“A WOMAN is known by the stationery she uses. Paper talks. We read between the lines, along the margin, and across the envelope, the story of good or bad taste which speaks in tone, texture and design.” So opens A Desk Book on the Etiquette of Social Stationery published in 1910 and written by Jean Wilde Clark. What was true then, with a slight tweak, is still true today. Our stationery can speak worlds about us. What’s changed? “The Rules,” or stationery etiquette, are more relaxed: we no longer must use black-bordered mourning stationery after a loved one’s death, for example. In addition, we can all agree that men have just as much of a need for stationery, and that when they choose stationery, it speaks for them too.

What’s more, in this age of fast fashion, speed-of-light communication across the globe, what’s “In Style” changes on a dime. And that makes us lucky: there’s no need to cram our taste into rigid expectations of what’s proper or even what’s in style. Sure, white or ivory paper will always be correct. But if you want to use red, who will care? Citrus paper? Be my guest. The fabulous Jackie O used robin’s egg blue paper. If she could do that in the 1960s, the sky is the limit for us in the late 2010s.

On the one hand, the lack of stylistic expectations is liberating, because it means we have the freedom to choose stationery that suits us. On the other hand, it can be slightly intimidating, because we’ve got almost unlimited choices.

Let it be your style.

There’s one rule to follow in 2019: You be you. Don’t worry about what a friend is doing, or what you saw in a magazine.

Not sure what you like? Look at the furnishings in your home and the clothes you wear.

Do you tend toward traditional (try a 3-letter monogram), primitive country (try a quirky or hand-lettered font), or rustic modern (try your name in block letters)?

Like neat, clean surfaces (look for simple lettering) or do you like to cram every nook and cranny with beloved objects (look for curvy, embellished designs)?

Do you like to follow the rules (center the personalization at the top) or do you like to push them (personalization goes in a corner or at the bottom)?

What colors do you like to surround yourself with? Pastels? Metallics? Jewel Tones? Neutrals?

Take advantage of the preview function when considering lettering styles for your name. Scrutinize the way your initials look – perhaps you like one font’s S better than another?

These are great clues to help you pull together your stationery style. In the end, whatever you choose will be perfect, because you chose it.

Business or personal?

When you’re writing a note to a potential employer, the school principal, or your favorite author, you might want to consider a more formal letter sheet or correspondence card that tends toward business-like. Perhaps it’s embossed. Perhaps it’s on white paper with gray ink. Or ivory paper with coffee ink. This stationery might include your middle initial and the formal version of your first name.

It will work equally well for when you’re sending a gift to your best friend, writing to your brother, or thanking your neighbor for her homemade scones. Or, for those more personal uses, you could purchase a second set that reveals your more relaxed side. Any form — letter sheet, flat card or folded note — will do. Perhaps there is a small illustration, or your nickname, rather than your given name. You might use colored paper with black or metallic ink or a more brightly colored ink on ivory paper.

Raised ink vs. embossing?

It’s really a matter of choice. Raised-ink printing, or thermography, is a more affordable version of engraving. Engraving, a centuries-old printing method, requires the creation of dies, which are expensive to produce and reside at the stationery company until you require more stationery. Raised-ink printing conveys a pleasing texture and a shimmery quality to the ink.

Embossing lends an even more delicious texture because the paper is pressed from below. In that sense embossing resembles traditional engraving, as well. Especially on white or ivory paper, embossing tends to be more formal. It also tends to be more earth-friendly, because the paper recycles easily.

So to recap, when you choose stationery, it can be an enjoyable and fulfilling exercise. Taking time to think about your style and consider your options will reward you each time you sit down to write. See all of our personalized  correspondence cards and folded notes. Happy choosing!

Spring is in the air…and if you have children, that means that Spring Break is approaching…which translates to lots of free time for them, no homework, and maybe a day off or two for you to release, unwind and enjoy a little time with family and friends. A spring break barbecue is the perfect thing.

Easy to Plan

It doesn’t take a lot of planning: the guest list can be simple. Invite that new family down the street you’ve been wanting to meet, the friends who pitched in with the carpool, dinner duties or playdates the last couple of months, or the family who had you over last November with whom you’ve been wanting to reciprocate.

In terms of the menu, the barbecue can be as easy as you want it to be. You provide the main course — whether that’s simple hot dogs, veggie burgers, catfish or something more elaborate, like grilled chicken or ribs. Invite your guests to bring their favorite side dish and beverage. Then fire up the grill in your yard or balcony, or try a nearby community green space, like a park.

Simple Barbecue-Themed Accessories

You won’t need a lot of special decor. Your friendship and hospitality goes the distance here. But if you do want to mark the occasion, consider these personalized options:

Independence Foil-Pressed Guest Towels. Personalize these party papers with up to three lines of text printed in your choice of font, foil ink color and paper color. Motifs include grill, flag and striped star.

Oceanic Napkin — Embossed. More environmentally friendly because it has no ink, and so it’s compostable, this napkin puts the wind in your sails. Personalize with up to three lines in the lettering style of your choice. Motifs include: crab, sand dollar, shell, sea star, palm trees, captain’s wheel, anchor and beach chair. Choice of paper color. Embossed.

Comida Cutting Board. Pork, beef, fish or chicken…what’s your fancy? Our Comida Cutting Board features a whimsical parade of farm animals along with your oversized initial. Choose horizontal or vertical orientation. Made from eco-friendly bamboo. Hand washing recommended.

Altamira Monogram Mason Jars. Splurge on a set of these super cute personalized mason jars. They hit just the right note for a casual gathering like a spring break barbecue.  Customize the 16 ounce mason jar with one of 10 exclusive monograms, including Anthony and Circle. Clear glass. Dishwasher safe.

Coming together over food is the oldest, time-tested way of connecting with others. Nothing fancy is required. Just kindness and a simple meal.

Set an inviting table with luxury Airlaid napkins. The perfect celebratory napkin should be durable and dependable. We guarantee these new line of napkins are both.

Beautifully designed and embellished exactly how you like, Airlaid napkins are a tabletop must-have. Use them for any occasion:

• Weddings
• Anniversary parties
• Special birthdays
• Graduations
• Holidays
• Work banquets
• Quinceaneras
• Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
• Baptisms and First Communions

Printed in gold or silver foil on white paper, these fine beverage napkins feature our most popular designs and lettering styles. Use your monogram, name or a special message all your own. No matter how you personalize these napkins, they’ll perfectly complement your special day.

The foil lettering lends sparkle and sophistication, and is perfectly applied to the paper for a sturdy bond that will never flake or peel.

Airlaid napkins, made in Germany, are wonderfully absorbent, with a smooth, lint-free surface. What’s more, they are also tear-resistant when wet, protecting your surfaces and ensuring a perfect meal.

Unfolding to a little more than two-thirds of a square foot, these one-ply luxury napkins are generously sized and soft to the fingers.  Use them any time you want to add a special touch to an important occasion.

See the collection here. You’re sure to find a design you love.

Consider the bounty of your life on National Thank You Note Day…December 26

We’ve opened our gifts. The guests have gone home. The year 2018 is about to end. This is a day to consider the bounty of our lives. And then it’s time to start writing.

It’s time to say thank you for the gifts we’ve received during the holidays: homemade cookies from our niece, that bottle of wine from our neighbor. For the people who helped us or engaged with us in a meaningful way in 2018. Maybe it was a teacher who helped us learn a new skill, a counselor who helped us through a difficult week, a boss who expressed kindness or special consideration, or a friend who we trust to the ends of the earth. 

We can jot a line or two, or write a longer letter. But the important thing is that we do it. This social gesture can feel small or meaningless, but it is actually part of the glue that holds together a family, friendship or community. We lead such busy lives and it’s easy to forget to stop and express gratitude for the richness we enjoy…if not in money, then in the things that really matter: our relationships with others. 

Writing a thank you note isn’t complicated, and there are many places online you can find hints and tips:

The Emily Post Institute

Forbes Magazine

Real Simple Magazine

And, you can see these tips we’ve written in past blogs.

Here are some of our top-selling writing papers for beautiful thank you note writing.
 

Celebrate life’s milestones with personalized holiday gifts.

Life happens fast. And it can feel complicated at times. But some decisions are easy, like celebrating life’s milestones with personalized gifts. Baby’s first Christmas. Our first home together. A beautiful new marriage. Someone dear who passed this year. These are all important touchstones in our lives, and there are all manner of ways to mark them.

A holiday gift is such a wonderful opportunity to do so. And a personalized gift is all the more meaningful.

Here are some of our favorite personalized gifts to celebrate life’s milestones:

Baby Milestones

Baby’s First Christmas Ornament   Cherish your precious little one’s first Christmas with this sweet ornament. It’s a colorful and thoughtful memento the family will enjoy for years. Include a name and year, and we will print it along with adorable baby booty and Christmas artwork onto jade glass.

Little Miss Muffet Picture Frame  Remember baby’s first glorious day with a personalized Little Miss Muffet Picture Frame. We can engrave the baby’s first name, middle name, last name, date, weight and time of birth. You can include a 4″ x 6″ photograph.

Wedding Milestones

Mr and Mrs Cork Coaster  Personalized to remember your special day, the Mr. and Mrs. Cork Coaster includes a set of six, absorbent cork coasters in 5 popular lettering styles. Includes the option of two lines of text below the “Mr and Mrs” artwork.

Established Cutting Board Celebrate how you felt the day you first moved into your new home and serve up the fun with this eco-friendly, personalized bamboo cutting board. Features a single initial and three lines of text, which are laser engraved into the wood. Makes the perfect gift for a wedding, housewarming, anniversary and more.

In Memory Of Milestones

Butterfly Kisses Memorial Frame   Remember a loved one who has passed with this memorial frame that accommodates a 4″ x 6″ photograph.

Pet Memorial Glass Ornament  Pets are a special part of our lives. We cherish them forever. This ornament features your pet’s name and memorial dates or special phrase.

A beautifully decorated tree evokes cozy feelings and Christmas cheer. As you peruse each ornament, warm memories arise of specific moments in the life of your family. Discover new keepsake ornaments that can help you remember each of life’s precious moments. We’ve added a new spin on our glass keepsake ornaments: four-color printing.

Featuring charming designs printed in full color on clear jade glass, the new printed ornament collection will stand the test of time. Whether you want to celebrate your first home together, a new baby, or a cherished pet, you’ll find a design that works for you.

The full color designs feature cheerful artwork printed in full color. From snowflakes to Santa, from home to happy birthday, the printed keepsake ornaments are not only perfect for Christmas gifts, they also make beautiful year-round gifts. Consider bringing one to every party you go to this season…your hosts will be delighted and touched.

Printed keepsake ornaments offer plenty of space to add a short message, dates or names. Whether they hang on a tree or grace a dining table as place holders or adorn a gift as a gift tag, these ornaments do the trick.

Each ornament includes a silver ribbon for hanging, along with a black velvet pouch for storing. Create your ornament in minutes, and it will ship tomorrow for free.

Themes include:

• Holiday
• Teacher appreciation
• Sports
• Baby’s first Christmas
• Pets
• New home
• Wedding
• Monograms
• Sisters
• In memory of
• Music

See the full collection of printed and engraved keepsake ornaments here.

New for holiday 2018: Add a grosgrain ribbon to any notepad.

As the holidays roll around, you’re probably looking for gift ideas for the writers in your life. The good news is, there are many options at Giftsin24! Whether you’re talking about a brother-in-law who works professionally as a book editor or a co-worker who’s known for sending thoughtful notes, anyone who values the written word is sure to appreciate a set of custom-made cards, notepads or stationery.

Save yourself some stress this season, and get inspired with these fantastic holiday personalized gifts for writers:

Personalized stationery

Jotting notes to a pen pal, friend or family member is instantly more fun when it’s on personalized stationery that bears your name and style. For the writer on your gift list, personalize a set with that individual’s initials or name. At Giftsin24, we offer a wide range of personalized stationery gifts, from paper to cards. You can go modern or traditional in style, and all notecards include envelopes. Browse our catalog to find features such as crisp embossing, rich raised ink, colorful borders and more — all of which help you customize the paper to your recipient.

Custom notepads

Most people reach for a pad of paper from time to time — whether it’s to jot down a grocery list, write a to-do list, or create a quick note for a friend. Treat your loved ones to personalized notepads with their names, initials or another design. Every time they use their notepads, they’ll think of you. Even better, Giftsin24 has all kinds of customized notepads available, so it’s easy to find a great solution for anyone.

Monogrammed cards

Another excellent idea for gifts for writers is to create personalized cards. Choose from bordered cards, apex cards, raised print cards, embossed cards and more — any of which may be monogrammed or personalized with the recipient’s name. We offer such a wide selection of designs to make it easy to find a look and feel that’s perfect for anyone.

What writer wouldn’t love to receive the thoughtful gift of stationery, notepads or cards personalized with his or her name? In today’s on-the-go society, awash in digital communication, handwritten notes are more meaningful than ever. Surprise someone with the perfect present this year, and order custom paper catered to his or her tastes!

No matter the occasion, personalized stationery is a gift that’s always in style. Why? Simply put, it’s thoughtful and useful. When someone opens a box of custom cards, notes or notepads, he or she gains a tool for correspondence with a little luxury, to boot.

Whether you’re shopping for birthday, graduation, wedding, anniversary, hostess or some other sort of gifts, you can’t go wrong with this choice. To demonstrate that even further, here are five reasons why personalized stationery is always the perfect choice:

1. It’s unique

Because they feature a person’s name, monogram or messaging, no two personalized stationery gifts are alike. That’s why custom notecards are a one-of-a-kind present. You won’t worry that the recipient gets duplicates. Personalized paper or notecards won’t get lost in the shuffle. Each set is as unique as the person who receives it.

2. It’s thoughtful

When designing personalized stationery for a loved one, you communicate that the person matters to you. How? By creating personalized paper, you not only took time and energy to choose a style, but you also input the recipient’s name or monogram. It shows you care.

3. It’s economical

The age-old saying that “it’s the thought that counts” rings true with personalized stationery gifts. They’re proof that you don’t have to spend a bundle to provide someone with a meaningful present. Opening custom-made stationery is always a treat — regardless of its cost.

4. It’s memorable

Unlike many generic gifts, custom-designed stationery makes a meaningful impression. It’s not a mass-produced product, but rather a gift tailored to the recipient. That’s why, for as long as the paper lasts, your recipient is sure to think of you. With every handwritten note, he or she has a fresh reminder of your care. Custom-made stationery is hard to forget.

5. It’s sure to delight

Last but not least, getting a custom gift is fun. Who wouldn’t love to open a box of personalized notecards or papers, knowing they were designed with you in mind? When you surprise someone with custom stationery, the gift recipient will cherish it for a long time. Personalized notes are something special in a world of digital interaction.

From business colleagues to family members, everyone appreciates being thought of with a personalized gift. To learn more about our tailored stationery options at Giftsin24, browse our website. Think about your recipient’s style and find a design that matches it beautifully. From elegant monograms to colorful borders, we have a wide range of options. Place your order today!

World Gratitude Day is September 21. How will you show your appreciation for the people you know best in life, or the acquaintance at school, work or church that did something nice, or the stranger — through their deeds or personal mission — that is making the world a better place? These days, it feels so easy to be cynical. Civility, compassion, thankfulness…those are the qualities we need more of in this world.

So let’s all practice an attitude of gratitude on September 21, and make it a habit thereafter. Here are 3 ways to cultivate gratitude in your life.

1. Say “Thank you” on World Gratitude Day

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

Two words: Thank, you. They are powerful, indeed. Whether you say it, scribble it, send flowers or  write it in the sky, your gratitude can make someone’s day. Plus, just the act of saying “thank you,” can release endorphins — those feel-good hormones that course through our bodies. Decide you’re going to thank the check-out clerk at the store, your postal carrier who slogged through the rain, or your son’s teacher whose sweet nature or persistence is making all the difference in math class. We can soften life’s edges by practicing civility and kindness.

2. Keep a gratitude journal

“If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” -Oprah Winfrey

It’s easy to flip on HGTV or browse the latest fashion magazine and feel a little envious of those who seem to have it all. Life has its ups and downs, and if you’re in the middle of a slump, it’s easy to miss all the things that are wonderful in life. If you find yourself staring into a glass that’s half-full, consider starting a gratitude journal.

Every evening, jot down 3 things that you feel happy about: friendships, family, pets and more. Granted, on those days when you lost your keys or a supervisor got testy, it might be hard to see the rays of sunlight. But even noting the smallest things can get your mind on the right foot: late summer flowers blooming; warm socks; a kind smile of the crossing guard; a soft breeze on a cool night; the strength and dexterity of your own fingers.

3. Commit to a weekly act of gratitude

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” -Henry Ford

Beyond World Gratitude Day, you can practice gratitude so that it becomes part of  your life. Sometimes when we set a goal, it becomes more achievable.  Life is fleeting, and we need to grab those moments of grace while we can. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but just commit to saying thank you more, hugging more, giving more, surprising more. Or plan to write a formal thank you note once a week to someone — even if it’s an out-of-the-blue note to say, “I am grateful for your presence in my life.” You’ll make someone else’s day, and you’ll improve your own frame of mind, too.

Looking for something different to use at your next event or give as a meaningful gift? Monogrammed items are personalized just for you or your recipient — unlike generic items you can purchase from the store. Monogrammed gifts and decor are a great way to personalize your life and wow your friends. To get something creative and different, use our Personal Style Tool. Our process for choosing the right monogram design will help you pick out the perfect item with confidence.

Choosing a Monogram to Personalize Your Projects

You can make unique projects by adding initials in a stylish way. A monogrammed item is created by you, but a special monogram generator will help you create your ideal mark with ease. You don’t have to be familiar with design or typography to use a monogram generator and order your personalized items.

Just about everything you wear, display, use or decorate with can have a personalized mark. Monograms are the perfect way to set apart your parties, wedding, gifts and more. From etched glass coasters to napkins and bamboo cutting boards, there are tons of ways to personalize your life.

The Gift of a Monogram

Finding the right gift can be tricky. You want something that is different, but still useful and beautiful. Monogramed items are the kind of gifts that carry memories and meaning. A boss who receives a monogrammed mug for his desk will appreciate the gift as classy and professional. A bride who gets monogrammed guest towels for the bathroom or coasters for the home will see the gift as a special token of her big day. Monogrammed gifts that are given to family members can carry the weight that comes with the family tie of sharing a last name. Items that are monogrammed unquestionably belong to the recipient, which means they were carefully chosen and ordered, not selected generically.

The Right Style for the Product

Not all products are the same or have identical shapes for holding your monogram. Monograms on round coasters are probably going to look different than at the top of personalized stationery. To start in choosing the right monogram, you need to pick the item you want to mark. You may not have the space to do three letters and just prefer one. On business-focused items, you might have the letters evenly sized instead of the center letter being larger.

Consider what kind of style will work best on that item — fonts and layouts of the monogram can make the whole project look modern, chic, classic, flowery and more. Those styles will change how someone interprets the gift or how an event is perceived. A fancy wedding script might be perfect for reception table runners, but it wouldn’t look right in the clean lines of a modern office. You want the monogram to fit the product perfectly for the person or space for whom or which it is being designed.

Knowing how you want the result to turn out and what product you are planning to get it on is the first step to creating a great monogram. Once you’ve determined the shape and style of the monogram you are going to create, the next step is to look at lettering styles.

Selecting a Unique Font for Your Monogram Design

Monogram fonts can be plain or intricate. A font that is generic will look like something that could be made in Word on your computer and printed. Some fonts are not well-made and don’t create elegant design elements. At Giftsin24, we offer specialized fonts in our design generator so that even the non-designer can create a professional-grade product.

The right monogram font will enhance your design and convey the style you determined was best for the product you are marking. A font should easily fit into the space designated for the monogram without looking cramped or stretched. The monogram letters should flow into a design element but remain easy to read.

We’ve chosen great fonts specifically for monograms that you can’t find anywhere else to give your gifts a one-of-a-kind look. We make sure those fonts are well-suited to monograms by choosing a wide variety of styles in fonts that have good spacing, balance and are readable.

Initial Etiquette for Monograms

The last name initial is always the largest in the center if you are doing the traditional trio of letters. You can use initials for individuals or couples in a monogram.

• For a married couple: The woman’s first initial is first, then the last name initial. The man’s initial is on the right.
• For a woman: Typically, her last initial is in the center with her first initial on the left and her middle initial on the right. However, if she is married, she can use her maiden initial on the right instead of the middle name initial.
• For a child: Monograms are perfect because they don’t give too much information in public. While the use of a first name might allow a stranger to act familiar with a child, a monogram personalizes the item to make it special and easily identifiable. A child’s monogram will follow the first, last middle initial format.

If the initials of your mark are the same size (instead of the traditional monogram with a larger letter in the middle), then the initials are in a first, middle, last name order. This often happens on shirt pockets, briefcases and luggage — among other items where lettering may be kept more straightforward and less decorative. When you’ve determined the shape and style, creating the monogram is simple.

Monograms Made Easy

Creating a unique monogram doesn’t have to be hard or time consuming. Our special tool for generating your monogram makes the process incredibly easy. Rather than paying a designer or struggling with the process yourself, you can choose a product and use the monogram generator tool to finish the personalization process. For each of the items on our website, you can enter your information and choose the lettering style. An immediate preview will show you exactly how the monogram will appear on the product, so you don’t have to guess if a specific style will look good in the space or fit correctly.

Finishing With Finesse

When ordering, certain products can be finished specially to give them an even more unique edge. You can use embossing or raised ink for a classy look that visually pops from the page. Your monogram design can be engraved on wood or etched into glass for a lasting, classy mark.

Now that you’ve completed the design process, you can proudly show off your monogrammed items within days of ordering them. At Giftsin24, we pride ourselves on carefully creating and quickly shipping your items. We know you trust us with your gifts and specialty items, expecting each piece to be crafted with care. We have a great customer service team that is backed by a production team built over decades. So, what are you going to personalize?