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November Note Card Writing Challenge for World Kindness Day

10/19/2021

 
To celebrate World Kindness Day, we’re kicking off a November writing challenge! Our goal is to help you connect with the people in your community and bring a little bit of joy to their day. For this, we’re asking that you simply send note cards to five or more people this month.
 
Remind friends, family, and neighbors that you appreciate they are a part of your life. Or contact local businesses or staff to let them know they’re doing a great job! It’s amazing how infectious kindness can be when you take just a few minutes out of your day to show your gratitude. It’s also a great way to way to scrub out any lingering negativity that may be affecting your own mental health.
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What Is World Kindness Day?

World Kindness Day is November 13th. This annual international holiday was formed in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement to help promote kindness throughout the world.
 
The purpose of this holiday isn’t just a reminder to be kind to one another and act with compassion in our daily lives. It’s also an opportunity to grow closer to our fellow man and community at large through understanding and thoughtfulness.
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November Writing Challenge

For our November writing challenge, we want to inspire you to write and send out note cards to the people in your life who matter but may not always get the recognition they deserve. So, whether it’s your child’s teacher, a cashier at your favorite shop, or a neighbor who keeps an eye out when you’re out of town, now is the perfect time to show your gratitude and bring a smile to their face.
 
As the month of November is typically a time we express gratitude, we thought this would be the perfect occasion to kickstart a writing challenge. It not only ties in perfectly with World Kindness Day, but Thanksgiving as well.
 
To participate in this challenge, we want you to inspire you to send out five handwritten note cards this month. That’s just one note card per week. Of course, you can send more if you like! We find that once you get into the habit or writing and sending cards, it’s hard to stop. After all, the joy recipients get from receiving greeting cards is truly inspirational.
 
While writing personalized note cards may seem like a small gesture, it can have a huge impact on someone’s life. It’s also a wonderful break for the constant onslaught of daily junk mail and bills.
 
Now that you’ve been challenged with a writing goal for November, you may be wondering how to get started. Not to worry, we have you covered! Keep reading to find the tools you need for success, including:

  • Printable Address List to Make Sending Note Cards Easy
  • Tips on What to Write Inside Your Handwritten Note Cards
  • Ideas for Who to Mail Personalized Greeting Cards To
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What to Expect from This Note Card Writing Challenge ​

This note card writing challenging is all about spreading kindness! Not only will sending handwritten cards lift up those in your community, but it can also have a positive impact on your own mental health.
 
When you care kind to others, you can expect the following health benefits as a result:
 
  • You experience the joy that comes from reminding others they aren’t alone and are appreciated.
  • Simple acts of kindness have been linked to feelings of wellbeing. They can also improve our self-esteem and strengthen our own support networks.
  • It can help you feel better connected others. Not only does sending cards help create a sense of belonging, but it can also make you (and your recipients!) feel less isolated.
  • Not only does doing something kind for others increase our own feelings of happiness, but it can also give us a better outlook on life.
  • Acts of kindness encourage others to do the same. When we all choose to express gratitude and do good deeds, it contributes to a positive community where we experience a boost in confidence and optimism as well as happiness.
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When Is a Good Time to Write Cards?

Today is a great time to write cards! Whether you’re sending a thank you card or just reminding someone that you’re here for them, it’s never too late to pop a note in the mail.
 
However, it is best to not feel rushed when creating handwritten note cards. Therefore, we suggest you choose a time when you aren’t busy. Start by creating a list of people you’d like to mail greeting cards to and why. Once you have your list, set aside 5 minutes once a week to write a thoughtful note to at least one person on that list.
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​Who Should I Send Cards To?

Friends and family are obvious choices when deciding who to send out cards to. Nonetheless, there are so many other options to spread kindness. Following is a list of just a few of the many people you can send a custom greeting card:
 
  • Past or potential clients
  • Your favorite coworkers
  • Friends and family
  • College alumni
  • Church members or volunteers
  • Members of your clubs or organizations
  • Friends and family of your children’s friends
  • Daycare providers and teachers
  • Medical professionals, such as your dentist or doctor
  • Your car mechanic
  • Your hair stylist or dog groomer
  • Neighbors
  • Service providers, such as police officers, firefighters, and delivery drivers
  • Military personnel
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Printable Address List

Most of us don’t have physical address books anymore. With contacts saved digitally, they often aren’t top-of-mind. Therefore, we created a printable address list to make participating in this writing challenge even easier.
 
Not only will this printable address list help you plan who you want to write note cards to, it will also make it easier when it comes time to address and send your cards. You can also mark the date you mailed the card, so you can remember to follow up.
 
Download our printable address list here.
printable_greeting_card_list.pdf
File Size: 259 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Once you’ve printed the list, choose five people to connect with to start. Then add to the list as you have time to think about the people in your life, who you’re appreciative of, and those who would benefit from receiving a smile in their mailbox.
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Where to Buy Custom Note Cards

If you don’t want to exhaust your time at the store shopping for greeting cards, then consider buying your note cards in bulk.
 
Magnets USA® sells a full line of premium personalized note cards to help you tackling any writing challenge you set for yourself. Featuring our luxurious, signature PLUSH™ finish, our colorful lineup of personalized note cards highlights more than 200 original designs perfect for every occasion.
 
Explore our collection of flat note cards, folded note cards, and house-shaped cards today. Then send cards and spread the love!
Like what you see? Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on social media via Facebook or Instagram for more exciting ideas and challenges.

2021 Christmas Shopping Timeline and Tips for a Hassle Free Holiday

10/15/2021

 
Discover our tips for avoiding hiccups when tackling your Christmas list this holiday season. These simple pointers are key to hassle free shopping and on-time delivery this year. Plus download our free printable Christmas gift list to make planning even easier!
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Holiday Shopping Season

The holiday season is quickly approaching. Every year it seems like it sneaks up on us. In reality, however, most of stay so busy that we simply forget to keep track of all those important dates. Unfortunately, with the pandemic continuing to wreak havoc on shipping times and prolonged supply chain shortages, planning for the Christmas shopping season this year is a must!

Christmas Shopping Tips

Avoid the challenges presented by shipping delays and supply shortages this year with our Christmas shopping tips for 2021. Following you’ll find a timeline for a smooth shopping experience to avoid disappointments on Christmas day.
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When to Start Christmas Shopping

To make your holiday shopping a breeze, we’ve created a timeline to help you stay on track, so you don’t get caught off guard. While some of these dates may have already passed, you can still catch up. Also make sure to mark these dates on your 2022 calendar so you can be prepared and plan early next year.

Oct 12th — 12 Weeks Before Christmas

Now is the time to start planning what you’re going to give your business clients, friends, and family for the holidays. Make your list and decide on a shopping budget.
 
If you’re planning to make homemade gifts, then now is the time to get started. Order supplies now if you haven’t already. Most craft stores are a season ahead, so waiting to purchase materials can make it difficult to find what you’re looking for the closer you get to Christmas.
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Oct 16th — 10 Weeks to Christmas

10 weeks may seem like a LOT of time, but you know as well as we do that if you blink it’s suddenly gone. There’s just over two months before the holiday at this point. So, now is the time to start your Christmas shopping. Not only will you be able to avoid the crowds, but you can also stay on top of any potential shipping delays.
 
It’s also a great time to pre-plan your holiday parties or decide how you’ll celebrate. And, if you’re sending out Christmas cards, get the family together for the perfect holiday portrait. You can upload your photo to Minute Mail Gifts. Then go ahead and create a template for all your holiday cards you plan to mail out this season with your photo printed right inside the card!

Oct 30th — 8 Weeks Until Christmas

With less than two months until Christmas, it’s time to put on your face and get serious! Lots of businesses are already advertising hot offers that you can take advantage of to save money. (These days, there’s really no need to wait until Black Friday for the best deals.) So, whether you are shopping in person or online, use this week purchase gifts for as many people on your Christmas gift list as you possibly can.
 
Now is also a great time to double check addresses for gifts and holiday greeting cards to make sure they are correct. You can also start planning holiday gatherings with your friends and family.

Nov 6th — 7 Weeks Before Christmas

(It’s finally November and it’s starting to feel real. If you are mailing out bulk Christmas cards, then order them NOW! You’ll also want to order address labels and stamps.
 
Alternately, you can also start creating personalized greeting cards for Christmas with your photograph inside. Hop over to Minute Mail Gifts to see how easy it is. Not only can you personalize a handwritten card, but you can also schedule a date to mail out your holiday cards — and send them with a creative gift inside the envelope with no extra work.
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Also at this time, you’ll want to take inventory of all your Christmas decorations. See what you have and what you need. If you’re missing any elements to create that perfect holiday display, then shop as soon as possible for whatever is missing. (Here locally we were sold out of Halloween decorations by the first week of October!)
 
The same can be said for pantry staples and baking supplies. There’s going to be a rush on basic foodstuffs as shelves aren’t being restocked as quickly as they have been in the past. Stock up on essentials at this time to avoid scrambling to find out of stock items later. (Remember the meringue powder and yeast shortage last year?)

Nov 13th — 6 Weeks to Christmas

We know it seems like you’ve done a lot already, however, there’s still more work to be done to prepare for the holiday season. While you’re waiting on the gifts you ordered to arrive in the mail, now is the time to clean and organize your home. Go through the closets and pull out winter clothes that don’t fit to donate to charity. The same goes for kids toys that they’ve outgrown or no longer use. This is a great way to help families in need, and tackle some of those spring cleaning chores a season early.
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If one of your family traditions is to make Christmas ornaments, such as these DIY alcohol ink ornaments, then this is the time to get them done! You’ll also want to order or shop for your holiday gift wrap, including gift tags, ribbon, bags, and bows.

Nov 20th — 5 Weeks Until Christmas

It’s Thanksgiving week! Right now, you probably have a TON going on preparing for Thanksgiving dinner and related activities. However, there’s still work to get done to prepare for Christmas.
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We recommend that you mail out your Christmas cards THIS WEEK for timely delivery. (There’s nothing worse than your card arriving AFTER the holiday is over.) You’ll also want to start mailing out care packages or Christmas gifts at this time. If you are ordering custom gifts that need to be personalized, then order them now and have them shipped directly to the recipient.
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If you are decorating your home with a live Christmas tree this year, go ahead and order your tree or take a trip to your local Christmas tree farm.

Nov 27th — 4 Weeks Before Christmas

There’s now less than a month to go before the big day! (Are you getting excited yet?) If you have kids who are writing a letter to Santa, then make sure they get those letters written this week! They’ll need to be mailed by December 7th to ensure they arrive on time.
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You can also put up your Christmas tree and holiday decorations now that Thanksgiving has come and gone. And don’t forget to pull out your Advent calendar!

Dec 4th — 3 Weeks to Christmas

The countdown is getting real at this point! If you have ANY last minute Christmas shopping, then get it done NOW! This is the absolute final chance to complete your online ordering as well in hopes your packages reach their destination on time.
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Now is also the perfect time to wrap your holiday presents. After all, there’s nothing worse than staying up until 4am on Christmas Eve scrambling to get everything wrapped and ready to go in time for Christmas morning.

Dec 11th — 2 Weeks Until Christmas

Now that your Christmas shopping is officially handled and decorations are up, you can start prepping for your holiday menu. If you’re hosting this year, decide what you’d like to serve and give any new recipes a test run. Otherwise, choose a dish or two to take to any holiday parties you plan to attend.
 
Season’s greetings cards are also starting to hit your mailbox. Display Christmas cards on your fridge or tape them across a hallway door frame. Or, if you’re crafty, find a creative way to display your cards to help boost the holiday cheer.
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Dec 18th —Christmas Is ONE WEEK Away!

It’s the final countdown! Believe it or not, there are still a few things left to make those final preparations. If you have any baking to do, get it done this week. You should also finalize your menu for Christmas dinner and do any last minute shopping you need to get ready.
 
Then spend the rest of the time enjoying time with friends and family. Make hot chocolate bombs with marshmallows, watch classic Christmas movies, or drive through neighborhoods to see all the Christmas lights and decor.
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Printable Christmas Gift List

To assist you with your holiday preparations this year, we created a free printable Christmas gift list to use as a holiday shopping guide. You can download and print this colorful Christmas printable here.
printable_christmas_gift_list.pdf
File Size: 233 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Then use the list to write in the names of your gift recipients, the gift you’ve chosen for them, and the price to help you stay on budget.
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Best Website for Holiday Shopping Online

There are several great reasons to complete your Christmas shopping online this year. Not only will you avoid the hustle and bustle and parking woes by shopping online, but you can also avoid the crowds. It’s also a great opportunity to create and send personalized gifts that you know are in stock. And, as there’s no worry about driving from store to store to find the perfect gift in stock, you actually save time as well!
 
We may be biased but we think LifeLong Gifts is ideal for your holiday shopping needs. Not only can you create lasting, personalized gifts for friends and family, but we also sell a wonderful collection of products suitable for business client gifts.
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What to Give for Holiday Gifts

If you need ideas on what to give as holiday gifts this Christmas season, then be sure to check out our holiday gift guides.

  • Personalized Kitchen Gifts and Ideas
  • Real Estate Closing Gifts
  • Client Holiday Gift Baskets
  • Personalized Holiday Gifts
  • Best Kitchen Gadget Gift
  • Personalized Cutting Board Gifts
  • Best Closing Gifts for Clients
  • Christmas REALTOR® Pop-Bys
We hope this post helps you plan and prepare for the holiday season so there are no unanticipated delays or surprises. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to our newsletter. Or follow us on social media via Facebook or Instagram for more ways to celebrate!

Christmas REALTOR® Pop-By Gifts: Creative Holiday Ideas

10/8/2021

 
Send your clients cards and gifts by mail. An affordable, time-saving solution for the busy real estate agent, our greeting card service for business makes Christmas REALTOR® pop-by gifts fast and fun!
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Make your clients feel like part of the family by sending personalized greeting cards this holiday season. With the ability to personalize each card, you can build on existing relationships, send a client gift, and save time. At Minute Mail Gifts, our easy design software allows you to create and send custom cards by mail quickly and easily with the same impact as traditional greeting cards – but with a surprise inside!
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Reasons to Send Holiday Cards with Pop-By Gifts

Relationships with clients are so important. Not only do they help to build trust, but they also help you grow your business through referrals. Here are some of our top reasons to send holiday cards with pop-by gifts to your customer base this Christmas:

  • The holidays are the biggest events of the year. Most people love the Christmas season and are thrilled to receive well wishes at this time.
  • It’s an easy way to stay in front of clients and prospective customers. When you take the time to remember them on joyous occasions, they’re more likely to keep you in mind when they need your services.
  • Custom holiday cards are a great way to brand your business. Personalized cards are an excellent way to reinforce your business relationships.
  • Including a small gift inside your holiday cards practically guarantees a 100% open rate. These little surprises also stick around long after the card is thrown out.
  • Christmas cards show your customer appreciation with a physical memento. They also make your clients feel good!
  • Holiday cards are often displayed, whether on the refrigerator or taped along a wide entryway. When clients have friends and family over, it’s a chance for a discussion about the great gift that came with it which in turn can lead to referrals.
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Pop-By Gift REALTOR® Christmas Card Ideas

We offer lots of great designs for real estate Christmas cards. Whether you’re celebrating a client’s recent move or reconnecting with past customers in a bid for fresh leads, we offer a variety of business greeting cards and gifts for the holiday season with competitive pricing and free personalization.
 
Here is just sampling of the holiday card designs we offer for sending cards with pop-by gifts through the mail. Whether you need a professional design or something fun and lighthearted, Minute Mail Gifts has you covered!
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Real Estate Christmas Card Messages

Not sure what to write in a handwritten Christmas card to a client? You don’t need to compose a long message for holiday greetings. Instead, something short and sweet will suffice.
 
If you need sayings to include inside your REALTOR® Christmas cards, then consider some of these messages:
 
  • Thank you so much for an amazing year. I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year.
  • Wishing you an abundance of joy in the New Year. Happy holidays.
  • Here’s to a bright and happy holiday and a prosperous New Year.
  • Season’s greetings! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a New Year filled with happiness.
  • From my family to yours, have a merry holiday season and a happy New Year.
  • It’s been such a joy having your support over the past year. Thank you so much for all you’ve done. I hope you have an amazing holiday season.
  • Wishing you a wonderful season filled with warmth and holiday cheer. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
  • I’m so thankful to have you in my life and greatly appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to work with you. Thank you so much! Have a wonderful and joyous holiday season.
 
At the end of the day, you just want to wish your clients a happy holiday season filled with well wishes. Therefore, avoid including coupons or promotions as well as ploys for referrals or business.
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Make a Greater Impact with Business Clients

You can make a greater impact by personalizing your greeting cards and sending them with one of our unique and fun pop-by gifts – right inside the card!
 
Customize your real estate Christmas cards with a photo of yourself or your family in addition to a personal message for the recipient. We’ll print your photo (or photos) on the interior of your card along with your holiday greeting.
 
In addition to your personalized cards, you also have the option of selecting affordable, tuck in gifts to include when your cards are mailed out. These little surprises have such a BIG impact on their recipients.
 
We love including a magnetic photo frame for displaying card images on the fridge after Christmas. However, you can also send refrigerator magnets, stickers, magnetic bookmarks, notepads and more! – with new gifts being added all the time.

Who Should I Send Real Estate Holiday Cards?

We recommend you send holiday cards with pop-by gifts to anyone you do business with as well as new leads.
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When Should I Mail Out Business Christmas Cards?

As the USPS mail service has increased delivery times for first class mail, we recommend you create and send your cards early this year. You can also schedule your Christmas cards and gifts to mail out on specific date.
 
Delivery times for local first-class mail is typically 3-7 days. Whereas outside your area tacks on an extra day. However, during peak mail periods, such as the holidays, we advise mailing out your Christmas cards with pop-by gifts any time after Thanksgiving, and at least two to three weeks in advance of Christmas for timely arrival.
 
However, the very last date we advise for mailing out cards if you want them to arrive by the big holiday is December 15th.
Start writing and sending custom greeting cards and gifts to your clients now! You can send all your cards with free personalization, postage, AND A GIFT for around $5 each. Just pick a card design, choose a gift, and compose your message. We’ll take care of the rest! Visit Minute Mail Gifts now to get started.

How to Create Holiday Gift Baskets for Clients

9/24/2021

 
One of the biggest struggles during the holiday season is figuring out what to give clients for gifts. Luckily, we’re here to help with some handy tips! Learn how to build holiday gift baskets for your top clients. Plus, explore our ideas for client holiday gift baskets to help you take the guesswork out of your customer Christmas gifts.
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What Do You Put in a Client Gift Basket for Christmas?

What you include in a client gift basket largely depends on the customer. We think it’s important to personalize the gift for the customer. This makes it unique to them and ensures that your present contains things that they would enjoy. However, if you are putting together baskets in bulk with a holiday theme, you can use the same elements for each one.
 
Just be sure that you cater your client holiday gifts for the crowd you’re targeting. This means, that if your clientele consists of foodies, give kitchen themed items. A self-care or spa themed gift basket is perfect for women who enjoy extra pampering. Or gift sports fans baskets with collegiate themed products. What you don’t want to do is give a wine and cheese basket to someone in recovery.
 
If you are giving baked goods or other food gifts, take care when making your selections. You want to avoid any potential food allergies that clients may have.
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Gift Basket Gift Ideas for Real Estate Clients

Here are some popular elements that real estate agents and other industry businesses use for their holiday client gift baskets:

  • Candy or snacks
  • Bath and body products
  • Wine and cheese
  • Artisan coffee or tea blends
  • Custom coasters
  • Homemade baked goods​
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  • Succulents or desktop plants
  • DIY kits
  • Handwritten note card
  • Magnetic calendars
  • Coffee table book
  • Toiletry bag or kit​
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  • Personalized grilling set
  • Pasta and other pantry staples
  • Monogrammed mug or drinkware
  • Magnetic bottle openers​
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  • Keepsake boxes
  • Kitchen scrapers with a set of dish towel, oven mitts and an apron
  • Emergency car tool
  • Seasonal sports schedules​
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  • Custom cutlery
  • Personalized serving ware
  • Wine accessories
  • House-shaped cutting board
  • Nuts and fruit
  • Pet products for animal owners
  • Summer sausages, smoked fish, and artisan mustard​
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  • Scented candles or other holiday home fragrances
  • Holiday advent calendars
  • Small board games or card decks
  • Christmas decorations
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How to Build a DIY Christmas Gift Basket

When creating a REALTOR® gift basket to give as holiday gifts, the last thing you want is for it to look sparse or incomplete. Therefore, we’ve pulled together our top tips for building a beautiful gift basket for the holiday season.

1. Plan Ahead

Before you start shopping for items to put in your client gift basket, it’s important to plan ahead. Decide on the theme you’d like to use for all your holiday gift baskets. Or write out a list of your clients with their interests to create a personalized real estate agent gift basket for each customer.
 
This makes shopping for your gift basket components both faster and easier. It also gives you more time to take advantage of seasonal sales and special offers, especially if you’re on a budget.

2. Determine How Many Items Should Be in the Gift Basket

Ultimately, the number of customer Christmas gifts you include in your gift basket is determined by the both the size of the basket and the size of your gifts.
 
We recommend you include 4-5 items in a small gift basket. For a medium-sized REALTOR® gift basket, choose 7-8 items. Finally, we suggest you pick 10 or more products for a large basket.
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3. Buy the Gifts and Supplies

Once you’ve determined what to include in your gift baskets, then you need to buy the gifts. You can also make homemade gifts if you’re extra crafty.
 
In addition to the presents you’ll be using, don’t forget to shop for the baskets and filler, cellophane wrap for the baskets, and decorative ribbon.

4. Assemble the Holiday Gift Baskets

The next step after you’ve gathered all the material and supplies you need, is to assemble your gift baskets.
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Add Filler

You want to use filler in your holiday real estate gift baskets to form a base for your gifts. Filler also helps to cover any elements you use to give your gifts baskets additional height. As this is a professional basket for clients, we advise you don’t use crumpled or shredded newspaper as filler. It is also helpful to color coordinate your filler with the overall theme of the basket.
 
Here are some ideas of the types of filler you can use to build holiday gift baskets for customers:
 
  • Fabric such as tea towels, a blanket or tablecloth
  • Shredded crinkle paper
  • Crinkle wood filler shred or packing straw
  • Shredded cellophane
  • Raffia
  • Tissue paper shreds
  • Excelsior, or curved wood shavings
  • Floral foam
  • Unique fillers such as wrapped candy, shelled nuts, or faux flower petals
 
Densely pack the filler you choose to ensure you have a sturdy base for the contents. We recommend you pack the base of basket three-quarters of the way full if you’re using large items. For smaller gifts, fill the basket to the top.
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How to Add Height to a DIY Christmas Gift Basket

Elevating the components inside your Christmas gift basket will help to create the perfect presentation. There are several ways to add height to a gift basket. The easiest way to do this, however, is to add elements to the bottom of the basket to boost the products you include inside.
 
Here are several ways to boost the height of the components in your container:

  • For shallow baskets, you can make things appear taller by adding basket filler, bubble wrap, or crinkled tissue paper to the bottom. Then stack the gift elements on top.
  • If you are using a deep basket or container, you can use empty boxes on the bottom to create height. You can stack the gifts on top of the boxes, then hide the base with crinkle paper.
  • Alternately, if you are using items such as a garden trowel or pencils, you can poke holes in the box to hold these elements upright.
  • Or use bamboo skewers poked into Styrofoam squares or floral foam. Then tape elements onto the skewers to elevate the smaller gifts.
  • Arrange the components so that the largest element is in the center or the back of the basket. Then use medium sized items to fill in around the larger piece with the smallest gifts around the outer, inside edge.
  • To help you design your client gift baskets for Christmas, we recommend this video. It has some great ideas on how to get your items to stand up tall for the perfect presentation.

Secure the Items Inside

With the elements arranged, you now need to secure the items in your gift basket.
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To do this, you can stuff the filler around the items for a tighter fit. In addition to employing filler to hide holes, you can also mix it up by using silk flowers, scented pinecones, Christmas themed floral picks, holiday greenery, or other embellishments.
 
Furthermore, you can also use a low temperature hot glue gun to adhere items together that don’t want to stay in place. If you don’t have a glue gun, glue dots and tape work as well.
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Wrap the Gift Basket for Your Client

Finally, wrap your client gift basket with clear cellophane. Then tie off the top with a ribbon. If desired, you can heat the cellophane with a blow dryer on the lowest setting to shrink the plastic around the client holiday gift basket.
 
Alternately, you can also wrap the basket, depending on the size, with a tea towel or picnic blanket. Or try using a sheer fabric, such as tulle from your local fabric store.
 
If you’re incorporating large items in your gift, that stay in place easily, you can skip this step.
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Add Embellishments

You can decorate your client gift baskets to make them unique. Tie a Christmas ornament onto the basket handle nestled in with the bow. Or wrap Christmas garland around the handle in lieu of using ribbon.

What Can I Use Instead of a Gift Basket?

Just because you’re making a holiday gift basket doesn’t mean you have to use an actual basket for the components. There are all sorts of other containers that can be repurposed for this use. We love choosing a functional and useful alternative to traditional baskets.
 
Here are some of our favorite alternate vessels you can utilize for this purpose:
 
  • If your customer recently moved into a new home, you could give a dual-purpose holiday gift basket by also making it a real estate closing gift basket. We love the idea of using a laundry basket, small trashcan, or cleaning bucket (something all new homeowners can use!) as a vessel for your gifts.
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  • Sturdy gift boxes, decorative storage baskets, and wooden craft store crates are another great option.
  • Canning or mason jars are an excellent solution for small gift baskets, especially if your clients are gardeners or preppers. You can fill these with bags of specialty spices and recipe cards or even small gifts like cookie cutters and holiday sprinkles.
  • Large mixing bowls or wire storage baskets are perfect for holiday themed baskets for bakers, foodies, and cooks.
  • A shoulder bag, canvas tote or reusable shopping bag is another viable alternative. While baskets are often shelved in storage, bags are reused regularly.
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  • Use an oven mitt as the basket and fill it with tools for baking.
  • Using a glass pitcher or tea pot is a creative solution when you want to skip the basket entirely in favor of supplying your client with just gifts that they can use.
  • A stiff straw hat, such as one you’d wear for gardening, is a fresh approach to a themed customer gift basket.
  • Small sleighs are also a great option for the Christmas season.
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Unique Holiday Gift Basket Ideas from REALTORS®

If you’re looking for unique holiday gift baskets to give your clients this Christmas, consider some of these popular gift basket themes:

  • A brunch basket filled with Blood Mary mix, smoked salmon, waffle mix, and other tasty snacks.
  • Give a self-care gift basket with all the ingredients for a relaxing night in. Things like candles, a spa mitt, bath bombs, a sleep mask, body scrubs, and face masks are perfect.
  • Traditional fruit baskets take the guesswork out of choosing personalized gifts for clients. Include seasonal fruits and nuts as an easy solution.
  • Create a cheese lovers baskets with a personalized cheese cutting board, gourmet cheese, artisan crackers, and a cheese knife.
  • Art themed baskets make a wonderful gift basket idea for crafters and artists. Fill yours with a customized art box organizer and tools such as an art journal, paintbrushes, markers, or pencils.​
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  • Gourmet food gift baskets with themed food gifts such as infused olive oil, olives, specialty condiments, fruit, cheese, and crackers are a popular option.
  • If you have real estate clients that love to travel, then consider a traveler’s themed basket. This could include a personalized passport cover, a travel kit, a credit card multi tool, and other useful gadgets for travelers.
  • A housewarming basket is perfect for new homeowners! A welcome mat, dish towels, kitchen gadgets, candles, a personalized wood cutting board, and even snacks are all nice additions.
  • Wine gift baskets are another popular choice. These are easy to fill with a selection of wine, cheese, and crackers in addition to chocolate. You can also include a wine tasting journal, wine glasses for two, a personalized corkscrew, a gift certificate for a tasting at a local winery, or a wine related book, such as The Wine Bible.
  • You can also create your Christmas gifts baskets with a holiday specific theme. Include oranges, a shelled nut assortment with a nutcracker, chocolate oranges and Christmas candy, Christmas cookies or other holiday baked goods.
  • Coffee gift crates are always appreciated by coffee lovers. Fill it with artisan coffees or whole bean coffee from a favorite local coffee shop. Then add biscotti or other cookies, a personalized mug, a coffee grinder, and other coffee accessories. You can also build a similar holiday gift basket for clients using loose leaf teas and specialty tea gadgets.
  • I also love the idea of a family themed dinner basket for new homeowners and large families. Rather than using a basket for this real estate agent gift, try a slow cooker instead! Then fill it with an oil mister or olive oil, a personalized apron, a family favorite crockpot cookbook, spice blends, and other non-perishable foodstuffs commonly used in slow cooker recipes.
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Can REALTORS® Give Gifts to Clients?

Yes, you can give your real estate clients a holiday gift basket. This is assuming that you aren’t giving a gift in return for a favor or kickback.
 
Section 8 of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) states that “no person shall give and no person shall accept any fee, kickback, or thing of value pursuant to any agreement or understanding, oral or otherwise, that business incident to or a part of a real estate settlement service involving a federally related mortgage loan shall be referred to any person.” 
 
In short, this means that if you are giving a gift as a thank you without any strings attached, it’s perfectly fine. (You can read a more in-depth explanation of this and similar rules here.)

Can You Deduct Gifts to Clients on Your Taxes?

Yes! You can deduct client gifts on your taxes. However, the IRS does have limits on the amount you can use as a deduction. In general, you can only $25 for gifts per recipient each calendar year. The exception to this is entertainment themed gifts, such as tickets. For this type of gift, you may deduct $50 per year for each client.
 
There are some exceptions to this, however. Branded gifts with your business information can potentially be written off at 100%. This is because they are considered a promotional or advertising expense. However, we recommend that you check with a tax professional in your area or state for clarification before making any purchasing decisions.
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We hope that you find these ideas for making holiday client gift baskets useful! For more gift giving tips, also be sure to check out our holiday client gifts! This corporate gift guide is filled with lots of great personalized, client gift ideas for Christmas.
 
For more information on great custom client gifts, subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

How to Carve Pumpkins with Tips, Tools and Ideas for Beginners

9/21/2021

 
Learn how to carve pumpkins for your Halloween decorations this fall. This easy guide provides tools, tips, and ideas to help you plan and create the perfect jack-o-lantern.
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This is the year to become a pumpkin-carving pro. A jack-o'-lantern ace. A prince or princess of the patch. But you won't be able to succeed alone. No, you'll need an army of carefully crafted cutlery and insider intel. Luckily, we've got some great pumpkin carving tips to help you get started!

Where Did Pumpkin Carving Originate?

The custom of carving pumpkins to create jack-o-lanterns is believed to have originated in Ireland. Residents in parts of Ireland and the Scottish Highlands originally carved turnips and field beets, called mangle-wurzels, with grotesque faces to frighten off a drunkard from an Irish myth called Stingy Jack.
 
Prior to his death, it’s believed that Jack tricked the devil over a deal for monetary gain. When he died, he was denied entry into heaven. At the same time, the devil, upset by Jack’s constant trickery, also refused him admittance. As a result, Jack was sentenced to roam earth for all eternity.

When Irish immigrants came to America, they brought this tradition with them. However, they chose to carve pumpkins for this purpose as they were native to the region.
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The Celtic festival Samhain marks the end of summer and the beginning of the new year on November 1st. During this time, it’s believed that souls who had died would return to visit their homes.
 
When the Roman Catholic Church moved All Saints’ Day to the first of November, All Hallows’ Eve fell on the day prior. Keeping with Samhain tradition, people began to wear disguises to hide themselves from wandering ghosts. Around the same time, the tradition of carving turnips to ward off Stingy Jack was also incorporated into the holiday to ward off evil spirits.
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What is the Best Pumpkin for Carving?

Before you carve a jack-o-lantern, you need to pick a pumpkin. You want to choose a carving pumpkin, rather than one meant for pies for the best results. Carving pumpkins have a thinner rind that’s well suited for carving. They also have less flesh on the inside.
 
Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins are the best, and most popular, type of pumpkins for carving. They have thin walls that make them easy to cut. Plus, they’re readily available throughout the season at most grocery stores. Assuming you don’t have the chance to visit your local pumpkin patch.
 
Other suitable pumpkins varieties you can use include:
 
  • Hobbit Pumpkins
  • White Lumina Pumpkins
  • Cinderella Pumpkins
  • Autumn Gold
  • Gold Rush Pumpkins
  • Wolf Pumpkin
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How to Pick a Pumpkin

Following are some easy guidelines for picking pumpkins to carve:
 
  • Choose pumpkins with a hard shell that will stand up to carving, but that is easy to cut through with a knife. If the shell feels as hard as wood, pick another one as cutting through especially hard shells can be dangerous.
  • Thick walls can prevent light from showing through the inside of your jack-o-lantern. Therefore, choose a gourd that has thin walls. Pumpkins with thinner walls have a hollow sound when tapped. While heavier pumpkins have thicker walls.​
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  • Pumpkin varieties such as Baby Bear, Baby Boo, and Wee-B-Little are small pumpkins that shouldn’t be discounted. These are the perfect size for kids to carve if you don’t need a giant jack-o-lantern on your front porch.
  • While the shape of tall, oblong pumpkins may be appealing and work well with your design, they do have limitations. Tall, thin pumpkins may not balance well or can fall over easily. Therefore, be sure any pumpkins you pick have a balanced base. Also, keep in mind that oblong varieties often have stringy insides that can make precise cuts more challenging.
  • Ensure that the bottom of the pumpkin isn’t soft or mushy. You also want to choose winter squash that has a flat bottom, so it doesn’t rock or roll.
  • The stem of your Halloween pumpkins should be firm and secure. You also want to take care that you don’t pick up the pumpkin from its stem. This can cause breakage which diminishes its shelf life.
  • Choose pumpkins with a smooth surface to make carving your designs easier, assuming it fits the look you’re after. You also want to avoid produce that is bruised or has a marred surface.
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Best Pumpkin Carving Tools

By choosing the best pumpkin carving tools to create your jack-o-lanterns, you’re more likely to succeed in designing the perfect Halloween décor. Here are the top tools for carving unique pumpkin designs.
 
  • Quality Kitchen Knives. Say BOO! to those tiny, plastic pumpkin carving kits that break mid-cut, and hello to sharp cutlery that's heroic enough for the job! For our Magnets USA-inspired pumpkin, we chose our LifeLong Cutlery paring (left) and filet knives. However, you can use any sharp knife that’s sturdy enough to handle the task. Or try a keyhole saw for curved cuts.
  • Kitchen Scrapers. While our Super Scrapers are great for cleaning messy pans, they also perform extra tasks with ease. One of those duties includes scraping out pumpkin guts. This tool is an easy way to remove the innards from winter squash so you can get down to business. You can also use and ice cream paddle or scoop as well as a small, serrated fleshing tool used in ceramics.
  • Hole Cutters. Another tool utilized by potters, hold cutters are basically short metal pipes with sharpened ends. They can be used to create lace designs or punch clean circular shapes into pumpkin walls.
  • Needle Tool. For intricate designs you want to trace onto your pumpkin, consider a needle tool. This allows you to easily transfer your design onto any gourd so it’s easy to carve. You can also use a T-Pin as an alternative.
  • Linoleum Cutter. If you love detailed designs, then consider a linoleum cutter used to cut wooden blocks for printing. These tools are not only inexpensive, but they also provide different sizes and patterns to help your creativity flow. Likewise, X-Acto knives are also great for intricate details.
  • Cookie Cutters. Metal Halloween cookie cutters are a fun and easy way to cut out perfect shapes. Simply use a rubber mallet to tap the cookie cutters into the pumpkin rind.
  • Melon Baller. This kitchen tool is another great way to decorate Halloween pumpkins. Use it to carve spheres into the pumpkin shell for light to shine through when lit.
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Pumpkin Carving Tips and Tricks

Now that you know how to choose the perfect Halloween pumpkin for carving, here are some tips to get the job done!
 
  • If you plan to use battery-powered lights in your jack-o-lantern, carve a circle out of the bottom to preserve the top. For candles or tealights, cut a hole in the top.
  • Make sure you buy a pumpkin with stem. A thick, green stem works best and indicates the pumpkin has thick walls as well.
  • Don’t be afraid to pick oddly shaped pumpkins. Depending on your design, the weirder the shaped, the more unique design you can create.
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  • Scoop out as much of the pumpkin guts as possible. The thinner the walls, the longer your pumpkin will last. This will also help to delay mold growth.
  • Research design ideas before you start carving! This prevents mistakes and allows you to sketch out the design onto the pumpkin before you begin.
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  • The easiest way to use a pre-made pattern or design you printed onto paper is to first tape the paper onto the face of the pumpkin. Then use a fork, pencil, or needle tool to poke holes along the lines you want to cut out.
  • Pumpkins don’t last forever. For the best-looking jack-o-lantern on the block, carve your pumpkin no more than two to three days prior to your event or Halloween party.
  • Light up your jack-o-lantern using an LED or CFL light. Other types of lights, as well as candles, give off heat that can cook the pumpkin form the inside, shortening its lifespan.
  • Make rough design cuts first to remove large pieces from the gourd. Once you the basics carved out, you can then go back and clean up the design or add additional details.
  • When cutting your pumpkin with a knife, use clean up-and-down slices. You want to avoid making cuts on a slant.
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  • Keep your pumpkin scraps to create additional design elements for your Halloween jack-o-lantern. You can use these pieces to cut out a tongue, hair accessories, or other features from leftover chunks of pumpkin shell.
  • Save your seeds! Pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, are delicious when seasoned and roasted.

How to Carve Pumpkins for Halloween

Ready to carve a jack-o-lantern? Here is how to carve your pumpkin for your Halloween decorations.

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1. Choose the tools you need for your design. While a sharp knife is a must, you may also want to use some of the other instruments we mentioned previously to help you successfully execute your design. 
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2. Start at the bottom of the pumpkin. Rather than cutting a hole around the stem to remove the top, make one at the base of the pumpkin instead. (If you're using a real candle, then cut a hole in the top for ventilation.)
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This way, you can place the pumpkin over the light, instead of having to reach inside the pumpkin to position the battery operated candle. Pro tip: With your paring knife, carve an indention for the LED tea light to sit comfortably. ​
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3. Remove the pumpkin guts. Arguably the best part of carving a pumpkin, removing the insides is the time to conjure that messy kid you used to be. So roll up your sleeves, put on your game face and go for it. You can wear gloves for this step, if desired. We recommend using you hands first to remove the loose material. Then try one of the suggested tools from scraping out the excess.
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4. Use a needle tool to trace your design onto the pumpkin. With your design taped to the pumpkin, use a thumbtack to establish an outline. When it comes to jack-o'-lanterns, staying inside the lines is a good thing — and will help prevent your freaky Frankenstein or cackling cat from becoming one terrifying blob.
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5. Make thoughtful, strategic cuts. We suggest starting with the smallest parts of your design. The paring knife, which features a short, easy-to-control blade, is a great detailing knife. For the larger sections, we found that the filet knife, with its thin and flexible blade, was best.
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6. Polish off your jack-o-lantern design. When you're finished cutting and all the pieces have been removed, it's time to add the finishing touches. Use your paring knife to carefully shave any ragged edges or remove stray guts.

Jack-O-Lantern Design Ideas

Need design ideas for your Halloween pumpkins? Here are just a few designs you can try whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pumpkin carving pro! Simply scroll through the slideshow to see them all.
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How to Keep Your Halloween Jack-O-Lanterns Fresh

Unfortunately, jack-o-lanterns don’t last forever. If you plan decorate your front porch with carved gourds this Halloween, then be sure to follow this advice for keeping your pumpkins fresh longer.

  • Store uncut pumpkin in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight and heat. Hot weather can cause winter squash to rot faster. On the other hand, freezing temperatures can also be harmful. We recommend storing your gourds in a cool basement until you’re ready to use them.
  • To preserve a cut pumpkin, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then store your jack-o-lantern in the refrigerator for up to three days before your party or Halloween trick-or-treating.
  • Fresh pumpkins last longer if they aren’t cut. Therefore, hold off on carving these Halloween decorations until closer to the holiday. A gourd that’s cut on October 1st likely won’t survive until the 31st.
  • To extend the shelf life of carved pumpkins, treat them with either bleach or a bleach substitute. To do this, simply mix one Tablespoon of bleach with a quart of water. Then combine in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto both the interior and exterior of your carved creations, then allow it to air dry. If you want an eco-friendly alternative, try a combo of peppermint Castile soap and water instead.
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  • Just as petroleum jelly helps protect skin from outside elements, it can also protect your pumpkins! Apply this product to all the cut edges of your jack-o-lantern as well as the inside of the pumpkin to prevent moisture loss. This can help keep your design from shriveling away into nothing.
  • For pumpkins that have prematurely dried before the occasion, you can soak them in water to help revive their original appearance. While this solution is temporary, it can freshen up your jack-o-lantern for that one last hooray. Simply soak it in a bucket of cool water for several hours, then drain.
If you enjoyed our post on how to carve Halloween pumpkins, then also be sure to check out tutorial on how to make a holiday charcuterie board.

Or, to discover more fun DIY projects, make sure to follow us on your favorite social media platforms. You can find Magnets USA on both Facebook and Instagram.
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