Why You Should Be Sending Out Personalized Birthday Cards

With technology’s advances and the diversification of methods made easy by the ever-expanding and intricate internet, it’s easier than ever to find something relatable to nearly an niche and yet one thing remains constant—we still order gifts, have them shipped to the delight of the recipient who still has the honor of opening their cherished packages on their birthday while taking note of who was kind enough to have them in their remembrance at their special time of year.  Imagine the dismay that would be created if we sent them a picture of their gift instead?  It could have a cute little note at the bottom of the email or maybe on a social networking site with the caption underneath:  “Enjoy this image of your gift, I enjoyed sending you an example of what it would look like.”  I think if anything, this would be received as a joke at best and an insult at worst.

Personalized Birthday Cards

Seems ridiculous doesn’t it?  That’s how some people feel when they get an e-card as opposed to what they consider the real thing.  Sure, it’s easier to send it that way, faster and certainly less costly but what is the real value earmarked on that?  Not much by the real thing in comparison right? When it’s time to send out that birthday card this time around–keep it real and keep it right.   Send out something that can be remembered for a long time to come.

Transfiguration Academy – Gallery Collection Charitable Donations

As part of The Gallery Collection’s charitable donation program, we recently made a donation of 100 Holiday cards to Transfiguration Academy in Bergenfield, NJ. These holiday cards will be part of a Tricky Tray dinner and fundraiser to help support the school.

Maella Adoration of the Shepherds Peace Card

The mission of Transfiguration Academy is to enable each student to develop to their full potential, meet the challenges of an ever-changing society, and become worthwhile contributors to the community and future leaders of tomorrow. This is accomplished through strengthening faith, enlightening minds and transforming hearts, one student at a time.

If you are interested in learning more about Transfiguration Academy, please visit their website at http://www.transfigurationacademy.org/tfa/.

Top 10 Employee Birthday Gift Ideas

The proper way to acknowledge and celebrate employee birthdays can really vary from company to company. Sure, thoughtful employers will always remember the employee’s special day with a quality greeting card but in some companies you just have to give a little.

But let’s face it, finding a gift that is appreciated, appropriate and affordable can be challenging. I always like to shop by personality type so check out the list below for the one that suits your employee’s style and personality. You will not only make quick work of buying that birthday gift you will show your employee that you notice them!

1. For the Office Geek – This little mason jar speaker with amplifier offers a little techno fun for the office geek that will appreciated for its small size but big sound. http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/mason-jar-speaker-amplifier

jar

2. For the Foodie – What to get your favorite junk food lovin’ foodie? How about a way to make their very own Hostess Cupcakes? Sold on Amazon for just under $30 bucks. Sweeet!!! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FE8BOKS//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=duiwath-20

foodie

3. For the Funny, Social or Office Grouch – Whether your employee loves a good joke or love a reason to chew the fat or is the office grouch, they will sure to laugh with surprise when you drop this F Bomb Paperweight on them! http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/f-bomb-paperweight

20409_zoom1

4. For the Retro Office Hipster – Do you have an employee who dares to be a little different and enjoys a blast from the past? This VW Van Toaster will bring back fond memories as he or she is munchin on a perfectly piece of toasted bread! http://www.dudeiwantthat.com/household/kitchen/vw-camper-van-toaster.asp

vw-camper-van-toaster-9936

5. For the Take No Prisoners Employee – Even the no nonsense employee enjoys a bit of whimsy and humor while secretly liking the idea of warning fellow co-workers that no excuses will be tolerated! The Ashes of Wimps and Whiners Jar – available in a variety of colors will be sure to the trick! http://mookiegifts.com/asofwiwhjar.html

whimps

6. For the Office Glam Queen – What else does your favorite glam gal enjoy doing the most besides taking selfies? Checking themselves out in the mirror of course! This stylish Brighton compact mirror will be a reflection of your good taste while keeping the queen happy. http://www.brighton.com/product/small-collectibles/36956-15833/-serendipity-compact-mirror.html

glam

7. For the Quirky Young Music Lover – Let her rock out like an animal and be cool like a kitty with this fun cat ear head set. You will officially be the coolest cat boss in the office with this gift. http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/black-cat-headphones

music

8. For the Eco Conscious Nature Lover – This unique teardrop terrarium made of recycled glass is not only really cool but eco friendly. A great gift that helps bring a little outside indoors that will sure to be appreciated for its uniqueness. http://www.bambeco.com/vases/bambeco-recycled-glass-teardrop-terrarium.asp?utm_source=bizrate&utm_medium=comparsionshopping&aff=5235

ND13_GG_entertainer_05

9. For the Traveler – Your employees will no longer feel the pain of incurring extra baggage fees with this digital luggage scale. Anyone who loves to jet off on vacations will value this money saving, practical gift.

Luggage_Scale_x

10. For the Footfall Sports Fanatic – If you are willing to go the extra yard to show how much you value your favorite football fan, then this autographed helmet will be sure to score big!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Sending Get Well Wishes To A Co-Worker

We work side by side with people day after day. We share the big and small events in our lives. We trade recipes, gossip and the minutiae of our lives on a daily basis. When a co-worker is out, we generally just go about our business and catch up with them when they come back.  Why not think about sending get well wishes to a co-worker?

Get Well Cards

Think about it. We spend almost as much time with our co-workers as we do with our family. Probably more than with some family members. If we can send a get well card to Aunt Millie, why not to the person who sits across the room, eight hours a day, five days a week. Think how well that will be received by a person who is a little under the weather. You know when you are out of the office you feel like you’re missing something. Maybe you feel a little uncomfortable when you come back. Almost like there’s a broken connection. If you feel this – so do others.

The next a co-worker is out for a few days take the time to drop them a get well card. Include a note about what is happening in the office, it it’s only you can’t believe what Fred said now. This will not only bring a smile but it will let them know you care. I have found that buying a few cards and having them ready when needed makes this easier. Think of it as upgrading your office communication skills. I feel a cold coming on – don’t forget me!

Pediatric Cancer Foundation 20th Annual Walkathon – Gallery Collection Charitable Donations

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation is holding its 20th Annual Walkathon on April 27th. The Gallery Collection is proud to participate by offering 10 assortment boxes of our beautiful greeting cards for use in auction at the event. These assortment boxes include birthday cards, all occasion cards, fine art note cards and holiday cards.

Fine Art Note Cards

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s mission is to find a cure for childhood cancer. Founded in 1970, this 501(c)(3) non-profit charity raises money for research, state of the art equipment/ instruments and patient/parent care for world renowned doctors at the hospitals PCF supports.

For more information about the Pediatric Cancer Foundation Walkathon, please visit their website at http://www.pcfwalk.org/.

What to Bring to Your Office Birthday Party

If you work in an office that celebrates birthdays, you may find yourself wondering what to bring to the office birthday party if you have either just started working there or perhaps worked there so long you are looking for some fresh ideas. Look no further!

maxresdefault (1)

 

Not much of a cook? Your specialty could be finding some really great paper party goods. Themes are always fun so you might want to brainstorm some with co-workers before making the purchase. Be sure to get coordinating cups, napkins and paper plates as a bare minimum. But if you really want to make an impression, you can find some great printable party kits on Etsy that includes banners, toothpick flags, and much more.

If you are into making food, some great birthday party food includes bite size appetizers that easily pop in the mouth without making a mess. Remember, you are in an office environment where people frequently stand chatting and eating and don’t want to spend the remainder of their day wearing what they ate at the office birthday party.

If you want to bring food, look over the food list, if one exists, and check out what others are bringing. This is a good idea for two reason, so you don’t duplicate someone else’s dish and it can also help you come up with an idea to compliment the selection. For example, if someone is bringing in pie, why not pick up some gourmet flavored ice cream?

If you have a recipe that is a fan favorite, bring that if you know it is a proven crowd pleaser. It’s a nice and thoughtful touch to put a little hand made sign using a toothpick fork stating what the dish is and from who’s kitchen. If your dish contains nuts etc, it is also a great idea to add a little sign stating that for those with nut allergies. You will be viewed of as a considerate and observant co-worker.

Beverages is another way you can shine without having to ever light the oven. Don’t just bring an ordinary bottle of soda though. Why not whip up a great batch of homemade lemonade or ice tea complete with adding some slices of lemon and bringing in a plastic pitcher to serve it once there.

You don’t have to spend a lot to make an impression at your office birthday party. You just have to give it a little thought!

Top 10 Employee Anniversary Gift Ideas

Celebrating an employee’s anniversary is an important way of letting him or her know that you appreciate the commitment that they show to your company.

If the employee has been with the company for an extended length of time, (such as 25 years) a fantastic idea would be to have a dinner or party in the employee’s honor. At the party, the guest of honor can be presented with their anniversary gift. In addition to a gift, it’s always smart to circulate an anniversary card through the office so the entire staff can sign it and pass along their good wishes.

Anniversary

Of course, anniversaries can be celebrated for shorter milestones, such as 5, 10, 15 or 20 years. Many companies present employees with a catalog of gifts they can choose from. This may be less personal, but it ensures that each employee is getting a gift that will prove to be useful.

However, if you’ve decided to make a choice without the help of a catalog, here is a helpful list of employee anniversary gift ideas

  1. Tickets to a sporting or music event—A great choice for someone who has a devotion to a specific team or band. This will provide your employee with wonderful memories for years to come.
  2. A personalized or engraved plaque or trophy—This could be something the employee displays at home or in their office.
  3. Jewelry—Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but any nice piece of jewelry will make an employee feel appreciated.
  4. A watch—Although a watch is technically a piece of jewelry, it deserves a category of its own because it’s one of the most well known, classic corporate gifts.  The reason? It serves as an important symbol of the years of connection between the company and the employee. Often, the watch can be engraved or have the company name on the face.
  5. Small Kitchen Appliance—A coffeemaker, blender or toaster. Any of the everyday kitchen conveniences can be given as an anniversary gift. While it may not be what someone thinks of when they think of a special gift, it is practical!
  6. A golf club or set of clubs—Golf enthusiasts are always looking to improve their game, and nothing makes them happier than a specially selected club. This could also be personalized to make it more special.
  7. A “Foodie” gift—This could be anything related to food. A basket of gourmet chocolates, a gift certificate to a restaurant, an expensive bottle of wine, or a subscription to a fruit of the month club. Foodie gifts are usually a great choice because almost everyone loves to eat. They also have the benefit of being appealing to either gender.
  8. A “Techie” gift—There are so many different computer gadgets out today, there could be a top ten list of technology related gifts of their own. We all know someone who has to have the newest model of everything.  A techie gift would be the perfect choice for them.  Some ideas are: the latest tablet, e-book reader, video game console, or Smartphone.
  9. A contribution to a charity or a cause your employee supports—You really have to know your employee with this one.  Not everyone welcomes a gift to someone else with open arms.  A charitable employee who is always giving of their time might find this to be the perfect gift.
  10. A gift card to a store that the employee is known to frequent—Although some people may not think a gift card is as personal as an actual gift, if you know your employee loves basketball, a gift card to a sporting goods store is a great idea.

What To Write In Your Managers Birthday Cards

Sending or giving someone a birthday card requires some thought or at least I think it should. I like to pick birthday cards that reflect the relationship I have with the person. Some are more light-hearted, others more heart felt and some are more on the professional level.

Birthday Card

I generally don’t find it difficult to pick a card for my co-workers or boss but what to say inside can be more of a challenge particularly when trying to figure out what to write in a the birthday cards I sign and give to the managers at my company.

With those I have a close relationship with, I tend to write something a little warmer like

“Mark, Have a really awesome birthday!” or “Amanda, I hope you have a great birthday, you deserve it!” but that what do you write when you don’t really know someone all that well?

Certainly, a more generic closing is always a safe way to go if you don’t have much of a relationship with that person such as writing something like “Best Wishes to you on your Birthday!” or “Tim, I hope you celebrate your birthday doing all the things you most enjoy”. But let’s face it, safe can be a bit boring.

So what I like to do is personalize it a bit without getting too personal if you know what I mean. Writing a note in your manager’s card can demonstrate you pay attention at the workplace. Think back to something you heard your manager say that he or she enjoys doing. Does your boss like to fish? How about something like “Jerry, I hope you find some time to fit in a little fishing on your special day!” Or acknowledge your hard working boss (yes, your boss is a person too who appreciates being appreciated just like we all do) by writing something like “Danielle, I hope you find a little time to relax and enjoy your Birthday. Have a very Happy Birthday!” You have to be careful you don’t sound like you are just trying to suck up to the boss so I recommend keeping your birthday cards message to your manager positive and subtle.

How to Deal With Workplace Bullying

There has been a renewed recognition of bullying in the schools of America. Most have adopted a no bullying policy that is strictly adhered to. What is under recognized is the amount of workplace bullying that is practiced in many companies. Whether it is instigated by a superior or a peer, it is an insidious attack that comprises the company’s values and undermines the victim’s health and well being.

bully

Workplace bullying takes many forms and is often hard to prove. It masks itself as joking, sarcasm and often an undervaluing of an employee’s performance. It adds additional stress to the victim which can translate into lost work hours and often increased health problems causing absenteeism and lost wages. Although it is not quite as blatant as sexual harassment, bullying may have a far longer run and cause extreme problems for the victim. Company morale can plummet causing a loss in productivity. Bullying often affects more than the victim, it will also have a profound affect on people who witness it. It will definitely cause a change to the company culture if left unchecked.

Statistics from the 2007 WBI-Zogby survey shows that 13% of US employees report being bullied currently, 24% claim to have been bullied in the past and 12% say they have witnessed bullying in the workplace. This statistic indicates a real problem that has caused 16 US states to initiate legislation directly citing bullying. Many countries around the world have already passed legislation, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada and Ireland.

The first step in combating bullying is to recognize when it occurs. Looking at the right indicators is important. Is the behavior repetitive? Is it escalating? Is the object of the bullying unable to successfully defend them? Is the behavior attributable to mal-intent? Certainly these are red flags that should at least make us investigate further.

Studies have recognized that there are 5 types of bullying behavior in the workplace:

  1. a distinct threat to professional status- belittling, humiliation, intimidating and misuse of discipline.
  2. a clear threat to personal standing among colleagues-inappropriate jokes, teasing, name calling, insults, and sarcasm.
  3. Isolating an individual-lessen opportunities, professional & personal separation, and excluding from functions, meetings or information.
  4. Extra workload-adding impossible deadlines, disruptions to the work flow
  5. lack of recognition-good work that is unacknowledged, meaningless tasks, constant reminding of mistakes.

Micromanagement and disrespect for an individual may not seem like bullying but it is subtle and long lasting and works to deprive a person of confidence and self esteem causing additional stress levels. Bullying in the workplace is often compared to domestic violence. It keeps the victim off balance with the hope that it will end and the fear that more abuse will occur at any time unexpectedly.

Exterminating bullying from the workplace will only take place when we recognize where and when it occurs. If you are being bullied you should make a detailed record with dates, examples and comments made. You should then take it further up the chain. If it is a superior doing the bullying go to their superior or to the personnel department and as a last resort the head of the company. If all these steps fail, you can go to the National Labor Board, where they will expect you to have facts, dates and any documentation that can be provided.  The best course of action is to refuse to be bullied, refuse to allow anyone else to be bullied and shine the light of day on the problem, wherever it occurs.

You can read more about bullying in the workplace at these sources:

Adams, Andrea – Bullying at Work: How to Confront and Overcome It

Barnes, Patricia G. – Surviving Bullies, Queen Bees & Psychopaths in the Workplace

Brodsky, Carol M. – The Harassed Worker