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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.

May 30, 2017

Sunny Summer Stationery from PaperDirect!

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — PDWriter @ 12:50 pm

The sun is shining, the bees are buzzing, and the lemonade is ice-cold. That can only mean one thing – summer has finally arrived!

Take advantage of this bright and cheery season by stocking up on your favorite summer stationery. We’ve pulled a few examples of our favorite summer designs for 2017.

Check them out and stock up for summer!

Watermelon Party Border Paper

Watermelon-Party-Border-Paper-PaperDirect

Perfect for birthday parties, barbecues, outdoor events, and more! Buy it here.

Baja Flip Flop Border Papers

Baja-Flip-Flop-Border-Papers-PaperDirect

Perfect for beach parties, summer correspondence, themed office parties, and summer camps. Buy it here.

Balloon Dreams Border Papers

Balloon-Dreams-Border-Papers-PaperDirect

Perfect for store promotions, team building activities, travel deals, award ceremonies and more! Buy it here!

Paper Lanterns Border Papers

Paper-Lanterns-Border-Papers-PaperDirect

Perfect for evening events, silent auctions, company retreats, product launches and more! Buy it here.

Sweet Summer Border Papers

Sweet-Summer-Border-Papers-PaperDirect

Perfect for networking events, golfing events, summer seminars, and ice cream socials! Buy it here.

No matter the event or industry you’re planning for, PaperDirect has the summer stationery supplies to make it the most memorable event of the season.

Check out our entire selection of PaperDirect border paper today!

May 25, 2017

Flyer Ideas For The Company Picnic

Filed under: Designing Your Invitation — PDWriter @ 9:28 am

Flyer Ideas For The Company Picnic-PaperDirect

Over the course of the next few months, business owners and managers across the country will host countless company picnics to celebrate the hard work and dedication of their team. However, most of these company picnics will be low on attendants – doomed to fail from the moment an employee sees the drab flyer and decides not to drag his or her family out to such a seemingly boring event.

Whether you realize it or not, your company picnic’s flyer says a lot about the event you’re planning to throw. Advertising on a template you simply printed on the office printer isn’t going to convey the right sense of excitement that you want to generate for your next company outing. To get the buzz going from the beginning, make sure to follow these tips for creating the best company flyer possible.

Make Sure to Use the Right Paper

Printing your flyer out on regular printer paper, or even low-grade colored paper is a mistake. Let your employees know that you’re going all out with this year’s company picnic by printing your flyer on high grade, richly colored paper. Details like this matter.

Use More Than One Font …

Don’t stick to the same font throughout your flyer. Mix it up to keep your readers entertained. That being said, make sure the pertinent details (contacts, time, and location) are printed clearly and prominently.

Don’t Use Comic Sans or Times New Roman

It’s a real graphic design no-no. Comic Sans looks like a kid drew on your company form with a crayon and Times New Roman is too stiff and formal to be anything but boring.

Don’t Forget to Highlight the Events

Make sure you’re giving your staff a reason to attend your company picnic. If there’s going to be free food and fun games, say so! Organizing activities to keep kids entertained? Explain what they are. You can even use the flyer to enlist ideas and event volunteers.

Don’t Be Afraid of Pictures or Exclamation Points

Remember, you aren’t sending out a corporate memo. It’s okay to use the dreaded exclamation point in your company flyer. In fact, when you first mention your event, do so in big, bold letters and kick things off with a nice, friendly exclamation point!

A Great Flyer Begins and Ends with PaperDirect

Don’t rely on your office printer to create the most effective flyer possible. At PaperDirect, you can customize the perfect flyer with ease; then we’ll print it out on the highest quality paper before ensuring the finished product arrives in your office in ready-to-post condition.

May 19, 2017

Staying in Touch With Your Pen Pal over the Summer

Filed under: Helpful Resources — PDWriter @ 9:00 am

staying-in-touch-with-you-pen-pal-PaperDirect

Just because the school year has ended doesn’t mean you have to lose touch with your buddies. You can stay in touch with your in-person friends by transforming them into penpal friends.  While pen pals aren’t as common as they once were, they remain a terrific way to maintain a strong and solid connection through the art of letter writing.

Check out some tips on how to stay in touch, topics to discuss, and how to find a new pen pal if needed.

How to Stay in Touch

Setting up an agreement with your penpal friends can help keep the letters flowing and the relationship strong. Writing one letter per month to each other is a totally do-able schedule, although you can certainly agree to write as many letters to each other as you wish.

Figure out how you’ll kick off the connection, either with one person writing the first letter and the other person responding, or both agreeing to send out a letter by a certain date. Make sure you exchange addresses before you part for the summer so you’re both prepared to get the ball rolling.

Make the letter writing even more fun by stocking up on creative letter-writing supplies. These can include:

  • Paper: Plain white paper can be so bland, especially when PaperDirect has so many colored paper options just waiting to brighten the day for both of you.
  • Envelopes: Colorful envelopes are another cool option, and you can jazz them up even further with self-inking stamps or stickers.
  • Postage stamps: Get a batch of festive postage stamps that will last all summer.
  • Pens: Stock up on a few fabulous pens and markers to help your letters stand out even more.

What to Talk About

So what should you guys write about? You have tons of fresh and exciting options that go far beyond the same old stuff you chat about during the school year. You can talk about:

  • Summer vacations – where you’re going, where you’ve been in the past, your best and worst vacations.
  • Summer activities – your all-time favorites, least favorites, and what’s in store this year.
  • How you spend your days – real-life versus what you wish you could be doing instead.
  • Plans and goals for the upcoming school year.
  • Lessons you’re learning, either by choice or through mistakes (oops!).
  • The highlight and lowlight of each month, week or day, and why each item was a highlight or lowlight.
  • Your favorite and least favorite – movies, summer fashions, places to go, TV shows, music, summer memories, school year memories, or anything else that strikes your fancy. You can even include a “Top 5” and “Worst 5” list in each of your letters, picking a different subject each time around.

Keep the conversation alive by asking your penpal friends to respond with the same type of information you shared, and it’s highly unlikely you’ll run out of things to discuss.

How to Find New Penpal Friends

Sometimes even the best letter-writing intentions can fizzle out, and you may find you want or need a new pen pal. Finding new penpal friends isn’t all that tough, as long as you know where to look.

  • Relatives or friends of friends, especially those that live in different states or countries.
  • People you meet on vacations.
  • Connections from people in groups you belong to, like your soccer team, your art club, or your writers group.
  • Facebook Groups, with a search for “pen pal kids” to find groups that connect penpal friends.
  • Websites that help with pen pal connections, such as StudentsOfTheWorld.

Whether your summer is spent deepening your relationship with your school year friends or getting to know new ones, being a pen pal is a great way to do it and PaperDirect is here to help.

May 10, 2017

DIY Mother’s Day Poem, Card and Gift Ideas

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — PDWriter @ 11:02 am

DIY-mothers-day-poem-card-gift-ideas-PaperDirect

Moms are a special breed indeed, so it’s only right to give them the recognition they deserve by honoring them on Mother’s Day. One of the most magnificent ways to honor mom is with DIY Mother’s Day poems, cards, certificates, or other gifts that come with a truly personal touch.

Mother’s Day Poems

Roses are red, violets are blue, make sure you tell mom what she means to you—and you don’t have to do it with a cheesy poem. You can instead create any number of clever Mother’s Day poems with a few simple tricks.

Make a number poem list: Pick her age, your age, or your mom’s favorite number, and then write a sweet list of X reasons she’s the best mom on earth. You may end up having so much fun that you’ll want to create an entire page of numbered Mother’s Day poems.

Write a poem using letters of her name: Write your mother’s name, or the words “mother” or “mom” vertically down the left side of the page. Then have each line of your poem start with each of the letters. If your mom’s name is Marcy, for example, your poem could read something like:

Magically sweet

Always on time

Ready for action

Compassionate and kind

You are the best mom in the world!

Mother’s Day Cards and Certificates

When it comes to Mother’s Day greeting cards and certificates, you can give yours a professional edge by using a ready-made template. Simply find a layout you like at online shops like PaperDirect, then choose your colors, fonts, images, photos, and other available options to personalize to your heart’s content.

Your card can be filled with any type of sentiment you like. Mother’s Day certificates that tend to go over well include “Best Mom Ever” and “World’s Greatest Mother.”

Pick an option you can print at home, and you can have your Mother’s Day card or certificate in mere minutes.

Other DIY Mother’s Day Gifts

Giving mom a break is an excellent Mother’s Day gift that never goes out of style, and you can do exactly that with a number of awesome options.

  • Mother’s Day coupon book: Create a coupon book containing coupons redeemable for breakfast in bed, a night out on the town, or all the chores you’ll do for her when she simply hands over the coupon.
  • Surprise cleaning: Usurp mom’s usual house cleaning ritual by getting to it first. Find a time when she’s out of the house, or have someone take her out shopping or something, then clean the entire abode from top to bottom. She’ll be thrilled when she comes home.
  • Surprise cooking: Same idea as above, but with mom coming home to a home-cooked, gourmet meal. Don’t cook? Order a pizza.

As long as you put your heart into your DIY Mother’s Day gift, it’s bound to be a hit. And any amount of dusting, vacuuming, or laundry that the coupons might make you endure will be well worth the joy it brings the world’s greatest mother. Check out PaperDirect for cards, certificates, and other goodies for Mother’s Day and beyond.

May 2, 2017

Quick Tips for a Workplace Cinco de Mayo Party

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — PDWriter @ 9:00 am
tips-celebrating-cinco-de-mayo-in-office-PaperDirect

At least once a year, it’s completely appropriate to break out the sombreros and maracas. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo at the office should become an annual tradition, even if it’s only for one reason: Tacos!

Feeling festive? We are! Here’s how to get your co-workers into the Cinco de Mayo spirit!

Create a South-of-the-Border Vibe

Whether you play cultural music over the office intercom as employees arrive for the day, or schedule a surprise visit from a roaming Mariachi band – you’re sure to kick off the celebration with class! Encourage employees to get up from their desks and dance to the beats!

Host a Sombrero Contest

Everyone loves a little competition, so ask your staff to sport their favorite sombreros (or, any hat will do) for the day. Have everyone cast their vote for their favorite Mexican-theme head wear and present the winner with a special certificate or award just before starting the lunch festivities.

Create a Taco Buffet

There’s no better way to kick off a noon staff meeting than with a taco buffet lunch. Load up on the queso and guacamole, then discuss those sales numbers. Everyone will be feeling a little spicy and ready to share their ideas with the rest of the bunch.

Try Salsa Dancing

If you have a small team, take an afternoon break and learn new dance moves at a local studio. Or, hire a dance pro to come to the office and give a Salsa demo and quick lesson. The impromptu exercise will fire up the team for a productive end to their work day.

Schedule an Afternoon Drink

Break out of that 3pm slump and make a toast to Cinco de Mayo with some fruity virgin margaritas or a bottle of Mexican beer. Pair the drinks with a homemade salsa and chips to keep the snackers in the bunch happy!

Are you ready to let the crew know about the plans for Cinco de Mayo at the office? Stock up on festive paper to post the taco lunch menu and day’s festivities so everyone can get ready to say olé!

April 25, 2017

How to Keep Track of Office Birthdays

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — PDWriter @ 9:59 am
PaperDirect-how-to-keep-track-of-office-birthdays

When you’re together eight hours a day every weekday, your work colleagues can start to feel more like a work family. One of the best ways to encourage that family vibe is to acknowledge each employee with a glorious greeting card on his or her birthday. Of course, this strategy only works if you actually remember all the office birthday dates. Here are some useful ways to do exactly that.

pocket-sized calendar for birthdays

Create an Office Birthday Calendar

Whether you use a computer program or a physical date book, set up a specific calendar that’s exclusively used to track office birthdays. Google Calendar is an online option, while a pocket datebook, binder, or planner can work for those who prefer putting pen to paper. While you want to update the calendar when new employees are hired or existing ones depart, you can keep the same foundation year after year after year.

Post an Office Birthday Board

Posting an office birthday board in the breakroom lets you and the entire staff see, at a glance, when employees will be celebrating their special day. There’s no way you can miss an office birthday date when it’s posted in plain view for the entire world to see. Use a dry erase board with a year-long calendar format or create a calendar-type bulletin board featuring an index card for each person’s birthday.

Design a Master Office Birthday Spreadsheet

Another way to keep track of office birthday dates is with a good ole spreadsheet. Set up a chart in Excel or similar spreadsheet program, with a total of 12 columns, one for each month. Each row is dedicated to an individual employee, with his or her birthday noted in the appropriate column. Spreadsheets make it easy to search, sort, and print reports, which you can do on a monthly basis to ensure you’re ready for every upcoming celebration within the next 30 days.

Make Sure Your Card Supply is Always Stocked

One more tip is to always have a generous supply of office birthday cards on hand so you can hand them out as needed. This tip serves two functions. First, it works as another reminder that office birthdays are coming up. When you constantly see your card supply in your supply cabinet or desk drawer, you’re reminded you’ll need to give them out when birthdays roll around.

Birthday card set for employees

The second function is to ensure that you’re always ready to celebrate when the celebration days come up. After all, it would be a tad embarrassing to make a big deal out of keeping track of office birthdays–only to realize you have absolutely no greeting cards to hand out for the occasion.

Keep your office birthday greeting cards happily stocked to the hilt with the sensational selection at PaperDirect.

April 21, 2017

Things Only Stationery Lovers Will Understand

Filed under: Helpful Resources — PDWriter @ 9:17 am

things-only-stationery-lovers-will-understand-paperdirect

Some people collect shoes. Others collect statues. And then there’s a special breed of folks who can’t help but collect stationery. We are the letter writers. The poets. The romantics. The people who preserve the art of hand-written correspondence. We are, indeed, the stationery lovers. If you happen to fall into the stationery lovers category, then you certainly know how a brand new pack of stationery is an absolutely festival of delight for our senses.

Sight

The sight captures us first. Fresh, clean, and wholly pristine, our brand new stationery awaits. We are as giddy on children on Christmas as we make a gentle incision in the stationery packaging to slowly, carefully extract a crisp, new piece of paper. We gaze at the color. Visually embrace the design. Wonder what color ink will look best as we fantasize about penning our very first letter.

Smell

The aroma hits us next. Fresh, new paper. It smells of hope. It smells of promise. It smells of connections and friends, aspirations and dreams. It even smells better than a new car. We actually once saw an incense aroma billed as “new car smell.” Wonder if anyone has yet to come up with the same for new stationery?

Touch

Whether we’re fans of smooth-as-silk paper or prefer stationery with a fibrous texture, nothing beats the feel of the pen gliding effortlessly across the page. Our fingers glide as gracefully as the pen. We smooth out the page with our palm. We pick up the paper, feel its generous weight, then put it back down to write some more.

When we’re ready to fold the paper for the envelope, we do so with an engineer’s precision. We make the crease sharp, accurate, and perfectly straight so the missive slips seamlessly into the awaiting envelope.

We lay the remaining paper neatly in our drawer, or as neatly as it can get on top of several other packages of stationery for every mood, purpose and occasion. The drawer feels as if it weighs 1,000 pounds as we gently, slowly slither it shut. We use our knee to help push the drawer as we press down on the top pack of paper so the drawer will actually close.

Opening our drawers full of stationery is done just as precisely, careful not to catch or bend the bulging stacks, our mountains of marvelous stationery. Even those who tease us about our mounds of magnificent paper are always thrilled to receive one of our hand-written, heartfelt letters. And even those who say we have more than enough stationery to last us several lifetimes still purchase us new sets as gifts.

Just like oxygen, love or pizza, you can never have enough stationery. No matter how much we amass, there’s always one more package or one more design, just waiting for us to enjoy. And stationery lovers will find plenty to enjoy with the selection at PaperDirect.

April 18, 2017

Hosting a Fun “Take Your Child to Work Day”

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — PDWriter @ 9:25 am

take-your-child-to-work-day-paperdirect

On April 27, more than 30 million Americans will let their kids take a day off from school to visit mom or dad at the office for Take Your Child to Work Day. This day is meant to inspire kids and get them excited about their future contributions to whatever workforce they choose to pursue.

All sentiment aside, Take Your Child to Work Day does present an interesting problem. That is, how do you keep your kids satisfied with the work experience while also ensuring that your business isn’t losing focus?

Here are some tips to help your office make the most of Take Your Child to Work Day.

Make Sure to Strategize Beforehand

Hold a meeting and let your employees know that kids will be in the office on April 27th.  Brainstorm ways to interact with the kids on their level as well as ways to get your whole office in the spirit. The more people that participate, the more fun everyone will have.

Talk to Your Child Beforehand

On the homefront, parents who are taking kids into work should sit down with them the night before to help them understand what’s expected. Be sure to ask them questions to try and get an idea of what they’re looking for out of the day, as well.

This is also a good time to lay out some ground rules for the day ahead. Examples can include:

  • No running
  • No yelling or screaming
  • Be respectful of others who are working
  • No devices like handheld video games

Be Inclusive

Even if some of your employees aren’t bringing in children, invite them to participate in the fun. Let anyone who wants to participate in the planning and execution of the day do so.

On the flip side of the coin, be aware that every office has that person who would rather be left alone to do their work, so try not to force Take Your Child to Work Day on them. Consider creating a quiet work space away from the hustle and bustle of the day’s activities so they can focus on their work.  

Pack Them Some Toys and Games

No matter how well you plan for Take Your Child to Work Day, there will inevitably be some downtime. To combat that potential chaos that could ensue, be sure to have your child pack a bag with some fun stuff like books or headphones to keep them occupied. You could even have them bring some of their homework along, though you might not win any popularity points for that suggestion.

Introduce Your Child to Your Coworkers

It’s never a bad idea to show your child around the office and introduce them to your fellow employees. This will help your child learn the basics of office interactions and hierarchies as well as help them put a face to the names you mention when talking about your day.

Communicate With Your Kids

Whenever possible, explain to your child what you’re doing as well as what your responsibilities are. Have them help you problem solve the situation and when you make a decision, explain to them how you came to that conclusion. And more than anything, let your child see that the workplace isn’t just a place you go to each day, but a challenging environment that requires collaboration and hard work.

Commemorate the Day

If you’d really like to drive home the experience of Take Your Child to Work Day, there’s nothing like a special keepsake. Why not give them something business specific with any of PaperDirect’s expansive line of Child-Themed Stationary. Or, if you’re helping to organize activities for the entire office, look into creating branded name tags or printed certificates to celebrate the completion of a day in the office.

Whether it’s envelopes, paper, or brochures – PaperDirect has everything you need to help your children get into the real swing of things on Take Your Child to Work Day.

April 11, 2017

Ways to Appreciate Administrative Professionals

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Tags: , , — PDWriter @ 1:26 pm
Ways-to-Appreciate-Administrative-Professionals-PaperDirect

Admit it, if your administrative assistant quit tomorrow, you’d be in a whole lot of trouble. Administrative assistants keep your schedule aligned, your files in order, and manage all of the little things in your office that you just don’t have time for. Your job would be a lot harder if you didn’t have your administrative assistant there to help take some of the work off your shoulders.

On Wednesday, April 26th, Administrative Professionals Day, take a few moments to give your admin assistant a token of your appreciation. Even if you regularly praise your staff members, a little keepsake can really emphasize how much their hard work means to you.

At a loss for how to celebrate? Here are some fun ideas for making the most of this year’s Administrative Professionals Day.

lunch with administrative assistant

Appreciation Lunch

It’s a classic expression of appreciation, but it’s a classic for a reason. Find a time to take your administrative assistant out to a swanky lunch to let them know their hard work is invaluable.

Gift Card of Appreciation

Use what you know about your administrative assistant’s personality and get them a gift card they can enjoy. Even if it’s just $20 to the coffee shop down the street, your administrative assistant will appreciate the thought.

Leave Early on A Work Day

The odds are, your administrative assistant is working a full 40 hours each week and trying to have a life outside of work as well. So, tell them you recognize that by letting them get to their life a little bit early – maybe they can go use that gift card you got them!

Switch the Roles for a Bit

On Administrative Professionals Day, bring your administrative assistant coffee or answer phone calls for an hour so he or she can take a long lunch. Not only will you allow them a little breath of fresh air, but you might also find a new appreciation for the work they do day in and day out.

fill-in-the-blank gift certificate

Appreciation Certificate

No matter what you get for your administrative assistant, a professionally-made certificate is a wonderful addition or can even make a great stand-alone gift. Tailor something to match your administrative assistant’s personality with something from PaperDirect’s expansive stock of options!

Let Your Admin Assistant Talk to You

Here’s the real secret to Administrative Professionals Day: talk to your administrative assistant. Make them feel comfortable and have an honest conversation about how they enjoy their job, how you could improve as a boss, and ask them what they’re interested in doing professionally.

You might just discover an entirely new side of the person who’s been sitting just a few feet away from you.

April 4, 2017

End of School Thank You Gifts for Teachers

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — PDWriter @ 1:01 pm

end-of-school-thank-you-gifts-for-teachers-paperdirect

Kids and teachers alike are counting down the days until summer break. But, before students say goodbye to their school year mentors, be sure they show their appreciation for their teacher’s help and guidance throughout the previous year with a little gift.

As you start to shop or create, you’ll want to be sure your child is integral in this process. They are the one giving the gift, and they should have a say in picking it out and presenting it to the teacher.

Elementary School Teachers

Teachers adore homemade gifts from their littlest pupils. This is a chance for students to show off their individual creativity and newly learned skills. Set aside an afternoon to tackle one or two of these fun projects:

  • Decorative tin filled with of homemade cookies
  • Child-drawn thank you card
  • Hand-picked bouquet of flowers
  • Homemade tea bags filled with unique tea leaves
  • Personalized glass container filled with fancy nuts or chocolates
  • Tote bag adorned with your child’s colorful hand prints
  • Small potted cactus plant in a painted pot

Be sure to let the child help with gift wrapping the special surprise. Your kiddo will earn bonus points with the teacher for handwriting a “To and From” tag using A+ printing skills!

Middle School Teachers

Just because your child is getting older, don’t be fooled. He still really likes his teacher. Skip the arts and crafts gifts this year, and get their educator a little something indulgent.

We love these ideas:

  • Coffee shop gift card
  • A colorful pen set
  • Pizza shop gift card
  • Book by a favorite author
  • A baseball cap or linen scarf
  • Simple jewelry, like a beaded bracelet or tie pin
  • Gourmet lemonade mix and cute plastic tumbler

Encourage your kid to get to know the teacher and choose a gift that will inspire happiness. This teaches your youngster, to be mindful of what others enjoy and appreciate.

High School Teachers

Remind your teen that they’re never too old to express gratitude. If their algebra teacher has gone above and beyond with after-school tutoring sessions or the art teacher continually boosts confidence levels, they deserve a little thank you gift.

Try these:

  • Teacher-themed travel mug
  • Fruit, cheese and crackers basket
  • Gourmet bakery treats
  • Local restaurant gift card
  • Fresh flower bouquet
  • Novelty desk coasters
  • Book of poems or inspirational stories
  • Candy bowl (and sweet treats) for the desk

Ready to start shopping? Browse PaperDirect online for the perfect thank you gifts for teachers, from mugs and plaques to lapel pins and cards, we have everything you need to make a positive impression at school!

March 24, 2017

Certificate Wording for Sports and Athletic Completion

Filed under: Phrases & Wording — PDWriter @ 10:39 am
certificate-wording-sports-athletic-completion-paperdirect

From increased endurance to improved strength, sports and athletic activities provide a plethora of benefits to participants. Now, you can add one more perk by presenting certificates for successful completion of sports and athletic endeavors. Fitness certificates can apply to a number of scenarios for a job well done. Examples can include:

  • Students completing a training course to become instructors
  • Volunteers taking part in a run, walk or other athletic fundraising event
  • Participants finishing a strenuous athletic boot camp
  • Employees excelling at corporate athletic challenges
  • Clients reaching their weight loss, endurance or strength-training goals

Any number of successfully completed fitness activities can call for acknowledgement in the form of a certificate. You can also give the certificate an extra-special touch based on the wording you choose. We’ve outlined some basic information each recognition certificate should include, along with five examples of certificate wording for fitness achievements.

athletic award certificate paper

Certificate Wording for Fitness Activities: Basic Info

Whether you’re giving a certificate for achievement, participation, or excellence, all fitness certificates should contain a lineup of basic information. This includes:

  • Reason certificate is being awarded
  • Name of instructor, organization, or facility awarding the certificate
  • Name of recipient
  • Official signature and date

The header or footer of the certificate can also include the facility or organization’s name and address if desired.

Certificate Wording for Fitness Activities: Examples

We put together five examples of simple, straightforward wording you can use for fitness-related certificates.

Athletic Award

This athletic award is being presented to (name of recipient)

for outstanding performance in (name of sport/activity)

while participating in (name of class/event) at (facility)

Certificate of Completion

This certificate acknowledges (name of recipient)

has met all criteria and requirements for the successful completion of

(name of program) led by (name of instructor)

at (name of facility)

red and white certificate of participation

Certificate of Participation

This certifies that (name of recipient)

has been a contributing member of (name of activity)

organized and led by (name of organization)

Certificate of Excellence

(Name of recipient) is in receipt of this

Certificate of Excellence

for exceptional achievements in (name of sport or activity)

during (name of program)

Training Certificate

(Name of recipient) is hereby certified as (title of certification)

after successful completion of (name of training program)

Feel free to take any of our certificate wording for fitness activities verbatim, or use the examples as a foundation to build upon and make the award specific to your needs. The overall goal is to ensure certificate recipients get the acknowledgement, praise, special honors, or official documentation they deserve after the successful completion of their goal.

soccer photo certificate paper

Don’t forget to shop PaperDirect’s extensive collection of certificates and awards for your next athletic event.

March 21, 2017

What to Include in Your High School Graduation Program

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — Tags: , , , , — PDWriter @ 2:19 pm
what-to-include-graduation-program-paperdirect

So you’ve been given the opportunity to craft the program for the high school’s graduation ceremony. It’s a big job, and it’s extremely important that you create a stunning, yet informative document.

A graduation program will be every parent’s step-by-step countdown to the moment they can snap a picture of their son or daughter walking across the stage to shake the hand of the school’s principal. But, what should you include on this special occasion program to ensure that your audience is always informed about what’s coming next?

Not to worry, we’ve got you covered!

Entrance Information

As students enter the venue, will there be music playing? If so, find out which songs will be used, as well as how they’ll be played. If the music is live, it’s always a good idea to credit the people playing the music (i.e. the high school band) as opposed to the person who originally composed the notes.

graduation programs for high schools

Opening Remarks

Most ceremonies will include opening remarks, often from the salutatorian. It’s an opportunity to welcome everyone for coming before the awards and/or diplomas are given. You’ll want to be sure to note who will be speaking and include their title or reason for importance.

Class Awards

Awards are special for not only the recipient but for their family as well. Be sure to list out which students won which award (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude, Most Likely to Succeed, Most Popular, etc.) so that parents can keep track as they’re being presented.

Visiting Speaker

If you’ve recruited someone to give a few words of wisdom to your students before they graduate, this is the place to include it. You’ll want to include their name, professional title, and maybe a little snippet that explains why they were chosen as this year’s speaker. If there is no outside speaker, feel free to exclude this from your program.

Presentation of Diplomas

After the first speech and distribution of awards, it’s time to get down to the main event. Take this opportunity to shine the light on whoever’s been assigned to hand out the diplomas and shake each student’s hand. If you intend to add the names of all the graduating students, be sure to list them alphabetically and organize them evenly on the page. Also, double check that you’ve got the correct spelling of each graduate’s name. The last thing a parent wants to see is their student’s name spelled wrong on their special day. For larger-size high school classes, this may require multi-page programs or several inserts!

Valedictorian’s Speech

After everyone’s gotten their diploma, it’s time for the class valedictorian to top the occasion off with an inspirational and uplifting speech. Again, you’ll want to be sure to include their name and their valedictorian status. However, be sure to avoid posting their GPA as this is personal information.

Conclusion

At the end of the ceremony, students will toss their hats into the air marking that the occasion is officially over. Either the students will file out in an orderly fashion — in which case, include the song they’re marching to — or they’ll simply filter out slowly on their own.

Even if you do accidentally forget one or two things when you’re trying to craft the perfect program for your high school graduation, you can be sure that the audience will overlook it if your itinerary is printed on one of PaperDirect’s high-quality specialty programs.

March 17, 2017

Here Come the Digital Natives: Their Workplace Habits

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — PDWriter @ 2:56 pm

here-come-the digital-natives-paperdirect

Who are digital natives? They’re the incoming workforce who’ve been submerged in digital technology since the day they were born. Their childhood birthday parties were streamed via Facebook Live for friends and family to enjoy. Their toy boxes included touch screen tablets. They’ve never used a phone that couldn’t take pictures, and shopping usually means going online, not going out.

As this generation of digital savvy folk start applying for jobs, your office needs to be ready to woo and accommodate their expectations if you want to land the best-of-the-best in their fields. Consider implementing these office practices into your workplace based on the everyday habits of digital natives.

  1. They expect constant, real-time feedback. Weekly brainstorming meetings won’t cut it for these folks. Instead, start a cloud-based document that everyone on a specific project or team can access to add ideas. Then, use your weekly meeting to finalize plans and offer direction.
  1. They crave public display. Don’t be surprised to see a digital native live stream their thoughts on social media after a workplace seminar. Harness this enthusiasm and work with the young staff members to create marketing pieces to live stream on the business social media accounts. They can explain the benefits of a new service you’re developing or show off how to use a new product without being camera-shy.
  1. They see technology as an extension of themselves. If your current employee handbook dictates no personal phone calls or Internet browsing, think again. Digital natives use technology for both personal use and work. Instead, revise your rules to explain what the use of office computers is for (like creating work documents, answering work emails) and when personal communication on smartphones is appropriate (such as quick texts).
  1. They’re good with words and photos. Digital natives have figured out a way to be succinct and expressive in 140 characters or less, thanks to Twitter. Leverage this skill for writing workplace copy that needs to be direct and potent. And those selfie skills? They’ve learned a thing or two about lighting and angles, which can be used to take workplace photos for presentations and social media updates.
  1. They want to work remotely. Gabbing about traffic jams is so 1990s. With the help of cloud-based software, email, video conferencing and smartphone apps – it’s possible that your staff can work from home or even a coffee shop. This entrepreneurial spirit keeps employees happier and cuts down on office expenses. Think of this: If your entire staff is remote, you eliminate brick-and-mortar rent and utility bills.
  1. They need public validation. We all like to get a compliment every now and then, but the incoming workforce is even more performance driven. Set visible goals and reward them. For example, create a physical wall chart that shows growth toward a weekly sales goal or the completion of a project. When goals are achieved, take group selfies behind Instagram cutout frames by the chart or with fun achievement certificates and post about it to social media!

Get ready for the new recruits by stocking up on paper certificates and awards at PaperDirect. Take a page from your digital native’s book and shop online to have everything sent directly to your office!

March 10, 2017

Volunteer Appreciation Ideas: For Nonprofits and More

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — PDWriter @ 11:39 am

volunteer-appreciation-ideas-paperdirect

Famous Greek philosopher Aristotle once wrote, “What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” The inherent assumption of that quote is that volunteering is in its own right, rewarding. And for the most part that’s true, but it’s never a bad idea to express a little appreciation for the people who work so hard to help you and your organization achieve its goals.

Not only do your volunteers deserve an outward expression of gratitude, but making your volunteers feel valued is an excellent way to help maintain engagement and increase productivity on every level.

Looking for some great ways to express your appreciation to all of your volunteers? Here are some suggestions from your friends at PaperDirect!

Consider a Pin

Whether they strap it on right then or affix it to a bag, getting your volunteers a pin that expresses your thanks for their talent and dedication is a small, kitschy way to show you care.

Consider a Personalized Letter

A few lines of gratitude on some festive border paper is a keepsake that any volunteer will appreciate. The sentiment will beautifully say thank you while including that extra touch of personalization.

Motivate With a Note

If you’re looking for a ready-made volunteer appreciation solution, why not grab some note cards with a cheerful or motivational theme already inscribed. Combined with a handwritten thought or two, these can be extremely powerful tools to keep your volunteers actively enjoying their duties.  

A Certificate Is Always Welcome

Want to honor a volunteer’s achievements? Even a general award like recognizing hard work or a cheerful attitude can be memorialized in a specialty certificate that will boost morale. An appreciated volunteer or employee will feel motivated continue doing great work.  

Celebrating Something Big? Try a Trophy

Holding friendly competitions among your volunteers can be a great way to spur initiative and improve performance. When the time comes to reward a winner, nothing says “thank you” like a personalized trophy or plaque. Immortalize their performance and give your volunteer a few bragging rights with this easy, yet memorable, gesture.

How About a Post-It?

When you want to say a pronounced “thank you” to several people at once, why not hand out Post-It Notes with specialized, pre-printed messages. Every time your volunteer uses one of their Post-It Notes — both on the job and not — they’ll get a small sense of enjoyment knowing that you appreciate their hard work.

Make it Personal

A gift is a gift, but a personalized gift will stick with someone for a lifetime. If you’re not expressing your thanks to your volunteers with the occasional reward or token of gratitude – you should be. And when you do, check out PaperDirect’s full line of personalized merchandise.

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