Pencil me in...

These have probably been all over the blogosphere already, but I have to tell you about them just in case you haven't seen them before. They are pencils....that's right...pencils. It is a graphite writing tool (pencil) that is cleverly disguised as art. The San Francisco sculptor signs and dates each piece. The molded graphite is smudge proof and will last for years and years. Not only is the artist committed to making art from materials that are part of your daily life, but he designs each piece with the history of its origin in mind.

I think if you were trying to land a big client or get an all important appointment, you could send them one of these and ask them to "pencil you in". Maybe a little corny, but effective. Besides, who wouldn't love to have one of these on their desk?

Have a Ball

Made popular in the 1950's, the original surprize balls are back with this handmade version. This is the ball you have to "destroy to enjoy". Unwind to discover keepsakes, fortunes, and prizes. Another "layer" to making any party special. Put one on each person's place setting to use as place cards or get one and pass it around the table. They are perfect for all kinds of parties. Going to dinner to celebrate an "older" birthday....bring one of these to have fun with as you wait for your food to arrive.

The photos show just a couple of ways to use them. These are a favorite because they are so versatile with endless possibilities. The balls can be decorated for any occasion or theme. Add the words, "have a ball" and you can say just about anything. Have a ball with your new baby. Have a ball with your new job. Have a ball in retirement. It's your birthday, have a ball.

Crunch time

Now and then you have people who have worked so hard for you that it just shouldn't go unmentioned. We all have times when work is full of stress and deadlines. When that happens and your employees step up, be sure they know how much their dedication is appreciated. Just acknowledging their work goes a long way for employee moral. Okay, so what do you do.....depends on the situation. If you really just want to say thanks, you can do it in a silly way. Why not a big bag of chips for everyone with a note attached that says, "Thanks for being there at crunch time."


A couple of my favorites.

Addict or Fanatic?

I am a coffee addict....well, let's say fanatic since that sounds better...even though, addict is probably more appropriate. After doing some serious blame-storming, I've decided that it is my Grandpa's fault. He was a mailman in rural Iowa. I used to go with him now and then on Saturday mornings to deliver the mail. (Boy, do I have stories about that, but that's for another time) He always kept his glove compartment full of Brach's coffee candy. I loved those candies. I must of gotten hooked on that flavor because to this day I love coffee flavored anything. There is nothing like a good cup of coffee in the morning. Now, I have a very nice $1000 coffee machine. No, I did not buy a $1000 coffee machine.....it was given to me........long story. Even though, I have this incredible machine, there is still plenty of times I use this. This carafe is ingenious. You simply put the coffee in, pour in the boiling water, wait four minutes, and pour. You don't have to remove the grounds or press anything. The filter keeps the grounds in the carafe and the lid is even drip proof. I love when something has a simple classic design, but is so functional.

If you are in need of a thank you gift, you can't go wrong with this coffee carafe. Tell them how glad you are that they are a part of your daily grind. Don't forget about your corporate gifts. This could easily transition over to clients.

Where in the world?

This past spring, we were asked to come up with a gift idea for a class of graduating seniors. A blue leather traveler's atlas was chosen. (Blue because that was the school's color) Each senior's name was embossed on the cover along with the school's logo. To give the gift additional meaning, I made a gift tag with a world map on it and wrote, "Wherever the world takes you, we're glad you started here. Congratulations!" What good does this do you months later....well, I really think this idea could be fine tuned to other scenarios. How about for someone heading off for college....how about for a friend moving out of the area......how about for someone taking on a new career?

Skip the corporate stuff

Corporate gifts deserve the same amount of attention as personal gifts. So why is it things like pens and mugs with corporate names are the norm? Do you want that in your house? Aren't we bombarded with advertisements enough in our lives? There is even product placement in movies now. Aren't corporate gifts just as important as personal gifts? So the next time you need to thank a client, skip the coffee mugs, mouse pads, and pens and wrap up one of these blue egg trays. Include a handwritten note that says,

"your true blue loyalty means everything to us."

Now, tell me that won't make the lasting impression you were hoping for.