ideas to consider when choosing favours for children.
1. NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND AGES
Ensure you have the exact number of children and ages.
2. WHAT AGES SHOULD RECEIVE FAVOURS
Rule of thumb, is between the ages of 0 to 12 years of age. However, if you know your guests very well, and it is within your budget, you may want to include those who are between the ages of 13 to 18. But remember, a favour that may tickle a 10 year old may not capture the excitement of a 16 year old. In this case, you may want to have alternate ideas for those 13 to 18 year olds.
3. CHOOSE GENDER APPROPRIATE FAVOURS
Once you have decided on what ages are to be receiving the favours, choose gender appropriate favours. This will be a lovely keepsake of the event.
4. GENERIC FAVOURS VERSUS CUSTOMIZED FAVOURS
Knowing your guests and how many children attending will strongly help you decide whether to choose generic or customized favours. If there are just a few at the event and who are close relatives, then perhaps you can choose a customized favour for each child. However, if there are several that are coming to the event, then it will be prudent to choose a generic gender appropriate favour as suggested above.
5. EXTRA FAVOURS
Always have a few extra favours on hand, to replace broken or lost favours, or for that extra guest from out of town. The above suggestions depend on the formality of your celebration. However, if the children attending your wedding or event are precious to you and are a major part of your life, giving them their own favour would be a keepsake they will always cherish.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
You Should Write Your Own Vows
The exchanging of wedding vows is a symbolic part of a wedding. The exchange of promises between the bride and groom can be both emotional and moving.There are many different ideas when it comes to wedding vows, some people believe that you should stick with tradition some do not at the end of the day it is down to the individual.Symbolizing your wedding vows can be one of the most significant parts of your wedding, using candles such as unity candles is just one way.Unity candles are becoming a very popular way to symbolize your wedding vows, so much so it is now becoming part of the tradition.No rules apply when lighting the candles as they hold no religious connotations, most people simply do it after the wedding vows have been exchanged.You do not have to use the traditional written wedding vows you could write your own, or add a personal touch to original wording. By writing your own you will make your wedding more individual and will share your thoughts with your chosen one and guests.If you do decide to write your own wedding vows try not to be too personal and intimate, save these words for a moment when it is just the two of you. Having said that, your guests will be more moved and interested if the words are heartfelt and loving.The internet can provide you with an enormous catalog of wedding vows from which you can get ideas for your own.
Writing your vows with your partner can be a breathtaking moment, however you may prefer to keep your words to yourself until the moment you exchange themIf you are reading this and you went with the traditional wedding vows and wish you had not, do not worry you can always renew your vows and have the wedding you want!.Still unsure if you should go for traditional wedding vows or write your own? To help you make the decision simply read them, do they convey the words you want to say to the person you are about to marry?Do you feel if you added a little it would be better? If so, do it! Do not worry that you are not a poet and do not know where to start, there is plenty of help out there! You can even pay someone to do this for you, all they will need is information about yourself and the person you want the vows written for.Try to get inspiration from other peoples vows, there are books widely available to you both via the internet or from your local library. Do not try and do this at a time when you are stressed or rushing, this important part should be done when you have taken some time out and can really think about it.Try not to worry about being nervous you won't be the only one I promise! Make sure you rehearse the words many times before your wedding day so that you feel comfortable.One way to practise your vows is to do so in front of a mirror or ask a friend to be your audience. This will boost your confidence and as well as help you learn the words.If the idea of reciting your wedding vows without having them written down is worrying you then take them on a piece of paper and read them, you can dress the paper up so it fits your wedding theme.Above all, enjoy it, remember how much you love the person standing in front of you, if you slip up or get chocked up take a breath, there is no need to rush its your day and everyone there will understand.
Writing your vows with your partner can be a breathtaking moment, however you may prefer to keep your words to yourself until the moment you exchange themIf you are reading this and you went with the traditional wedding vows and wish you had not, do not worry you can always renew your vows and have the wedding you want!.Still unsure if you should go for traditional wedding vows or write your own? To help you make the decision simply read them, do they convey the words you want to say to the person you are about to marry?Do you feel if you added a little it would be better? If so, do it! Do not worry that you are not a poet and do not know where to start, there is plenty of help out there! You can even pay someone to do this for you, all they will need is information about yourself and the person you want the vows written for.Try to get inspiration from other peoples vows, there are books widely available to you both via the internet or from your local library. Do not try and do this at a time when you are stressed or rushing, this important part should be done when you have taken some time out and can really think about it.Try not to worry about being nervous you won't be the only one I promise! Make sure you rehearse the words many times before your wedding day so that you feel comfortable.One way to practise your vows is to do so in front of a mirror or ask a friend to be your audience. This will boost your confidence and as well as help you learn the words.If the idea of reciting your wedding vows without having them written down is worrying you then take them on a piece of paper and read them, you can dress the paper up so it fits your wedding theme.Above all, enjoy it, remember how much you love the person standing in front of you, if you slip up or get chocked up take a breath, there is no need to rush its your day and everyone there will understand.
Wedding On A Budget
Traditionally, the bride's family paid for the costs of a wedding while the groom would incur the expense of the honeymoon. These days it is not uncommon to find many couples paying for their own wedding from their own funds. However, you don't have to spend a fortune or go into debt to have a beautiful wedding. Determine the amount of your budget and stick to it. Keep track of all your expenses and receipts in a folder or binder so that you can stay organized and accurately keep track of where your money is going. Here are some helpful tips to help you stay within your wedding budget.Wedding Dress• Avoid overly elaborate dresses because they will be more expensive. • Choose a floor sample dress and just have it dry cleaned if necessary. • Look for your dress during prom and homecoming or consider wearing a bridesmaid dress. You can find a beautiful white or cream colored dress during that would be perfect for a wedding at a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding dress. • Look at consignment shops and the classified ads. Wedding dresses are generally only worn once so you can get a gently used dress at a huge cost savings. Reception• Keep the number of guests down. You and the groom should look at the first draft of the guest list and carefully consider who can be taken off the list. • Have a cash bar instead of an open bar. Or you can also just provide wine and beer to keep the costs down. • Hold the ceremony and reception in the same location. You will be able to cut the cost of the location for the ceremony, decorations and transportation to the reception site.Flowers• Purchase your flowers wholesale and just pay for the labor of a professional florist to arrange them.• Arrange the flowers yourself. A bouquet made of all roses with a little eucalyptus filler and tied with ribbon makes a stunning bouquet and you do not need to be a professional to put this together. Photography• Find a photographer with reasonable hourly rates and pay only for the time to do your formal poses. You can then designate friends or family to take the candid shots throughout the rest of the reception.• Put disposable cameras at each table with a note asking guests to take pictures to help you capture memories. Invitations• Print your own invitations using your home computer. Visit your local arts and crafts store or search online and purchase a do-it-yourself invitation kit. Miscellaneous• Make your own wedding favors. Wrap up jordan almonds or other candies in lace and tie with ribbon pre-printed with your names and wedding date. • Keep the number of chosen bridesmaids and groomsmen to a minimum or choose not to have them at all. This will keep the rehearsal dinner cost down as well as eliminate the need to buy groomsmen and bridesmaid gifts.
By: Gina Brown
Artical Source:http://www.articlegeek.com/home/marriage_articles/22989-weddingonbudget.htm
By: Gina Brown
Artical Source:http://www.articlegeek.com/home/marriage_articles/22989-weddingonbudget.htm
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Halloween Gifts
Halloween is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. It is a fun holiday when children will dress in their favorite costumes and go out trick-or-treating for candies. This article examines the origin of Halloween, and provides some ideas for Halloween gifts.
Halloween has its origin in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain. The festival of Samhain was a celebration of the end of the harvest season, and could be regarded as the Celtic New Year. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundary between the alive and the dead disappeared, and the dead became dangerous for the living by causing illness, damaged crops, and other problems. Costumes and masks were worn at the festival to mimic the evil spirits or placate them.
The name "Halloween" is shortened from All Hallows' Eve as it is the eve of "All Hallows' Day", which is now known as All Saints' Day. Although All Saints's Day now occurs one day after Halloween, the Celts started every day at sunset of the night before. Hence Samhain became "the evening of All Hallows". Traditional activities for Halloween include costume parties, carving pumpkins to make Jack-o-lanterns (carved pumpkin lit by a candle inside), trick-or-treating, or reading scary stories. Irish immigrants carried versions of these tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Traditional characters of Halloween include ghosts, witches, vampires, bats, black cats, goblins, skeletons, pumpkin-man, scarecrow and fictional figures such as Dracula. Halloween gifts often include one of these characters for the festivities.
The Halloween gift basket is a great gift for your favorite trick-or-treater. Most Halloween gift baskets have a Jack-O-Lantern pail since Jack-O-Lantern is the symbol of Halloween. One popular gift basket includes popcorn, candy corn (popular Halloween candy), other Halloween candies, a plush black cat dressed as a witch, a pumpkin carving kit for recipients to make Jack-O-Lantern, and a pumpkin flash light for safety during trick-or-treating. This gift is truly a must have for Halloween!Another version of Halloween gift basket comes with a Halloween puzzle for the kids, in addition to plenty of treats. For more dramatic effects, you can send a Count Dracula gift basket. This basket consists of a plush black bear dressed as Dracula holding on to his favorite chocolate covered pumpkins. The basket also contains many other treats, including Bat Bits of yogurt pretzels, munchies, bubble gums, shortbread cookies, chocolate toffees and peanut butter pretzel nuggets. This gift basket is sure to bring everyone into the Halloween spirit.
For your college students and loved ones away from home, sending them a Halooween care package or gift box will remind them of the fun of Halloween while they were at home. A popular care package consists of a 14" black cat in a pumpkin outfit and lots of all-American favorite Halloween treats in a trick-or-treat bag. Inside the bag are candy corn, chocolate ghosts, microwave buttern popcorn, Halloween peanut butter filled pumpkin, and Halloween candies. Sending the care package is a good way to let your recipients know you care about them.
To share the Halloween spirit, You can leave a gift tote on your neighbors door step, put it on a coworker's desk at work, or send it to your favorite goblin far away. Inside the gift bag is a plush ghost, miniature marshmallow pumpkins, candies, peanut butter cup, miniature candy treats bags, cookies, and 2 creepy crawlers gummy worms.
The Halloween candy cake is another unique gift. The candy cake is a collection of candy pumpkins, chocolate fudge filled ghosts, Twix bars, Halloween pumpkins, miniature chocolates, ghost peeps, candy corn filled coffins, and miniature candy bars.
Halloween is about witches and black cat. Your little trick or treater may dream of creating hexes and potions. A popular Halloween gift bag is filled with Halloween candies, marshmallow Peeps ghosts, Halloween glow stick, miniature candy bars, miniature snickers bars, cookies, candy treats, microwave popcorn, and potions bottle with powdered candy. An adorable Halloween teddy bears is dressed as a witch and ready to fly away in her broomstick to deliver the delicious treats to your special goblin.
The little witch may also dream of her black cat. The singing plush black cat is another great gift. This Spooky little Cat delivers his own version of the pop hit "Spooky Little Cat Like You". Ghosts, ghouls and goblins alike will love this lively tune and this spooky kitty!
In conclusion, Halloween is for fun activities and candy treats. Send a Halloween gift basket, care package, gift box, or a singing black cat to your favorite trick-or-treats, and they will remember the fun and love that you share
Halloween has its origin in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain. The festival of Samhain was a celebration of the end of the harvest season, and could be regarded as the Celtic New Year. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundary between the alive and the dead disappeared, and the dead became dangerous for the living by causing illness, damaged crops, and other problems. Costumes and masks were worn at the festival to mimic the evil spirits or placate them.
The name "Halloween" is shortened from All Hallows' Eve as it is the eve of "All Hallows' Day", which is now known as All Saints' Day. Although All Saints's Day now occurs one day after Halloween, the Celts started every day at sunset of the night before. Hence Samhain became "the evening of All Hallows". Traditional activities for Halloween include costume parties, carving pumpkins to make Jack-o-lanterns (carved pumpkin lit by a candle inside), trick-or-treating, or reading scary stories. Irish immigrants carried versions of these tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Traditional characters of Halloween include ghosts, witches, vampires, bats, black cats, goblins, skeletons, pumpkin-man, scarecrow and fictional figures such as Dracula. Halloween gifts often include one of these characters for the festivities.
The Halloween gift basket is a great gift for your favorite trick-or-treater. Most Halloween gift baskets have a Jack-O-Lantern pail since Jack-O-Lantern is the symbol of Halloween. One popular gift basket includes popcorn, candy corn (popular Halloween candy), other Halloween candies, a plush black cat dressed as a witch, a pumpkin carving kit for recipients to make Jack-O-Lantern, and a pumpkin flash light for safety during trick-or-treating. This gift is truly a must have for Halloween!Another version of Halloween gift basket comes with a Halloween puzzle for the kids, in addition to plenty of treats. For more dramatic effects, you can send a Count Dracula gift basket. This basket consists of a plush black bear dressed as Dracula holding on to his favorite chocolate covered pumpkins. The basket also contains many other treats, including Bat Bits of yogurt pretzels, munchies, bubble gums, shortbread cookies, chocolate toffees and peanut butter pretzel nuggets. This gift basket is sure to bring everyone into the Halloween spirit.
For your college students and loved ones away from home, sending them a Halooween care package or gift box will remind them of the fun of Halloween while they were at home. A popular care package consists of a 14" black cat in a pumpkin outfit and lots of all-American favorite Halloween treats in a trick-or-treat bag. Inside the bag are candy corn, chocolate ghosts, microwave buttern popcorn, Halloween peanut butter filled pumpkin, and Halloween candies. Sending the care package is a good way to let your recipients know you care about them.
To share the Halloween spirit, You can leave a gift tote on your neighbors door step, put it on a coworker's desk at work, or send it to your favorite goblin far away. Inside the gift bag is a plush ghost, miniature marshmallow pumpkins, candies, peanut butter cup, miniature candy treats bags, cookies, and 2 creepy crawlers gummy worms.
The Halloween candy cake is another unique gift. The candy cake is a collection of candy pumpkins, chocolate fudge filled ghosts, Twix bars, Halloween pumpkins, miniature chocolates, ghost peeps, candy corn filled coffins, and miniature candy bars.
Halloween is about witches and black cat. Your little trick or treater may dream of creating hexes and potions. A popular Halloween gift bag is filled with Halloween candies, marshmallow Peeps ghosts, Halloween glow stick, miniature candy bars, miniature snickers bars, cookies, candy treats, microwave popcorn, and potions bottle with powdered candy. An adorable Halloween teddy bears is dressed as a witch and ready to fly away in her broomstick to deliver the delicious treats to your special goblin.
The little witch may also dream of her black cat. The singing plush black cat is another great gift. This Spooky little Cat delivers his own version of the pop hit "Spooky Little Cat Like You". Ghosts, ghouls and goblins alike will love this lively tune and this spooky kitty!
In conclusion, Halloween is for fun activities and candy treats. Send a Halloween gift basket, care package, gift box, or a singing black cat to your favorite trick-or-treats, and they will remember the fun and love that you share
How to arrange a surprise Kids party?
Most of the kids will have real hard time in keeping the secret in their kids’ party – especially while it is something very good as party. You will not want to risk slip up at school and on playground. In place of sending the surprise birthday kids party invitations to kids guests, you can send them to parents. In this way, you can ensure that your kids’ friends will come to party and not risk by blowing the surprise. Whereas you can have theme for your kids party, you wish to keep this invitation little more subtle. You do not want to provide any clues to kids with the wagging tongues. It is a good idea to get parents involved, as you may need some help with ‘fake’ activity for the guest of honor. When you will need their aid in getting the kids party and keeping this secret, you may want to think of sending actual birthday invitation to parents. This is one great option to know your kids friend’s parents. Their help at party can be critical in case you are expecting large group. In case you do not want to send any invitations to parents, you may have to consider hiring babysitter to aid you out in kids’ party. You would like to enjoy your kids party, not to be overwhelmed by the partying kids. When your kid’s party guest-of-honor is out of house get your kid guests to help to decorate. Make special note on birthday invitation you would like help with decorations and soon you will have all help you require in your kids party. You can as well enlist help of parents & teachers while thinking of the theme for your kids’ party. Once your house is decorated; you will need to close drapes on windows, so guest of honor does not see unless they have entered your house.
Most of the kids will have real hard time in keeping the secret in their kids’ party – especially while it is something very good as party. You will not want to risk slip up at school and on playground. In place of sending the surprise birthday kids party invitations to kids guests, you can send them to parents. In this way, you can ensure that your kids’ friends will come to party and not risk by blowing the surprise. Whereas you can have theme for your kids party, you wish to keep this invitation little more subtle. You do not want to provide any clues to kids with the wagging tongues. It is a good idea to get parents involved, as you may need some help with ‘fake’ activity for the guest of honor.
When you will need their aid in getting the kids party and keeping this secret, you may want to think of sending actual birthday invitation to parents. This is one great option to know your kids friend’s parents. Their help at party can be critical in case you are expecting large group. In case you do not want to send any invitations to parents, you may have to consider hiring babysitter to aid you out in kids’ party. You would like to enjoy your kids party, not to be overwhelmed by the partying kids.
When your kid’s party guest-of-honor is out of house get your kid guests to help to decorate. Make special note on birthday invitation you would like help with decorations and soon you will have all help you require in your kids party. You can as well enlist help of parents & teachers while thinking of the theme for your kids’ party. Once your house is decorated; you will need to close drapes on windows, so guest of honor does not see unless they have entered your house.
Most of the kids will have real hard time in keeping the secret in their kids’ party – especially while it is something very good as party. You will not want to risk slip up at school and on playground. In place of sending the surprise birthday kids party invitations to kids guests, you can send them to parents. In this way, you can ensure that your kids’ friends will come to party and not risk by blowing the surprise. Whereas you can have theme for your kids party, you wish to keep this invitation little more subtle. You do not want to provide any clues to kids with the wagging tongues. It is a good idea to get parents involved, as you may need some help with ‘fake’ activity for the guest of honor.
When you will need their aid in getting the kids party and keeping this secret, you may want to think of sending actual birthday invitation to parents. This is one great option to know your kids friend’s parents. Their help at party can be critical in case you are expecting large group. In case you do not want to send any invitations to parents, you may have to consider hiring babysitter to aid you out in kids’ party. You would like to enjoy your kids party, not to be overwhelmed by the partying kids.
When your kid’s party guest-of-honor is out of house get your kid guests to help to decorate. Make special note on birthday invitation you would like help with decorations and soon you will have all help you require in your kids party. You can as well enlist help of parents & teachers while thinking of the theme for your kids’ party. Once your house is decorated; you will need to close drapes on windows, so guest of honor does not see unless they have entered your house.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The Power of Gift Cards
Gift cards have been around for years. You have seen them in all the big stores such as Home Depot, Macy’s and Walmart and large chain restaurants such as TGI Fridays. These are such powerful instruments that 80 of the top 100 retailers in the United States say that gift cards represent the largest single selling item for them. Today, more and more small and medium size retailers and jumping on the gift card train. A gift card program will have undeniable advantages to a small and medium size retailer. They are convenient alternatives for people who do not know what gift to buy for a friend of family member. They will expand a business’ customer base with very little investment. And they provide businesses with immediate cash while the product or service is supplied at a later date. Retailers are also discovering that gift cards are a powerful marketing tool. A retailer that does not have a gift card program in place may be considered less attractive than a competitor offering the service. However, to be effective, a gift card program must be attractive to customers. Creative packaging plays an important role in gift card giving. Retailers are offering creative and visually appealing packagings to increase the perceived value of the gift and add to the gift card experience. Gift cards are great tools for retailers as they often increase their overall sales. On average, consumers will spend between 20 and 40 than the amount of the gift card. For some retailers, this can translate into significant new revenue. Almost as important as the gift card itself is the packaging that is made available. Enhanced packaging are a great way for a retailer to stand out so that a gift card does not get lost in a sea of cards. Customers are now more discerning than ever and are looking for ways to make a gift card look special. The packaging plays a crucial role as it completes the gift. This is particularly true when the packaging is available free of charge. In a recent survey, 84 of respondents said they would buy a gift card if it came with free packaging. 55 of respondents said they would buy a gift card if it came with packaging to be purchased and that number went up to 62 if they had options in terms of packaging. To enhance the overall gift giving experience, consumers are seeking innovative gift card packaging such as pouches, bags, tins and boxes in which to store the cards. Retailers are answering by getting more creative. Gift cards are no longer restricted to a personal gift to a friend or family member. Employers are discovering the advantages of giving gift cards as a way to recognize or motivate employees. Employees enjoy these gift cards as they often find them more exciting to receive than cash. They are also more comfortable talking about gift card rewards than monetary gifts. So if you have not yet established a gift card program for your business, now is a good time to get started. Consumers no longer see gift cards as impersonal and boring presents. All you have to do is make your gift cards and packaging appealing.
Meaningful Graduation Gifts For Your Daughter
She s graduating. The last time you looked, she was riding her two wheeler bicycle without training wheels. Now she s preparing to take the walk across the platform to accept her diploma and enter the world. From daddy s girl to graduate, you want to present her with a meaningful gift that shows how much you love and believe in her. Family members and close friends may also be approaching you about ideas for the graduate as well. Below are gift ideas organized by price range. When choosing a gift, keep the graduate s future plans in mind. If price is not an object, a vacation or travel tour to an exotic locale may be in order. Grandparents and parents of the grad may join resources and take a trip to a new destination or a family favorite. Travel is a wonderful way to create memories with your graduate before she heads off to college or joins the workforce. Some graduates receive a car for graduation. Whether it s brand new or used, a vehicle is always a welcome present for the senior. Lap top computers are another option, but keep in mind some colleges require specific programs and set up. Another winning gift idea is a small refrigerator, a perfect present for the college freshman. For those with a moderate budget, gift cards for clothing, text books, or to stock up the dorm room or apartment are always a winning choice for graduates. Small appliances such as a microwave or toaster oven are also practical ideas. Other possibilities include a digital camera, monogrammed book bag, or a television. If you want to bring a smile to her face, present the graduate with a new billfold, complete with a $100 or $50 bill inside, or a series of gift cards. Or extend her cell phone plan to accommodate additional calls to home when she leaves for school. Parents who wish to give a sentimental gift to their graduate should consider personalized jewelry. How about a matching pair of earrings and a necklace in her birthstone or a heart locket inscribed with her name? Jewelry is a gift she can cherish for years to come, remembering the love and support of her parents at such a crucial time in her life. Jewelry can also serve as an investment, symbolizing her invaluable worth and your pride in her accomplishments. A truly special jewelry gift idea is the charm bracelet. Charm bracelets have served as symbols of good luck for generations. Why not extend that message to your graduate as she enters the adult world? It was not uncommon 50 years ago, for young women to receive a charm bracelet decorated with charms that represented her hobbies and interests. Today s charm bracelets have grown up a bit and the Danish inspired creations allow women to create a stand out look that is meant to express individual style and taste. Decorate her charm bracelet with her birthstone, Murano glass beads, enameled charms, or a monogrammed piece. When combined together, the charm bracelet creates a ring of beauty around her wrist; beauty symbolized in the things she cherishes most. The threaded sections allow the charms to twist and rotate slightly with the wrist s movement, creating an undeniable eye catching effect. These Danish inspired charm bracelets become a snapshot of the lives of the women who wear them. For your special graduate, the charm bracelet will be her reminder of the love and support surrounding her as she launches into her new life. For those who are working with a smaller budget, jewelry is still an option from whimsical rings to other types of personalized jewelry. Just keep in mind the graduate s tastes and preferences. Pay attention to what she wears and that will guide you in your selection. The practical gift giving dad might consider a tool box with basic tools. While this may not be the most exciting gift, especially for a young woman, there are lines of tools that come with handles in bright colors, such as pink or green. Present the collection in a decorated box with flowers or some other fun designs. Once she settles into her dorm room, those tools are going to come in handy and she ll have her dad to thank for it.
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