The Jotted Line

Doctors' Day is fast approaching, and those of us who appreciate the medical professionals in our lives might want to give them personalized gift pens. With the onset of the pandemic, medical care has become even more recognizably important to society and to each of us personally. Aside from the pandemic, if you’ve ever needed urgent care for yourself or a family member, then you may feel some deeper sense of appreciation for doctors, nurses, EMTs, and other members of the medical profession. So, here’s...  6 Reasons Why Personalized Gift Pens Are Awesome for Doctors' Day. Reason #1: Function A good pen is a necessity for a doctor. While a lot of doctors are themselves diagnosable with a classic case of chicken scratch, they’re using pens every day to make notes, write prescriptions, and sign documents. Indeed, a personalized pen is a gift they’re likely to use every day, and that means you’re actually giving them something valuable. Reason #2: Convenience Personalized pens are far from the bulkiest gift you could potentially buy them.  They take up almost zero space, so your doctor isn’t going to be wondering where they need to make room for them. Reason #3: Quality Getting them a pen that lands more on the luxury side of things means they’re getting a gift that will stand up under daily writing use and will look professional.  It also shows the level of your appreciation. And it’s not a silly gift unless you get it engraved with something humorous. Reason #4: Balance of Personal and Professional The biggest reason why I think a personalized pen makes a great gift for doctors is that it perfectly balances the personal as well as the professional aspects of your appreciation.  You don’t want to give them a gift that communications any assumption that you are closer than a doctor and patient should be. But you don’t want to get them something that’s merely useful, merely pretty, or merely a symbol of their profession. You want to get something that communicates your value in them as a specific person. And I think an engraved pen gift does all that and more.  Reason #5: Definitely Non-Perishable Some people like to get their doctors edible gifts like fruit baskets and candy. And while those make great gifts, they have a couple downsides. First, you might not know what kind of food your doctor likes, whether or not they have a strict diet, or whether or not they’re allergic to certain foods. So, some food gifts might not be appreciated. Second, edible gifts are consumed and then gone. But personalized pens will likely go with them throughout their day. So they’ll have a small token of your appreciation for a lot longer. Reason #6: Personalized pens are affordable (or at least reasonably so). Some people like to go all out on doctor gifts, spending a bundle on tech gifts like smart watches and other gadgets. And while those things have a lot of appeal, not all of us can feasibly just get one for our doctor.  That’s why personalized pens make a great alternative. You can get high quality engraved pens in a wide range of prices: from around $15 to $1,500. With that said, here’s... 3 Personalized Gift Pens for Doctors' Day #1: Rosewood Ballpoint and Case with Medical Engraving      Our rosewood ballpoint pen is an affordable pen that not only looks great and but also comes with an engraved caduceus symbol on the case, representing the medical profession. GIVE THE ROSEWOOD BALLPOINT TODAY! #2: Parker Jotter I am constantly recommending the Jotter to people. It’s the perfect functional, reliable click pen. It’s super affordable, and easy to use. I recommend the stainless steel and gold trim version for any medical staff member. GIVE THE PARKER JOTTER TODAY!  #3: Cross Classic Century Medalist Ballpoint with Medical Clip Emblem     If you’re looking to get a pen that’s thoroughly in the luxury range, I recommend the Cross Classic Century Medalist Ballpoint Pen with Medical Clip Emblem. It’s a beautiful pen with chrome barrel and gold appointments, and the caduceus is set on the clip. It's a quintessential doctor pen. GIVE THE CLASSIC CENTURY TODAY!  So, that’s our three recommendations for gift pens for doctors, but be sure to check out the wider selection of personalized pens on our website. I’m sure you’ll find the right one, and all of our pens come standard with free engraving. Frequently Asked Questions What can you do for doctor appreciation? A great way to show your appreciation to your doctor is to get them a gift and write your doctor a small thank you note.  Try to get them something that's unique to them, like a personalized gift, but not something that's too personal. Is it appropriate to give your doctor a gift? It is completely appropriate to get your doctor a gift so long as you don't get them something that breaches the professionalism of their work context or try to bribe them in some way.  What kinds of gifts do doctors like? Here's the three best kinds of gifts to get doctors: Edible Gifts Personalized Gifts Tech Gifts Doctors will like edible gifts (but see point #5 above about perishable gifts). They love gifts that communicate appreciation. That is, they'll likely prefer gifts that have an aspect symbolic value that touches on themes of their profession and your experience as their patient. So a personalized gift fits really well. They also will likely enjoy techy, gadget-type gifts. But these are the most expensive, so not everyone has the budget for them.  DISCLAIMER: "more expensive" does not equal "best". You can find great ways to show appreciation without spending a lot of cash. CONCLUSION This has been our 6 reasons why personalized pens make great gifts for doctors and medical professionals. Make sure to check out our other videos, and if you found this one helpful, be sure to like and subscribe.  Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

You thought of it. You almost suggested it to others. But you’re not sure it’s the best way to say “Congratulations on the new job”. That’s why you’re here, trying to decide if you should move to other new job gift ideas, or keep this one. Hold on. What if I tell you it’s a fantastic idea? Whether you’re the employer, colleague, friend or family to the new hire, a personalized pen sits well as a new job gift. Round 1: When We Say Personalized Pen, What do We Mean? Personalizing a pen is not limited to inscribing someone’s name on it. It could be any other detail that tailors it to one's individuality such as engraved signatures, clip emblems and custom colors. I’ve written more on the types of custom pens in this article—Engraved Pens: The Definitive Guide to Buying A Customized Gift. But for today's discussion, my advantages cover all kinds of customized pens. So long as it has something peculiar to the new employee, it'll make a substantial gift. That's what I'm saying!     giftpens.com Round 2: Why a Personalized Pen is the Best Gift From an Employer to a New Hire A. They Would Either Love It, Need It, or Both  How to select a suitable gift for someone you don’t know that much about? Target items that most people love and/or need. Just like a customized pen. You could be singing Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville’s “I Don’t Know Much”. But here is one thing you know—customized items are still a frenzy this year. And that may be all you need to know. Research by Deloitte proved that over 50% of consumers will pay and wait more, just to purchase an item that is unique to them. Also, one in two consumers agreed that a personalized item would make a splendid gift. So most people love custom goods. You’re at least 80% sure of this. The remaining 20% uncertainty can condole on the fact that if it’s not loved, it'll be needed. Whether the new hire is in the tech department, finance or procurement, a pen is a viable work tool. In this digital age, we may not need it as much as before, but it isn’t unnecessary either. One document must be signed at some point, something must be scribbled no matter the nature of the job. B. It Makes Them Feel Super-Duper Welcome We have to agree, some welcome gifts say “We thought you wouldn’t make it” more than “Welcome!” Like when you take something out of the store or order a (cold) dish at the last minute. A better way to welcome the new staff is with a pen that has their name, signature or position on it.  < title="Cross Townsend Fountain Pen Black Gold Trim"> Custom Signature Engraving It tells them you took time to prepare it, and that makes them feel special and appreciated. This could calm their nerves and boost productivity, even on the first day. C. It’s a Marketing Tool Yes, customized pens could be a tool for publicizing your brand and I'll tell you how. Simply engrave your company name/logo beside the recipient’s name (or any other detail of theirs that you want on the pen). You could even opt for a clip emblem, as pictured below: Decoration Styles Either way, it'll be unique to the new employee while speaking for your company at the same time. Fancy your employee saying "My boss gave me that" when people see it with him. Two things will impress business partners, clients and potential clients: How you value your employees How you aim for quality and uniqueness.  This impression builds trust among clients and partners. It also calls in potential clients, as they’ll be curious to know more about your company. And considering a pen is easier to carry around than other new job gift ideas like notebooks or office files, it’s likely to achieve this goal faster. Logo Engraved Pens D. Class & Quality According to Marketwatch, consumers who need to write, recently insisted on a quality and luxury writing tool. What's more luxurious than walking around with a pen that is specific to me? And since engraving and clip emblems only work on luxury pens, you have no worries as to its quality. It's a two-in-one package and the newbie will be proud to be on your team. Most businesses adapt to the recent culture of employee and promotional gifts. But not every brand will pay attention to detail such as quality, elegance and what’s this? A specific engraving!  Round 3: Other Advantages Of These New Job Gift Ideas This discussion doesn't favor employers alone. A friend or family might want to celebrate the occasion. Even a colleague may long to say congratulations. So let’s discuss some general advantages to a personalized pen, irrespective of who is giving it. A. It’s Dynamic In gift-giving, the relationship with the celebrant matters a lot. And for new job gifts, it matters more An overt present from a boss or colleague might spike the wrong impression, while a plain one from a close relation might cause disappointment. But with a custom pen, no one has gone too far nor stooped too low. If you’re the boss or colleague, an engraved pen is professional, simple, and thoughtful. Yet if you’re family, the same engraved pen, or any other customized one could mean something else entirely. By going for a gift that’s unique to them, you communicate love and sacrifice. These gift ideas are the real shapeshifters. B. Time & Piggy Banks Are Left Unbroken  Set aside the piggy bank—not all custom pens are expensive. Some go below $35. The Lumen Light Up Pen - Black  $13.99 Discover Also, the art of engraving takes less than one business day. So if you’re pressed for time yet don’t want to settle for something common or of inferior quality, you could still celebrate the occasion with engraved custom pens. Only a few engravings can’t be done in a rush. Round 4: Time to Address Your Questions A. Engrave, Imprint, Custom Design or Emblem?  The various personalized pens might have you wondering which to go for. If you’re an employer or colleague to the new hire, I’ll advise you to opt for engraved pens or clip emblems—they are more professional. Imprinting does the same as these two, but it's of lower quality and style. The printed words could wipe off anytime. I won't advise it, unless you're on a strict budget. And if you’re a close relation, you could go the extra mile with a custom design. B. Which Pen is The Perfect One to Personalize?  The “perfect pen” largely depends on writing style and purpose. Some pens such as the ballpoint, suit all writing styles and can be used at work. A pen set allows the recipient to explore different options, as they also may not be sure which best suits their writing. Here is a further guide to selecting corporate gift pens. And here's your guide to everything there is to know about engraved pens.  C. How to Present a Personalized Pen?  Pens are best presented in a gift box or a beautiful case. Ours at Dayspring come in a ready-to-give gift box. You could also engrave a pen case or a desk palette to tag along. Conclusion Even if you haven’t yet decided on what your new job gift would be, I hope you've developed some ideas moving forward.  When you decide, we’re here for you. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

The Secret Santa gift exchange is a fun holiday season tradition in which everyone is both giver and recipient of one gift, but the recipient doesn't know who's giving to them. Those are the rules. Secret Santa is a really fun activity for families, friend groups, and it's especially well-suited to professional work environments around the holidays. But in the office, there's always the potential that you might not really know your gift recipient that well. This can cause some anxiety, stress, and undue pressure. In this article, I want to show you how to find and how to give a Secret Santa gift to a coworker you don't know that well. So, if you're the Secret Santa to someone in the office that you just don't know that well, I want to help. Let's start by addressing the 3 most common difficulties you're probably facing, and I'll offer you some actionable solutions. 3 difficulties in finding Secret Santa gifts for coworkers 1.) Unfamiliarity The first difficulty is just the simple fact that you might not know the coworker to whom you've been assigned to give a gift. If a gift giver doesn't know their recipient, they're going to have to offer them a way for them to get their footing. That's okay we'll talk more about finding out what they like without giving yourself away. You might think that unfamiliarity isn't a problem in your office. However, even if your workplace is a fun, close-knit group, you might still run across this problem in particular cases. For Organizers: Foster familiarity If you're organizing a Secret Santa party, this is for you. While you can't make your coworkers be friends overnight, and you can't really force your way into a stranger's interests to find out what gift they will like, you can do some of the following: Make sure to include first and last names in the participant list. When the group is large and people might only know each other by faces, maybe include photos of all your coworkers so that the giver knows who their recipient is. Make sure to keep open lines of communication. This is because if people have questions about who their recipient is and what they might like, you can answer their questions or direct them to others who can. 2.) Social Distance Some of us might face the challenge of not actually having a physical office space shared by everyone in the company. During the pandemic, a lot of us are working from home, so organizing a Secret Santa party virtually through Zoom or Google Meet is pretty much the only way to make it happen. How to ship or run a quick, safe drop-off If your company is spread over wide distances, it'll be unlikely that you can just drop off your gift at your coworker's door. So, shipping is the likely option. See if your company is willing to reimburse them for shipping costs. If you're coworkers or employees are within a particular distance, drop-offs are a great way to exchange gifts. Leave the gift at the door of your recipient with a note explaining its presence there. 3.) Disappointing Gifts Disappointment about Secret Santa exchanges can really stifle the fun, and worrying about it can cause undue stress. You might be worried that your gift is bound to be bad because you don't know your coworker that well. Or you might be worried that someone's going to give you a bad gift because they don't know you. If you're worried about that, here's a helpful, humorous video of Benedict Cumberbatch teaching you how to react to bad gifts. For Organizers: Set clear expectations, but don't micromanage Organizers can help avoid disappointment by setting clear expectations. To do this: Set a clear budget for all participants. I recommend keeping it below $20 to keep the mood light but also professional. Setting a high budget causes two problems: 1.) people who shoot on the low side might communicate a cheapness through their gift, potentially hurting the feelings of their recipient; and 2.) people who go high or above the budget might break the sense of professional mutuality that all office spaces need to maintain a healthy professional gift-giving environment. Pick a theme for the Secret Santa exchange: picking a theme (for example, a theme like "Christmas in Hawaii" or "The Grinch") might help to focus the gift-giving so that your coworkers aren't just totally left on their own to pick gifts. If there's  and it also provides opportunities for light-heartedness and even some good ol' belly laughs. Allow a window of a few days for givers to get their gifts to their recipients: having some flexibility in when the recipients get their Santa gifts means that unforeseen circumstances are less likely to come up that might hinder a good experience. Set a clear time for your coworkers to open their gifts together: While you can have an open window for gift reception, make sure to have a set time where everyone comes together and opens their gifts. If you can, order food from a caterer, too. Everyone loves free food. This might sound a bit contradictory, but don't hound everyone to buy their gifts: this can only add stress. Keep things light. For Secret Santa givers: Take it easy Just follow the instructions the organizer gives you as best you can. Don't overdo it. Your gift has a much better chance of being great than you think.  Related Reading: How to Foster Healthy and Professional Gift Giving in the Workplace: The Ultimate Guide But to really find the best gift possible, let's take a deep dive. How to find the perfect Secret Santa gifts First off, I want to dissuade you from just getting a gift card. I know that might feel like I'm taking the ground from beneath your feet. While some people love receiving gift cards so they can get whatever they want, and it takes the pressure off you to put in the effort and potential risk of disappointment, it's not really in the spirit of Secret Santa. Go ahead and risk disappointment! You'll want to get something concrete and either 1.) meaningful, 2.) practical, or 3.) at least humorous. There's a ton of lists of Secret Santa gift ideas for everyone out there on the internet, and a lot of them give really great suggestions that your coworkers are sure to love. Sources like Today, The Strategist, and Business Insider suggest things like hot sauce keychains, an insulated water bottle or two, a face mask, a pair of socks, and just generally convenient, neutral gifts. The internet is your friend, but the most important thing to keep in mind is what your recipient might actually want. Find out what your Secret Santa recipient likes You can find out what they like a number of ways: If you know the recipient well, reflect on previous conversations you've had together of their likes, loves, inspirations, and aspirations. Find a theme in those conversations, form a set criteria for gift ideas that matches up with the budget and possible theme of the exchange, and then search Google or stop by a shop that might have something within that set of criteria. If you don't know them well, ask one of their friends about their interests. It's easy: you can simply tell the friend that you're their friend's Secret Santa and you'd like to know what might be a good gift for them. There's no shame in it. Ask the organizer: hopefully the organizer will follow my advice and keep lines of communication open to field questions like this. Opt for a neutral gift: if all else fails... hot sauce keychain or coffee mug. What are the best Secret Santa gift ideas? Narrowing down the perfect gift is a tricky business. It depends on so many variables, one of them being what your recipient actually likes. Here's what I say though: the best Secret Santa gifts for coworkers are ones that communicate your respect of their time, work, and interests. And I tend to think that personalized gifts do this the best. Personalized Gifts While hot sauce is cool and all, the best Secret Santa gifts are personalized. They go above and beyond in communicating respect and attention. And they're actually easy to find and order! I've compiled a list of 101 personalized gifts that might make the best Secret Santa gifts. Personalized gifts are usually super affordable, so they can usually fit the budget of an office Secret Santa party. All that you really need to make the perfect personalized gift is the name of the recipient. Get their name engraved or imprinted on it, and voila! It's done. I've written another article about why I think personalized pens make the best Secret Santa gifts. Personalized pens are obviously my favorite Secret Santa gift, and that's because they fit the professional atmosphere of a workplace while also communicating personal respect. In my mind, personalized gifts are the best Secret Santa gifts.  Learn More: 25 Best Professional Pens   How to Give a Secret Santa Gift Gift Wrap Don't forget to wrap your gift. You might be like me: the sheer effort of finding the gift is enough to take away any energy you might have for wrapping. That being said, even if you put it in a nice bag with some tissue paper to cover it, you've won. Handwritten Note To make your gift the most meaningful, add a handwritten note. It might seem like I'm asking a lot, but really this is the key part of the gift. Write an encouraging note to your coworker for the holiday season. Keep it professional, but don't just wish them well and be done with it. Pick out things like their hard work and their aspirations, show them that you've noticed them and that you hope it all pays off. It's that simple. After that, your gift is ready to go, and you can make your way to the party! Conclusion This has been my guide to hacking Secret Santa parties. I hope it's been helpful to both organizers and participants. Now we can all find the best Secret Santa gifts for our recipients. Now it's your turn! Let me know what hacks you have for Secret Santa parties Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

Personalized gifts are, without a doubt, one of the best ways to show appreciation to your hardworking bosses. Why? Because it strengthens your personal and professional relationship with them. It shows that you didn’t just go out of your way to buy a gift. You also went the extra mile to think about them as an individual and as a mentor figure. That’s something that no mass-produced gift off a retail shelf can offer. While there are many terrific personalized gifts you can give your boss, you should be wary of some bad ones as well. Assuming that your company culture fosters a healthy gift-giving culture, you probably won’t get fired by giving these “bad” gifts. But it may leave a sour taste in your boss’s mouth, even if you had good intentions. So, mind your etiquette. Here we’ll give you a glimpse of the best personalized gift items to give to your bosses. Additionally, we’ll also list the ones that are best avoided. Let’s begin! Good Gift #1 - Engraved Pens An engraved pen makes for a fantastic tool to give to your boss. The versatility, functionality, and sharp looks make it one of the best personalized gifts out there. A professional pen also comes in a range of prices, from wallet-friendly rates to top-of-the-line luxurious price tags. Looking for some good and affordable customizable pens? Here are some fantastic ones that your boss can enjoy: Cross Calais Rollerball Pen - Chrome Woodmark Rosewood Ballpoint Pen and Case Alexandria Rollerball Pen - Blue Waterman Expert Stainless Gold Trim Ballpoint From rollerballs to fountain pens, you’re brimming with unique gift options that are sure to suit your boss’s needs. Bad Gift #1 - Cheap Jewelry Sure, buy your boss a branded Bvlgari or a Tiffany & Co. necklace. But if you’re looking for a simple and affordable gift, you may be enticed to scour online retailers for a discount brooch or earrings for your boss. Stop right there. Unfortunately, that idea may fall flat. Not only do these knock-off jewelry pieces lack in the quality department, but they also have high levels of unsafe chemicals in them, notably lead, chromium, and nickel. Having said that, the good ones tend to fall under the more expensive side. So, you’re typically better off looking the other way, lest you don’t mind splurging. Good Gift #2 - Desktop Clock With a glossy and gorgeous piano wood finish, a desk clock accentuates a sense of professionalism and high class. With its own custom nameplate and two pen stands, this gift is perfect for bosses who’ve performed beyond expectations when mentoring and handling their respective teams. Product Features: Wood set with clock and two gold-plated pens Golden custom nameplate against a black finish Bad Gift #2 - Lingerie Giving lingerie to your boss is an inappropriate idea, plain and simple. It denotes a relationship beyond work and is suggestive, embarrassing, and extremely unprofessional. If your boss is particularly irritable, they’d have no problem escalating the act to the HR department too. Play it safe and give work-related gifts to your boss. If any prying eye finds out, nasty, unproductive gossip could spiral as well. Trust us; it’s not worth it. Good Gift #3 - Customized Name Plate Looking to give your boss something extra special? Nothing gets more personalized than a custom name plate. A rosewood name plate with custom engravings is a great item that beams professionalism and reverence for everyone to see. Some name plates come with added features, too; this Rosewood name plate comes with a business card holder and a beautiful black plate. Product features: Rosewood finish wooden wedge Beautiful gold engravings against a black finish Bad Gift #3 - Expired Food Food and snacks are great gifts. A box of Belgian chocolates, crusty and oven-toasted pizza, souvenir dried fruit from the tropics—all these make for a swell gift to give your boss. But be absolutely certain that the food you’re giving is still fresh and edible before handing it over. You may be tempted to give some old packaged food from the holidays, for example, only for it to have expired days or weeks before. It’s easy to overlook the expiration date of the item, so get it right the first time! Good Gift #4 - Custom Stuffed Animals Want to give something soft and easy to carry around? A stuffed toy is a great gift item you can send to your boss. Many online stores offer custom stuffed animal services to get the perfect one for you, all with the specific modifications. From color to size to body type, the options for your stuffed animal idea are near limitless. Bad Gift #4 - Anything Scented I have a firm policy that this also includes scented soaps, lotions, candles, etc. The products people like to use and the scents they prefer are incredibly personal. Nobody wants a surprise Cotton Candy Apple Candle. It is awkward to have to smell a gift that makes your nose tickle in a bad way and then have to smile and says "wow I had no idea glistening frost smelled like that!". Now, that being said, if you know your boss loves a certain brand of candle or a particular brand of hand sanitizer then there are always exceptions to the rules.  To keep things safe and amicable, give a safe office gift that can be placed on a desk. Good Gift #5 - Custom Artwork Do you reckon yourself as a talented artist or painter? Or a woodworker? Depending on your craft and proficiency, you can spend a couple of hours creating custom-made gifts for your boss. You can draw an image of their likeness, or one of a show they enjoy. These are great gift ideas if you’re running on a tight budget! Bad Gift #5 - Prank Items Sure, your pals back at the bar would love these prank gifts. Send your friends your gag toys and worm-in-a-cans. But for your boss, it’s a whole different story. It’s important to maintain a professional relationship. This means restricting your gift ideas to things that’ll highlight work successes, triumphs, and prosperity. And, to be frank, a poop toy doesn’t even come close to falling under that category. Good Gift #6 - Customizable Padfolio Does your boss love good old-fashioned note-taking? If they’re a notorious note-taker, this is one gift you can send their way! This product comes in a variety of different color palettes, namely gold on black, black on brown, and gold on brown.  Whether your boss is celebrating a promotion or you just want to reward them for their hard work, a padfolio is a spectacular item that they’re sure to adore. Product Features: 7 x 9 inch Comes with a folder sleeve and business card holder Pen loop on the inner spine Comes with free logo stitching and personalization Ships with replaceable pad paper Buy the Customizable Leatherette Padfolio. Bad Gift #6 - A Pet Have you ever heard your boss express their grievances over a lost pet? Or their desire for one? Though a dog or cat definitely seems extreme, sometimes the temptation can arise for a fish or an ant farm. My aunt has received at least two living creatures, given with best intentions (the person thought my little cousin would love having a Beta fish and then also love raising caterpillars to see them transform into butterflies. The end result...a dead fish and my aunt having to bring a giant net of cocooned Monarch butterflies on a road trip to the family beach house so they wouldn't be trapped in the net when they hatched...) In general, offering a pet as a gift can do more harm than good. What if your boss can’t take care of it? What if they already adopted another furry fellow a few days ago? A pet is not a one-and-done gift, it requires constant attention and care. It’s a responsibility, and you may even be adding extra stress to your boss by giving them that little puppy. Want to Browse for More Gift Ideas? Find Them at Dayspring Pens! At Dayspring Pens, we have a wide variety of amazing gifts for your boss. From pens to clocks to stationary, a premium selection of corporate gifts awaits you. We also offer customization services to each of our products. Ask us to sprinkle a touch of individuality in your item, and we’ll do it right before we ship it to you! Have a gift you want to send out? Order and craft your individual message easily on any product on our store page. Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

Regardless of how at peace they are with their decision, the last days for an exiting employee can be pretty nerve-wracking.  Without a smooth and commemorative farewell, there’s a good chance the exiting employee might end up feeling unappreciated, and staff morale could take a hit. Not many employers have a sustained tradition of going all out for their departing employees. But the few who do, understand that it’s important to make an employee’s send-off a memorable one.  It’s not enough to simply sign their recommendation letter and bid them adieu. Most employers who pride themselves on taking care of their employees understand this, and the convention for such an employer is usually to get the departing employee a parting gift.  At Dayspring Pens, we believe the pen, as with other everyday stationery, can be as much an office tool as it is a way to express appreciation to another. If you’re keen on showing your employee how much you value them but are stumped about what to give them, we’ve prepared a list of gifts you might want to consider. But first things first:  Things to Consider Before Getting a Gift for Your Exiting Employee Company Policies Depending on the specific rule set adopted by your company, you may be able to splurge on your exiting employee. Or you might be forced to limit your gift to a set price threshold.  No need to go all Patrick Bateman and get a gift with shell parts that have been forged in deep Mongolian sea caves.  Our advice? Check with the company rulebook to determine the set limits of gifting, so your item won’t end up being returned.  Further Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Professional Gifting Etiquette The Employee’s Interests Deciding on what to buy is a big challenge when it comes to gift-giving.  In most cases, you might now know your employees on a truly personal level. Your best bet is to try and be privy to clues that your employee may share about what they like, their hobbies, etc.  These tidbits of information will give you an idea of what to buy. A frequent traveler will greatly appreciate practical gifts such as personalized flash drives or travel bags. At the same time, someone obsessive about punctuality might love a clock and pen-holder set. Nature of Work: Field? Working from Home?  It wouldn’t make much sense to get a foot hammock as a gift for a field worker, i.e., an employee rarely ever seated at their station.  Likewise, it would make even less sense to get a construction helmet for your soon-to-be ex-accountant. Unless, of course, it was meant to serve as the punchline to a company in-joke, in which case that would be a valid exception. Quality, Packaging & Personalization Gifts that you give your employees must always reflect on you and your company’s image. This means that you need to put some thought and effort into choosing the best possible gift.  Just as important to choosing the right gift is presentation. The packaging of the item itself will say a lot about how you feel about your exiting employee. Spending time and money on how your gift is presented will show much you valued your professional relationship. 4 Employee Gift Ideas to Choose From A Fancy, Well-Designed Pen  OUR PICK: Cross Century II Pen     Century II Black Gold Trim Rollerball Pen If your exiting employee spots a palate that sways in the direction of classy, this pen should do it. The richest, smoothest writing experience, a pen worthy of your signature! Dayspring Pens offers a personalized Cross Century II that’ll stand head and shoulders above every other rollerball pen. Plated in opulent 23-carat gold with matching appointments, the pen is a statement of purpose and taste, perfect for the distinguished professional. Liquid-based ink and a rollerball tip mean that this pen will positively glide across paper, effortlessly tracing clear, bold lines. It’s one of the most impressive writing instruments ever produced and, with a custom engraving by Dayspring Pens, would make an absolute sentimental treasure for an exiting employee.     A Desk Nameplate  OUR PICK: Woodmark Rosewood Desk Name Plate with Business Card Holder Personalized/Engraved Woodmark Perhaps your employee just got their own office at a new firm. A custom engraved rosewood nameplate is just the ticket! With this, they can place their very own business cards in the slot, add their name and credentials to the nameplate, and then place it on their desk for everyone to see.  It comes with a rosewood finish, and you can custom engrave it with brilliant gold against its glossy black. This desk nameplate would make an excellent gift for employees who just clinched a promotion. A Pen + Case Set Our Pick: Deluxe Rosewood Pen and Pencil Set with Case     The pen is comfortable with a medium barrel size, reliable, and long-lasting, perfect for uninterrupted daily use and is perfectly complimented with a 0.9mm lead pencil.  You can put your custom company logo engraving on both the pen and the case and make this a gift pen your recipient will be sure to remember for years to come. It features a twist-action ballpoint pen and pencil in a matching rosewood case; a rosewood finish with gold accents and black ink; and can be personalized with his or her name engraved in black on the pens and case. A Padfolio Our pick: The Dayspring Pens Natural Leather Padfolio Dayspring Pens A4 Natural Leather Padfolio In this simple, yet elegant design, this journal lets you carry and display your pen with style.  Available in a small A5 and a large A4 size, the padfolio features a high-quality brown leather with an adjustable clasp and a slot for papers and a pen. Inside, you’ll find 40 pages of heavy 100 gram dot paper, perforated for ease and flexibility in note-taking, journaling, or sketching. The padfolio comes with custom engraving inside the padfolio. Other creative options for a great gift:  A supermarket gift card A wine/gift basket A signed company-personalized card Personalize a Farewell Gift With Dayspring Pens Whether you’re searching for a meaningful gift for someone who’s retiring or moving on up the corporate ladder, Dayspring Pens is here to provide you with the right luxury pens and exemplary customer service to match.  Our personalized pens have been featured by Team Building as one of the Top 10 Best Employee Gifts. We have a great selection of personalized and corporate gift pens for any occasion, from milestone anniversaries, birthdays, or bar mitzvahs to corporate celebrations, graduations, and promotions.  We have a fixed engraving time of 5 days and a reliable support team to help you find just the right gift. And, if you ever need a personal, affordable luxurious gift in a hurry, we also offer fast delivery of 1-day rush pens. We boast a wide selection of AT Cross, Parker, and Waterman pens available fast with our One Business Day Rush Production option.  Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

You are brainstorming on possible growth strategies for your business. Ideas are flying around the room. Then someone talks about gifting as a possible growth strategy. You look at them as if they’ve lost their minds. This starts the questions flowing. Why would giving corporate gifts be a way to grow your business? Corporate gifts are expensive. Aren’t they unnecessary expenses when I should focus on cutting expenses and boosting my revenue? You’ve got it wrong. Gifting is a great way to grow your business. Everybody lights up when they receive gift boxes. The same thing happens to clients and employees when they receive corporate gifts from a company or organization. Many corporate bodies have benefited from this strategy over the years. The gifting experience has enhanced their reputation and boosted their growth in the long term. Your business can also benefit from this strategy. How can this happen? Stick with us as we reveal how a corporate gifting strategy can grow your business. Why Give Corporate Gifts Fast Delivery on 1 Day Rush Pens Companies have been giving out gifts since time immemorial, when humans started trading with each other. Today, the custom is widespread, with corporate gifts worth $22 billion given in 2017. Businesses run on relationships. The gifting process is a good way to appreciate your clients for the sales they’ve brought your way. Giving a custom gift helps to solidify the business relationship with the clients. Most corporate gifting occurs at the end of the business year, usually in December. But it can also mark special milestones in the business world. These could be after a business arrangement, contract, or expansion into new territories. It also happens during the launch of new products or services, business events, and exhibitions. It’s also a way to market your company and attract new clients from prospects. This strategy is also a way to reward employees in the company. The reasons include recording a milestone, rewarding productivity, or celebrating a special occasion. Corporate gifting requires following proper ethics and procedures to distinguish it from bribery. Get Started With a Gifting Process Image from: Pixabay Corporate gifting is much more than dashing to a gift shop, selecting some items, and shipping them off to the recipients in personalized gift boxes. Set up a corporate gifting strategy with a well-laid plan. Start with actionable procedures for gifting your clients, employees, and prospects. This strategy should include the gifting budget, gifting needs sourcing, and the gifts to give out. Other considerations include the criteria for gift recipients and the logistics of sending them out. Identify what qualifies clients and employees for certain gifts, including custom or personalized items like pens, among others. And, consider whether the gifts will be branded with your business logo. If yes, write down your procedures for such branding. The timing of the gifting process is another essential factor that you have to clarify. For the gifts, you can look at gift cards (physical or electronic), downloadable products, or other similar affordable gifts for employees and prospects. For clients, you should investigate their corporate gift-taking culture. Some companies discourage receiving gifts. For those who do, get to know your client’s personal preferences. This information will enable you to give gifts that resonate with them. The gifts ought to reflect the amount of business and value they provide. If possible, get a concierge service to customize the gifts for your high-value clients. This service involves personalization and custom corporate gifts for your gifting needs. How Corporate Gifting Can Grow Your Company Image from: Pexels There are various ways that gift-giving can aid your business growth. These include: Boosting customer relationships Increasing productivity Enhancing brand reputation Promoting the business Let’s see how each of the above factors can boost your corporate growth. Boosting Customer Relationships Image from: Pexels 63% of companies credited gift giving as a factor in their improved customer relationships with their clients. Many companies are increasingly using gift-giving as part of their relationship marketing strategy. Its effectiveness lies in the fact that most gifts are not expected. When you send a gift to your recipients, it tells them you value their relationships. It’s also a way of expressing gratitude to both your customers and employees. The gifting experience is further heightened when you customize the gift. Receiving a personalized gift shows the recipients that some effort went into it. A custom card thanking them for their patronage puts the icing on this gesture. Many recipients appreciate the gifts they receive. This action engenders trust and an unconscious need to reciprocate the gesture. For customers, this reciprocity means maintaining or increasing their business dealings with you. These actions lead to more sales, strengthening the working relationship. A recent survey reported 94% of top business executives believing that gifting can impact a business relationship  Increasing Productivity Image from: Pexels There’s a saying that once you take care of your employees, they will take care of your customers and your business. Recognizing your employees’ efforts through internal gift-giving can boost productivity in your business. Employees feel appreciated when given personalized gifts for performing their job. This gesture, especially when accompanied by public recognition, helps engage them. It sends a message to the workforce that productivity will be rewarded by the business. There is a feeling of being highly valued and connected when employees get their gift boxes. It also engenders a sense of belonging and strengthens the workplace bond. Giving gifts to your employees is also likely to spur them to work better at serving customers. This action is bound to increase productivity in your business. 70 percent of American employees raised their productivity after getting gifts from their employers. This was the outcome of a workplace survey. Another report stated that 53% of employees stayed at their company due to the recognition and reward for their job performance.  Related Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Professional Gifting Etiquette Enhancing Brand Reputation Dayspring Pens Corporate gifting is a great way to build a solid brand reputation for your business. Giving gifts to your customers generates good feelings. These feelings engender an image of your business as being kind and caring. This positive reputation can help your business attract more sales from customer referrals. Referrals are one way to increase sales without increasing your marketing budget. 27% of organizations say that external gift-giving resulted in their clients referring their business to new customers. These results come from people trusting the businesses enough to take care of their referrals. It’s also an effect of the good brand reputation already present. Internal gift-giving is a sure way to boost your reputation among professionals. Potential employees want to work in an organization that recognizes and rewards productivity. A good brand reputation from gifting will attract the best professional talents.  Promoting Your Business Logo Engraving Information A marketing tactic for promoting your company is gift-giving. Gift boxes with your logo and branded cards are a great way to publicize your company softly. Corporate gifting keeps your business in the minds of your clients and their peers. This situation happens when they use the gifted item. It is also a great tool for turning prospects into customers. Giving promotional gifts to prospective customers physically and through the mail can increase your brand recall rate. 66% of gift receivers can recall a brand name on a promotional item after a year. The same effect is noticeable when going after new business opportunities with other companies. 24% of gift-giving opened up new opportunities or leads for the gifting company. Learn More: 5 Reasons Why Good Businesses Need Great Pens Get Your Gifting Strategy Partner To get your corporate gifting strategy right, you need a reliable partner for your gifting needs. Dayspring Pens is that reliable partner that will make your gifting experiences memorable. Dayspring Pens provides high-quality pens, clocks, and other gift products. They come from well known luxury brands, so you’re rest assured of getting the perfect personalized gift for that executive. Their services include same-day custom product engraving, free shipping within the US, and branded custom gift boxes. They can also help you with carefully curated gifts. Here are some customer reviews of Dayspring Pens that will inspire you to take action. Image from: Amazon | MCP Customer Review Image from: Amazon | Anthony R. Customer Review Image from: Amazon | Donna Bramell Customer Review Featured image: Pexels Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

You spend a better chunk of your day-to-day with your employees. One minute you’re rushing through deadlines, the next you’re setting new goals. But to spend so much time together means you’ll need to show some appreciation for the hard work your employees put in, perhaps through staff gifts. But, professional gifting itself isn’t a bed of roses: The budgeting gets messy. Chaos and dramas arise. And before you know it, no one wants anything to do with your gift ideas. Depending on the event and the gift recipient, the average amount you can spend on employee gifts ranges between $15–$75 per person per occasion. But, exceptions can still apply. With a well-thought-out strategy, you can set a decent budget without breaking a sweat. And with our definitive guide on the best affordable staff gifts, we will help you traverse the murky waters of gift-giving in the office. Ready? Let’s get started. Staff Gift Ideas: The Top 2 Gift-Giving Categories Everyone wants to feel valued and acknowledged—and your employees are no exception. Besides wage hikes and job promotions, employee gifts are an invaluable investment. In most cases, they help with retention and job satisfaction. To set the pace, cultivate a healthy gift-giving culture in your workplace to symbolize appreciation. First, you’ll need to set a budget and think about which gifts correspond to what events. This way, you ensure the gifts you send out have a long-lasting impression. Also, it ensures the gifts don’t risk you appearing extravagant or too cheap. That said, here are two gift-giving categories you can stick by: Annual individual events (birthday and graduation events) Annual company holidays (Christmas) Let’s break down each category further below. 1.) Annual Individual Events: The Best Affordable Staff Gifts The two common events in this category are: Birthday events Graduation events. For both events, we recommend spending $25–$50 per person per event. Here’s how I break it down below. 2.) Birthdays and Graduation Events: Best Gifts for Employees Birthdays and graduations are one of life’s epiphany moments. We want to make them unique and get the recognition we deserve. Now, I know it’s normal to get swept into the bubble of workplace routine. However, this shouldn't deter you from showing appreciation every once in a while. So, what staff gift ideas stand out in these events? The best gift ideas for these events are: 1.) Engraved Pen Alexandria Fountain Pen - Black You can never go wrong with a budget-friendly personalized pen. It’s an excellent birthday or graduation gift—with a touch of class and elegance, all wrapped up in one package. And if you’re wondering where to get one, yours truly (Dayspring Pens) have the best customizable pens that are a worthwhile investment. Are you spoilt for choices? Don’t fret. We’ll help you sift through our wide array of engraved pens. And with a budget of $13.99, our Lumen Light Up Pen is a splendid gift for a birthday or a graduation event. Shop Now: Luxury Engraved Pens From Dayspring Pens 2.) Gift Card This low-key option is a great gift for the introverted employee. Even a tiny amount (e.g., $30) will have the employee acknowledge your warm gesture. For the employee who never skips their 10 a.m. cup of Joe, a Starbucks card can be the perfect gift idea. Whatever gift card you choose, ensure you do a bit of research before you pull the trigger. The best way you can achieve this is by talking to your staffers. To avoid appearing inappropriate, apply the age-old, yet still practical, golden rule: address your staffers the way you’d like them to speak to you. But if you struggle to communicate with your coworkers, check out this explainer video by Mindset Coach Preet Kalsi. So, what about the Christmas holidays? Annual Company Holidays: Best Christmas Gifts for Employees via GIPHY It’s that time of the year again: the snow is falling, the world is winding down for a holiday,  and Santa, well, Santa is doing what Santa does best—dishing out gifts! This is the perfect time to shower your staffers with nice Christmas gifts. Remember, ending the year on a positive note ensures your employees and coworkers feel appreciated. However, this is where HR teams run into trouble: They’re trying to pick gifts for a diverse employee base while intending to match them to every staff member in the company. When this happens, the results are far-reaching, and your budget shoots over the roof. So, how do you dodge the bullets on this one? Here’s what the not-so-humble Santa in me recommends: Aim to spend between $25–75/per staff. Again, go easy on the Christmas gifts and keep the cards and desk niceties to a minimum. Okay?  Related Reading: How to Find and Give the Best Secret Santa Gifts for Coworkers Remember, you still have other holidays along the way that you’ll need to budget for. With a plethora of expensive and inexpensive gifts out there, we recommend going with these gift ideas below: Gift (s) Budget Gift card $25–$45 A chocolate gift box $14.70–$65 Personalized pen Padfolio (Buy here) $25–$49 Customized journals and cases (Buy here) $25–$49 Books $16–$35 Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying Staff Gifts Besides planning and budgeting for each event, there’s a gray area surrounding gifting etiquette in the corporate world. For instance, when you offer certain employees exclusive treatment for getting married, it inadvertently leaves out those who aren’t engaged. To find the perfect staff gifts, you need to know what pitfalls to avoid. Since I’m a big fan of corporate gift-giving, I recommend following the guidelines below: Say NO to favoritism: Sure, Robert from finance is cranking the numbers up and putting your business on the right trajectory. Does this mean Robert deserves a holiday gift ticket to the Maldives? No! When you favor some coworkers over others, people are likely to get offended. The bottom line: strive always to maintain a balance. Set the right precedent: If you spend $60 per staff this year, then scale down to $35 next year, someone will notice this. As a general rule, set a consistent budget and follow it religiously. Deliver the gifts in person: Don’t drop the gifts on your coworkers' desks with handwritten sticky notes saying how much they mean the world to you. It’s lazy. It shows a lack of civility. Present the gift to the employee with a sincere compliment like, “I appreciate all you’ve done this year.” (I know you can craft a better message than mine) Budget and Execute with Zeal When you’re a dedicated leader, you can approach workplace events and holidays with confidence. Why? You know your staff will feel included and accepted under your lead. With my advice, it’ll help you steer the wheel when setting budgets around staff gifts. Also, the results are a win-win situation for everyone. Don’t forget to browse our product catalog for the best corporate gifts. Whether you’re shopping for a graduation event, wedding, or the Christmas holidays, you can find your dream gift with us. Our pens have been featured by Team Building as one of the Top 10 Best Employee Gifts. Do you feel like I left anything out? A clarification? Let me know in the comments below! Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

Boss’s day, birthdays, and end-of-year holiday gifting can be challenging. You want to strike the right note with every gift for your boss. Appropriate without breaking the bank. There is an etiquette to corporate gifting that enables you to grow internal and external business relationships. It’s a delicate balance between memorability and propriety. While the typical gifting fallback is a gift card, nearly half of gift card recipients don’t find it memorable at all. That’s why a personalized pen, whether fountain, ballpoint, or electronic, hits the mark. Here are five reasons to add it to your gifts-for-the-boss roster in 2024. The Personal Touch Alexandria Fountain Pen - Black Vincent van Gogh once said, “Great things happen through a succession of small things brought together.” A personalized pen channels this same energy. It’s a seemingly small item to gift, however, the time and attention that goes into personalizing it makes a huge impact. Instead of your gift getting lost in the deluge of promotional and corporate gifts most managers receive annually, it will stand out and have a prime position on your boss’s desk. A personalized pen is a great gift that reinforces the existing positive and appreciative work culture. According to Dr. White, an expert in healthy workplace psychology and culture, a thoughtful, personal gift has the most impact. In contrast, a generic gift chosen for keeping up appearances communicates a lack of consideration and respect which could negatively impact work relationships. Sometimes adding a clip emblem of the company logo to the engraved pen adds that je ne sais quoi that makes the gift memorable. It’s a great way to thank the boss for being super at their job. Not all heroes wear capes. ★★★★★ Dayspring pens took the time to help me select a quality pen set that fell within our budget, incorporated our company logo on the clip emblem, and ended up being a very impressive presentation item... - James, Virginia Functional Gifts for Your Boss Parker IM Black Gold Retractable Ballpoint Pen Minimalism as a more efficient way of living seems to be slowly trickling into all facets of modern life. From fashion and decor aesthetics to digital interfaces, we’re all looking for less clutter, visual or otherwise. Nowhere is this skew towards functionality more apparent than in the workplace and home office desk. As you scour the gift aisles or pages, functionality should be a key determining factor for the gift. This is why personalized pens are perfect. A pen monogrammed or engraved with the recipient’s name is unlikely to be recycled into a last-minute Christmas gift for Aunt Shelly. But that neck massager might! More importantly, as stationery, it will sit on your boss’s desk, at the center of their work, as a valuable addition to their work life. They’ll use the pen and remember your astuteness. Bonus points for thwarting the habit of people borrowing and absent-mindedly walking away with your pen.   Versatility Now you’re probably thinking, my boss is gadget-obsessed and signs everything on Adobe Sign, how will a pen help? Enter the personalized stylus. The 3 Reasons Why I Only Write With a Stylus Pen The culture of remote working, virtual meetings, and digital collaboration platforms grows in popularity year by year with better technologies and more intuitive systems at our fingertips. How familiar is the experience of a co-worker quickly jotting down or sketching ideas on their tablet while they’re sharing their screen the whole group? Said ideas are then immediately digitized with a few clicks and populated or shared for implementation. A stylus is an indispensable part of the digital corporate landscape and the home office. Your boss will thank you for one that says bespoke instead of 20% off on Amazon. The Prestige Factor Modern monarchs in Europe and Asia use a cipher or seal. A stylized version of their initials. The Ottoman sultans had calligraphic monograms called tughra while in Japan — the Chrysanthemum Seal is still a key royal identifier. While your boss is no sovereign ruler, their office and role still deserve respect and acknowledgment. An engraved pen from a premium brand eloquently communicates your recognition of your boss’s leadership role. This positive reinforcement is reciprocal. A business gift satisfaction survey found that more than 8 out of 10 C-suite executives have seen the positive and measurable ROI of business gifts. Plus there are intangible benefits to the relational environment of the workplace. Personalized pens are a subtle way to splurge on a corporate gift for your boss. Only the recipient and those well-versed will spot the 14 karat finish or special trim. These sophisticated, executive pens include: Carène, Expert, and Perspective collections by Waterman Premier by Parker Townsend, Peerless and Century collections by Cross Pens Maintain Professionalism in Your Gift Ideas A personalized pen says to your boss, “I put thought into your gift but I didn’t stalk your social media profiles!” A brief search through online gift ideas yields results that are bizarre, funny, and inappropriate. How would you know whether your boss is struggling with insomnia or stress and needs a sleep mask and some incense? Will it be the $45 popcorn selection or the online liquor delivery service? Overly personal gifts such as perfume, jewelry or clothing can feel extremely uncomfortable to the recipient and strain your relationships with coworkers and superiors. Just because virtual meetings have opened vistas into each others’ homes doesn’t mean we should overstep professional boundaries. The Dayspring Pens guide to professional gift-giving goes further into the nuances involved when looking into gift ideas for business connections. We have already mentioned the functionality of personalized pens. That coupled with their ubiquity means your boss won’t have any trouble meeting your gaze after opening your engraved gift. Speaking of engraving, how long does it take to get a pen personalized?  How Hard Is It To Get a Personalized Pen? Monroe Pen and Pencil Set - Burgundy Red How Long Does Engraving Take? The Dayspring Pens production time for standard engraving is 4-5 business days, excluding shipping. There is a Rush Gift option that ships out in 1 day. Is Engraving Free? Cross Calais Rollerball Pen - Matte Metallic Midnight Blue All standard engraving is free with a purchased pen and includes 1 engraved line on the pen’s cap, up to 25 characters per line in the standard fonts. The standard fonts are Block, Script, and Times. Left-handed engraving positioning is a free available option, too. Custom styles such as personal signatures, logo engraving, logo imprinting, and clip emblems attract an additional setup fee. Is Engraving Worthwhile? Unlike imprinting or pad printing, engraving doesn’t wear off with time. It will last as long as the pen does, possibly millennia like this shell engraving. The engraving is done using a fiber optic or CO2 Laser Engraving Machine. Cross pens have the additional option of deep-cut engraving that can be filled with a complementary color of your choice. Which Gift Pen Can I Get for My Boss? Dayspring Pens carries Waterman, Parker, Cross, and Howard Miller. These premium pen brands all have options in the appropriate budget range for Boss’s Day and similar occasions. A personalized pen never fails to deliver understated elegance. Choose the perfect pen for your boss from our corporate gifts and boss’s day collections. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

Gift giving. Some love it, others hate it, but either way, it’s a part of everyday life, and it’s no secret that the search for a perfect personalized gift can be challenging. But here are a few questions to take into consideration: Who’s the gift for? What’s your budget ? What’s the occasion? And all of the above counts even more when you’re in pursuit of gift ideas for your boss. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of ideas that will help you choose a perfectly appropriate gift with ease. Business Gift-Giving Etiquette Workplace gift-giving practices differ from place to place. It depends on the corporate culture, and it’s developed through time. If you’re not a seasoned employee who knows all the ropes, ask around the office about how things work at your company. Because buying a gift for: Boss's birthday Boss's retirement party National Bosses Day (October 16 in the U.S.) The holiday season, etc. Could be perfectly acceptable at some places and a big no-no at others. To make matters easier, take a look at the Ultimate Guide to Business Gifting Etiquette. However, if you’re already an etiquette master, let’s jump straight on to getting your boss that perfect gift. How to Choose a Perfect Gift for Bosses? So, you’ve decided to give your boss a gift for a special occasion or as a way to say thank you. Maybe a bottle of fine wine along with a nice card? Sure. But is wine appropriate as, let’s say, a retirement gift? And what if your boss doesn’t drink? A gift card is also something to consider, but it’s a bit impersonal, in my opinion, and a funny gag gift could be somewhat too personal and inappropriate. So is there a gift with which you can’t go wrong? Well, I think so. What does every boss need? A perfect pen to sign deals, take notes, make a statement and never forget anything. How to Decide on a Pen Style? There are four basic ink styles and three main handwriting styles. Before you choose a pen, try to find out the type of pen your boss usually uses and his or her handwriting style. Sneaky tip: Ask your boss to write a special personalized note, like a thank you card for a client or an employee and use it to check out their pen and handwriting style. It will make your choice easier. If you need some additional help, read this practical guide on choosing a perfect pen according to handwriting style Calligraphy and the Doodling Boss Have you noticed that your boss doodles while on a phone call or during a meeting? If so, before you presume that it’s out of boredom with the PowerPoint presentation or lack of attention, you should know that 26 out of 46 American Presidents had that same habit. So, it’s actually a good thing? As it turns out, yes, doodling is a great way for achieving focus, stress relief, and better retention of information. An Analog Boss in a Digital World If your boss lives on the precipice of an analog and the digital world, constantly on the go, shifting between jotting down notes and scrolling through a smartphone, finding a great gift could prove challenging. But as Sonny said to Cher, “I’ve Got You, Babe”. This all-in-one slim and stylish Cross Tech 3+ Pen in satin black finish is a true business combo. It will have your boss seamlessly twisting from a mechanical pencil to a black or red ballpoint and back, no matter the task. And when needed, it conquers digital screens with its practically placed stylus. To add the final twist to this gift idea, consider engraving it with a motto or a signature.     Gift Ideas for the Scholar Boss Sometimes the best way to go about choosing a gift is to look at the surrounding decor of the person you’re gifting. If your boss enjoys wood tones and has an office that resembles John Keating’s study from the movie Dead Poets Society more than a typical workplace office, look no further. Desk Name Plate — a Detail That Stands Out A nice addition to the Woodmark Pen decor that your scholar boss will definitely appreciate and have great use for is a Woodmark Rosewood Desk Name Plate with a business card holder, and engraving included.   Personalized/Engraved Woodmark Rosewood Desk Name Plate with Business Card Holder   It will make your boss's office desk look even more professional, and it’s a practical way to keep business cards handy. Pen Sets — Great Retirement Gifts for Your Boss Two is better than one, and pen sets are a great two-in-one present combo that can be an appropriate retirement gift for your boss. The engraved Waterman Hemisphere Fountain & Rollerball Pen Set is one I would choose for such an occasion. This combination gives you the best of two pen style worlds. You have the timeless luxury of a high-quality fountain pen and the benefit of the smooth writing experience of a rollerball, together with a three-year Waterman warranty against defects or workmanship. Not to mention this could be a way to decide on a pen without investigating the handwriting style of your boss, as we mentioned earlier. Choose this set, and you’ll cover all the bases. Journal Gift Set — The Perfect Match No matter if you work for a fierce boss-lady or if your boss is a guy’s guy type, any of these gift ideas will work. But if you’re looking for a unique gift for the woman in charge, then may I suggest the Dayspring Pens Standard Size Leather Padfolio and Pen Set.   Dayspring Pens Standard Size Leather Padfolio and Pen Set   Its simple and elegant design can be personalized with engraving on both the padfolio and pen. The portfolio has a practical pen holder in its binding, and the Blue Abingdon Rollerball Pen has black liquid ink inside the pen. With this gift, your boss will go nulla dies sine linea, which is Latin for not a single day without a line (written). Find the Write Gift for Your Boss Good bosses deserve to be appreciated, but it can be hard to find a gift that’s unique without getting too personal. The above ideas and others from the Dayspring Pens collection are just the right mix of thoughtful and conventional—there’s no better way to say thank you. Find one that’s perfect for your boss today, whatever his or her style. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

As every business owner knows, running a company is not a one-person job.  Behind every successful company, there’s a network of dedicated team members and clients who believe in you and support the work you do.  They’re your carefully selected team of Avengers who assemble every day from 9 to 5 and keep the wheel turning using the power of their time, expertise, or finances. So what should you give your employees and clients to celebrate these important milestones that also communicate how much you value their work all year round?  Personalized corporate gifts are a simple and thoughtful way of saying that you appreciate their contribution to your company.  Let’s dive into the complete list of some special corporate gifts you can get personalized here at Dayspring Pens.  We’ve handpicked seven gift ideas that say how much you acknowledge splendid work that’s being done within the company. #1 Pens Are the Ultimate Personalized Business Gifts We might be biased here because we really do love pens, but hear us out. Engraved pens make great personalized business gifts because they are professional, versatile, and everyone needs one.  Pens are useful presents ideal for any occasion within a corporate environment. They’re one of the most professional gifts you can get for any employee within the company.  We have a variety of pens that are ready for laser engraving with different writing styles, finishes, and brands.  When you choose one style you know your employees or clients will love, it’s time to customize it.  #2 Personalized Stationery to Keep Their Notes Whether it's a notepad for a desk or stationery for writing letters, this personalized stetionary by Curio Press is delightful.  Pursue through their incredibly cute designs to find something that would fit your client or employee.  Curio Press is a handmade, family owned business that will even let you custom select your colors as well as personalize the name.  #3 Custom Phone Charging Port  In this day and age, having a phone charger at the office is basically gold and keeping track of your own charger after someone borrows it can be a challenge.  These personalized chargers from Classy Charger are perfect for your office work station. With a variety of designs and monograming, this gift will be perfect for an office party and making sure the office stays nice and peaceful when tracking down who borrowed a charger.  Classy Chargers are universal 5W wall chargers, ready for Apple certified cables. They also have personalized power banks. #4 Personalized Journal and Pen Gift Set for Deep Thinkers  For people who like writing their thoughts down, there’s no better gift than a journal. Cross Classic Ballpoint Pen & Journal Gift Set  This often-overlooked habit of writing out thoughts by hand makes your employees more productive because it helps them with:  Reordering rushing thoughts to make space in their minds for what truly matters Jotting down notes to prevent forgetting ideas for how to improve a project  Discovering new ideas by writing them down with a pen  Decluttering the mind to ease the anxiety and feeling of being overwhelmed Journals are a splendid gift choice for different gift-giving occasions in the office—regardless if they’re intended for your coworkers or for showing your appreciation to your long-term employees and clients.  #5 Personalized Hats Sometimes, the "office space" isn't four walls and desks. For employees who spend their work day out in the field, a personalized hat is a fantastic, practical gift. With embroidery, engraving, and printing, Hatstore has everything you need to find whatever time of hat you would like to customize - from beanies to flatcaps to visors, name brand and generic.  Add staff's names to your logo or a special design just for them. #6 Personalized Food Basket Food is a tried and true gift. Mainly, because food is amazing and everybody eats, but also because it has little consequence in regards to gift giving laws and taxes for a business.  Mouth has an almost baffling array of food baskets. You can either customize a basket completely or choose one of their already crafted packages.  No matter what the allergies, diets, or preferences are in your office, you can find a food basket perfect for each member of your business.  You can even gift a subscription that would be perfect for a monthly surprise in the break room! #7 Clock for Desk as a Unique Custom Corporate Gift  A desk clock is a classy feature for employees, bosses, or clients and is one of the top personalized business gifts in businesses because it recognizes that workspace matters.  Adding natural elements such as a wooden desk set makes the space warmer, more natural, and inviting.   This desk set that features a clock and pens uplifts any office space while communicating to your employees that you care about their well-being while working in the company.  The ornamental clock is a savvy idea for people in a time sensitive role or for special occasions, such as promotions and anniversaries.  #8 Laptop Cases Let's be honest...almost every job has some computer element nowadays so giving the gift of a custom laptop case for your clients or staff is a gift that will get used.  These classic leather laptop cases from The Daily Edited are classy, sophisticated, and versatile, making them a perfect option for personalized business gifts.  I am particularly fond of the personalization in gold and the option to have personal handwriting embossed on the case.  Don't miss out on the other personalized cases and sets offered by TDE. #9 Yoga Mats for the Workout Group  Yup! A yoga mat complete with an employee's name printed on it. It's unique, useful, and ideal for office's that have community groups among staff.  This customized workout mat is a lovely present for anyone on your wellness gift giving list (even if that's you!). At home, the embroidered details add that extra special touch -- and at the studio, it's great way to ensure you don't have any mat mix-ups. It's the perfect mat for meditation as well! #10 Nameplate Holders to Welcome New Employees  The nameplate holder is a gift that says “congratulations you’ve got a job” and “we’re happy to have you at our company” all at the same time.  Gifts such as nameplates make your new staff member feel welcome in your company while they adjust to a new work environment. They commemorate new promotions.  The nameplate is also a lifesaver if you run a large company and aren’t good with names. Be sure to engrave their position alongside their names to signify their role at the company. #11 Personalized Mugs These personalized mugs from Uncommon Goods are incredibly cute and perfect for the office kitchen.  For obvious reasons, you won't have to worry about which cup is yours.  Mugs are a great way to help employees get into their workflow and rhythms as they get into the office and start their daily rituals.  It’s the Thought That Counts  Custom gifts such as engraved pens with a thoughtful message  speak that you notice good work done in the company and want to motivate your team members.  There’s so much you can say with corporate gifts:  Thank you for your contribution to our company Thank you for appearing at all of those Zoom meetings that could have been done via email We enjoy doing business with you You did a great job Whatever you want to say, we can engrave it for you—at least anything you can express within 30 characters or less.  Which personalized business gift will you choose to show appreciation for your team of super workers?  Let us know in the comment section or send us an email if you want to place an order and become one of our long-term clients. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

When Krystal Stearns, founder of Loan to Home wanted to grow her brand's value chain, she went for corporate gifting. Loan to Home is a company that connects people to mortgage agents. Though as of 2020, Experian recorded that up to 44% of Americans own a mortgage, the market is still somewhat tough. Stearns knew her company would fail from lack of clients if the team didn't put their best foot forward. The brand had to create satisfaction and a lasting impression on its clientele. An impression so strong, people would return for more and possibly refer their friends/family. I'll tell you how Stearns employed corporate gifting to achieve this, but first what is corporate gifting? It's the art of sending presents to: Clients  Potential clients/partners  Business partners, or Employees Although used interchangeably with promotional gifts, they're not the same. Promotional gifts are aimed at creating mass awareness for your brand. Like offering general discounts, promo codes, or pens branded with your company logo. But corporate gifts are more personalized. They aim to say “thank you for contributing a quota to this brand,” or “We’ll like to work with you, here’s a gift to show how interested we are.” Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen- Lustrous Chrome Why Corporate Gifts? With the right approach, corporate gifts could build your network, brand, and profit margin.  Here's why:  When people are appreciated specially, they feel happy.  When customers, employees, and partners are happy, they are more likely to speak well about your brand and come back.  When employees are happy, they're more productive. More productivity of course, could mean more sales.  When business partners are happy, they could offer solid discounts on their products or services.  Corporate gifts help to build a stronger relationship with the receiver. It shows them how creative, thankful and concerned you are. Rather than stressing to grow your customer base all the time, an alternative is to grow your profit by retaining your current clientele. According to Forbes, a "...5% increase in customer retention can boost profits by 25-95%." Further "Over 80% of C-suite executives believe that business gifts generate measurable positive ROI in addition to intangible benefits. 'Gifts humanize business,' said a survey respondent. 'It pays for itself twofold,' said another." Loan to Home’s Corporate Gifting Process  When we talk about corporate gifts, the first set of recipients that should come to mind are clients. Because without them, a company cannot sustain itself. This is why the Loan to Home team cares so much about theirs.  The Strategy  For Krystal, it wasn't just about giving, but using the gifting experience to pass a solid message to clients. She curated something they'd still possess years later. This way, they could always look at it, remember Loan to Home, and come back. Or refer others. Her gifting process thus imbibed four major values: Gifts that Last: To get started, the Loan to Home team sourced quality items that would stand the test of time. This way, the gift is always there to remind its owner of the company. Custom Items: You know how personalized items have the hearts of many in the 21st century? Topping the gift boxes that Loan to Home sent are unique cards inscribed with a custom message for the recipient.  Image from: spoonfulofcomfort.com Consistency: It wasn't just during Christmas or once in a blue moon. Loan to Home sent gifts before and after the mortgage process. Sometimes, during the process as well.  Gifting Needs: Who doesn’t need a bowl of soup? Or a blanket?  A lot of people will settle for logo branded packages filled with items that no one needs and are only an obvious attempt to put the firm’s name out there. But Loan to Home’s gifting was different. The boxes of soup, blankets, and cards were soothing, a way of saying “We don’t just help you own a home, we care about your comfort in the home!”  The Result Loan to Home is not just creating a strong bond with existing clients, but making new ones. According to their gifting agency Spoonful of Comfort, Loan to Home updates their customer database at least twice a month. Quality, thoughtfulness, and creativity got them here, and it's going to get better. "You have to look at the life of our clients. I can justify a more expensive gift because it will impact a relationship that will last years. The quality of the message we send reflects the quality of our service and our commitment to that client. For us, that’s a meaningful way to grow our business.” — Krystal Sterns, Founder Loan to Home (derived from Spoonful of Comfort).  The Lesson Bagging profit shouldn't be the primary aim. It's the end goal but first, focus on making your recipients happy. This way, you'll be able to determine a suitable gift. Your ROI is only as good as your gifts are. A lot of companies have engaged in corporate gifting, but received negative outcomes because their gifts were low quality, too common, or unthoughtful. Timetrade’s Corporate Gifting Process Image from: timetrade.com Giving presents to potential clients and business partners is almost an entirely different ball game. According to American Marketing Association: "Companies won’t do business with you simply because you bought them something­—regardless of how useful or fancy it is." Some of these potentials are also in the market­—they know how the game is played. To impress them, you have to do a little more than expensive presents wrapped in gift boxes. You’ve got to be extremely innovative with your gifting.  And that's what Timetrade was.  The Strategy  Creativity: Timetrade, a software company for appointment scheduling, wanted to get the attention of a potential client. So they curated and sent a gift of golf balls to the sales team. And for the Team Lead, a putting mat. If the sales team received their business call, Timetrade promised to complete the golf set. Now, that’s mind-blowing, daring, and exciting! Tactical: Imagine how curious the team would be to speak to Timetrade. At least one of them would want to know: Who is Timetrade?  What do they offer?  How can we get the complete golf set?  This curiosity would open the door for conversation, which leads to negotiations, and boom! They might strike a deal.  The Result  In his discussion with AMA, Daniel Gaugler stated that Timetrade saw a “...a 20[-time] return on their investment on that program, which slayed anything they were doing previously.” Even if Timetrade hadn’t won the hearts of those potentials, they’d left a lasting impression. The Lesson  Through this gifting strategy, Timetrade introduced what the company stands for. They subtly told the target that if they can offer such spectacle as a gift, they’d do much more on their products and/services. Your gifts offer the opportunity to show what you offer and demonstrate your brand values. This is more than just a promotional item with your company logo etched on it. It is the chance to say your work ethic and values, sharing who you are not just what you do. Want Your Chance to Gift?  Appreciate your clients, employee, or a partner by choosing the type of gift that communicates your care with the ever important demands of business-giving etiquette. Dayspring Pens products are professional yet thoughtful, creative, and useful as attested to by our wonderful buyers: Executive Business Gift Pens with Logo Decorations  Read also: How to Foster Healthy and Professional Gift Giving in the Workplace: The Ultimate Guide.   To make your pen particularly personal, try engraving a special note or a handwritten engraving just for them. Engraving can be done in 24 hours. Personalized/Engraved Woodmark Rosewood Desk Name Plate - Engraving Included. Each Dayspring Pen item is meticulously crafted and engraved to show your recipient the delight of well-made luxury. Whether you’re searching for a branded item or a plain one, the journey to growing your brand through corporate gifting begins here.  Customer Review | Richard P. Featured image: Freepik Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.