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December 12, 2012

Gift Etiquette: Is Re-Gifting Practical, Forbidden, or an Art?

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 12:59 pm

Glee Tree Casual Invitations by PaperDirectRe-gifting is a nice way to utilize unwanted or un-needed gifts that others may really need or enjoy. When it may be impossible or just impolite to make a return, re-gifting has become an acceptable practice (in most cases) for getting use out of something you really can’t use. Some people justify re-gifting by imagining gifts they’ve given to others in the past have been re-gifted, while others are just not comfortable re-gifting no matter what.

When handled politely and kindly, re-gifting can really be a practical means of passing along something you don’t need to someone who does need or want it. Just don’t get too involved in the process and make re-gifting an art by craftily Jolly Holiday Border Papers by PaperDirectplanning how you will “pass on” every single gift you receive. That really has nothing at all to do with the spirit of giving, especially during the holiday season. When done tastefully, re-gifting is not forbidden at all. Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about gift etiquette and the process of re-gifting.

If you’re hosting, be sure to order Christmas invitations online from PaperDirect.

Gift Etiquette: Frequently Asked Questions About Re-Gifting

When is it acceptable to re-gift? If and when re-gifting is permissible depends largely on the feelings of the giver. Will the gift giver ever discoverChristmas Fantasy Newsletters by PaperDirect that you have passed along their gift? If you are certain there’s no way the giver will know you re-gifted, then you may feel safe to do so. There are time when it just makes sense to re-gift such as when the person to whom you are re-gifting will get a lot of enjoyment out of something that doesn’t necessarily suit your personal tastes.

Should I admit to my gift recipient that I re-gifted? Sometimes this may be appropriate, such as when you re-gift an expensive item. If you don’t tell the recipient that you re-gifted, he/she may feel obligated to buy you a gift of equal value. This could cause both of you to be uncomfortable and cause financial hardship for the giver.

How should I re-package the gift? Whatever you do, don’t re-package your item so that it appears to be from another retailer. Dazzling Sparkle Casual Invitations by PaperDirectImagine the embarrassment if someone tried to return your re-gift! Select beautiful wrapping paper and a gorgeous piece of ribbon just as you would for any other occasion.

Are there certain occasions where re-gifting is a good idea? Absolutely! Consider a couple with a large family who is celebrating the arrival of a new baby. They may receive baby equipment or clothing that they already own. In such an event, it might make sense for them to pass along these duplicate gifts to someone in need.

What is one very important rule to know when re-gifting? Other than not hurting the feelings of the original gift giver, the most important thing is to be sure that the re-gift is suitable for the new recipient. Are you merely burdening someone with an unwanted item, or presenting someone with something they really will enjoy?

Shop PaperDirect for things you need for the holidays like Christmas invitations, holiday greeting cards, and Christmas stationery for holiday newsletters.

 

December 8, 2011

Christmas Party Ideas for Teenagers

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am
christmas party ideas for teens

Teenagers are a tough crowd when it comes to throwing a party. Teenagers usually want to appear cool to their friends, so if you do something that hurts their “coolness,” they blame you for the rest of your life for ruining their chances of being in the “in” crowd. If you are hosting a Christmas party for teenagers, there are some things you must consider before setting your plan in motion. Teenagers can also be unforgiving, so if you mess up, they may give you the silent treatment for a few days, weeks, or even years!

Involve Your Teenager in the Planning

Rich and Radiant Tear Off Tickets

First of all, make sure your teenager wants a party as there is nothing more embarrassing for today’s teen to be forced to attend a party they want no part of. The gesture, while greatly appreciated by most adults, may just put you in the doghouse for a while. When planning a Christmas party for teenagers, involve them in the planning process as much as possible. They know what their friends like, and they know what will go over successfully and what will fail miserably. Allowing the teen to take part in the planning will give him a feeling of “ownership” of the party.

Choose a Theme & Venue

Christmas parties for teenagers should have a theme and decorations to match the theme. Winter Wonderland, White Christmas, and Silver Bells are holiday favorites. Design decorations, invitations, and food to match the theme.

When choosing a venue make sure to think of your guests. If the party will be filled with athletes, a trip to the ice skating rink could be fun for all. A more artistic group of teenagers might appreciate a movie night or trip to the museum. You also can’t go wrong with hosting the event in a popular nightclub. Even though no alcohol will be served, the teenagers will love that grown-up nightclub feel at the party.

Plan Some Activities

Cobalt Christmas Casual Invitation

Every party should have one or two activities; you don’t want bored teenagers! A Christmas tree can be decorated with homemade ornaments, or the teens can bring a toy or other gift to donate to a local children’s shelter. White elephant gift exchanges are also fun and inexpensive. Maybe you can convince a small group of the attendees to go caroling around the venue’s neighborhood. Most high schools have choirs and bands with very talented young singers and musicians that would love the opportunity to show off their skills

Christmas party ideas for teenagers are challenging but not impossible. The best way to find out what teenagers would consider a fun Christmas party is to ask them. Wouldn’t you rather have their input ahead of time, then do it all on your own only to find out you made all the wrong decisions?

Feeling prepared to plan a Christmas party for teenagers? When it comes to Christmas greeting cards and Christmas event accessories, PaperDirect is your one-stop online source for everything you need, even teen-friendly stationery.

December 7, 2011

Holiday Gift Certificates

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Presents Fill In The Blank Gift CertificatesDeciding upon the perfect holiday gift for each person on your shopping list can be quite a challenge, especially for those friends and family members who seem to have everything or are super picky. When it comes to finding just the right gift for each and every person on your list, holiday gift certificates are a great idea that can be used by men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds.Calligraphy Fill In The Blank Gift Certificates

Holiday gift certificates can be given to any person on your list, and all you have to do is fill in the blanks: name, amount of gift certificate and the store where the gift certificate is to be used. PaperDirect has quite a selection of blank gift certificates and printable gift certificates perfect for holiday gifts. Holiday gift certificate paper can also be used for marketing around the holidays.

Kris Kringle Fill In The Blank Gift Certificates

August 11, 2011

Tips on Holiday Invitation Wording

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Seasons Silhouette Fold-Up InvitationsSometimes it’s more important how you say something than what you say.

When it comes to invites,  holiday invitation wording is just as important (if not more so) than the invitation’s design. Wording holiday invitations properly will pack the house and put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Tips for Wording:

Keep it Affiliate-Free

It’s important to keep your audience in mind while wording your holiday invitations. So as not to offend, it’s important to respect your guests’ religious affiliations. The most common mistake people make when wording holiday invitations is to assume everyone celebrates Christmas.Swirls of Holly Designed Layered Invitations

If you are hosting a party and wish to only acknowledge Christmas, and you are sure no other religious affiliations will be in attendance, then it’s fine to use the word “Christmas” in your holiday invitation wording, but if you are inviting people of varied religious backgrounds, we recommend you keep the wording general such as a “holiday celebration” or “special time of year,” or “festive gathering.” None of those phrases excludes any religious group.

Keep it Concise:

While you may want to include one or two details about food or games, don’t spoil the surprise by making it lengthy. Stick to the bare necessities with one fun and cheery mention.

Include a Contact Email

At the bottom of the invitation, include an email where you can answer questions and RSVPs. Guests may be wondering if they can arrive late, etc so you’ll want to provide them a contact.

Keep it Merry!

Stay in the spirit of the holidays by including a warm message on the invite. We have a few suggestions below to get you brainstorming.

Here are some examples of holiday invitation wording that includes everyone that are politically correct.

Wording Example #1:

Please join us
for an evening of merriment
on Saturday, December 16th at 6 PM
Cocktails and Dinner
at the Richards’ Home
82 Johnson Road
Regrets Only by December 5th
555-2345
Susie and John

Wording Example #2:

Let the warmth of friendship
take the chill from the air
and the spirit of the season
make winter easier to bear.
Clayton Corp. invites you and
a guest
to our Holiday Gathering….
Saturday, December 12th,
2010
3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Clayton Plaza

With folded, flat and pocket invitations, PaperDirect surely has something for your holiday party invitation needs.

September 22, 2010

Hosting Timely Events – Holiday Event Planning

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 8:04 pm

The holiday season is upon us yet again, and as with every year, planning holiday parties and events is up for consideration. When it comes time to sit down and work up holiday party planning, the biggest issue, aside from where to hold the function, is when to hold the function. While a couple of dates are definitive, there are other dates that have play to them and we have to incorporate a lot of factors into defining those dates.

Halloween parties generally take place on October 31st. If that doesn’t fall on a Friday orBlack Cat Capers Postcard Saturday, however, we have to take a look at what kind of party we’re having, the people to be invited, and where it’s being held. If it’s a kid’s party then having it at someone’s home (for a small party) or at a public park or event center (for a larger one) is a good idea. Not only can it be held on the 31st, regardless of what day it falls on, but it can also be held during the day, if need be. This way kids won’t be kept out late on a school night.

Snowflake Wishes PostcardFor office parties and parties where only adults will be the guests, then limiting it to a Friday or Saturday is necessary. This way parents will be home on school nights as well. This kind of attitude also applies for Christmas parties as well. While it is more acceptable to have an office or church related Christmas party during the week, it still interferes with school schedules and should be avoided if possible.

Being reasonable and balanced when it comes to party plans is what it takes to have the most success when it comes to having the parties themselves. It can be difficult, especially when trying to balance school schedules around work schedules and church schedules, but it is do-able. Plan well and have a great Holiday season.

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