M – Make a list. A good way to start is by making a list of the people you want to send gifts to. Decide which ones will be individual gifts, and which ones will be group gifts. Families, employees, clients, or a department at the office would be good examples of group gift-giving.

A – Allocate a budget for the different groups that you have. You may find it easier to categorize them into small, medium and large budgets. Decide what each of these budget categories should be.

P – Pick a theme for your gifts. For example, for the environmentally conscious, how about an eco-friendly or Fair Trade gift? For the fan of the outdoors, consider a grill set, stadium seat & blanket or a gardening tote. For the international traveler, a cool globe set or mini travel bar would be great. In need of some pampering, we offer a wide range of sensuous Beauty & Bath products. And for the person who has everything? Indulge them in exquisite gourmet food items.

P – Pick the date of delivery. If these gifts need to be sent out of town, send them early to avoid any delays like the weather or the mad crush of the holiday season. Also remember that some people may leave for their year-end vacation a little early, so check with them and schedule your gifts to arrive a little earlier.

Eternal Flame Tea Lamp Set

“Mindy, we just came back from one of our group dinners and I received some comments about the gift baskets from our Board members, I’d like to pass on.  First of all, they were packaged beautifully.  The selections you made were excellent—they loved having the Almond Rocca, was one comment.  The other was the potato chips.  My boss, said she loved those, but I can’t remember the brand she said.  What was the brand of the chips in the gift baskets?  The fleece jackets were also lovely.  Excellent, excellent job.  You made me look good and helped me keep the group happy during our intense meetings.

Thank you so much!”

Elizabeth (Liz) De Paz

Executive Administrative Assistant

Independent Purchasing Cooperative, Inc.

I once came across this quote and how true it was for me this summer.

I left Vancouver for Singapore in July to nurse my mother. She was in the last stage of cancer. What a challenge it was for 41 days, living out of a suitcase, doing 10 to 12-hour shifts at the hospital and then the funeral. Each day was a constant change for me – bringing on new challenges and a deeper pain.

I came back to Vancouver 2 days ago, and I realized how much has changed. The weather is cooler and the foliage looks different. A new school year has begun. And of course I have piles of work at the office to catch up with.

Even though I’ve prepared myself mentally for this the past few months, it was, and still is, a very traumatic experience for me. I have been told that I have to allow myself time to grieve as it is an important aspect of healing. Working through my feelings will help lessen this searing pain in time. I have to remember that there is no right or wrong in how we grieve. Grieving is a very personal and individual process. And it is only through our bereavement that we learn to live without our loved ones.

Sincerely,

Sympathy Gifts Ideas & Tips

When a friend, neighbor or co-worker loses a loved one, look for ways to express your  sympathy. Show your support not only immediately after the death, but also in the months that follow. Cards, flowers and plants are wonderful gift ideas, but these will be thrown away, or wither and die very quickly.

What is it that will stand the test of time to be a true marker or tribute to that person who has passed away? What can you give that will keep the memories alive as time passes by?

Here are a few gift ideas that promote healing, that uplift the spirit and bring comfort.

1. Plant a Tree

Plant a tree in the deceased person’s memory. The tree will remind the family of their loved one for generations to come.

2. A Memory Quilt

If you’re good with your hands, how about sewing a personalized quilt? Use their loved one’s favorite colors or fabrics. Draw pictures on the quilting blocks to remind the family of the deceased. You can get help by buying quilting kits from stores.

Fruit Fiesta $75.00 A feast of goodness! We can add cheese, crackers, sparkling water, candy and nuts to suit.

3. A Special Journal of Memories

Fill a journal with pictures, stories and other memories of the deceased. Leave extra pages for the family to add their own memories.

4. The Eulogy

Did you know the individual who presented the Eulogy? If so, take the Eulogy to a printing shop and have a special booklet or print for framing made up to give to the family. This is a simple and inexpensive gift idea, but a powerful keepsake for the family.

5. Memories Keepsake Box

Give a memories keepsake box for the family to keep items reminding them of the deceased. The box can be personalized and customized with a photo.

6. The Gift of Food & Sustenance

Those who are grieving generally tend not to eat. Send them a basket of fresh fruit or light nibbles like cheese and crackers. You might prefer to put together a food hamper containing some homemade soup, bread or pasta. Or any kind of light snacks would definitely be much appreciated too.

Console those who have lost someone dear to them. Lighten their load with your personal touch in your sympathy gifts. Those who are mourning appreciate it. Show them your support and help them remember their loved ones.

Kipling $100.00

Circle of Friends $50.00

]]> http://greenngreen.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/sympathy-gifts-ideas-tips/feed/ 0 greenngreen Mindy Fruit Fiesta Kipling Cirlce of Friends http://greenngreen.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/wedding-gift-survival-tips/ http://greenngreen.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/wedding-gift-survival-tips/#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:38:31 +0000 greenngreen http://greenngreen.wordpress.com/?p=37 ]]> It’s that time of the year again and the wedding season is in full gear. The period from end-May till September sees more weddings than any other period in the year. You’ve probably been invited to at least one so far, or know that you will be attending one this year.

Unless you’re the bride or groom, most of us face these weddings with much trepidation. Often we spend much time wondering what gift to get the couple. And this year, many of us will be wondering how we can fit the cost of attending a wedding – paying for the gift, a new outfit, air ticket & accommodation – into our budget.

Weddings can be fun to attend. Lighten the stress with our wedding season survival tips this month. We show you how best to pick the perfect gift and not commit any wedding gift faux pas.

Have fun and cheers to all!

Sincerely,

Silver Plated Salad Servers $100.00 Silver plated salad servers with native design.

5 Wedding Gift Survival Tips

I’ve just been invited to a wedding. What should I buy for a wedding gift? How much should I spend? This month we bring you 5 tips on surviving the wedding season.

1. Spend, don’t skimp.

The rule of thumb is to base the cost of the gift on your relationship with the couple, bride or groom. For co-workers, distant relatives or friends, you can get away with a gift costing between $50-$75. If the couple is a relative or good friend, spend in the region of around $75-$100. If the bride and/or groom is a best friend, close relative, or sibling, budget for something worth at least $100 to $150.

Parksvile Deluxe Picnic Cooler $199.00 Upscale, insulated picnic cooler. Waterproof, divided cooler compartment allows for drinks to be kept on ice, while food stays cool and dry.

2. Get a group gift.

What if you’re willing to spend, but cannot afford the high price tag of a big-impact gift? Pool your friends together and get a group gift. This way, you can make a statement without breaking the bank. That high-end espresso machine or beautiful crystal bowl may be well within your reach!

3. Stick to the registry.

If the couple has bothered to set up a registry at a store or website, then stick to it and get them what they want. It’ll also make life easier for you. The gift from the registry need not be boring. You can get creative with the packaging, or make it memorable by personalizing it.

4. Don’t get caught up with fads.

While they might seem boring, classic registry gifts should be filled first. The wedding couple will need those measuring spoons as much as the latest kitchen gizmo. Don’t buy Japanese bamboo place settings and dinnerware if you know the couple is not into Japanese cuisine. Make it fun – buy six basic kitchen utensils and throw in a cookbook from their favorite restaurant or chef.

5. Never re-gift.

What’s tacky is re-gifting. The recipient will be offended if they find out how cheap you’ve been on their special day. But if you must re-gift, then make sure you do it carefully. Remember to update the wrapping, remove old gift tags, and check that the gift was not something given to you by either the bride or groom. Re-gifts must still be new, never been used and useful to the couple.

Don’t leave your shopping for the wedding gift to the last minute. You could face slim pickings as many registries fill quickly. And we all know that shopping at the last minute can be stressful and often leaves us stranded with something we regret buying later on.

And always remember: you can count on Green & Green for great gift ideas. We have a wonderful array of specially selected gifts that would be perfect for the couple, bridesmaids or any member of the wedding party. Forget about gifts with no personality and call us today!

Dualit Toaster $299.00Dualit toasters are recognized as the best in the world! For over fifty years, Dualit toasters have reflected an attitude that’s fundamentally British. Dualit toasters can turn out hundreds of crisp, golden slices per hour. They are gleaming, sturdy and tough as old boots. And as much a part of British life as toast itself.

Vintage Glass Collection – Bowl $65.00 This vintage glass collection is a 70′s inspired glass vase that is uniquely individual in shape. Hand blown gass so no two are exactly alike.

From Dads to step dads, from grandfathers to special uncles and for all that they do. Make this Father’s Day special for them. Dads do a lot more these days. Many are now more involved at home, and think nothing of helping out with cooking, diaper changing, house cleaning and baby-sitting.

This month, we give you some tips on choosing that perfect gift for the fathers in your life. Call us at Green & Green if we can help you in any way.

Sincerely,

Vulcan BBQ Cooler $235.00 The ultimate, all-in-one, insulated tailgating cooler with gas grill, three-piece BBQ tools, and fully-removable waterproof cooler section. Propane not included. Optional trolley sold separately.

A Father’s Day Celebration

Father’s Day is a day of commemoration and celebration of Dads. This is a day not only to honor your own father, but also the men who have acted as father figures in your life, like stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles and older brothers. Selecting a gift for a father may seem like an impossible task. Their interests are one of the best places to find a gift that’s most appropriate.

Here are some top Father’s Day gift suggestions:

1. The Gadget Geek

If he likes anything new and high-tech, consider getting him a digital photo frame for his office, or a digital photo key chain that he can carry with him. How about a portable GPS, state-of-the-art ear buds or anything from Apple?

2. The Music Lover

Whether it’s Beethoven or the Beatles, Metallica or Mariah Carey, he would love CDs or DVDs of his favorite artists. If your budget permits, a pair of concert tickets would definitely be a welcome gift too.

3. The Outdoor Man

If Dad is grillmaster of the family, upgrade his grilling set with a 12-pc Outdoor Grilling BBQ Set. For Dads that love golf, personalized golf balls, new gloves or shoes would make great gifts. And for all Dads that deserve a good rest on weekends, consider getting a hammock or Bar Harbor croquet set.

4. The Wine Connoisseur

Organize a trip for Dad to Napa Valley or the local winery. Or sign him up for a wine club, which will send him a different bottle of wine each month. Accessories like carafes, decanters or wine stoppers also make great gifts. If Dad prefers beer, get him `The Magnificent Seven’ from Green & Green. This hamper contains seven imported beers and savory snacks – all that he needs for a festive evening!

5. The Book Worm

Check out the latest bestseller lists for book ideas. Most major bookstores will have gift ideas and book sections for Dads. For Dads that take long drives, how about getting him an audio book instead? If you’re not sure, you can give Dad a subscription to one of his favorite magazines.

Show Dad that you care, and thank him for the difference he’s made in your life. Finding the perfect gift is not as difficult as it seems. At the end of the day, your Dad will just be happy that you’ve remembered and are observing the day in his honor.

Manhantan Coctail Set $145.00 Sleek and sophisticated 8-pc cocktail set featuring polished stainless steel tools and accessories securely stored in an impressive mahogany finished case with antique brass latch.

The Executive Chair $109.00 Our deluxe executive chair is made for comfort. This folding chair with detachable side table, accessory panel, and insulated drink holder is perfect for your outdoor enjoyment. Made of juniper wood and woven polyster.

If I were to count each time my mother or mother-in law has gone out of her way to do something for me, I’d be counting in the millions. I am humbled by their unending devotion to my happiness and well-being.

In traditional East Indian families, a deep and caring friendship with one’s mother-in-law is not common. In fact, it is quite a rarity. I have been blessed with a caring and giving mother-in-law, who is also a wonderfully kind person. In fact, she’s been such a positive influence on my life.

I remember Green & Green in its early days about 15 years ago… my mother-in-law would take the bus to Vancouver from the interior of BC to help with me during each busy season. She would work with me from the early morning to late at night creating gift baskets, helping me with filing, answering phones and ensuring that I found the time to eat during the busy holiday season.

When I was pregnant, my mother-in-law asked if it was all right with me for her to be in the room during my son’s birth. Even though my husband was there with me, her presence in the room was reassuring. We have an unspoken bond that we share. She has been there for me every step of the way as a friend, a buddy and a great sounding board.

My mother-in-law is also the most amazing grandmother. She cherishes her grandson and is one who plays road hockey, croquet, bocce, and goes camping and fishing with her grandson. She finds the time to enjoy everything that Aaron enjoys.

I am so grateful for her presence since my own mother lives thousands of miles away. Here’s a toast to women on Mother’s Day – mothers, grandmothers, mothers-in-law, daughters and daughters-in-law!

Sincerely,

Dualit Toaster $299.00 Dualit toasters are recognized as the best in the world! For over fifty years, Dualit toasters have reflected an attitude that’s fundamentally British. Dualit toasters can turn out hundreds of crisp, golden slices per hour. They are gleaming, sturdy and tough as old boots. And as much a part of British life as toast itself.

Celebrate Mother’s Day!

For all that mothers do, take the opportunity this Mother’s Day to show that you care and appreciate the mothers in your life. Surprise your favorite women – your mother, mother-in-law, stepmother, sisters, cousins, or best friends. While chocolates and flowers make great gifts, how about putting a little more thought and creativity into getting her something that she will truly love? Check out some of our Green & Green gift suggestions below for the different types of Moms:

The Working Professional

Does she have a Type A personality who balances her busy professional life and manages her family with such ease? Choose a gift to celebrate her ambition, yet gives her reason to relax and enjoy life. How about a digital photo frame that allows her to show off her family to colleagues and associates at the office? Or a Kindle Wireless reading device? Spoil her with our Magnolia Refreshing & Pampering gift basket, or go all the way with the Geochron Global Time Indicator which will allow her to run her conference calls and meetings more efficiently.

The Humanitarian Mom

This is the mom who’s just as comfortable volunteering to help build schools for orphans, as she is lobbying at a Parent-Teacher meeting. Show her you care as much as she does by treating her to gifts that pamper like a scarf or sweater, perhaps a camera or a travel book. We also suggest our Picnic Basket Cooler Tote that she can take away with her on picnic getaways, or the beautiful Inspiration 8-Tube Vase.

The Stylish Mom

Impeccably dressed and accessorized at all times, this mother deserves a classic gift. Bring the essence of French country living to her with our French Spa set. Or surprise her with our cool blue Vintage Vase or the Rhone Wine Set. How about candles in her preferred aromatherapy scent, birthstone jewelry, or perhaps a bottle of her favorite classic fragrance? Our Pate Trio offering salmon, lobster & crab pate would also make a great treat.

The Green Mom

This is the free-spirited, eco-friendly mom who strongly supports a green lifestyle. Bedazzle her with one of our customized organic food baskets. How about clothing made of organic cotton or bamboo, or a garden in a jar? Our natural bamboo Formaggio serving set, or the Stanley Park Picnic Blanket would also make great gifts.

The Gourmet Mom

Her huge talents lie in the kitchen whipping up gourmet meals in no time. She is as comfortable hosting a formal dinner party for 50 at home, as she is making spaghetti and meatballs from scratch for the family. Reward her with something beautiful for the kitchen or for herself. She will love the Dualit Toaster or Mini Oven, or the BBQ Carver. The Breeze Pitcher, Tumbler & Stirrer Set or the Tuscano serving tray and pepper mill will surely thrill her.

Make your mom feel super special on May 11. Give us a call if you need more ideas or suggestions. We’d be pleased to help you out.

Formaggio $75.00 Oval cutting board with slide-out drawer to hold four-piece stainless steel cheese tools. 7.9 x 8.7 x 2. Made of bamboo.

English Bay Picnic Tote $150.00 An elegant offering for exceptionally stylish picnicking. Unique picnic cooler tote fully insulated to keep food and drinks at the perfect temperature, with two integral bottle holders. Creatively designed with internal pockets that hold a premium picnic service for four with room in the center for food. Sure to be a favorite.

Whether you celebrate Easter or not, it was nice to enjoy the first long
weekend of the year. This was an unusually early Easter, and it will be
another 277 years before we get another Easter this early in March.

This Easter, my family went on our usual skiing trip. I was busy brushing up
on my skiing skills. I am pleased to say that I am beginning to move
onto the blue runs, though screaming all the way down.

Back home in Singapore, my family associates skiing with fractures and other
serious injuries. Needless to say, they think that I should not be
skiing and worry incessantly over me. Because I started skiing at an
older age, I find the sport especially challenging. Often, I too worry
about the possibility of injuries. But life is to be lived, and I
believe it is all about being open to new experiences.

With April upon us now, it means Spring is in full force. I look forward to
experiencing the rebirth of nature and spending more time outdoors.
This month, don’t forget to show your appreciation for your secretary,
assistant, or other administrative colleagues during Administrative
Professionals Week (April 21 – 25). Below we have some suggestions as
to how you can mark this Week in a special way.

As always, give us a call if we can help you in any way with gifting
suggestions. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or
simply to show you care. We have wonderful gift ideas and special
packages that we know you’ll love. Just visit our website at www.greenNgreen.com, or call us at Tel: 604-689-5027. We’d love to hear from you!

Sincerely,

Mono Bowl $75.00 A beautiful and versatile bowl. Perfect for any home.

Celebrating Administrative Professionals Week

Administrative
Professionals Week (April 21 – 25) is now the most widely observed
workplace recognition event. The International Association of
Administrative Professionals organized the first Secretaries’ Week in
1952 to recognize secretaries for their contribution in the workplace.

Where
would we be without our administrative professionals? Personal
assistants, office managers, secretaries and clerical supervisors, free
up our time, leaving us to do what we do best. Why not show how much
you appreciate them this time of the year.

Here are some suggestions as to how you can show your appreciation:

1. How about a bottle of your assistant’s favorite wine, or a food hamper that he or she can enjoy with family or friends? Nothing is easier to give than the gift of food.

2. Is
your assistant a big sports fan? Perhaps he or she loves watching
concerts and musicals? Give him or her two tickets to the next game,
concert or musical. Just make sure you check on the team or group that
he or she is supporting.

3. Is
budget a problem for you? Then how about giving your assistant a
surprise day off? While it may cost you nothing except for some
inconvenience that day, it will mean a whole lot to him or her.

4. Another
way to show your appreciation is to provide opportunities for learning
and growth. Support your assistant in his or her application to attend
college classes, membership towards professional organizations, or
online training programs. Or what about helping to pay towards the
registration fees for appropriate conferences, seminars or workshops?

5. Be
creative. Personalize a gift item that your assistant would be happy to
receive, like monogrammed soaps, picture frames, paperweights or
beautiful writing accessories. If he or she appreciates art, consider
getting a piece of local sculpture or artwork.

There
are many types of gifts that you can get for your assistant. But do be
mindful and careful of company policies on gifting and rewarding. Your
gift should be appropriate and based on the number of years of
employment and the professional relationship you have with your
assistant. Whatever you finally decide to do, just keep in mind that
your gift should show your thoughtfulness and gratitude towards an
indispensable member of your team.

Camille $66.00 Escape with this beautiful gift of self-indulgence and pampering experience. Bath beads Bath flower Luxurious Bath Soap Pumice Towel Bath & shower gel Body lotion

Lunch in Style with Accessories $39.99 Whether you are lunching in the office or out, enjoy lunch in style. Roomy insulated cooler with flatware & other accessories neatly stored at each side. Adjustable shoulder strap.