Can you believe we’re already through two-thirds of the month of June?  Where has the year gone?  For me, June is a month of many celebrations — my sister’s birthday, graduations, Father’s Day, and weddings are ones that come to mind right away. These moments are the perfect opportunity to think beyond the expected and explore unique gift ideas that make celebrations truly memorable.

Choosing the Easy Gift Versus the Thoughtful Gift

Like most people, when I was invited to a wedding, I would find out where the couple was registered, go to that store, pick an item from the registry, and have it shipped to the couple.  I often took the easy route and selected a place setting of their silverware or dinnerware.  I hardly put any thought into the gift and it showed.  I’m sure when the couple used my gift, they didn’t remember who gave it to them.

A VirtuArte Wedding Gifting Experience

Recently, Barbara, a VirtuArte customer, was going to a wedding and wanted to give her friends a gift from VirtuArte.  I asked her if she had looked at the wedding gift registry.  She told me they had asked for dishes, glasses, salad servers, serving bowls, and a wine decanter.  After hearing what the couple was requesting, I made the following suggestions:

Barbara made the selection.  I wrapped the gift, included the handwritten card about where the item came from, the artist, and how it was made, and shipped it to the bride and groom.  A few weeks later, Barbara called to tell me she had received a beautiful thank you note from the couple.  What stood out in the note was the couple told her whenever they used the serving plate, the couple would think of her and remember their wedding day.  This is exactly what you want a gift to do.

How to Choose a Unique Wedding Gift

If you find yourself in need of a wedding gift this month:

1. Take a look at the wedding registry
2. Select an item similar to what is being requested but is unique.  It can be handcrafted, have a story, or come from a place the couple visited.
3. Wrap it beautifully and include a handwritten card.  The gifting experience starts with how the gift is presented.
4. Ship the gift to the couple or take it to the wedding.

What’s a gift you’ve received from someone that really stands out?  That makes you remember the person who gave it to you every time you see it?  Thoughtful, unique gift ideas have that kind of lasting impact. Share a photo in the comments below or on the VirtuArte Facebook Page.  I can’t wait to see them!

The post Giving Unique Gift Makes Every Celebration More Meaningful appeared first on VirtuArte.

When you think about taking a hostess gift what is the first thing that comes to your mind?  Wine, candy or flowers?  All of these items are fine.  However, you give a gift to show how much you appreciate the relationship you have with this person(s).  Wine, candy or any other type of food is a very common gift considered by some as a “I can’t think of anything else or I don’t have time to get something else so I will take a bottle of wine, box of candy, etc.”  If you are going to a party these items will be put with all the other bottles of wine or boxes of candy that were brought to the hostess.  Unless you put a card identifying you as the giver of a specific item, the hostess will forget who gave her what and the meaning of the gift will be lost.

Copyright : svl861

Flowers are a more unique gift.  Every time the hostess looks at them she will remember you gave them to her, one of the criteria of a great gift, but the flowers don’t last.  Seven to ten days later the flowers will be thrown out and forgotten.

This Holiday season why don’t you give your hostess(s) a unique gift that she can either use or display in her home long after the event.  Every time she uses the item or walks by it she will be reminded of you and the occasion you gave the gift to her.  Another benefit of giving a unique gift is when someone asks her about it she can tell the person about you and your relationship.

Here are some suggestions for your next hostess gift.

Ceramic Spoon Rest from South Africa — TPA-1003a

Steel Drum Candleholders from Haiti — BBH-1008

Hand-painted Candles from South Africa — TK-

Hand-painted Coasters from Brazil — KP-1003

One last tip for your Holiday hostess gift, create a gifting experience.  Nothing can ruin a gift more than giving a badly wrapped gift.  Presentation matters, it’s the box, the paper and a handwritten note.  This is how your gift will create lasting memories for your hostess.

The post Hostess Gifts – Give Something Unique appeared first on VirtuArte.