Birthday Party Games For Your Office Party

Celebrating an office birthday party doesn’t just have to be about eating cake or goodies. Playing games is always great for office moral. There are several fun ways to celebrate a co-workers birthday in the office. Send around a questionnaire asking ten questions about the birthday man or woman. Make them simple such as, what is their favorite TV show or what is their favorite color. It’s a great way to celebrate a birthday and also to get to know your co-worker better. Not only does this help to become more familiar with your colleague’s, but it also helps to build team unity.

"The Christmas Party"

Everyone loves movies. This next game will have everyone willing to participate.  Using several sticky notes, write the name of a movie on each one. Each participant will then have one of these notes stuck to their back or back of their chair. Each person takes a turn in asking their colleagues a question such as who is the main star or when was the movie made. This game will continue until everyone has successfully guessed the movie title. The person to successfully guess their movie first becomes the winner.

Movies are a big part of our pop culture and movie quotes are repeated constantly inside and outside of the office. Here is another movie game for willing participants. Write down a list of movie quotes such as, “I’ll be back” and have everyone write their movie guess on a piece of paper. For each correct answer, one point is given. Whoever has the most points at the end of the game is announced the winner.  This also helps colleagues to bond as they learn of common interests. Playing games in the office also makes coming to work everyday a pleasant experience. It boosts office moral and employees are motivated to complete their office tasks.

S.A.V.E. Rescue Group – Gallery Collection Charitable Donations

The Gallery Collection, as part of our charitable donations program, recently donated 6 of our Birthday Assortment Boxes and All Occasion Assortment Boxes to the SAVE Rescue Group of Toms River, NJ for their 3rd Annual Spring Fling Fundraiser. SAVE is a non-profit rescue shelter that takes unwanted, homeless and abandoned animals and provides them with medical care and a safe and nurturing environment until they find their forever homes.

Assortment box

The assortment boxes provided will be used as part of their Trick Tray auction to raise funds for the shelter.

If you are interested in learning more about SAVE, or how you can help, please visit their website at http://save.rescuegroups.org/.

Thank You Quotes To Write In A Card

During ones lifetime there will be infinite reasons to send a Thank You card for so many different situations; maybe a job interview, a gift from Grandma or just being there. The easiest thing to do is to buy a Thank You card with the sentiment already inside, then all you have to do is sign your name at the bottom, mail it and boom you are done–but how much satisfaction can you get from that?

Thank You Cards

There is nothing wrong with buying a thank you card with the verse that expresses exactly how you feel but it is so much more rewarding not to mention appreciated to add a personal touch whether in your own words using some of the following suggestions.

For a job interview: (whether you thought it was successful or not)

Thank you for your time

Thank you for seeing me

Thank you again for your consideration

 

For a gift from Grandma: (you probably don’t need help here, Grandma thinks you are perfect)

I so appreciate your thoughtful gift

Have you been talking to Santa?

How did you know I wanted it?

You are so thoughtful

You know me so well!

 

For an act of kindness (truly a time to be thankful)

I cannot express how grateful I am for your help

The gift of your time is very much appreciated

I could never have finished with out your help

Thank you for being the best friend anyone could have

What Are Some Good Ways Of Motivating Employees?

Monday mornings can be such a controversy. Monday’s are the start of a usual work week. While some are waking up dreading having to attend work others are anticipating on what great things are to come this work week. Ideally no one would drop a free day to have to work but if we enjoy were we work we enjoy going to work!

When motivating your employees it should start from the minute you walk into the door. As management you should provide a pleasant atmosphere for your employees. Having some one at the door greeting your employees with a simple “Hello, Good morning” can go a long way. It doesn’t just stop there it continues through the work day. You want your employees feeling excited and happy, knowing that their day will be stress- free. Employees are real people that deal with real live stress everyday. Work should be a place where they don’t have to deal with stress.

Employee

Another incentive that gives your employees motivation is; making sure that your employees have a spacious environment. Somewhere they are able to move around with fresh air and natural light. It’s very important to have lots of windows to give off that natural light so your employees don’t feel cooped up. Having that room gives them opportunity to spend an appropriate amount of time with other employees. As well as giving them the space in the kitchen or cafeteria to lounge on breaks; a place where the coffee and tea is always stocked.

In addition to being resourceful with your space using your walls can be another great idea.  Make sure you have an employee bulletin board to post events, birthdays, and motivational slogans. You may also want to post your company’s progress to encourage your employees to work hard. Add a recognition section to your bulletin board to recognize outstanding employees no matter small or big. Remember that whether you post something psychically or just take a walk over to your employee’s desk to tell them what a great job they do or done it’s guaranteed they will continue to work hard and they will strive for more.

Motivating your employees isn’t just about the work they do but about them as an individual. A great way to get to know your staff a little better and to keep them excited  about coming to work are events! There are many events you can do as a company. Many include food, such as a pizza day, cupcakes for employee birthdays, international food day, etc. This not only feeds your employees but gives them the chance to be social with one another. Don’t forget that that is another important aspect in the workplace; employees should know how to work as a team and be social with each other. Some more social events include having a casual dress day, dressing up for holidays, creating a softball or bowling team, etc.

Lastly but not least recognizing your employees and the work they do will always keep them motivated. Whether it be getting to know them on a personal level, complementing their work ethics, or rewarding them.  You are able to do this by social interactions or simply going to your employee’s desk to see how they are doing. Another example can be setting up contests or incentives to a reward for the fastest or the most sales by the EOM. As employers we should never forget that the employees contribute to a company’s success.

Congratulations to the Winner of our 7th Annual $10,000 Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest

Congratulations to Jill Ma of North Waterboro, ME! She is the winner of our 7th Annual $10,000 Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest! Jill is a senior at Catherine McAuley High School and is currently planning on attending a five year dual program at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston where she plans on earning a BFA in Studio Art and a BS in Science or Math. She has created her own festive vision of the classic holiday bells that truly evokes the warm feelings of the season. Jill submitted a design that is 100% original and unique, and we can’t wait to see the finished product! Our judges had a tough decision to make as there were so many outstanding entries in the finalist pool, but we think Jill’s design will make a truly amazing card.

Here is the design Jill submitted:

 

Scholarship Contest Winner

Stay tuned for information about our 8th Annual Create-A-Greeting-Card $10,000 Scholarship Contest.

How To Increase Sales With Birthday Cards

I am the owner of a small flower shop and I am always looking for new ways to increase my sales. Of course advertising plays a big role in letting potential customers know that we can make any celebration a spectacular event in the presence of beautiful flower arrangements. Many of my new clients have told us that they were recommended to my shop by satisfied customers spreading their satisfaction by word of mouth. Although my company is doing well, there is always room to increase business, and I decided to put an item on our agenda for the next monthly staff meeting as follows: “Suggestions on How to Increase Sales.”

Increase Sales

During our monthly staff meeting, when we came to Item 2, “Suggestions on How to Increase Sales”, one of my employees suggested we send Birthday cards to our clients. This was agreeable to all and our next step was to find a company with special Birthday cards. After browsing through the internet we all agreed that The Gallery Collection offered an elegant selection of business Birthday cards.

The above suggestion proved to be beneficial in that we did receive a significant increase in sales from our “Birthday” customers, as well as personal thanks when they called in for orders or when they stopped in the flower shop. It was comforting to know how such a small, but special thought, could be so meaningful, and rewarding. In more ways than one.

 

Sympathy Messages To Write In A Card

Often times when a loved passes away it leaves us with a loss of words. We feel so much sorrow that the only thing we can do is sympathize. During these difficult times, a sympathy card with a heartfelt message is all we have to give to show someone we care. The Gallery Collection offers many sympathy cards with messages that would be appropriate for these situations. Some of the sentimental greetings that you might choose would be:

Silken Roses Sympathy Card

• “With deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow”
• “Sincere condolences to you and your family at this time of sorrow”

If you would like one that is religious there is also:

• “May God’s presence be there to comfort and guide you during this time”
• “Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow”.

Whichever you decide to choose, these are truly heartfelt sentiments to show others your care and sympathy for them during a difficult time.

Soulistic Hospice – Gallery Collection Charitable Donations

As part of The Gallery Collection’s charitable donation program, we recently made a donation of 100 Birthday Cards and 100 Notecards to the Soulistic Hospice. Soulistic Hospice is a local, faith-based, and nonprofit hospice.

Artist's Garden at Giverny Greeting Card

 

Soulistic Hospice strives to deliver the highest level of care available, including pain and symptom management that incorporates complementary treatments where appropriate. They strive to always provide dignified care to the needs of the patient and their loved ones.

Soulistic Hospice views the final phase of life as holding tremendous potential for emotional and spiritual growth for all involved. They embrace the privilege of being a part of this process with humility and a deep respect for the individuals and families who allow them to assist in this special passage of life.

For more information about Soulistic Hospice, and how you can help, please visit their website at http://soulistichospice.org/.

 

What Are Some Fun Office Party Themes?

Being in charge of planning office parties is tough, but I do enjoy the challenge. Every year we have at least four office parties. There is the annual Christmas party, and our office Thanksgiving feast. And then twice a year my company likes to throw a shindig to show the staff how much they appreciate all the hard work they have done. A day to just let go and have fun. We have had some really nice parties. Some of our office party themes have been “Fabulous 50’s” where we came dressed in poodle skirts, ponytails, leather jackets, and bobby socks. We had root beer floats, french fries and burgers. Hula hoop contests, bubble gum blowing contests, we even had a phrase contest. The person who wrote down the most words or phrases from the 50’s won a gift card. We’ve had the “Stars from the 70’s” theme. Everyone got to dress as their favorite star from that era. Trying to guess them was fun. We’ve also had “Country Western Roundup”, “Country Fair Jamboree” and “Desert Island Scavenger Hunt.”

70's Office Party

I think my all time favorite would have to be “A Day to Say Mahalo.” Have you ever seen a grown man hula? Everyone received their grass skirts, their coconut cups, and their leis (plastic of course). Whenever you saw someone do or say something nice, you gave them a lei. The person with the most leis at the end of the day won a gift card. We had a really nice buffet lunch also. Pulled pork, pineapple upside cake, coconut shrimp, and fish of course.

Office parties are a great way to show your staff that you really care. You can even have a contest on what the next office party theme should be. You would be surprised at all the great ideas people have.

Our Top Choices For Birthday Card Messages

Birthdays come once a year, and so they are always something everyone looks forward to. Birthday cards are the perfect way to wish someone a special day. At the Gallery Collection, we have many birthday card messages that would help you express your thoughts to that special someone. If you would like to give a simple wish, perhaps for someone at work , “Best wishes for a happy birthday!” would be perfect. If you would like something a little more personal then, “May the coming year bring you Good Health, Happiness and Success. Happy Birthday!” would tell someone just how much happiness you wish them on their birthday and for the rest of the year!

Up, Up and Away Birthday Card

Of course there are also greetings that would be appropriate for work as well. One of our favorite birthday card messages for the workplace is, “We sincerely appreciate your contributions to the success of our company. Best Wishes for a Wonderful Birthday!” Another favorite would be, “Happy Birthday! May happiness be yours on this special day and in the year ahead.” Whatever greeting you decide to place inside of your card will surely bring a smile to that special person on his/her birthday. Personal birthday cards remind someone how much they are loved, and business birthday cards tell someone how much they are valued and appreciated for all of their work on their special day. Do you have a favorite birthday card message?