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June 30, 2017

4th of July Office Party Ideas

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — PDWriter @ 5:08 pm

4th-of-July-Office-Party-Ideas-PaperDirect

The 4th of July is almost upon us, and if you’re sensing that summertime itch brewing among your employees, you’re not alone. As we approach the nation’s most patriotic holiday, American workers across the country are spending just a little bit more time staring out the window than they are staring at their monitor.

But, that’s okay — you won’t get anywhere if you try to force your team’s collective nose to the grindstone. Give in to the feeling and throw your hard-working team a 4th of July party that celebrates the United States and their combined work ethic.

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Have Everyone Bring Their Favorite American Meals

You can get your team involved and have people sign up to bring in some homemade dishes to celebrate the 4th of July. You don’t need to enforce an American theme, but as the boss, it might be a good idea to order in some US-style grub just to make sure the theme is cohesive.

Pass Out Sparklers

Fireworks have been a part of the 4th of July since the very first anniversary way back in 1777. Indulge in your ability to blow stuff up by handing out some Snappers or Sparklers to let your employees indulge in some old-fashioned July 4 fun. Just make sure they go outside first.

Play Some Games

You don’t need to leave the office to have fun. Organize a scavenger hunt with some small prizes for the winners. Orchestrate a relay race using common office materials, or plan a scavenger hunt.

You can also use some 4th of July-themed paper products and have your team pit their best-designed paper airplanes against one another.

Get Outside and Cook Some Food

The 4th of July is the quintessential outdoor American holiday. Families and friends will almost invariably commemorate the 4th by getting outside and enjoying a little bit of summertime fun. When it’s your turn to celebrate the holiday in your office, why not follow suit and get your team gathered in a local park for some fun in the sun.

However You Celebrate, PaperDirect Can Make It Special

No matter what kind of celebration you choose, you can spice things up with some top-of-the-line paper products from PaperDirect. When you need to decorate your office for the 4th of July, PaperDirect is your perfect source for a wide variety of certificates, border paper, brochures, postcards, and more! We absolutely have what you’re looking for.

June 29, 2017

How to Show Your Patriotic Pride for July 4th

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — PDWriter @ 4:32 pm

Show-Your-Patriotic-Pride-for-July-4th-PaperDirect

Every year on July 4th, Americans from every corner of the country come together to celebrate the magnificence that is the United States. What remains true of our nation is that — no matter how entangled we may be in our own political struggles — the most liberal person and the most conservative person will always uniformly agree that our country is absolutely worth a celebration. If you’re looking to get especially patriotic on this July 4th, here are some tips from your friends at PaperDirect.

Decorate With Red, White, and Blue

Why not put out some commemorative decorations to celebrate Independence Day? Do you have some red, white, and blue pillows? Even solid color pillows placed one right next to the other are great decorations. Red, white, and blue stuffed animals can also make a cute impression, too!

Hang a Flag

The old standby for celebrating the Fourth, you can’t go wrong hanging the stars and stripes. The flag of the United States of America, also known as Old Glory, is a universally beloved symbol of the country that helps dress up any home or office – no matter what time of year it is.

Send Out Patriotic Stationery

You can either take the time to send out a letter to your friends and families to commemorate our national holiday, or you can switch up your business stationary to something a little more patriotic for the week before and after the Fourth. It can be a nice touch of individual charm that also celebrates the United States.

Dress for the Day

The odds are good you have a red or white T-shirt and a pair of blue jeans. That means you’re at least two-thirds of the way to sporting a patriotic outfit. If you have a little cash to spend, a lot of national chains will put out limited release T-shirts to help you show off some American pride.

Set Off Some Fireworks

Provided that it’s legal in your state or city, why not hit a fireworks stand near you and set off some small bursts of color. This tradition has been a part of the Fourth of July celebration since 1777 — also known as the first official celebration of the holiday. Lighting some fireworks while oohing and ahhing at the multi-colored results is as American as apple pie.

Let PaperDirect Help You Celebrate Correctly!

No matter how you choose to show off your patriotic spirit, PaperDirect can help. Whether you’re using patriotic stationery to send a message or you’re choosing from our variety of patriotic invitations to call your friends and family to a barbecue, PaperDirect is your ally for the quintessential American holiday.

June 26, 2017

7 Office Bonding Activities – That Aren’t Lame

Filed under: Office Fun — PDWriter @ 12:31 pm

office-bonding-activities-that-aren't-lame-PaperDirect

Professional development workshops complete with trust falls and scavenger hunts are so 1999. If you want your team to come together without rolling their eyes at your outdated team building ideas, plan activities that are both engaging and exciting. We’re here to help you think outside the box.

1. Go zip lining.

It’s easy to address trust and fear when you’re about to sail over the tree line with your boss in tow. But, once you’re both safe on the platform on the other side, you can celebrate yet another challenge tackled together!

2. Attend karaoke night.

Have the team gather at the local pizza place for beer and Bono on karaoke night. There will be ample words of encouragement spoken to the employees who risk grabbing the mike. The benefit: Everyone practices being supportive.

3. Build something together.

Volunteer as a company to help with a local Habitat for Humanity build or a community playground rehab project. When creating teams to tackle various tasks, mix it up so the staff gets to meet people outside their usual circles.

4. Host an 80’s prom.

Do a throwback event to encourage mingling among staff and their significant others. The nostalgic clothing is a perfect ice-breaker, giving everyone at the party have a common ground.

5. Do a charity walk.

Take a Friday morning off as a team and support the community. Employees can bond through race prep walks leading up to the event, making homemade tie-dye team T-shirts at the office and volunteering to help the race organizers set up for the festivities.

6. Schedule lunch buddies.

Put everyone’s name in a hat and draw four names each Friday. These lucky winners get an employer-paid offsite lunch and a chance to learn more about one another away from the office setting.

7. Plan a Taco Tuesday.

One Tuesday each month, encourage everyone to stay in for lunch and share their favorite Mexican recipes potluck style. Employees can bond over homemade guacamole and enchilada casserole.

Stock up on motivational gifts and certificates to award the staff as they celebrate their achievements. Celebrate the Goofiest Dressed Team from the charity walk and the Almost a Rock Star singer from karaoke night! PaperDirect can ship motivational products directly to your office.

June 22, 2017

Who Knew? Fun Facts About Paper of the Past

Filed under: Helpful Resources — PDWriter @ 3:09 pm

fun-facts-paper-past-PaperDirect

Since the beginning of time, mankind has struggled to find the perfect way to express himself. Once spoken language was mastered, the struggle to put those words on something permanent began.

Artisans throughout history used everything from clay and papyrus to wood and slate in the search for a permanent, but portable means of communicating through the written word. Then, in 105 AD, paper was invented, and the world would never be the same again.

Let’s take quick look at the life of paper from its humble beginnings to the prominent product we know and love, today!

Paper Was Invented by Cai Lun. A court official during the Han Dynasty, Cai Lun constructed the first paper using leftover rags.

The Chinese Perfected Paper First. Building upon the lessons learned by Cai Lun, the Chinese became the first civilization to produce specifically sized, coated, and dyed paper.

The Japanese and Koreans Gave Paper Its Signature Look. In 610, paper made its way to Korea and Japan. There, craftsman developed a process using heavily beaten and treated fibers from the mulberry tree to create the high quality and characteristic look.

Arab Communities Created Thin Sheets of Paper. Without mulberry trees, Arabian men and women extracted pulp from the ground and then strained it through screens made of reeds. The product was the thin paper we know today.

Italian Papermakers Turned Paper into a Business. In the 14th century, Italian businessmen implemented innovative machinery like a stamping mill, wire mesh molds, a technique for drying paper on ropes, and more to make paper more common and less expensive.

Johannes Gutenberg Invented the Printing Press in 1440. In the 15th century, Johannes Gutenberg created the printing press and ignited a period of feverish learning that kicked off some of the most important discoveries in history. And he couldn’t have done it without paper.

Paper Mills Were Commonplace By the 16th Century. Paper had become so integral to daily life by the 1500s that jobs provided by paper mills formed the backbone of some communities. Germany, for example, was home to 190 paper mills alone.

Trust PaperDirect for Your Future Paper Needs

In today’s increasingly digital world, it can be easy to forget how important a simple roll of paper was (and still is) to society. No matter how many screens you look at on a day-to-day basis, there’s a magic to paper that will never really become obsolete.

When you want to say something, say it with a keyboard. When you want to say something memorable, say it with paper. For all your memorable moments, visit PaperDirect and let us show you the real beauty of great paper.

June 14, 2017

Elegant First Communion Invitations

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — PDWriter @ 12:14 pm

first-communion-invitations-PaperDirect

First Communion is a special time, and you want to make sure your invitations are just as special. Due to the formal nature of the event, a child’s first communion aligns especially well with invitations that are just as elegant as the entire affair. Here are some tips for creating an invitation with an elegant and sophisticated vibe.

Choosing the Stationery

Loud colors, boldface type and cartoon images are out. Church-themed, specialty invitations, postcards and border paper are in. Folded invitation cards are always a traditional classic, but you could also opt for postcard-type invitations sent out in matching envelopes.

Pick a subdued background color, such as beige, gray, light blue or pink. Add a dabble of flair by opting for a decorative border or subtle imagery throughout the background.

Choosing the Font

Script always adds an elegant flair to any invitation it graces, although it can be tough to read if it’s used for the entire text. A wise compromise is to use script for the text that you want to emphasize, such as your child’s name, the name of the church, and the request for invitees to RSVP.

Use a standard yet highly readable and attractive font for the rest of the text, such as Bookman Old Style, Georgia, or Baskerville Old Face. Times New Roman is another classic standby that works well in many situations.

Wording to Use

The wording for your first communion invitations should highlight the first communion recipient’s name while providing all pertinent details guests need to know to attend. These include:

  • Mention of First Communion
  • Name of First Communion recipient
  • Date and time of mass
  • Name of church (and location if people aren’t familiar with it)
  • Details on brunch, lunch or celebration following the mass
  • Where the post-mass celebration will be held
  • RSVP request and number to call

An example of First Communion invitation text that covers all the above bases would look something like this:

Please join us to celebrate the

First Holy Communion of (our son/daughter)

Jane Doe

Sunday, June 25, 2017

10 a.m. mass

St. Philips Church

Lunch immediately following

Casa Diedra

1426 E. Saguaro Road

Phoenix  

RSVP to (555) 555-5555 or e-mail address

Sticking with traditional wording, font, layout and stationery will create a classically elegant and special look for your first communion invitation, instantly letting guests now how important the occasion is for you, your family, and especially the recipient of this special sacrament.  

Still need help with your invites? Contact PaperDirect today and have one of our experts guide you in the right direction.

June 9, 2017

Father’s Day Activities for the Whole Family

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — PDWriter @ 9:00 am

father's day activities grilling

Struggling to find a fun way that you and your family can celebrate your dad this Father’s Day? Whether your dad is the strong, silent time or a social butterfly, you can plan him the perfect Father’s Day. Here are some fun Father’s Day activities your dad is sure to love.

Get Out and Grill

Do you have a Dad who likes to entertain? Invite some family and friends over to have a good, old-fashioned cookout. You can have Dad work the grill or give him a break and take over yourself. Either way, you can’t go wrong with good food and friends.

Leave Him Alone

Remember that Father’s Day is about your dad, and — let’s face it — sometimes Dad just wants a little bit of peace and quiet. If that sounds like your dad, just send along a note or greeting card expressing your appreciation for all his hard work and then let him have his day to himself.

Hit the Links (or the Lanes)

Is your Dad more active than most? Treat him to a day of golfing with the family. If you’ve got some kids in tow, you can always take Dad to the bowling alley for some great fun.

Let Dad Hold Court

Some fathers are more than happy to gather their family around them and simply catch up with one another, chatting into the wee hours of the morning. If your father is a social butterfly, why not give him what he wants and simply enjoy each other’s presence and stories for a few hours.

Whatever You Do, Make Sure Dad Feels Appreciated

More often than not, most dads across the world will insist that you don’t make a fuss about them when it comes to Father’s Day activities. Despite this, make sure that you show your appreciation in whatever way he would like best.

No matter how you celebrate Father’s Day, make sure you pick up a greeting card from PaperDirect. While you’re spending time with Dad, let us help you find the words to say thank you for all his hard work.

June 6, 2017

Certificates for Summer Camp Achievements

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Tags: , , — PDWriter @ 1:52 pm
summer camp certificate with kids camping

With tons of sun, fun, and friends, summer camp always gives kids something to remember. You can help make those memories even more meaningful, vivid, and long-lasting if you dole out summer camp certificates to attendees.

Not sure what type of summer camp certificate options to create? Read on for some fun ideas.

art award certificate paper

Best Lanyard Maker

Even if your arts and crafts sessions don’t have kids making any lanyards, you can certainly reward a job well done for any project. After each arts and crafts meeting, have children vote on the overall top project for the day’s creations. Then keep a running list of winners who can each go home with a summer camp certificate for the best lanyard, best friendship bracelet, best painted rock, and other projects you create.

athletic award certificate paper

Best Obstacle Course Runner

Excelling in sports can be another way your camp attendees can earn a summer camp certificate. Keep tabs on the winners of any running contest, obstacle course, rope climbing, and other sports activities, then present each winner with a summer camp certificate that proclaims their sporting superpowers.

Best Swimmer

Water activities are another summer camp staple, and they provide yet another way to reward attendees. A certificate for the best swimmer is a splashy option, and you can make additional waves with certificates for the best boater, best cannon baller, best windsurfer, or whatever else the kids end up doing in the water.

Best Insect Identifier

Connecting with nature provides another entire category of summer camp certificates. Keep an eye on the kids who seem to have a special knack for identifying insects, plants, wildlife, and scat. Compile another list of attendees that excel at finding paths, pitching tents, hand-washing socks in the stream, or otherwise thriving in an outdoor environment.

Best Smile

Is there a kid that lights up the entire room every time he or she smiles? Or perhaps there’s an attendee who is an excellent helper, a terrific friend, or goes out of his or her way to make sure everything is neat and tidy after every project or event.

By all means, give out a few more summer camp certificates that acknowledge the massive variety of greatness. Create certificates for the best smile, the best helper, the best pal, the best cleaner-upper, and additional stand-out traits campers exhibit.

Wording for Summer Camp Certificate Options

The exact wording you use on each summer camp certificate depends, of course, on what the certificate is honoring. But you will want to include certain details on every certificate you issue. These include:

  • Reason certificate is being awarded
  • Name of camp, program, counselor or facility awarding the certificate
  • Name of recipient
  • Official signature and date
intersections certificate paper

One more tip is to ensure the certificate is as sunny and fun as the camp experience itself. Take a peek at the PaperDirect specialty certificate options that serve up a wide range of colors and designs to match your own particular summer camp vibe.

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