Hallmark Merry
Hallmark Merry
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 2009 LQ Make a Little Merry Spec Ed Hallmark Orn  US $4.99
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 Lot of 7 Hallmark Merry Miniatures Easter 1991 1994 US $4.99
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 Hallmark Ornament Sign of the Times Penguin Merry 2009 US $9.99
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You know you hate it, but it's a tradition, right? You've done it for what seems like 375 years and your customers have come to expect it. The thought of sitting at your desk signing each and every one of them is enough to extinguish the holiday spirit that had just begun to brighten your soul.
Holiday cards can be a joy to some or an anchor to weigh down even the most stout-hearted of souls. When I was younger, much younger, I loved sitting by the fire, writing notes in each card, addressing the envelopes and sending them on their merry way through a postal system where postal works didn't go, well...postal! According to Hallmark, 1.8 billion Christmas cards were sent last year which is close to one-third of the world's population. I'll be the first to admit I enjoy opening up the cards we receive at home with the exceptions of those where they include a letter that details every exploit of the family from January 1 all the way through the day before they sent out the card.
My point is holiday cards are great for friends to send to friends, but I believe there is a better way to say "thank you" to your business colleagues and customers that can be remembered long after those cards are dumped into the round file on the floor.
The first thing to do is compile a list of recipients and your budget per gift. Figure holiday cards cost a couple bucks each after all is said and done and those get thrown out or recycled with no memory value for the recipient. Here are five gift ideas for about $5 that will continue to remind your customers of your thoughtfulness throughout the New Year:
1. Calendars: Calendars come in all styles and varieties from pocket planners to wall calendars; desk pad calendars, stick-on and desk top calendars, month-at-a-glance and pop-up calendars. Work with your promotional products professional to narrow down the style and decide what message you would like your customers to see throughout the year.
2. Holiday CD Greeting Cards: This idea combines a holiday greeting card that acts as the sleeve for a music CD. Provide your customers with a CD full of holiday classics or one with classic songs they can listen to all year long.
3. JournalBook: When I am on sales calls I notice most people tend to carry around a pad of paper or some sort of pad to record notes from the various meetings. This holiday give them an upscale journalbook with blank lined pages to use instead of a pad of paper. You can include custom pages at the front that gives information on your company and products for easy reference throughout the year.
4. Metal or Ceramic Drinking Vessel: What better way to have your name in front of your customer every day than with an upscale cup or mug that sits on their desk. As a little extra fill it with some nuts or candy and make sure it's packaged nicely.
5. Food Gifts: O.K, this one might cost you more than $5 if you choose a company that packages their food in a reusable wood box or with a Post-It Note Holder or picture frame. Quality food is always appreciated and if it comes with a useful product branded with your logo or message all the better.
Given the economy you may decide to stick with holiday cards this year and if so consider sending a Thanksgiving card instead. Your customers will receive very few if any notes of appreciation around this holiday and your message will stand out from the rest of the holiday noise.
With 24 years in promotional marketing, Steve Woodburn works with clients to develop creative and measurable solutions that solve their marketing needs using promotional products, uniform programs, online company eStores, point-of-sale initiatives and rewards and recognition. He builds long-term relationships and becomes a trusted advisor and consultant his clients can turn to for all their brand extension needs. You can reach him at: stephen.woodburn@staplespromoproducts.com
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MERRY $8.99 MERRY |
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Merry Merry Christmas $10 Merry Merry Christmas |
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Hallmark $47 Sir Oliver Popplewell became, in his own words, officially 'judicially senile' after a distinguished career at the Bar, as a High court judge specialising in defamation, arbitration and sports law - an appropriate niche for a Cambridge cricket Blue. And in public life he achieved prominence as chairman of important public enquiries such as the Bradford Stadium disaster. "Hallmark: A Judge's Life at Oxford", the sequel to his acclaimed autobiography, "Benchmark: Life, Laughter and the Law", tells how he went to Oxford University to read Philosophy, Politics and Economics as the oldest undergraduate ever to be admitted - with considerable press and media coverage and good-natured amusement among family and friends.Here is a sharply observed, sympathetic yet critical picture of modern Oxford seen from the perspective of a leading judge and public figure who could contrast this experience with his Cambridge days from the late 1940s. But this is much more than the story of an older student. It is hugely entertaining account of a life lived to the full.Sir Oliver takes his readers into his confidence, shares his experience and presents a unique facet of a fascinating life which can serve as a warm but sharply observed social and cultural history of modern Britain. |
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Merry Maid $59.99 Merry Maid |
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Merry Christmas $10 Merry Christmas |
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Merry Xmas $10 Merry Xmas |
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Merry Andrew $12.49 Merry Andrew |
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The Merry Widow $9.49 The Merry Widow |
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The Merry Gentleman $5.99 The Merry Gentleman |
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Merry Xmas! $13.49 Merry Xmas! |
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Merry $3.99 Merry Embellishment Add sparkle and dimension to your scrapbooking memories with American Craft stickers. These Christmas-themed stickers feature presents, Christmas tree decorations and candy canes. Ten pieces per sheet. Size is approximate. Design, |
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Be Merry $1.54 This festive holiday invitation was designed by one of the world's most sought after event planners, Mindy Weiss. This unique invitation reads EAT DRINK & BE MERRY at the top in red, green and gold with a matching striped border at the bottom. Bright white enclosure cards are available. |