Holiday Gift
Holiday Gift questions and answers
Don't forget to check out the latest article on Christmas Ornament Storage at GetCrafty.com Crafts.
Q: Holiday gift!?
is giving a gift card considered a gift for the holiday's??????
A: Absolutely. My family gives them all the time.
And its always fun to go shopping after the Holidays.
Lots of great sales.. You get more for the Buck...
Q: What is a good holiday gift for a digital photograthy buff?
My boyfriend is a photographer, working mainly in digital now and I need a good holiday gift for him.
A: A couple of 2GB memory cards are a good start. Maybe the upgrade to Photoshop CS3 extended?
Q: what is a thoughtful, yet inexpensive holiday gift to give to a foster parent?
Each holiday season the foster care agency I work for puts on a holiday party. The children in care get gifts and the foster parents also get a thank you gift. We are trying to figure out a nice gift to give to each of our foster families without having to spend too much. I wish we had more money in our budget to spend a lot of money on these families who do an amazing job!
A: A picture frame with a note saying to take pictures of their families, now matter how much they change and grow. Or something sappy like that.
Q: Is it appropriate to bring a token holiday gift to my BIG boss's holiday party?
I'm not too high on the totem pole at work, and the BIG, BIG boss is hosting a holiday party of his own.
1) Should I bring something or come empty-handed?
2) If so, any ideas???
I'm going alone, so there will be no group gift.
A: Taking a gift is a bad idea. Hostesses have their hands full, they don't want to deal with flowers or scented candles; and a bottle of alcohol will get lost in the shuffle. Allow the big boss the courtesy of not trying to offset his hospitality by taking a food or drink gift.
Go, enjoy the hospitality, and mail a thank-you note the next day.
Q: I need a holiday gift message for a business?
I need a holiday message this isn’t specific to any religion or holiday. I want to be sure not to offend anyone that receives the gift that doesn’t celebrate holidays AND not to offend anyone that does celebrate holidays by being so vague. Oh yea… and it needs to be professional, yet personal :o) This message will be sent to 117 people with a gift basket.
A: a simple thanks in appreciation of your business and have a healthy & prosperous 2009 should do just fine.
Q: How do you handle holiday gift giving to teachers in middle school? ?
My son is 11 and just started middle school. In elementary school, holiday gift giving was easy. I just sent in a gift or gift card to the one or two main teachers and I was done. How is holiday gift-giving handled in middle school where there are many more teachers involved in your child's education? Does every teacher get a gift? Also, since each teacher isn't teaching your child all day, should the value of each gift be lower than in elementary school? I'd appreciate any guidance you could provide. Thanks.
A: I don't think it's that serious. I just left middle school so I see how it usually works. Here are a few suggestions.
1. Put a bunch of gift cards in a bag (or just enough for the teachers he has) then have them draw radomly. This can be a great alternative to picking and choosing who gets what amont if you want to give a gift card. Or you could just give the same amont on all gift cards and just give them to the teachers.
2. Just give them to the teachers you feel are important, or the teacher your son likes. That always works for me. I don't think teacher's mind not receiving gifts. It's not like they compete to see who has the most gifts!
Anyway good luck with that!
Q: As a teacher what do you thing is a good holiday gift for each of the students from the teacher?
I am a teacher and i am unsure of what to get my students as a holiday gift, that ofcourse is not going to break the bank. Thank alot all.
A: A certificate for one day of no homework. This will cost you nothing and they will love it.
Q: Best way to ship Chocolate as Holiday gift?
Hi there,
I was planning on shipping chocolate as holiday gifts to friends, mainly in bar form. Does anyone know if there are packaging regulations I should be aware of for shipping food?
Also, How should the chocolate be packed? Does anyone think there would be a melting concern if it is being shipped in the northern US? I'm worried about it sitting in a toasty post office somewhere?
Anyone have an experience shipping chocolate?
Thanks so much, and I hope you had a Happy Halloween!
A: I sell chocolate on-line and over the past couple of weeks I have shipped about 100 orders to all parts of the US except for Alaska and Hawaii. Nonetheless, I have had to deal with temperatures ranging from the low-20s to the mid-90s.
As long as you are shipping in the US and the chocolate you are shipping does not contain large amounts of alcohol (which does not appear to be the case), then there are no requlations you need to worry about. The main thing you'll have to contend with is the temperature at the point of delivery on the day of the delivery.
I use the US Postal Service for shipping for a couple of reasons. The first is that I can get most of the boxes I need for free. When you ship as much as I do, the cost for boxes can add up quickly. I have found Priority Mail to be extremely reliable (no lost boxes or damaged shipments in the three years I've been using them) and they are far less costly than either UPS or FedEx.
When you are boxing up the chocolate, remember a couple of things:
- Use a box with at least several inches of room around the chocolate and pack this space with packing peanuts (or similar material). This dead space insulation works really well. You can buy packing peanuts made from cornstarch which will also absorb moisture in the box.
- Tape over ALL the open edges of the box to make sure that warm air has no easy entry into the box and cool air has no easy exit.
- Line the inside of the box with absorbent paper. I use paper "wadding" made especially for this purpose. A local shipping store might have some. This adds some additional insulation, reduces air flow in and out of the box, and absorbs moisture in the box (if you're not using cornstarch peanuts).
- If the temperature is going to be over 80 degrees where you are shipping, use a cold pack. To avoid damaging the chocolate, do not put the cold pack directly on the chocolate. A layer of packing peanuts works well. Also, wrap the chocolate in plastic (or cover it with a sheet of bubble wrap to keep moisture that will condense on the gel pack from getting the chocolate wrapper wet.
- When I ship to places where the temperature is above 85, I also use insulated bubble wrap. This has mylar film on both sides that reflects heat out and keeps cold in. I've been known to use two layers of this insulated bubble wrap combined with all of the tricks above when it's really hot. I also use Perishable stickers.
It is possible to buy insulated shippers but they are very expensive and take up a lot of room because they are shipped fully assembled. I reuse as much of the shipping materials that arrives with other stuff delivered to the office as possible and recycle all the rest.
Most post offices are kept cool (enough) over weekends. The real challenge is the vehicle used to deliver the chocolate. Those can easily get hot enough to melt chocolate. If it's an issue, send things Express Mail or UPS 2nd day morning delivery.
If it's really cold, then ask the recipients to let the box warm up, unopened, over night before opening so no moisture condenses on the chocolate.
HTH,
:: Clay
Q: What are some good ideas for holiday gift baskets?
I want to keep the cost minimal, since I am making around 8 of these for various people...
Ideas I already plan to include -
Homemade Apple Butter
Mugs w/ cocoa mix/tea/coffee (One of the local dollar stores had really cute mugs ^_^)
Chocolate-coated Coffee Spoons
Candy canes made to look like reindeer
Holiday Cookies/a loaf of a sweet bread such as pumpkin or banana
I am pretty handy in the kitchen, but not as gifted with sewing/knitting crafts. Any other ideas would be appreicated! Thanks!
A: Look for recipe for gift jars. Make nice basket with a couple of jarred mixes with instructions, a couple of cute potholders and some wooden spoons and maybe a silicon spatula.
I've done baskets with nice teas, homemade cocoa mix, homemade biscotti and a couple of cute mugs from the dollar store.
http://www.creativeladiesministry.com/jarrecipes.html
Q: how can i make clever ,adorable photo frames for gift giving during the holiday season?(for next year)?
with tough times only getting tougher how can i make some quickie photo frames for holiday gift giving next year.any suggestions would be greatly appreciated..
A: Here are a few ideas for decorating photo frames for the younger set
http://www.kidzworld.com/article/5412-interior-design-decorate-your-picture-
Here are some good ideas for decorating inexpensive frames & making them into designer frames!
Ideas for Decorating Wood Picture Frames
By Jessica Ackerman
Decorative picture frames are attractive and appealing, but the prices are usually considerably higher than the cost of ordinary wood picture frames sold in stores. Basic wood picture frames cost very little, and they can be decorated to look just as impressive as more expensive decorative frames. When decorating with faux gems, small shells, polished pebbles, or other interesting craft supplies and natural items, you can turn ordinary wood picture frames into extraordinary photo displays.
Necessary Supplies
To make decorated wood picture frames you will require a hot glue gun and ordinary wood picture frames in sizes and styles of your choice. They can be finished, unfinished, ornate, or plain. You can even decorate old picture frame that are scratched and nicked. The wood will be completely covered by trimmings of your choice, and any defects will be hidden.
Decorating with Seaside Treasures
A seaside frame can be used to enhance a favorite photo of a trip to the beach, and it makes a lovely keepsake or gift. To make a seaside frame you will need dozens of small shells, small pieces of smooth beach glass, and small stones polished smooth by the sand and the ocean waves. You will also need clean beach sand to cover the open areas between the shells, beach glass, and stones.
Begin by covering the front of the frame with spray adhesive, and generously cover the wood with beach sand. Next, begin gluing on shells, beach glass, and polished stones. The sand will cover up any gaps. Allow the glue to dry completely before framing a photo.
Decorating with Polished Pebbles and Sand
Small polished pebbles can be extraordinarily beautiful, and they look even lovelier when attached to a wooden picture frame. Cover the wooden frame with spray-on adhesive, and coat it with colored sand of your choice. Consider selecting a color in the photograph when choosing the color of the sand. Lastly, glue on the polished pebbles to cover most of the wood and complete the frame.
Decorating with Sequins
If you want an eye-catching photo frame similar to those sold in stores, glue on flashy sequins. Visit your local craft store for sequins in various colors, shapes, and sizes. Make a pattern with multiple colors, or cover the wood with a single color. Slightly overlap the sequins to make a decorative frame that will enhance any photo.
Beaded Frame Decorating
Frames covered in beads are interesting and extraordinarily beautiful. Instead of simply gluing on random beads, string them on invisible thread, and wind them into swirls and other interesting shapes. After gluing on the strings of beads in formations of your choice, glue on a few pretty glass beads to finish the frame, and allow the glue to dry completely before handling further.
Decorating with Sparkling Gems
Faux gems make exceptionally beautiful and eye-catching frames. Choose dozens of flat-back faux gemstones in colors of your choice, and randomly glue them to an ordinary wood picture frame. Consider choosing a single color or two from the photo, and glue on matching gems to bring them out in the photo. Make it as elaborate as you like, and allow the glue to dry before adding a photo.
Decorating photo frames does not detract from the photos they surround. When embellishments are carefully chosen, decorating enhances specific colors, and they make the photos more eye-catching and interesting. Use your sense of creativity and imagination, and begin decorating ordinary picture frames to transform them into stunning works of art. •
Q: What can I put in a Holiday gift bag for kids under $5 including the bag.?
I am in charge of making 50 HOLIDAY gift bags for my HOLIDAY party for kids ages 1-11 and I'm not sure what to put in them. I get a budget of $5 and that has to include the bag I put them in. I was thinking just a brown paper bag and decorating it with a snowflake stamp and ribbon. But what do I put in it?? Please help!! Thank you
A: Head over to the dollar store and get some cool gifts from the kids/toy isle.
Q: Where can I buy a holiday gift basket (wine, cheese ect) in San francisco?
I need to get ahold of one of those holiday gift baskets for one of my clients. I cant send away for it...as I need to drop it off at 6 30 am tomorrow. Does anyone know of a good store to get this?
Thanks
Mark
A: I'm sure Trader Joe's has some. I'm sure you have a See's Candie store in S.F. or that famous Giradelli chocolate place.
Q: What was the best Christmas or holiday gift you've ever received?
What was the best gift you've received during the holiday season?
A: That would be the fabulous Honda Accord XL that is sitting in my driveway that my progeny got together and got for me for Mother's Day.
Q: What do you think about a Holiday "Gift Buying Service" as an idea for a business?
I know of plenty of people who always seem to get stressed out around the holidays, because they feel as if there is not enough time to get everything done that they'd like to. Would any of you be willing to pay for a gift buying service? Think about it, If you could pay someone to:
1.) buy the gifts for you (and charge you 10% of the gift's cost, as a fee, $20.00 minimum)
2.) gift wrap them (at $5.00 per gift for a simple wrap and bow)
3.) deliver the gift(s) to the buyer or to the gift recipients ($5 fee)
This service could save your customers a whole lot of time and hassle, and allow them to actually enjoy the holidays! As an example, If a customer bought 5 gifts at $100.00 each, and had all 5 wrapped and delivered to their home, the charge would be $80.00 [(10% of $500 = $50) + ($5.00 x 5 wrapped gifts = $25.00) + ($5.00 delivery)].
What do you think? Are these rates fair? What would make it a better business? And most importatant, would you actually use a service like this?
A: Fantastic Idea....go for it....if it is something that makes you passionate, you are sure to succeed.
Before you jump right in investing more of your time and money stop thinking about the logistics of it. I promise you they will come.
Ask yourself what it is that you want. How much money do you want to earn? Are you a specialist or just a generalist? Who is my customer? and don't say anyone, because that doesn't fly. You might as well stand on a street corner handing out pamphlets.
Then test your market. Talk with friends to begin to get comfortable talking about what you want to do, but dont rely only on what they have to say. Friends and family tend to be somewhat bias, either for or against, and are motivated by other unseen factors.
When you are comfortable and feel you have most of the wrinkles ironed out, begin to approach those that you believe would be an ideal customer. Don't try to sell them, simple find out their ideas and thoughts.
Best wishes on your new endeavors.
Have a great day.
John
Business such as yours everyday are finding just how powerful the telephone is in generating new business. Please take the time to check my blog and feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or need someone to bounce ideas off of.
http://nexxtepcommunications.blogspot.com/
Q: What are some inexpensive holiday gift ideas for teachers?
I have four children and would like to give an inexpensive gift to all of their teachers. Grade 5, grade 3, and grade 1 as well as an infant in a daycare. I want to give them all a gift that shows appreciation for what tthey do but with out breaking the bank. Any suggestions?
A: Everyone in my immediate family, except me, is a teacher. They say that they really appreciate donations for their classroom (supplies, stickers, nice note paper) since they usually end up paying for these things out of their own pockets. If you package it up really nice, I think it makes a great gift. Gift certificates are great as well (for a nearby coffee place or a teacher supply store.) Chocolates and coffee make great gifts, too.
Whatever you do, don't give them mugs or Christmas ornaments. These are given to teachers by the dozen, are usually pretty cheesy, and end up in a box somewhere, stored away.