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Gifts for Unusual Milestones

Celebrating the Weird & Wonderful Moments

When most people think about gifting, they think birthdays, holidays, weddings, and baby showers.

And those are all great reasons to celebrate.

But some of the most meaningful gifts I’ve helped clients give weren’t tied to traditional milestones at all. They were for the weird, wonderful, and often unexpected moments that deserve recognition.

Think about it. Someone buys their first home. They finally pay off a student loan. They survive a really tough year. They start a new hobby they’ve been talking about for years. They hit a work anniversary that no one else seems to notice.

Those moments matter.

In fact, I’d argue they often matter more than the milestones everyone expects. A thoughtful gift says, “I see you. I know what this accomplishment means to you.”

That’s powerful.

A first-home gift could be a custom address stamp, a locally made cutting board, or a basket filled with neighborhood favorites. A new hobby enthusiast might love specialty supplies, a beginner’s guide, or something that helps them fully embrace their new passion.

And what about surviving a difficult season of life?

Sometimes a gift isn’t about celebrating success. Sometimes it’s about acknowledging resilience. A cozy comfort box, a favorite treat, a journal, or a simple handwritten note can remind someone that their hard work and perseverance didn’t go unnoticed.

The same goes for professional milestones. Work anniversaries, promotions, launching a business, finishing a major project, or even making it through a particularly challenging quarter are all worthy of recognition. The truth is, people remember how you made them feel.

When you celebrate an unexpected milestone, your gift becomes more than a gift. It becomes a story. A memory. A moment they’ll talk about long after the gift itself is gone.

So here’s my challenge for you:

Look beyond the calendar.

Who in your life has accomplished something recently that deserves a little recognition? What “weird and wonderful” milestone have they reached? And as always, if you’d like my help, I’d LOVE to put my creativity to good use for you!

Because sometimes the best gifts aren’t for birthdays or holidays. They’re for the moments no one else thought to celebrate. And those are often the gifts people remember most.

Until next time,

SH Signature

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Before Summer Starts, Remember This One Thing

Don’t Forget the People Who Keep Your Business Running

As May winds down and summer starts creeping in, most people are thinking about vacations, long weekends, school being out, and trying to squeeze in some sunshine whenever possible.

But for businesses? This is actually one of the best times to pause and think about something else entirely: The people who keep your business moving.

Your employees. Your clients. Your referral partners. The people who answer the emails, solve the problems, stick with you during stressful seasons, and continue choosing your business over every other option out there.

And honestly? This time of year is often overlooked when it comes to appreciation.

The holidays feel far away. Fourth quarter planning hasn’t kicked in yet. Summer schedules start getting busy. And because of that, recognition and connection can accidentally get pushed aside.

That’s exactly why this is such a powerful time to gift intentionally. Not because you “have to.” But because unexpected appreciation is the kind people remember.

The Best Gifts Aren’t Always Given During the Holidays

One of the biggest misconceptions about corporate gifting is that it only matters in November and December. It doesn’t.

In fact, thoughtful gifting outside of the holiday rush often creates a bigger impact because it feels more personal and less expected.

A well-timed gift at the end of May can:

  • Boost employee morale before summer burnout hits
  • Strengthen client relationships mid-year
  • Help retention and loyalty
  • Keep your business top-of-mind
  • Make people feel genuinely valued

And no — it doesn’t have to be extravagant.

People remember how a gift made them feel far more than they remember the price tag.

Thoughtful Always Wins

I say this all the time, but thoughtful gifting will always outperform generic gifting.

Anyone can send a branded tumbler. Not everyone takes the time to make a gift feel personal.

That’s where the magic happens.

The best gifts usually include one or more of these things:

  • A personal touch
  • A connection to the recipient
  • An experience
  • Something useful but elevated
  • Packaging that feels intentional
  • A handwritten note

Those details matter. Because gifting is never really about the item itself. It’s about making someone feel seen.

Summer Is Actually the Perfect Time for Relationship Building

There’s something about summer that naturally creates more opportunities for connection.

People are attending events, traveling, celebrating milestones, hosting gatherings, and generally operating with a little more flexibility in their schedules.

That makes this a great season for gifts that feel experiential and seasonal.

Think:

  • Outdoor entertaining gifts
  • Summer relaxation boxes
  • Local artisan items
  • Travel-inspired gifts
  • Picnic or patio-themed bundles
  • Client welcome gifts
  • Employee appreciation drops

The goal isn’t just to send “stuff.” The goal is to create a moment, a memory, an experience.

A Good Gift Says More Than an Email Ever Could

Most businesses are constantly communicating through screens. Emails. Texts. Meetings. Notifications. But gifting creates something tangible. It interrupts the noise in the best possible way.

A thoughtful gift says:

“I appreciate you.” “I noticed your hard work.” “I value this relationship.” “I didn’t want this to go unsaid.”

And in a world where people are overwhelmed with digital communication, that kind of gesture stands out more than ever.

Heading Into Summer With Intention

As we move into June, this is your reminder that appreciation does not need to wait for the holidays. Some of the strongest business relationships are built through consistent, thoughtful connection throughout the year. And sometimes, one well-timed gift can strengthen a relationship more than months of marketing ever could. So before summer gets busy, ask yourself:

Who deserves a thank you? Who has supported your business this year? Who would genuinely light up after receiving something thoughtful and unexpected?

Start there. Or start with me. I’d love to come up with unique, creative and impactful gifts for your incredibly important segments. Because the businesses people remember are usually the ones that remember people first.

Until next time,

SH Signature

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Is “Gifting” Part of Your 2025 Client Strategy?

In Giftology, author and keynote speaker John Ruhlin explains that gifts have the power to elevate relationships, create memorable experiences, and set businesses apart in a crowded market. Client gifts, as well as customer and employee ones, are important ways to set yourself apart.

Now that the holidays are behind us, I have some shocking news. That was the WORST TIME to send client gifts. The same goes for anniversaries and birthdays. Your gesture, no matter how sincere, gets lost among the other cards, gifts and baskets also sent to your clients, often by your competitors.

Instead, the key is to identify a time when your gift will be received, valued, and appreciated, not only for its uniqueness and personalization (more on that later), but also because it comes as a complete surprise.

So, let’s examine why ‘there’s no time like the present’ to talk about presents for your clients.

Building relationships through gifting

Believe it or not, the phrase “it’s the thought that counts,” is perhaps the most important reason for implementing this strategy. Gift giving strengthens the bond between you and your clients. It shows your appreciation and expresses that you put time and effort in developing a better understanding of your client’s ‘personality.’

Gifts help your brand stand out

What do your clients think of you?  What is your brand in their minds?  One of the easiest way to develop positive connections and build brand awareness is through gifting. As Ruhlin notes, off-season gifts signal to your client that you’re treating them genuinely, and when it’s least expected.  As you develop your business relationship, these moments of surprise add up.  You’re seen as an innovator, a company who does things differently.  This also has lasting impact for you as it generates positive word-of-mouth within your industry.

Uniqueness and personalization is key

Much like a concierge or wine sommelier, Favorable provides a unique service that matches your needs with what’s readily available. The key, of course, is listening.  You tell me your goals, your ideas, your budget.  You also tell me everything you know about the gift recipient. Then I get to work curating the best options and ideas. My secret: thoughtful, memorable gifts come from paying attention to the little things.

Or if this is a  gift for multiple clients, customers, or employees, I can help create a strategy (I call them Connection Plans.) around gifting groups so you are sure nobody is missed.

Are you ready to try a new strategy to develop and deepen client relationships in 2025?  Are you ready for little things to turn into big things?

It’s not too late.  Just think of how your clients would react when they receive an unexpected gift from you during Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, or the first day of Spring?

All of a sudden you have another connection point, another conversation topic, that, eventually, could impact your bottom line.

Call me and we can set this plan in motion.

Until we chat again,

SH Signature

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Why Hiring a Gift Specialist is the Best Holiday Investment

The Gift of Professionalism

As the holiday season approaches, companies everywhere are starting to think about how to express appreciation to their employees and clients. The act of gift-giving can foster goodwill, strengthen relationships, and boost morale. However, the pressure to find the perfect gift can be overwhelming. This is where hiring a professional gift specialist (AKA ME!) can make all the difference.

Expertise and Creativity

I’ve been doing this awhile now. And I can tell you, I’m nothing if not creative and work hard to shop locally. There are nuances of gift-giving and I can tailor suggestions to fit your company culture and individual preferences. Whether you need to select gifts for a diverse team or special clients, I can curate options that resonate with the recipients. I can even find top of trends, ensuring that your gifts are not only thoughtful but also relevant and exciting.

Time-Saving Convenience

The holiday season is already a busy time for businesses and individuals. With deadlines looming and projects to finalize, dedicating time to sourcing, selecting, and purchasing gifts can become an added stressor. By hiring a gift specialist (AKA ME AGAIN!), you free up valuable time to focus on what really matters—running your business, department, family, etc. I can manage the entire process, from concept to delivery, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free holiday season.

Personalization Matters

A generic gift can easily be forgotten, but a personalized touch can leave a lasting impression. I can help you choose just the right gift and THEN EXECUTE THE CUSTOMIZATION with a local or online partner. Because you KNOW I know a person who can help with whatever it is you are looking for! I can help you choose gifts that reflect personality, interests, and preferences for whomever is to get it.

Building Stronger Relationships

Thoughtful gifting is an opportunity to strengthen relationships with employees and clients. I have created connections throughout my 25+ years in marketing that have encouraged retention of employees and clients alike. And no matter the budget, I can come up with a few ideas that will help you build those bonds with your giftees, too. Speaking of budget…

Budget Management

While hiring a professional might seem like an additional expense, it can actually save you money in the long run. I help you identify the best options within your budget, avoiding impulse buys that may not have the desired impact. I have established relationships with vendors and can negotiate better prices, ensuring you get maximum value for your investment. And your staff are freed up to make your company money doing what they do best while I do what I do best for you!

Stress Reduction

The holiday season can be stressful, with many competing priorities vying for your attention. Hiring a gift professional alleviates some of this pressure. With a trusted expert (Hi ME AGAIN!) handling your corporate gifting, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that every detail is being taken care of. You can focus on other important tasks, knowing that your employees and clients will be receiving thoughtful gifts that reflect your appreciation.

Consider the benefits of hiring a professional gift specialist at any time in the year. From creativity and personalization to time-saving convenience and budget management, the advantages are clear. By investing in hiring this professional (Cough, cough ME!), you’re not just giving gifts; you’re building relationships and fostering a culture of appreciation within your organization. Embrace the spirit of the season by making your gifting process as thoughtful and professional as possible. Contact me today and get on my 2024 schedule. Your employees and clients deserve nothing less!

Until we chat again,

SH Signature

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Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gifts: Showing Appreciation While Caring for the Environment

Recently I posted options for creating more eco-friendly gift wrap options. So, I thought I’d expand on it by talking about gifts for employees, customers, and clients that are more eco-friendly.

In a world increasingly aware of its ecological footprint, the way we show gratitude is evolving. Businesses, keen on fostering a culture of appreciation, are turning to eco-friendly gifts as a meaningful way to acknowledge their employees.

The traditional approach of gifting may have leaned heavily on material goods, but the shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly options shows a better understanding of employee goals outside the office.

Reducing Environmental Impact

Choosing eco-friendly gifts minimizes the environmental impact typically associated with production, packaging, and disposal. From recycled materials to items made from sustainable resources like bamboo, organic cotton, or biodegradable materials, these gifts actively contribute to reducing waste and conserving natural resources.

Empowering Employee Connection with Nature

Eco-friendly gifts often connect recipients with nature, whether through plants, organic skincare products, reusable items, or experiences like outdoor adventures.

Examples of Sustainable Gifts

  1. Reusable Items: Stainless steel water bottles, bamboo utensil sets, or cloth tote bags serve as practical and eco-conscious gifts, reducing single-use plastic waste.
  2. Greenery: Indoor plants or herb gardens not only enhance office aesthetics but also purify the air, promoting a healthier workspace and instilling a sense of responsibility towards nature.
  3. Fair Trade Products: Opting for fair trade, ethically sourced items like organic chocolates, coffee, or handmade crafts supports sustainable practices and fair wages for artisans.
  4. Experiences: Offering experiences such as nature retreats, tree-planting initiatives, or outdoor team-building activities promotes appreciation for the environment while fostering team bonding.

Beyond Material Gifts

Sometimes, the most meaningful gestures of appreciation don’t come in a physical form. Offering opportunities for remote work, flexible hours, or additional paid time off empowers employees to make sustainable lifestyle choices, reducing commute-related emissions.

The Lasting Impact

Employees feel valued, inspired, and motivated by the acknowledgment of their efforts while knowing that the appreciation comes with a conscientious approach toward preserving the planet. By embracing this shift to eco-consciousness, businesses can foster a culture of appreciation while being kinder to our planet.

Until Next Time,

SH Signature

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Giftology or Why I Started Favorable

Giftology or Why I Started Favorable

In late 2020, a friend asked me what I would want to do if I could do anything. I said, without hesitation, SHOP FOR A LIVING! I told her about wanting to help people who didn’t have time, energy, or the knowledge to buy superb gifts for big gifting occasions.

She told me about the book, Giftology by John Ruhlin. This book changed how I was thinking of starting my shopping and gifting business.

Using Ruhlin’s gift-giving strategies, readers learn the power of thoughtful, intentional gifting. The book is divided into three parts: the art of gifting, the science of gifting, and the strategy of gifting.

The Art of Gifting

Why is giving thoughtful, meaningful gifts important? The key to successful gifting is to pay attention to the details and make sure that each gift is tailored to the recipient, taking into account their interests and tastes. Ruhlin provides advice on the act of finding the right gifts, including researching what the recipient likes and exploring new gift ideas.

The Science of Gifting

What is the science of gifting? What is the neuroscience behind why people respond positively to thoughtful gifts? Gifting can create a positive emotional connection between people, leading to increased loyalty and trust. Gifts build relationships and create an emotional connection that can last long after the gift is given.

The Strategy of Gifting

Why have a gifting strategy? Ruhlin helps the reader create a gifting strategy and provides practical advice on how to use gifts for maximum impact. Gifts should be used to show appreciation, build relationships, and create positive memories. It is here he gives data-driven examples to illustrate why having a plan works.

Conclusion

Ruhlin’s advice is practical and easy to implement. Before starting Favorable, I always loved the challenge of finding just the right gift to reward and recognize employees, clients, and customers. I just didn’t know why. Giftology has provided me with a better understanding of gifting, given me the perfect foundation to start Favorable, and inspired many of the core components of my business plan.

Giftology is a must-read for anyone looking to boost their business or better their personal relationships. Using Ruhlin’s gift-giving strategies, readers learn the power of thoughtful, intentional gifting…or you can just call me to create a plan with you and then I’ll make that magic happen. 😉

Until Next Time,

SH Signature

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It never hurts to ask.

Previously…

Much like A Christmas Story, there I was.  7 years old.  On the big guy’s lap, providing detailed evidence as to all my nice deeds for the year and clarifying a few naughty moments. My Christmas list was simple and pretty on target for my age group.  I was just about to pounce off when I decided to toss one more wish Kris Kringle’s way. Because, I thought, “It never hurts to ask.”

“And, Santa, I’d really love an 8-track player for Christmas.” I wanted it so badly because listening to my favorite tunes over and over and over and over again would be so GREAT!

He winked, smiled, and moved on to the next kid while I received my complimentary candy cane and Polaroid snapshot. (Photo used for this blog is of me on my Grampa’s lap, but you get the point.)

I’m sure you know what comes next. Just a few weeks from that simple, innocent ask was the Christmas surprise of a lifetime.  An awesome 8-track player under the tree.  That made my whole year and all because I asked.

Now…

What a great reminder as your year and my year come to an end.  Are there any questions you can ask yourself to close out 2022 or prepare for 2023?  Check-in on a key team member and ask how you can help them succeed in 2023?  Reach out to one more client or a prospect and get a coffee on the books for January?

And, as I take my own advice, since it doesn’t hurt to ask, how can I help you this holiday season? If you need help with shopping for your family or friends, or if your company needs an end-of-year recognition and celebration idea, I can make that happen. Just use the Contact Us page and we can make the magic happen for your friends, family, employees, or teammates!

Until we chat again, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Favorable.

SH Signature

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SIX MONTHS to the Holidays?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

It seems weird (read: terrifying!) to say it, but we are officially SIX MONTHS away from Christmas and less than that to the holiday season. And with the holidays can come stress. A survey by the American Psychological Association, 38 percent of people said their stress level increases during the holidays. Another survey, by Principal Financial Group, revealed that 53 percent of people feel financially stressed by holiday spending.

But financial stressors aren’t the only ones that happen around the holidays. Pressures on you to be happy, to be everywhere, to find just the right thing…the list goes on and on. What can be done to try to alleviate this year’s stressors when buying gifts for family and friends?

  1. Plan ahead. Start thinking now about who you have to buy gifts for, make a list in your phone’s notes or other list app, and when you are out and about, look for gifts and BUY NOW!
  2. Talk to your family. Do you HAVE to buy gifts this year or can something else be done instead? A trip later in the year? The whole family gives to a charity close to your heart?
  3. Create a reasonable budget…and stick to it. You know where your finances are. Figure out a reasonable budget, whether by person or overall, and stay within it.

And don’t forget your clients, employees, and customers either. Although I would suggest giving gifts at a different time of the year than the holidays if you feel it is best to recognize and thank these people during the holidays, a very similar 3-step process can be followed.

  1. Plan Ahead. Will you get gifts for all your clients or segments? Will it be one gift for all or a selection of gifts to choose from?
  2. Create a budget. What makes sense as a per-person dollar amount to spend? Is there a limit in your business on what you can spend per client? And back to #1, how many gifts are you buying?
  3. Start ordering early. Don’t let what happened last year affect you this year. Order early to get the best option for gifts and shipping costs.

The best way to avoid the stress of holiday gift-giving for everyone, client, family, or friend? Hire Favorable early and all the gifts are done for you and within that budget! Fill out the contact us form and we can meet to talk about who you need to buy gifts for and the budget for each of them. Then I take ALL THE STRESS away from you. 😊

Until Next Time,

SH Signature

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Connection Plans: Strategically Targeted Thank Yous

Recently I was working with a client. And they asked me how I decided on the elements of their custom Connection Plan. Psst: If you are wondering what a Connection Plan is, please reach out. I’d be happy to tell you! (Hint: Client/Customer/Employee recognition is a key component.)

Plans and Processes

For starters, I’m a plans and processes kind of gal. P & Ps, as I’ve discovered over 25+ years in marketing, are so very important as they:

  • Keep a team on track toward a goal,
  • Successors can see what has been done in the past, whether meeting or missing goals.

Keeping track of what you did, the order you did them, and goals (i.e. KPIs) behind them creates a quantifiable way to gauge success for future team members. Documentation is key to evolution and company growth.

Strategic Timing

Second, managing connections and utilizing just the right timing for thanking and appreciating clients, customers, members, and employees, was a challenging puzzle I love to tackle. My five core questions are:

  • Do I want to find create momentum in a downtime or leverage an upturn in revenue?
  • What is the budget?
  • What is the latest fad or trend to jump on? (Pop sockets anyone?!)
  • Is there something that is utilitarian in nature that people will remember us for a long time to come?
  • What does our communication look like currently? Are thank yous strategically included in it?

Connection Plans

A Connection Plan combines these two elements and strategically targets thanking and engaging your company’s most important people with just the right tempo.

Ultimately, thanking people in a way that excites and engages them is the best way to connect them to your brand.

The Favorable Connection Plan helps clients. Approaching this methodically ensures you connect and not miss any person who spends their money and/or time with you. In my opinion, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do for your company.

Until next time,

SH Signature

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Gifting from the Outside In

One of my FAVORITE parts of creating a curated gift is the design of it. If there is a theme, what is it? How many things can I fit into the theme before it is too many? Staying within the budget is its own kind of challenge. How can I get the best product that can still make an impact? But my favorite thing is deciding, once I have the items, what can I put it in that is fun AND functional?

Let’s break this all down.

Themes are so fun to use when putting together a curated gift. Depending on who they are going to, how the gift is getting there, and what they like, theming could get more difficult to do. As an example, I love grilling boxes filled with super interesting grilling goods. Need an extra-wide flipper? What about meat shredders or large skewers? If you are going to have to ship this to someone, that could be tricky so maybe this isn’t the right idea? Or maybe you have the same “sense of humor” as my dad who thinks this type of gifting is silly. Thinking about what your recipient likes and needs trumps what you think would be fun every time.

Now on to products. I have a few stores and websites I go to when I want to make the greatest impact on how something looks, and the impact it will make on the gift. I’ve shared a few of them in the past.

They all have great things that make a lot of impact!

Finally, my favorite part is answering the question, “What can we put it in?” I’m not a person who loves baskets, so I rarely use them as a container for my designs. I prefer “practical,” boxes or containers with multiple uses. As an example of this, I recently created a gift design that had a beach bag as the container. It was a donation for a school fundraiser that included a stay in Florida. So, the beach bag was filled with towels, a floppy hat, and a beach-smelling candle to get in the mood for the stay. They could take the bag with them on the trip and use it to get all the beach-y things they needed with them.

My final advice is to think as innovatively as you can about what might be a great container. Because ultimately, what you want most from any gift is for the recipient to use it and think of you whenever they do.

If you want to see examples of some of the boxes I’ve curated, visit my BRAND NEW Gallery page.

Until we chat again,

SH Signature

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