27.9.11

What type of favor / novelty would be most suitable for my bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, wedding, event or special occasion?

At most events today, be it a wedding, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah or 60th birthday party, a favor / novelty / memento of some type is given to the guests. There are a wide range of simcha, business or party favors to consider, many being original & unique in nature.


Below are some ideas or thoughts on how to decide what's suitable for your event, according to your taste & budget. Many novelties / favors can be given without customized text, but of course it makes the gift more personal (and easier to remember from whom it was received) with the addition of personalized printing, engraving or the attachment of a note.

Jewish favor / novelty:
The Jewish calendar is filled with many holidays and reasons to celebrate.
If your event is close to Purim or Pesach (Pessah), a personalized Megillat Esther or Hagaddah (Hagada) would be perfect for your guests. If you're less religious, there are many other types of favors which are related to the holidays. How about a personalized dreidel on Hanukkah, or a "blue & white" gift with flags for Israel's Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzmaut). Between the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashana) and Simchat Torah, personalized magnetic calendars or honey novelties are ideal. In the bencher range, there are many different types offered today, that it's not just a case of "everyone gives benchers". They come in a variety of sizes & versions, ranging from booklets and folded cards, to magnetic benchers (birchat hamazon) or placemat benchers.

Practical favor / novelty:
Are you taking your guests on an outing? How about giving them a personalized hat (cap), tote bag or water bottle holder. Other practical ideas include a personalized keychain (keyring) in different shapes or with an attached flashlight, pen with a gimmick, pen with pullout of tefillat haderech, disk on key, personalized calendar or many other original ideas.

Short-term favor / novelty:
These favors are ideal for enjoying here and now! Personalized chocolates, chocolate coins or candies are original & tasty. Some will be taken home, but many of your guests will be tempted and will eat them on the spot. Despite this, the sweet taste will linger on…

Visual favor / novelty:
These favors / novelties include a photo of the person celebrating, or of a place with a memory, with the addition of personalized text to top it off. Magnetic products are the best bet for these. Personalized magnets, magnetic calendars, magnetic bookmarks, notepads or bulletin boards. Each can be produced in various sizes or shapes to suit your needs.

Idealistic favor / novelty:
If you have a certain "cause" or charity that's special to you, this is the ideal time to show & give your support. Instead of your guests giving you gifts for your big event, how about asking them to donate a modest contribution in your honor to a local charity or association. Alternatively, you can arrange a group of friends to volunteer at an organization needing assistance. If you're pro the environment, eco-friendly personalized tote bags make a popular & practical novelty choice.

Favors that require effort:
Some novelties or favors require effort on behalf of the receiver. Taking care of a goldfish, or watering a plant that was received with a dedication. Each time they nurture or feed your gift, your event will be remembered…

A wide range of favors / novelties, with endless ideas…
We'll advise you on a favor to fit your budget, so your guests don't need to leave your event empty-handed.

For comments, questions or advice regarding your upcoming event, we'd be happy to hear from you.


© L.A.K. Creations

Your one-stop address for unique personalized favors, printed gifts and promotional products

Quality Designs with a Difference

Service and professionalism is our motto!

http://www.gr8gifts4u.com/





24.9.11

New beginnings

It seems like only yesterday that we were doing the same thing…

We're back to wrapping new school books, setting annual goals, choosing a new skill or class to enroll in, starting a new diet, choosing new household furniture, holidays to plan for….

New beginnings…

A new year begins. A year starting with so many secrets – who knows what the new year will bring?
Naturally we try to plan ahead and avoid as many unexpected, unplanned events as possible. We hope and pray for a new year of peace, serenity, good health, pleasant surprises and happiness. Despite this, the mysterious future creates waves of hope and doubt. Optimism for a better world, hope for renewal, hope for good luck and success.

Indeed, without much effort we can find a reason to celebrate – a calendar full of holidays, birthdays, weddings, bar or bat mitzvah, sheva brachot, an expected birth, a housewarming celebration, 90th birthday party, anniversary, and so on…

What a great way to start the new year with a list of events and optimism.

We should meet at simchas only!

Shana tova.
May you have a year filled with only joy, good health and happiness

For comments, questions or advice regarding your promotional product requirements or upcoming event or simcha, we'd be happy to hear from you.

© L.A.K. Creations
Your one-stop address for unique personalized favors, printed gifts and promotional products
Quality Designs with a Difference
Service and professionalism is our motto!
 http://www.gr8gifts4u.com/

23.9.11

How to organize a special event by planning ahead


Have you ever organized an event? It's likely your answer is yes.

Whether it's a small event such as a family BBQ, a business event or a family wedding, organizing any event or occasion takes time and effort in order that it will be successful.

Here are some tips to ensure your event's success…

Finances:
Set yourself a general budget, by thinking and planning ahead. Whilst most budgets can be stretched slightly, that's up to you. Make a list of categories that your expenses will fall into and subdivide the list even further as the big day gets closer. If something new comes to mind that you hadn't accounted for previously, see if you're able to add it to the budget. If not, see if you're able to cut out anything you'd previously accounted for.

Guest list:
You'll need to initially prepare a general list, in order to see whether this matches your budget. The smaller the event, the more accurate your original list will be. For larger events, as the date gets closer, you'll be fine-tuning your list. The atmosphere you plan on creating, as well as your budget, will determine whether you include long-lost friends or family that you've lost contact with over the years. Will you be including family or office staff that you feel obliged to invite, or will the event be limited to close family and friends only. Although a wedding is often larger than other events, remember that you'll be sharing the number of seats with the "other side", and that the couple marrying also have friends who are important for them to include, and who will "make the day" for them.

Themes:
Planning a theme or color scheme does not necessarily mean you'll be adding to the expense of the event. Most caterers or halls offer a wide choice of colors to choose from for table-wear, flowers and other decor. Discussing this with them in advance will make a big difference to the visual effect of your event. Adding small extras such as a table runner, confetti, balloons or personalized serviettes (napkins) can make a difference. Any extras should be coordinated with your caterer in advance. Allocate a family member to add these to the tables once set up, or if part of the original table setting, give these to your caterer before the event. Have a friend or family member on hand before the event, to ensure that your items have been set up to your satisfaction. This way you'll arrive relaxed at the hall and not have to worry about the layout.

Food:
Everyone loves a good meal, & nothing breaks barriers more than chatting and networking over a buffet or snacks. The atmosphere you're trying to create will determine how you set up the food. Will you be hosting a more conservative crowd, or if the event is for youngsters, think about their preferences. Most caterers offer a wide choice of items. If you're not using a caterer, offer a combination of snack items and more formal foods, depending on the event. More food is usually eaten at a buffet, so you'll need to plan for extras. Take into account vegetarians or older guests who may have special needs. Decide whether salads & snack items will be placed directly on the tables, or whether you'll have a central place for them. For the main course, will you have someone serving, or will it also be in buffet style. For events with a specific theme, besides the décor and overall atmosphere, the food is the next most important item. It's wise to include a combination of salted foods, sweeter items, fried and baked goodies to make everyone happy. Usually the first complaint one hears (if any) is about the food….

Layout of the hall or room:
The hall or area where you'll be hosting the event should be planned carefully in advance. Does the area comfortably hold the number of people you'll be hosting? Is the heating or air conditioning adequate? Is the weather suitable for an outdoor event? Does the area have wheelchair access if required? Are the bathrooms accessible? How clean or attractive are they? This single factor can make or break an event. Do you need special lighting, décor or colors to create the mood or effect you're aiming for? Often insignificant items are overlooked, which turn out to be not so insignificant in the end. Seating younger guests closer to the band or dancing area is more realistic than for placing older guests, who prefer to chat undisturbed, with less noise or action around.

Novelties / giveaway gifts for your guests:
The lasting impression that a favor / novelty / giveaway gift for your guest or business gift for your client makes, can never be measured. This is often no less important than the personal experience, food or décor, and it doesn't have to break your budget. Plan your giveaway gift according to your budget, theme and the time of the year. If your family or business event is being held close to the beginning of a new year, how about giving a magnetic calendar? If it's close to a particular holiday, this opens a wide range of other options. Plan whether you'll be giving a gift per person, per couple or per family. Place your gifts in the center of the tables, or next to each person's table setting. If you're having a seated event with names and table numbers at the entrance to the hall, many gifts such as personalized magnetic bookmarks are ideal and small enough for enclosing in an envelope with your guest's name and table number on. Besides the great memory of your event, your souvenir will be most appreciated and remembered. If you're giving a business gift, your client will easily be able to find you when he / she requires your services in the future.

For comments, questions or advice regarding your promotional product requirements or upcoming event or simcha, we'd be happy to hear from you.


© L.A.K. Creations
Your one-stop address for unique personalized favors, printed gifts and promotional products
Quality Designs with a Difference
Service and professionalism is our motto!
http://www.gr8gifts4u.com/



3.6.11

Six reasons why you, your clients, or your guests at your event need a MAGNETIC bookmark

1. AS A BOOKMARK

Magnetic bookmarks clip firmly onto the pages with 2 inner magnets.
 No more losing your place…or your bookmark!
 Reference your lines by placing horizontally, or place vertically and reference your pages.
 Easily find your page when the book is closed.

2. AS A GIFT OR FAVOR OR GIVEAWAY FOR EVENTS
 A magnetic bookmark is an ideal favor or giveaway gift to give to guests at events and special occasions such as a bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah or wedding.
 Unique giveway products that your guests will remember your event by.
 Lightweight favors to send by mail to those not attending your event, or to take abroad.
 At your event, place the magnetic bookmarks either in the center of the tables, next to each person's place setting, or in an envelope with your guest's name & table number written on.
 Give the magnetic bookmark on its own, with a matching bencher, or with another personalized favor. 

3. AS A PROMOTIONAL BUSINESS GIFT OR GIVEAWAY AT EXHIBITIONS
Inexpensive, yet quality promotional gift for companies and organizations to give to clients, employees, volunteers, potential clients at conferences & tour groups.
 Your name and message will be seen and used time after time in a variety of settings.
 Ideal, unique giveaway for exhibitions, trade shows, or for launching a new product or service.
 Lightweight promotional gift and VERY effective business gift for direct marketing.
 Guaranteed not to be thrown out.
 Laminated exterior protects the bookmark and allows for longer use.
 Print your promotional message on the outer sides or also on the inner sides.
 Choose the shape and size magnetic bookmark suitable for your needs.

4. AS A GREETING CARD
 Write your message on the inside of the magnetic bookmark. Your card now has a use as a bookmarker.
 A magnetic bookmark – greeting card will not be thrown away like a regular card. With these cards,
your message will not be forgotten.
 Choose from a wide range of attractive Judaica and everyday designs for every occasion.

5. AS A PAPER CLIP
 Holds firmly onto a few pages at once

6. AS A REFRIGERATOR MAGNET
 Place open on the fridge to hold your pages down

For comments, questions or advice regarding your upcoming event, we'd be happy to hear from you.
© L.A.K. Creations
Your one-stop address for unique personalized favors, promotional products and printed gifts
Quality Designs with a Difference
Service and professionalism is our motto!
https://www.gr8gifts4u.com/magnetic_bookmarks.html




https://www.gr8gifts4u.com/magnetic_bookmarks.html

17.5.11

Seven steps to stress-free planning of your business or family event

Your event or simcha, be it a conference, special party, wedding, bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah doesn't have to be stressful. Does the very idea make you feel tense? With forward planning, your upcoming event can be turned into a real joy. By planning ahead, you'll not only lower your stress level, but also that of others around you!
Anyone can organize an event, even if you don't consider yourself to be the most organized person, or don't have the time. Simply follow these 7 steps and you'll see a difference…

STEP 1:
Make an initial list in table form, in any random order of what needs to get done.
   No details needed yet. Only general words of what you need to do (i.e. clothes, catering, etc). Throw in anything you can think of. Once you have your basic list, assume you're going to be adding in ideas and additional things to do. That's why it's ideal to computerize your list, so you can easily add in or delete items afterwards in an organized manner.


STEP 2:
Rearrange the order of each item in your list, according to the order that you will tackle the task. It's ok if you adjust the order later. Even at this stage, when the list is in it's early stages, this step will assist you in feeling more under control.


STEP 3:
Add in a column to your table, which will be used to record the time frame of each item in your list. Start with the item that needs to be done the furthest away from your event, i.e. the first item that you listed in step 2. Label the items as follows: 6 months before, 2 months before, 2 weeks before, 5 days before, etc. After doing this, you may see that you've re-arranged a few of the items from step 2. This basic outline will enable you to take a realistic look at the schedule ahead of you, and see what you need to take care of when.


STEP 4:
Now it's time to add more detail to each item. Don't spend too much time thinking at this stage. Literally jot down anything you can think of related to that point (i.e. under the clothing heading – who to buy for, any specific colors or styles required, etc). You will fine-tune your list later. Now you're thinking freely, and can later add or delete any items that don't matter any more.


STEP 5:
Re-look at each point in your list from step 4 and add any items you think require more detail. Make a note to inquire about any unanswered questions, or who you'll need to speak to. At this stage, you want to know that you have all the information at your fingertips, so that when you're ready to proceed, you'll know who to call. (i.e. caterers - ask friends or search the internet for options. You don't need to deal with the actual menu yet, just make a list of potential caterers).


STEP 6:
Add in three extra columns to your table. The 1st is for extra notes that need to be made, the 2nd column is for who you can delegate the task to, and the 3rd is a column to happily place a large tick or check once the item has been completed.


STEP 7:
Now you're ready to move ahead with ordering or tackling the top item on your list. This is the item that you wrote in step 2 which needs to be tackled first. Look at all the details in your list that are associated with this point. Deal with each detail in a way that suits you best. Depending on when you started your initial list, it may be necessary to start with a few tasks at the same time. Here too, you can tackle each in a logical manner.
Once your event is over, it's recommended you re-look at your list and at this stage add any points that you may have forgotten, which you can use or adjust for your next event. Write it down right away! There's nothing like making notes when your memory is still fresh.


For comments, questions or advice regarding your promotional product requirements or upcoming event or simcha, we'd be happy to hear from you.

© L.A.K. Creations
Your one-stop address for unique personalized favors, printed gifts and promotional products
Quality Designs with a Difference
Service and professionalism is our motto!
http://www.gr8gifts4u.com/

27.4.11

Low-cost yet high quality favors or promotional products





I am often approached about why you should even think of providing promotional business gifts or favors for guests at weddings, parties or events. After all, aren't you spending enough on the actual event?

Your clients or guests are special to you. It's a lovely gesture to give them a little something to take home, saying "thanks for being part of our event" or "thank you for your time or your business". It's amazing how this small gift, which does not have to break your budget, will be remembered....

For comments, questions or advice regarding your promotional product requirements or upcoming event or simcha, we'd be happy to hear from you.

© L.A.K. Creations
Your one-stop address for unique personalized favors, printed gifts and promotional products
Quality Designs with a Difference
Service and professionalism is our motto!
www.gr8gifts4u.com