A Gracious Plenty

A Few Thank You Gift Ideas

When you would like to give someone a gift as a 'thank you' for something they've done to benefit you, here are a few examples you may wish to consider when you are trying to select a fitting thank you gift.

If you are thanking someone for a service, like checking in on your pet or watering your plants while you're away on a trip, use the approximate cost of the kennel or a gardener as a guideline on what to spend.  A good thank you gift guideline would be to consider what you would have spent to hire someone to provide the same service. You certainly don't have to spend as much, but it's a good point to keep in mind!

If you will be going away for a few nights or even longer, you could arrange to send gift from wherever you've been or schedule to send a gift while you are still away. In fact, you don't have to do that in person; it's often more convenient to shop online - of course, we suggest our website, A Gracious Plenty! - and pick out a gift that shows your appreciation and perhaps even reflects your travels. The bonus of on-line shopping is you won't have to worry about sending or delivering it after you return home - we'll ship it directly to your recipient!  (Don't forget that A Gracious Plenty will enclose a complimentary handwritten gift note with your gift, and gift wrap is also available for most items for a small additional charge.)

For those occasions when you've received a formal dinner party invitation and want to show your appreciation to your host/hostess for including you, we also have a few suggestions.  Instead of bringing flowers with you that you picked up along the way, plan ahead and bring a small, personalized gift related to entertaining, like monogrammed soap for their powder room or a monogrammed wine stopper for their bar.  Nothing says "I got this gift especially for you" more than a thoughtful item that has been personalized with your host's monogram or name!

In situations where a friend or relative has 'gone above and beyond' to help you with a significant event in your life, consider selecting a personal gift to thank them, something that reflects their style or just shows how you value their friendship and support.  One of the more popular requests we get at A Gracious Plenty from our customers is to personalize our engraved or hand stamped jewelry - especially a necklace or a bracelet - as a gift from one friend to another.  Since jewelry is worn by the recipient, it is an intimate, frequent reminder of the special love and appreciation it represents.

No matter your choice of gift - and the list is endless - the most important thing is to remember to show your gratitude to those individuals who have helped you, included you, or served you in some way.  And at A Gracious Plenty, with over a thousand personalized gift items in our collection, we'd love to help you in that endeavor!  

Source:

http://www.catalogs.com/info/gifts/thank-you-gift-ideas.html

  

The Lost Art of Thank You

In today's world we are all going full speed - I often feel like the Eighty-Miles-Per-Hour-Mom!  Sometimes this means we get so busy that we might forget to say or send a thank you for a favor or kindness we've received.  (At least, I know I have overlooked this before!)  As you know, though, A Gracious Plenty is all about recognizing the goodness and blessings that we've received, and giving graciously in return.  So I wanted to share a few words today about thank you gifts.

There are many occasions for which a thank you gift is appropriate. Here are but a few examples:  when someone has helped you by house or pet sitting; provided job recommendations or letters of reference; covered your work while you were away; provided great service consistently over time (perhaps a hair stylist, doorman, car repairperson, or caregiver); provided a voluntary day of labor for a big move or home repair... Generally, though, anytime you want to show your appreciation to someone, a thank you gift is in order.

Yes, it's true, a thank you can gift can be given to anyone who you feel deserves your appreciation!  Of course, there are some considerations to keep in mind when deciding the size or cost of the thank you gift.  If it was a small favor or kindness, then a small token of thanks will do, and is sure to be appreciated.  If you are thanking another person for something significant, then you may want to make a grander gesture by giving a more meaningful gift, which may or may not equate a more expensive gift.

And that's where A Gracious Plenty can help!  We have an entire collection of  personalized thank you gifts, all low to moderately priced, but all with a personal touch that says 'I picked this just for YOU'!  Stay tuned for my next post, where I'll feature a few of the great personalized thank you items we have to offer you!

Feature Friday Item: Pink Ribbon Stamp

 

Yesterday I noted how October is breast Cancer Awareness month, and today I wanted to continue the theme by featuring the Pink Ribbon Stamp, made by PSA Essentials.  This stamp is a great way to raise awareness and show your support for those fighting against breast cancer.  The wording around this special pink ribbon stamp design can be anything you wish, as long as it fits within the character limits (indicated below).  Just putting an address (for a return address stamp) or a repeating name (for stamping casual notes, etc.) around the pink ribbon design looks fantastic!  This self-inking stamp impression measures 1.63".  

PSA Essentials' custom stamps can accommodate up to 60 characters around the center design, including punctuation, spaces and dots used to separate the circular text.

This stamp comes with a special two-color pink and black ink cartridge already installed and ready to use.  Each cartridge contains enough ink to make approximately 10,000 to 14,000 impressions.

This item typically is ready to ship to you within 10-14 business days.  PSA Essentials offers a Rush Service in which they will complete and ship your stamp within 3 business days - this optional service costs $25.00 and does not include shipping costs.  Shipping time is additional.  Standard shipping is via UPS Ground, although shipping upgrades (Second Day Air, Next Day Delivery) are available.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Why?  Because unfortunately, estimates are that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with this disease in her lifetime.  Since the Pink Ribbon campaign came into existence, much awareness has been raised about the prevalence of breast cancer; however, there is still a great need to spread the word about the importance of early detection of this disease.  In light of this, I wanted to share with you some facts I found on the National Breast Cancer Foundation website.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that each year, over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  Over 40,000 women die annually from it.  You may also be surprised to learn that men are susceptible:  each year approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die.

If detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 96%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.

The National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that women in their forties and older have mammograms every one to two years.  A complete early detection plan also includes regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional.  Monthly breast self-exams are suggested in addition.

Earlier this year, a Gracious Plenty began offering a way for you to elegantly support Breast Cancer Awareness and other awareness campaigns.  Our Personalized Sterling Silver Awareness Bracelet is a classic double-link charm bracelet that comes with a single embellishment:  a heart-shaped charm that has a ribbon engraved on one side, and the initials or monogram of your choice engraved on the other side.  Wear one engraved with the monogram of someone whose fight you wish to honor, whether your own or that of someone close to you.  Wear it, or give it, also to express love, courage, and hope for the hundreds of thousands of others among us whose fight we honor as well.

Setting the table with personality and style!

You've planned the food, invited the guests, selected the music, and bought the spirits for your dinner party or soiree...but did you remember one of the most important parts of your special evening?  Dressing the table, of course! The way you dress your table can actually influence your guest's appetites and set the tone for the evening.  And best of all, dressing the table can be simple and doesn't need to cost you a lot of money!  Here are a few quick, easy and cost-effective suggestions:

No need to load your dining or serving table with different vases. It's called a centerpiece or a focal point for a reason, so add a vase or even a crystal pitcher filled with fresh flowers in the center of the table.

Instead of using candle holders, considering using votives that you can set in crystal bowls of water. Floating scented candles are another way to add grace and elegance to your table.

Find unusual cloth napkins with great colors and textures. Think about using tea towels for extra messy menus.

Use crystal platters to place seasonal items that go with your theme (for the holidays, perhaps pine cones and Christmas balls).

Search your house for items that can be reused and re-purposed to fit your table theme. The key is to find items items that are unique to you - and monogrammed pieces are just that!  These will add an easy yet sophisticated style to your party in a snap!

   

  

Feature This Friday- Julia Monogrammed Crystal Pitcher

Since I wrote about anniversary gifts earlier this week I thought it was appropriate to pick one of my favorite gifts for an anniversary couple: our personalized crystal pitcher.  One of the reasons I love to give this gift is that unlike other formal gifts, it will be used all the time.  If entertaining house guests or hosting a holiday brunch, the crystal pitcher can be used to serve juice, lemonade, tea or water.  It is appropriate for formal affairs, but will also fit nicely into a more casual repast.  (Just between us gals, this pitcher also comes in quite handy for a 'girl's night in' pitcher of your favorite refreshing concoction, like sangria or margaritas!)  Using a crystal pitcher is a great way to dress up any drink you're serving, even your morning orange juice, if you like!  I can tell you through personal experience:  you can open a carton of orange juice and pour it right in - no muss, no fuss - and you and your guests will feel truly special!

The Julia Monogrammed crystal pitcher has graceful lines which accentuate a classic shape that will never go out of style.  The pitcher is engraved with an elegant script monogram and holds 64 ounces.  Its radiant sparkle will long reflect your good taste and thoughtfulness, making it an ideal anniversary, wedding or housewarming gift.  

   

  

Anniversary Gifts with a Modern Touch

Last week I wrote about how couples can take 'time out' together to reconnect.  This week I'd like to follow up with a few suggestions for anniversary gifts to help celebrate your years together.

Wedding anniversaries symbolize a married couple's renewing of vows, each and every year, commemorating the depth of their commitment to each other. Historians have traced the origins of silver and golden anniversaries to medieval Germanic Europe, where silver and gold garlands were presented by the husband to the wife to celebrate the 25th and 50th years of marriage.

In 1937 the American National Retail Jewelry Association issued a list of gifts for all the traditional wedding anniversaries for each year up to the 15th Anniversary and then every fifth year after that up to the 60th.  The traditional list which includes things like paper, aluminum and wood may not meet with your partner's enthusiastic response.  Consider putting a twist on tradition to come up with the perfect anniversary gift that is sure to charm your loved one. Below I have listed the "rule" for a few anniversaries and then our suggestions on how to jazz things up while still following tradition.

1st Anniversary:  Paper

A gift made of paper is the traditional gift for the first anniversary.  To represent the interlocking bond you share, we suggest personalized stationery.

   

5th Anniversary:  Personalized platter

A personalized platter or other serving item is a lovely and practical gift, especially if you both enjoy entertaining.  

 
10th Anniversary:  Aluminum

This is an example of where we suggest thinking outside the box!  Instead of aluminum, we recommend sterling silver!  For him, perhaps a striking pair of monogrammed cuff links; for her, a monogrammed necklace.

   

   

15th Anniversary:  Crystal

Personalized crystal flutes add a nice flair the traditional crystal gift or even a crystal wine bucket for entertaining.

   

All of these items - and over a thousand more! - can be found at A Gracious Plenty!

  

Sometimes Parents Need A Time Out

During this time of year our lives get very busy, especially, I think, for those of us raising children.  Today, life is complex, and parents are always running from work to school to kids' activities to home responsibilities.  I don't know about you, but by the time the kids go to bed, I'm ready for bed, too!  Our hectic lifestyle today leaves very little time for 'couple time' with our significant others.  But I think one of the key ways to nourish any relationship is to carve out quality time for each another and remember how it all started out.

One of my favorite things to do with my husband is to go dinner.  We both love this time because we can sit (quietly!) and talk (without interruption!) about what's been going on in our lives.  Conversation often turns to our hopes and dreams.  We think of how far we've come and what the future might hold for us and our family.

During this time we get the chance to reconnect.  Every once in a while my husband surprises me at the end the evening with a gift.  It doesn't have to be anything pricey or large.  A small inexpensive bracelet or even a picture frame (with a picture of us or the kids in it) is enough to remember and celebrate the special times we've had together.  It really is a lovely way to end a romantic evening.  (And if one of you is 'in the doghouse' for some reason, presenting a token of your love and esteem for your partner is a charming way to make amends!)

A few suggestions (all available at A Gracious Plenty, of course!):

A pair of monogrammed earrings

A monogrammed necklace

A personalized pen

A monogrammed ring

 

Remember, 'just because' gifts don't need to cost a lot to mean a lot.  A personalized gift from A Gracious Plenty - something we've customized especially for your loved one - is the ideal way to share a meaningful memory or sentiment  - and still have money left over for the sitter! 

Feature This Friday: Custom Photo Jewelry

Imagine having your favorite photo transformed into a beautiful piece of custom handmade jewelry, so that you can always keep your loved ones and precious memories close to your heart.  The Cherish Photo Necklace offered at A Gracious Plenty is a stunning design by jewelry artist Stephanie McCleary.  It features a square photo tile accented by a sterling silver bail and suspended on a Greek leather cord necklace.  To make the pendant, the photo of your choice is sized, sharpened for clarity and custom colored by the artist, then set into a sterling silver frame charm and sealed with a waterproof protective coating.  The photo measures 3/4" by 3/4", and is set on a 1 1/8" jewelry tile.  You may choose either a sepia-toned (antiqued) photo finish set on a brown tile and hung on a brown leather necklace, or a black and white photo finish set on a black tile and hung on a black leather necklace. 

This is the perfect way to memorialize a friend, relative or beloved pet, keeping them 'near and dear' to your heart every day.  Gifts that are this personal - and beautiful - are among our favorites here at A Gracious Plenty!   

Support your Fraternity or Sorority

 

Fall is here and at colleges and universities across the country, sorority and fraternity life is in full swing! Show your pride in your fraternity or sorority though a custom Greek stamp.  Personalized fraternity and sorority stamps are a fun, stylish way to celebrate your sisterhood/brotherhood and support your sorority or fraternity.  A Gracious Plenty offers hundreds of fraternity and sorority stamp designs, and all Greek stamps in our collection are licensed via the manufacturer.  This ensures that a portion of each purchase goes back to your Greek organization.  It also means you can be certain your stamp lives up to the standards of your organization.

While many companies sell fraternity and sorority merchandise, at A Gracious Plenty we sell only licensed fraternity and sorority products. Here are just some of the Greek organizations we are proud to support: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Tau Omega, Alpha Xi Delta, Beta Theta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Chi, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Delta Phi Epsilon, Delta Sigma Phi, Delta Tau Delta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Delta, and many more.  Click here to visit our shop and browse the full selection we offer!