Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. With so many different aspects to consider, it can make even the calmest parents lose their cool. There are numerous different venues, themes, entertainment, food, decorations, etc that need to be considered when planning a Bar Mitzvah party. Not to mention the emphasis nowadays put into how much money you spend rather than the overall meaning of the celebration.
When planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah party it is important to focus on the major tasks at hand. These are in chronological order, however they can be switched around to best suit your needs.
Save the Date Cards
Choosing a theme
Finding the perfect venue for your reception party
Creating personalized Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah invitations
Centerpieces and other party decorations
Finding the right entertainment and games
Picking a DJ
Making a list of music or songs
Food and catering
Party Favors
Photography or video
Speeches
Thank you cards
Of course there are other aspects to consider like place cards, sign-in boards (or an equivalent), napkins and other small accessories - however they pale in comparison to the more important planning decisions.
We have dedicated different guides and tips within our website to help address some of these party planning requirements. If you don't see something that you're looking for, give us a call! We'll do what we can to help answer any questions and assist you in the preparation of your son or daughter's big day!
check out Jewish Jewelry and Jewish Gifts From Rotem Israel
A unique Jewish Gifts and Jewish Jewelry online store.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Christening Invitation Etiquette
Christening invitations are the first impression your guests will receive, so it is very important you are aware of and follow the proper invitation etiquette guidelines. Most Christening ceremonies occur very close to the actual birth of the child. Preparing your Christening invitations in advance is a good way to save yourself a lot of unnecessary stress. Follow these simple invitation etiquette guidelines and ideas to ensure that you make the right first impression.
Christening Invitation and Ceremony Timing
Most Christening ceremonies occur between 1-6 months after the child is born. This is because a Christening is traditionally when a child receives his or her name. Occasionally, due to potential health issues with the mother or baby, this timeframe can be extended. Other reasons for delay could be due to the fact that family or friends might not be able to attend otherwise.
Christening invitations should be sent out at least 3-4 weeks prior to the actual service or ceremony. This will allow guests plenty of time to save the date and reschedule any prior commitments. It will also allow sufficient time to prepare any gifts, speeches, or other arrangements that need to be made.
Who Gets Invited to Your Child’s Christening
Baby Christenings can be both a very private and public event. Most of the times the main attendees consist of close friends and family members. However it is not uncommon to invite congregation members or others affiliated with your church. Depending on your own preferences you can either have a small, intimate ceremony, or a large party. Typically the child’s parents will send out christening invitations, however sometimes that honor is reserves for the infant’s Godparents.
What to Include On Your Christening Invitations
Christening invitations are commonly opened with a bible verse, poem, or greeting. The child’s name should be prominently featured near the top of the invitation or underneath the greeting. It is customary to include the name of the church or location that the Christening ceremony is going to be held. Due to the fact that many guests attending a Christening may be from out of town, it is suggested that the full address of the location be included on the invitations. If more specific driving directions are needed, do not add these to the Christening invitation. Instead, enclose the directions in the invitation envelope on a separate piece of paper. If a reception is going to be held after the services, this should be included on the invitation. If directions are enclosed, there is no need to repeat them on the actual invitations. RSVP requests can be added at the bottom of the card if required, along with any contact information or accompanying christening response cards. If for any reason you feel that your guests might not be aware, it is not impolite to add a reminder that proper dress is required (i.e. Sunday Clothes). Don't forget to send Christening thank you cards 1-3 weeks following the service.
Invitation Wording and Grammar
Christening invitations may be either formal or informal; it’s a matter of preference. If a more formal tone is preferred, do not use abbreviations. This applies to the date, time, and address as well. It is permitted to omit the year, due to the relative proximity between the event or services and the time the invitations are received.
Christening invitation etiquette is not as difficult as it sounds. Just remember to consider the mood of your Christening, the guests that will be attending, and the atmosphere of the reception. If you incorporate these ideas along with your own personal style and preferences, you can never go wrong!
These baby Christening etiquette guidelines can also be applied to First Holy Communion invitations
Christening Invitation and Ceremony Timing
Most Christening ceremonies occur between 1-6 months after the child is born. This is because a Christening is traditionally when a child receives his or her name. Occasionally, due to potential health issues with the mother or baby, this timeframe can be extended. Other reasons for delay could be due to the fact that family or friends might not be able to attend otherwise.
Christening invitations should be sent out at least 3-4 weeks prior to the actual service or ceremony. This will allow guests plenty of time to save the date and reschedule any prior commitments. It will also allow sufficient time to prepare any gifts, speeches, or other arrangements that need to be made.
Who Gets Invited to Your Child’s Christening
Baby Christenings can be both a very private and public event. Most of the times the main attendees consist of close friends and family members. However it is not uncommon to invite congregation members or others affiliated with your church. Depending on your own preferences you can either have a small, intimate ceremony, or a large party. Typically the child’s parents will send out christening invitations, however sometimes that honor is reserves for the infant’s Godparents.
What to Include On Your Christening Invitations
Christening invitations are commonly opened with a bible verse, poem, or greeting. The child’s name should be prominently featured near the top of the invitation or underneath the greeting. It is customary to include the name of the church or location that the Christening ceremony is going to be held. Due to the fact that many guests attending a Christening may be from out of town, it is suggested that the full address of the location be included on the invitations. If more specific driving directions are needed, do not add these to the Christening invitation. Instead, enclose the directions in the invitation envelope on a separate piece of paper. If a reception is going to be held after the services, this should be included on the invitation. If directions are enclosed, there is no need to repeat them on the actual invitations. RSVP requests can be added at the bottom of the card if required, along with any contact information or accompanying christening response cards. If for any reason you feel that your guests might not be aware, it is not impolite to add a reminder that proper dress is required (i.e. Sunday Clothes). Don't forget to send Christening thank you cards 1-3 weeks following the service.
Invitation Wording and Grammar
Christening invitations may be either formal or informal; it’s a matter of preference. If a more formal tone is preferred, do not use abbreviations. This applies to the date, time, and address as well. It is permitted to omit the year, due to the relative proximity between the event or services and the time the invitations are received.
Christening invitation etiquette is not as difficult as it sounds. Just remember to consider the mood of your Christening, the guests that will be attending, and the atmosphere of the reception. If you incorporate these ideas along with your own personal style and preferences, you can never go wrong!
These baby Christening etiquette guidelines can also be applied to First Holy Communion invitations
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Holy Communion - The History
Communion is one of the sacraments in the Christian religion and is considered to be a reenactment of the Last Supper.
Eucharist is a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”. Every time Communion is taken, it is meant to be literally giving thanks for the love of God. The term “Eucharist” refers to not only the sacrament of Communion, but also the bread and wine used in the rite.
For many centuries after the founding of the Christian church, bread was the only thing received during Communion. Later whole meals were shared between church members. There is no definitive time period of when Communion as it is today, consisting of bread and wine, came into standard practice.
Although Holy Communion is a traditional Christian sacrament, the customs and interpretations of this rite vary between churches. These differences result from various translations and interpretations of scriptures as well as an absence of any complete outline on how the sacrament should be administered. The main differences are regarding:
• Who can take Communion
• How often it should be celebrated
• What is included
• Roles and functions of celebrants
• The meaning of the Eucharist
Who can take Communion?
In the Catholic Church, only members in good standing are allowed to participate. Generally members of the Assyrian Church, Orthodox Churches, and Polish National Church are allowed to receive Catholic Communion. Traditionally they will only issue Communion to baptized believers outside of these churches only if they are gravely ill. However, many Catholic priests are more relaxed and generally welcome all believers. Most Protestants allow all believers to participate, regardless of standing.
How often should Communion be celebrated?
Catholic Churches generally celebrate Communion weekly. Protestants and other non-Catholics vary from weekly, monthly, quarterly, or once or twice a year.
What is included?
Catholics and Eastern Churches traditionally celebrate Communion with unleavened bread and wine. In some cases the bread is leavened, and in some cases it is substituted with wafers or rice cakes. Wine can also be substituted with unfermented grape juice. Communion is also served differently throughout churches. Some congregations drink from a communal cup with bread placed on the tongue, while others hand out portions in general or very specific arrangements. The Orthodox Churches administer Communion in a unique manner. Bread is placed on a round plate and wine is served in a chalice. Communicants receive the elements on a spoon, and a piece of the bread is put into the chalice with some hot water to symbolize the reunification of the body and spirit of Christ.
What are the roles and functions of celebrants?
In many churches the rite of Communion can only be administered by ordained clergy. Although some churches believe elders and authority figures may also administer Communion rites, this view is much less common. However women can also be ordained in many protestant churches, thus resulting in another difference of opinion with the Catholic and Eastern Churches.
What is the meaning of the Eucharist?
Undoubtedly the most heavily debated aspects of Communion is the literal or figurative meaning of what is represented during Communion. Catholic, Orthodox, and other early Christian churches believe that the elements literally become the blood and body of Christ upon blessing and consumption. This process is known as transubstantiation. Many Protestant churches believe in Christ’s presence within the elements, however in a more figurative way (in, with, and under in a concept known as the sacramental union). Others still reject any literal presence and consider the ritual to be merely a symbolic memorial of Christ.
Although differences of opinion are numerous, all Churches can agree that Communion is a central part of Christian worship that recalls the love and joy that Jesus brings to the community of the faithful.
First Communion thank you cards
First Communion bookmarks keepsakes
Holy Communion invitations
Christening Invitations
Eucharist is a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”. Every time Communion is taken, it is meant to be literally giving thanks for the love of God. The term “Eucharist” refers to not only the sacrament of Communion, but also the bread and wine used in the rite.
For many centuries after the founding of the Christian church, bread was the only thing received during Communion. Later whole meals were shared between church members. There is no definitive time period of when Communion as it is today, consisting of bread and wine, came into standard practice.
Although Holy Communion is a traditional Christian sacrament, the customs and interpretations of this rite vary between churches. These differences result from various translations and interpretations of scriptures as well as an absence of any complete outline on how the sacrament should be administered. The main differences are regarding:
• Who can take Communion
• How often it should be celebrated
• What is included
• Roles and functions of celebrants
• The meaning of the Eucharist
Who can take Communion?
In the Catholic Church, only members in good standing are allowed to participate. Generally members of the Assyrian Church, Orthodox Churches, and Polish National Church are allowed to receive Catholic Communion. Traditionally they will only issue Communion to baptized believers outside of these churches only if they are gravely ill. However, many Catholic priests are more relaxed and generally welcome all believers. Most Protestants allow all believers to participate, regardless of standing.
How often should Communion be celebrated?
Catholic Churches generally celebrate Communion weekly. Protestants and other non-Catholics vary from weekly, monthly, quarterly, or once or twice a year.
What is included?
Catholics and Eastern Churches traditionally celebrate Communion with unleavened bread and wine. In some cases the bread is leavened, and in some cases it is substituted with wafers or rice cakes. Wine can also be substituted with unfermented grape juice. Communion is also served differently throughout churches. Some congregations drink from a communal cup with bread placed on the tongue, while others hand out portions in general or very specific arrangements. The Orthodox Churches administer Communion in a unique manner. Bread is placed on a round plate and wine is served in a chalice. Communicants receive the elements on a spoon, and a piece of the bread is put into the chalice with some hot water to symbolize the reunification of the body and spirit of Christ.
What are the roles and functions of celebrants?
In many churches the rite of Communion can only be administered by ordained clergy. Although some churches believe elders and authority figures may also administer Communion rites, this view is much less common. However women can also be ordained in many protestant churches, thus resulting in another difference of opinion with the Catholic and Eastern Churches.
What is the meaning of the Eucharist?
Undoubtedly the most heavily debated aspects of Communion is the literal or figurative meaning of what is represented during Communion. Catholic, Orthodox, and other early Christian churches believe that the elements literally become the blood and body of Christ upon blessing and consumption. This process is known as transubstantiation. Many Protestant churches believe in Christ’s presence within the elements, however in a more figurative way (in, with, and under in a concept known as the sacramental union). Others still reject any literal presence and consider the ritual to be merely a symbolic memorial of Christ.
Although differences of opinion are numerous, all Churches can agree that Communion is a central part of Christian worship that recalls the love and joy that Jesus brings to the community of the faithful.
First Communion thank you cards
First Communion bookmarks keepsakes
Holy Communion invitations
Christening Invitations
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Bar Mitzvah Ceremony
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies have been celebrated in some form for thousands of years. Bar Mitzvah in biblical and Talmudic times simply meant “coming of age”. The meaning has since become the literal “(son) of the commandments”. Originally, a Jewish man was considered to be an adult at the age of 20, when he was eligible to be taxed and join in the military. However, during Talmudic times (around 2000 B.C.E.), the age was decreased to 13 years old. The ceremony was simply a blessing at first and included the child’s first aliyah; it did not include any celebrations. The Bar Mitzvah was largely symbolic in the religious sense however, as minors were allowed to participate if they were deemed mentally fit and chose to do so. During the late middle ages this practice became more literal, as minors were no longer allowed to be “called to the Torah” until reaching Bar Mitzvah age.
It wasn’t until approximately 200 years ago that Jewish families started celebrating a Bat Mitzvah for girls that reach the age of 12 or 13. The practice was thought to have started in Europe. However, the Bat Mitzvah ceremony is attributed to the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism, Mordecai Kaplan.
Traditional responsibilities for becoming a Bar Mitzvah include:
• Moral responsibility and accountability for ones own actions
• Able to be called to read from the Torah
• May possess personal property
• May be married
• Must follow 613 laws of the Torah
Ceremony:
In modern times, the Bar Mitzvah ceremony has become largely based on the interpretations, customs, and beliefs of the synagogue or temple that the family attends. Jewish populations around the world also celebrate this special occasion slightly to very differently. The Sephardim and the Ashkenazim customs differ greatly. In America, Bar Mitzvah ceremonies are usually accompanied by large parties and fancy gifts.
Common practices include:
• Learning prayers/theology, customs, holidays, history, and recently, the language (Originally taught by the father, it has now become a practice to learn in Religious or Hebrew School)
• Reading of the Torah (entire, maftir, haftarah, or combination)
• Some form of commentary (commonly on the meaning of becoming a Bar Mitzvah or recent Torah readings)
• A feast or celebration
Bar Mitzvah Ceremony in the Modern Age:
In modern America, Bar Mitzvahs have become elaborate celebrations, similar to a wedding. Reform movements tried to do away with Bar Mitzvah celebrations, stating that a child does not become an adult at the age of 13. This practice was to be replaced with a confirmation at the age of 16 or 18. Due to the popularity of Bar Mitzvah ceremonies, the practice has since been revived. Gifts, games, food, themes, speeches, favors, decorations, Hora, cakes: these are all elements commonly found at a modern Bar Mitzvah party. It has become common practice to give gifts, usually money, in multiples of 18. This is due to the fact that the number 18 is the numerical equivalent of the Hebrew word for “life”. Many Bar and Bat Mitzvah also receive their first tallit from their parents to be used for the occasion.
Coming of Age:
Although the Bar Mitzvah in its common form is a relatively new ceremony, the concept of coming of age ceremonies predates the Torah. Peoples and cultures all over the world have some sort of coming of age ceremony. Christians receive confirmation, Hindus undergo Upanayana, and even Shintoism and Confucianism have distinct coming of age ceremonies. In fact the rites of passage for a young man/woman can be traced back to prehistoric times.
Second Bar Mitzvah:
Among some Jewish communities, a man who has reached age 83 will celebrate a second Bar Mitzvah. This is due to the fact that a normal lifespan is considered 70 years. Reaching 83 would signify a “second 13”.
Due to the numerous different practices involving Bar Mitzvah ceremonies it is hard to pinpoint an exact definition. These are simply the most common or well-known instances of rituals, history, and customs involved in a Bar Mitzvah ceremony.
It wasn’t until approximately 200 years ago that Jewish families started celebrating a Bat Mitzvah for girls that reach the age of 12 or 13. The practice was thought to have started in Europe. However, the Bat Mitzvah ceremony is attributed to the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism, Mordecai Kaplan.
Traditional responsibilities for becoming a Bar Mitzvah include:
• Moral responsibility and accountability for ones own actions
• Able to be called to read from the Torah
• May possess personal property
• May be married
• Must follow 613 laws of the Torah
Ceremony:
In modern times, the Bar Mitzvah ceremony has become largely based on the interpretations, customs, and beliefs of the synagogue or temple that the family attends. Jewish populations around the world also celebrate this special occasion slightly to very differently. The Sephardim and the Ashkenazim customs differ greatly. In America, Bar Mitzvah ceremonies are usually accompanied by large parties and fancy gifts.
Common practices include:
• Learning prayers/theology, customs, holidays, history, and recently, the language (Originally taught by the father, it has now become a practice to learn in Religious or Hebrew School)
• Reading of the Torah (entire, maftir, haftarah, or combination)
• Some form of commentary (commonly on the meaning of becoming a Bar Mitzvah or recent Torah readings)
• A feast or celebration
Bar Mitzvah Ceremony in the Modern Age:
In modern America, Bar Mitzvahs have become elaborate celebrations, similar to a wedding. Reform movements tried to do away with Bar Mitzvah celebrations, stating that a child does not become an adult at the age of 13. This practice was to be replaced with a confirmation at the age of 16 or 18. Due to the popularity of Bar Mitzvah ceremonies, the practice has since been revived. Gifts, games, food, themes, speeches, favors, decorations, Hora, cakes: these are all elements commonly found at a modern Bar Mitzvah party. It has become common practice to give gifts, usually money, in multiples of 18. This is due to the fact that the number 18 is the numerical equivalent of the Hebrew word for “life”. Many Bar and Bat Mitzvah also receive their first tallit from their parents to be used for the occasion.
Coming of Age:
Although the Bar Mitzvah in its common form is a relatively new ceremony, the concept of coming of age ceremonies predates the Torah. Peoples and cultures all over the world have some sort of coming of age ceremony. Christians receive confirmation, Hindus undergo Upanayana, and even Shintoism and Confucianism have distinct coming of age ceremonies. In fact the rites of passage for a young man/woman can be traced back to prehistoric times.
Second Bar Mitzvah:
Among some Jewish communities, a man who has reached age 83 will celebrate a second Bar Mitzvah. This is due to the fact that a normal lifespan is considered 70 years. Reaching 83 would signify a “second 13”.
Due to the numerous different practices involving Bar Mitzvah ceremonies it is hard to pinpoint an exact definition. These are simply the most common or well-known instances of rituals, history, and customs involved in a Bar Mitzvah ceremony.
Monday, January 24, 2011
1st Communion Invitations Ideas & Samples
First Holy Communion is a major milestone in any young Catholic boy’s or girl’s life. Receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist is indeed an occasion worth celebrating. The First Holy Communion party should make a good 1st impression to your guests with personalized Communion invitations. Depending on your family, church, and personal preferences, there are many different forms that your Communion cards may take.
Sophisticated: For a simple, classy party, sophisticated invitations are the perfect way to go. Traditional colors like white and minimal design elements will create elegant 1st Communion invitations. Layered, deckled, or lace cards are a great way to accent a sophisticated card.
Modern: Modern cards are becoming an increasingly popular way to invite friends and family to Holy Communion celebrations. Colors like kiwi, blue, and pink, are some of the most common sights. Photographs of your child may even be included for a truly modern twist on Communion invites.
Unique: Unique invitations are a great way to put personality into your Communion cards. This event will be remembered for your child’s entire life, so why not have fun with it and make your invitations a reflection of your son or daughter’s personality? Unique invitations come in all shapes and sizes, they can be classified as anything that doesn’t fit into any of these other categories.
Classic: Classic invitations are the most popular way to invite guests to a First Communion party. Familiar design elements including crosses, doves, rosary beads, and neutral colors are all very religious and classic. You can never go wrong with elegantly designed, classic First Communion invitations.
Blend of Tradition and Modern: This is my favorite type. I feel that it is important to incorporate classic ideas and traditions and blend them with a more modern outlook. Crosses and rosary beads paired with trendy colors can be a subtle way of showing off the modern and traditional aspects of your life.
You may also want to purchase matching thank you notes and response cards to complete any invitation set. Save the date cards are also available, but not necessary. Photo keepsakes are a great idea to commemorate and cherish your child’s 1st Communion. Lace-cut bookmarks with your son or daughter’s photo and personalized text can make great keepsakes.
Picking the perfect First Communion invitations can take time and patience. As long as you try to put your own style and personality into your 1st Holy Communion invitations, you can never go wrong.
Sophisticated: For a simple, classy party, sophisticated invitations are the perfect way to go. Traditional colors like white and minimal design elements will create elegant 1st Communion invitations. Layered, deckled, or lace cards are a great way to accent a sophisticated card.
Modern: Modern cards are becoming an increasingly popular way to invite friends and family to Holy Communion celebrations. Colors like kiwi, blue, and pink, are some of the most common sights. Photographs of your child may even be included for a truly modern twist on Communion invites.
Unique: Unique invitations are a great way to put personality into your Communion cards. This event will be remembered for your child’s entire life, so why not have fun with it and make your invitations a reflection of your son or daughter’s personality? Unique invitations come in all shapes and sizes, they can be classified as anything that doesn’t fit into any of these other categories.
Classic: Classic invitations are the most popular way to invite guests to a First Communion party. Familiar design elements including crosses, doves, rosary beads, and neutral colors are all very religious and classic. You can never go wrong with elegantly designed, classic First Communion invitations.
Blend of Tradition and Modern: This is my favorite type. I feel that it is important to incorporate classic ideas and traditions and blend them with a more modern outlook. Crosses and rosary beads paired with trendy colors can be a subtle way of showing off the modern and traditional aspects of your life.
You may also want to purchase matching thank you notes and response cards to complete any invitation set. Save the date cards are also available, but not necessary. Photo keepsakes are a great idea to commemorate and cherish your child’s 1st Communion. Lace-cut bookmarks with your son or daughter’s photo and personalized text can make great keepsakes.
Picking the perfect First Communion invitations can take time and patience. As long as you try to put your own style and personality into your 1st Holy Communion invitations, you can never go wrong.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Giftskins.com Re-Design Press Release
Daytona Beach, Florida based company, Giftskins.com, has recently completed a drastic website redesign. The company specializes in personalized wrapping paper for all occasions.
The redesign of Giftskins.com will make it easier for consumers to design and create their own custom gift wrap. The changes are jam packed with Web 2.0 features and appealing design elements. New categories have been introduced, arranging wrapping paper by holidays and special occasions. Visitors can also sort designs based on visual characteristics and themes, including: masculine/feminine, stripes, patterns, by recipient, and more. They have also added a brand new line of personalized corporate wrapping paper for businesses looking for promotional items, marketing tactics, and branded gift wrapping services.
In conjunction with a new website, Giftskins.com is also offering the chance to win personalized wrapping paper for every major gift giving occasion for a whole year. Details can be found on their website.
Artist and developer Jenna Hampton explains the reasoning and goals behind the new site design. “We wanted to provide a completely seamless experience for all of our customers. The new design makes finding the perfect roll of custom gift wrap infinitely easier. It looks better too!”
Giftskins.com is also offering a new design service for customers who would like to create their own wrapping paper from scratch. Aimed at small businesses and marketing campaigns, for a small set-up fee, customers can have their own original designs turned into gift wrap.
Giftskins.com is a part of the Expressionables.com suite of boutiques that provide personalized products for all life’s special occasions and celebrations.
*Note For Craft Ideas Related to Personalized Gift Wrap...check out AllCrafts.net
The redesign of Giftskins.com will make it easier for consumers to design and create their own custom gift wrap. The changes are jam packed with Web 2.0 features and appealing design elements. New categories have been introduced, arranging wrapping paper by holidays and special occasions. Visitors can also sort designs based on visual characteristics and themes, including: masculine/feminine, stripes, patterns, by recipient, and more. They have also added a brand new line of personalized corporate wrapping paper for businesses looking for promotional items, marketing tactics, and branded gift wrapping services.
In conjunction with a new website, Giftskins.com is also offering the chance to win personalized wrapping paper for every major gift giving occasion for a whole year. Details can be found on their website.
Artist and developer Jenna Hampton explains the reasoning and goals behind the new site design. “We wanted to provide a completely seamless experience for all of our customers. The new design makes finding the perfect roll of custom gift wrap infinitely easier. It looks better too!”
Giftskins.com is also offering a new design service for customers who would like to create their own wrapping paper from scratch. Aimed at small businesses and marketing campaigns, for a small set-up fee, customers can have their own original designs turned into gift wrap.
Giftskins.com is a part of the Expressionables.com suite of boutiques that provide personalized products for all life’s special occasions and celebrations.
*Note For Craft Ideas Related to Personalized Gift Wrap...check out AllCrafts.net
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Green Wrapping Paper Ideas
Every year millions of gifts are given during the month of December. Christmas, Hanukkah, and a host of other special occasions contribute to more gift wrap being used during the holidays than throughout the entire rest of the year combined.
In the last decade gift cards and envelopes have ruled over the proverbial present kingdom. However, consumers are growing tired of the same old, often times thoughtless gifts that seem to have taken over the “season of giving”.
In order to combat the spread of the infectious gift card disease, and since the great recession started, shoppers have begun to focus more on the thought of the gifts rather than the material value which is represented.
There are numerous ways to wrap a present; some good, some bad, and some just plain ugly. These are some of the trends catching on this year.
1. Personalized Wrapping Paper
If you don’t mind spending a little extra money, personalized wrapping paper is great way to put make your gifts stand out and mean more this holiday season. Sites like Giftskins.com allow you to add up to 8 different images and custom text to create truly unique personalized gift wrap. Prices start around $10 dollars for a roll that can wrap approximately 3 medium size gifts. *You can use the scraps and leftovers for scrapbooking or other crafts.
2. Recycled Wrapping Paper
Because of global warming, high pollution levels, and dwindling natural resources, we are in the midst of a green revolution. What better way is there to show you care than to wrap your holiday presents with recycled wrapping paper? Although more expensive than traditional gift wrap, the environmental friendliness more than makes up for the additional costs. Recycled wrapping paper can usually be found in your local stores.
3. Homemade Wrapping Paper
A great way to combine the personalized and recycled wrapping paper trends is to create your own gift wrap at home. Using old newspaper or other scraps, you can create inexpensive wrap from the comforts of your own home. This can also be a great project to do with your kids. Let them color, draw, or paint on the outside for recycled, custom gift wrap that is absolutely free!
4. The Bad and the Ugly
The gift card and envelope combo, while familiar, has come to represent a thoughtless last minute purchase. While the gift itself may be appreciated, it shows people that you were too busy to put any real effort into your holiday gifts. Gift bags are also becoming more popular. The problem is that you lose the fun of opening a present. There is also an issue of giving someone a present stuffed into the same gift bag that they gave you last year! Be creative this year so that your gifts will be appreciated, and not just expected.
When giving a gift this holiday season, remember to make a good first impression. Do not go out and purchase an amazing present that you worked hard to find, only to detract from its meaning by using thoughtless, generic gift wrapping options. Its time that we start giving better presents from the outside in, one gift at a time!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
