There's Nothing Like Watching Their Faces Light Up

We watched her smile, slowly turning the gift box around to admire it from every angle. When it turned to the front and she saw the engraving, she gasped with surprise and delight. There’s nothing like watching their faces light up when you give a memorable gift. We rarely get to see the reaction first-hand when a gift box is opened. It’s usually shipped to destinations far and wide or delivered for a reveal at a later time. We hear about the excitement in texts or phone calls (sometimes both!) from those who send the gifts. In this instance, we were fortunate to be there for the experience - and how fun! Do you get stuck deciding what to give that’s meaningful and unique? Do you wrestle with how to leave a lasting impression? If so, we’ve got some ideas and inspiration to help make your selection easy.

Personalization is what makes a gift unique; it’s the gorgeous wood grain, the artisan elements, and the craftsmanship that makes the gift recipient feel special. In the case of this gift box, the venue is perched high in the Catskill Mountains, surrounded by cabins and firepits and an incredible view. With that setting in mind, we selected long matches for their campfires and ceramic tumblers with an earthy glaze pattern that inspires thoughts of mountain peaks and walking paths. Tucked inside is a mini ceramic air plant pot with an artful design that reflects the distant mountains, and a candle fills the air with a woodsy aroma. Engraving is another way to personalize a gift. Imagine an inspirational quote, a favorite music lyric, or in this example, a logo etched in the wood for a finishing touch. This gift box is made from natural hardwoods (black walnut, and white maple) right down to the beveled handles. The entire design is with the customer in mind. While it may be easy to grab generic, off-the-shelf items, if the recipient doesn’t remember you (and never uses your gift), you’ve missed an opportunity. Or worse, you’ve made the wrong impression. A personalized gift sends the message that they’re important to you.

Is it a gift they’ll love each time they use it? That’s the goal of a memorable gift. Is it a handcrafted beauty, distinct in style? Is it reusable? Does it reflect the texture of natural materials? Consider these ideas, and light up someone’s day with your gifts. We encourage you to take a few moments to determine the impression you’d like to make. Then, we invite you to shop our Gift Box Collection, Specialty Series, and the Marketplace to make your memorable gift selection. It feels amazing to receive a gift like this, and it feels pretty darn good to give one too.

The Elegance of Engraving

Updated February 8, 2023

How many gifts have you received over the years where someone has taken the time to engrave them? I bet you can recall each one, whether it's jewelry or an artisan piece because it reminds you of a significant occasion. The engraving isn't a quick stop en route to an event or a last-minute online order, so you know they planned. The choice to personalize sends a message of care and consideration.

The decision of what to say and where you want to engrave it has become much more creative as personalized gifts have surged. We've added script and block lettering on serving boards as host gifts and names, initials, and dates on many wedding gift boxes. New homes are an exciting reason to celebrate. Farm and estate names make a lovely addition to custom gift boxes. Our hand-crafted doorstops are a favorite for move-in day. Meaningful words or mantras have also increased in popularity as people have become more expressive.

For your next special event, avoid falling prey to the last-minute scramble, and take the opportunity to give something that can be treasured through generations. Craftsmanship and personalization enhance each gift, from beverage coasters to handcrafted cutting boards or specialty gift boxes. Anniversaries, weddings, deal closings, partner collaborations, and client gifts are noteworthy occasions to raise the bar. Engraving offers a beautiful enhancement as guests admire the custom details.

The next time a milestone event appears on your calendar, take a moment to consider engraving and the chance to send a thoughtful message to friends, family, clients, and colleagues.

Match Their Passion to Make a Memorable Gift

Updated 02.21.23

How do you create a gift experience that tells clients you know them as a person and as a customer? You’ve likely noted your client’s passions by the courses they take, the texts they send, the conferences they value, and even the trips they’ve booked. Whether they’re entering a hotel suite or a meeting room, imagine their delight when they experience a gift created just for them.

Here are a range of options to personalize gifts and create a memorable first impression:

Custom Engraving – A simple, yet beautiful way to personalize is through engraving. Is there a phrase, date, initials, or emblem of significance to them? For a long-lasting impact, hand-crafted cutting boards (and gift boxes) can be beautifully engraved as a genuine gift of craftsmanship. Unique lettering and font styles add to the personalization. This is a straightforward option, with a minimal time commitment, yet it still delivers a custom experience.

Blend a Gift Box – Combine a special element of your brand with an existing gift box. Select a distinct artisan gift box and blend elements together to deliver a more custom feel. For luxury hotels, it may be adding the taste of homemade jams, sauces, or aromatherapy with a hand-poured candle, into an existing gift box. For corporate gifts, it could be the preview of a product sample, a gift card, or unique local flavors to reflect your location. A touch of calligraphy with a personal message on the gift tag goes a long way. This option does require engagement and planning with us in the process to perfect the combination; however, blending creates a sense of craftsmanship and unique gifting without you having to find and coordinate the artisan elements (that’s what we do).

Match Their Passion - Is your client an explorer who likes to hit the trail or walk the beach? Do they enjoy a culinary experience in their kitchen? Perhaps they prefer a black-tie affair? Maybe she’s a whiskey taster, and a sip of bourbon in a cool ceramic cup is the way to go? Custom gift boxes beautifully demonstrate that you appreciate your clients as individuals first. Examples include adding postcards from the national parks, ceramic cups, forged metal slicers, a leather journal, or handwoven champagne towels. All are elements that match a passion. If you know the feeling you want to evoke, artisan gift boxes can deliver. This option works best with advance planning to allow us the appropriate time to select artisan elements to meet your goal. Time to exchange and confirm ideas is part of a successful custom process.

Take the time to give a gift that delights clients at the door. This may be the added touch that keeps them coming back for more.