Magnetic Marketing from Magnets USA

Why Magnetic Knife Blocks are a Great Way to Store Knives

10/27/2021

There are lots of great ways to store your knives. However, magnetic knife blocks are one of our favorite kitchen storage solutions! Just as it’s important to properly store cutting boards to maintain their lifespan, knives also need extra care.

Keep reading to learn the different ways to store knives in your kitchen. And discover the benefits of choosing a magnetic knife block over other available options.

How to Store Knives

How you store your kitchen knives and cutlery is extremely important. Improper knife storage can dull the blades of your knifes more quickly than if stored properly. Storing knives correctly is also important for safety concerns. Loose knives in a drawer are an easy way to accidentally cut yourself.

To protect your knife blades and avoid accidents, knife storage separate from your other utensils and kitchen tools is a must. This keeps them from bumping into other items and damaging the edge. It also protects fingers from unintentional cuts.

Here are the ways you can store knives in your kitchen:

Knife sheaths are a simple, yet effective way to store knives. This product is a basic sleeve that slips onto the entirety of the knife blade to protect both the knife and the user when it’s not in use. Sheaths are designed specifically for the knife model you are purchasing. Therefore, if your knife wasn’t sold with a sheath, this is likely not an option for storage.
Similar to an artist’s roll up case used for paintbrushes and writing utensils, a chef’s knife roll bag is another off-the-counter option for storing your cutlery. Well suited for travel, leather is the ideal material for this product. They are used to protect knives from moisture, knicks and scratches when being transported from one location to another.
Knife blocks are the most common way to store knives in the kitchen. While most people buy a knife block set with the knives included, you can also buy knife blocks without knives to build your collection over time. There are several types of knife blocks you can buy to store your knives. These include upright wood knife blocks, in-drawer knife blocks, universal knife blocks, magnetic knife blocks, and under the cabinet knife blocks.
Finally, magnetic knife strips or holders are another option for kitchen knife storage. This style of holder is wall-mounted and easy to keep clean. However, they do expose your cutlery to dirt and dust and there’s no enclosure.

Magnetic Knife Blocks

We love the advantages magnetic knife blocks offer when storing kitchen cutlery. While there are numerous types of blocks available for purchase, our favorite are wooden magnetic knife blocks. Not only is wood a beautiful material for displaying these everyday kitchen tools, but they also provide better blade protection over metal blocks.

Why You Should Choose a Magnetic Knife Block for Your Kitchen

Magnetic knife blocks offer several benefits that you won’t get from a traditional wooden knife block.

Because magnetic knife blocks don’t have interior knife slots, they’re easier to clean and therefore more hygienic. It’s challenging to clean the interior of a traditional knife block. Therefore, dust, debris and bacteria may accumulate inside.
They dry quickly as they have a large flat surface area versus slots where moisture may get trapped.
Magnetic knife blocks come in a variety of designs and styles. So, it’s easy to find one that works for you as a decorative storage solution!
Unlike blocks with slots, the magnetic version can hold any size or style of knife. You aren’t committed to your chef’s knife going only in the designated spot. Without limitations to the number of knives of a certain size, you have more options.
If you have other stainless steel kitchen tools, you can use your knife block to hold these instruments as well. So, your pizza cutter or kitchen shears can also be kept handy for daily use. Or use it to safely store your Ulu knife if you’ve lost the sheath to your blade.
They are a convenient way to organize and store your knives, so they remain within easy reach and are always readily accessible.
Magnetic knife blocks help to keep your blades sharp. Unlike wood knife blocks, they aren’t accidentally rubbing against wood when being inserted inside a knife slot. They also won’t rattle against once one another which can damage the edge.
Furthermore, magnetic blocks fit neatly on your kitchen countertop. So, there are no holes to drill in the wall as with magnetic knife strips.

How Do Magnetic Knife Blocks Work?

Just like regular wooden knife blocks, magnetic knife blocks sit on your counter and provide a place to store and organize your cutlery. Rather than providing a slot for each different type of knife however, you attach your knives directly to the face or sides of the block depending upon the style.

To make this type of knife block functional, it contains either a medium or heavy-duty strength magnet inside the block to hold the knives in place. Neodymium magnets, also known as rare earth magnets, are most commonly used for this application as they are incredibly strong and reliable.

The magnets used are contained and hidden inside the knife block, surrounded by either wood, metal or plastic, to provide a decorative exterior for display. Not only are magnetic knife blocks a beautiful and functional way to store your prized cutlery, but they are also a safe storage solution for knives.

How to use a Magnetic Knife Block

To store knives using this method, simply place the knife onto the block. The magnet inside will then hold it securely in place until it’s ready to use.

For countertops blocks, we advise placing the knives on the block with the handle facing upwards and the blade facing down toward the counter. This will help to prevent cuts from accidentally grabbing the wrong end of the knife. When placing knives onto the block, set the back end of the knife on the block first, so the sharpened blade lands on it last.

To remove a knife, take it by the handle and gently pull it off the block. As you do so, slightly twist the knife as you pull so that the side with the blade comes off the block first. By doing this, you avoid scraping the blade against the block and hastening the dulling of the blade.

In addition, you want to take care not to overload the block with knives. We recommend you leave ample space between each blade for your own safety as well as to protect the integrity of the blades. By providing room between the knives, you help to prevent them accidentally bumping against one another and chipping or damaging the metal.

Are Magnetic Knife Blocks Bad for Knives?

Magnetic blocks are a wonderful way to store knives. But are they bad for your knives? As long as you are using a well-made, quality wooden magnetic knife block, this storage solution isn’t bad for your knives. When used correctly, they are a sturdy solution to keep your cutlery organized when not in use without risking damage to the blades.

Additionally, there is no evidence to suggest that magnets damage knife blades over time.

Are Magnetic Knife Holders Safe?

Magnetic knife holders are a safe solution for storing knives. Not only do they keep your knives stable to avoid damage to the blade, but they also are more sanitary than a traditional wooden block.

For the best results, we recommend that you choose a wood magnetic knife block for storage. This ensures the magnet is strong and durable enough to last. Cheap magnets will lose their holding power over time and can cause knives to slip or fall.

How to Clean a Wooden Magnetic Knife Block

Cleaning a regular wood knife block can be tedious. Not only do you have to soak the block in a mild bleach (or vinegar) solution to kill bacteria that may be lingering inside the slots, but you also need to take care that it dries thoroughly so there’s no mold growth.

Wooden magnetic knife blocks on the other hand don’t have slots that collect food particles or debris. As there are no holes to contend with, cleaning a magnetic block is a lot easier. Simply clean your block with hot soapy water, then dry with a clean dishtowel.

Where to Buy Wood Magnetic Knife Blocks

The magnetic wood knife block from LifeLong Gifts is an ideal way to store your knives and kitchen cutlery sets. This stunning, universal knife block is crafted from richly hued, environmentally friendly rubberwood. Measuring 11.75” wide by 8.75” tall, the sleek design makes it perfect for any countertop. While its eye-catching design provides a beautiful way to display your knives.

Compatible with most knives (not all knives stick to magnets depending on the materials used to make them) this artful block also boasts a keepsake medallion on the side of the block. This medallion can be engraved to create unique client gifts with your choice of personalization. Or buy one for your own kitchen along with our amazing custom cutlery!

Explore more amazing products from LifeLong Gifts for lifelong gift ideas! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on new products and sales. Or follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more great solutions for your household kitchen needs.

Stainless Steel Soap: A Unique Solution for Tough Kitchen Odors

9/30/2021

If pungent kitchen odors are your nemesis, then you must try stainless steel soap! This useful kitchen tool quickly and easily neutralizes the smell of garlic, onion, and fish on hands. So, this useful gadget is not only a must for your own home, but it also makes a great personalized gift for clients, friends, and family.

What Is Stainless Steel Soap?

If you’re like me, when a recipe calls for one clove of garlic, I’m immediately signaled to triple the amount. I tend to be heavy handed with onions as well. Unfortunately, if you cook often, then you know that the smell from these ingredients can leave lingering odors that are difficult to wash off.

Stainless steel soap is a handy solution to common kitchen and cooking odors that get left behind on skin. This creative kitchen gadget is shaped like a regular bar of soap. However, it is made from heavy-gauge, sand-polished stainless steel. When used in combination with water, this metal soap absorbs foul odors that get left behind by foods that contain sulfur molecules, such as garlic, onions, and fish.

Does Stainless Steel Soap Work?

Believe it or not, metal can absorb odors! Therefore, stainless does work to remove offending odors that can be difficult to wash off solely with soap and water. While they won’t get your hands clean, using metal is a viable solution to kitchen and body odor caused by garlic, fish, onions, and other common cooking odors.

To understand how stainless-steel soap works, you’ll need a little bit of scientific insight.

How Does Stainless Steel Soap Work?

Metal soap bars neutralizes odors on skin. This is all due to the chemistry between certain foods and stainless steel.

Both garlic and onions contain chemical compounds known as amino acid sulfoxides. These molecules form sulfenic acids that then become a gas known as propanetrial S-oxide. When exposed to water, sulfuric acid then forms. This not only causes onions, for example, to burn your eyes, but it also leaves a lingering smell on your body.

Stainless steel, however, binds to these sulfur molecules. As these compounds adhere more strongly to metal than to your skin, metal soap is able to absorb the odors on your hands to remove the scent.

Not only does the metal assist in the removal of body odor caused by onions and garlic, but it also works for fish.

Does Stainless Steel Remove Body Odor?

While stainless steel works wonders at removing body odor on skin caused by foods that contain sulfuric compounds, whether or not it works as a deodorant is up for debate.

During our research we found that yes, there are individuals who use metal soap as a deodorant stone, much in the same way as one would a crystal deodorant stick. One person even used this type of metal for foot odor by running the end of stainless-steel spoon between his toes! 😮

Like mineral salt stones, we’ve read that some folks dampen stainless steel soap bars then rub them onto wet skin or underarms to assist in the removal of body odors. (Though it won’t PREVENT smells that deodorant usually tackles.) However, we’ve not personally tried using this product on our armpits ourselves. So, if you do, be sure to let us know the outcome! (We absolutely LOVE hearing from our customers.)

How to Use Stainless Steel Soap

While you don’t necessarily have to use a metal soap bar to neutralize kitchen smells on your skin, this brilliant kitchen gadget is preferable (and likely more sanitary) than rubbing your hands along the inside of your stainless-steel sink.

To use a stainless-steel soap bar, simply hold your hands under COLD running water. (It won’t work without the water.) Then rub the metal soap onto your hands for 10 to 30 seconds. This process will tackle any lingering odors that you aren’t able to wash away with soap and water alone.

Ways to Gift Metal Soap Bars

The metal soap bars from LifeLong Gifts™ make great gifts for any occasion! We offer a wide range of full-color designs to make your gifts pop with full personalization on the back. With quantity discounts available, these helpful kitchen tools are an affordable way to give unique gifts to everyone on your list!

Here are some of our favorite ways to gift our custom metal soap bars:

Pop-By Gifts
Teacher Appreciation Gifts
Wedding or Bridal Shower Gifts
Holiday Stocking Stuffers or Client Gift Baskets
Housewarming or Closing Gifts
Client Referral Gifts
Real Estate Closing Gifts
Holiday Gift Baskets

Stainless Steel Soap Review

We’ve gotten some great feedback on our metal soaps from happy customers who’ve our products themselves and given them as client gifts.

Here’s a stainless-steel soap review from Geralann Tabet, a licensed loan agent and sales manager.

I bought these as closing gifts. I have always liked unique gift giving. People have often commented and have appreciated [receiving these as gifts. Some of their remarks are] as follows:

“How awesome”
“How Interesting”
“I’ve heard about this”
“Thank you, that is so unique”

I have one myself and it is amazing, because it really works! And with all the odors our hands pick up in the kitchen it is a great addition to the kitchen sink.

Care Instructions

Cleaning solutions can damage the finish on stainless steel. Therefore, it’s important to rinse your stainless-steel soap bars well after cleaning. You also never want to soak these types of products in chemicals or solutions that contain salt, vinegar, or chlorine as this can cause irrevocable damage.

To clean stainless steel soap, simply wash it in warm water with a mild dish soap. Then wipe it clean with a soft microfiber cloth.

If there are any lingering odors you’d like to remove from a metal bar of soap, sprinkle the wet bar with baking soda. Allow to sit for several minutes, then gently scrub off the baking soda and rinse.

Storage

There’s no special way that you need to store metal soaps. Just like regular soap, you want to keep the bars dry and allow for ample drainage. Basically, you don’t want them to sit in a pool of water.

For easy storage, all the Infinity stainless steel soaps you purchase from LifeLong Gifts™ come with a simple, decorative soap dish for storage or display. Choose from an acacia wood soap dish or a black plastic base.

You can explore more of our creative gift ideas here, including our best closing gift the Ulu Elite™ knife and Ulu Mate™ bowl board. Or peruse LifeLong Gifts™ for other personalized gift ideas including custom wood cutting boards, cutlery sets, and other kitchen-themed gift products.

You can also subscribe to our newsletter. Or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more unique product and gift ideas.

How to Choose Wood Cutting Boards for Personalized Gifts

9/29/2021

Custom cutting boards make beautiful keepsake gifts. Whether you’re looking for personalized gifts for clients, a housewarming gift, or a custom wedding gift, custom wood cutting boards are both a beautiful and functional choice.

Keep reading to learn how to choose the best wood cutting board for quality, lifelong gifts. Plus discover care tips and find out where to buy the perfect products for your gift giving needs throughout the year.

Why are Wooden Cutting Boards Popular?

Wooden cutting boards are popular for a number of reasons. They’re both durable and easy on your knives. There’s more than that, however. Here are our favorite reasons we always have a wood cutting board on hand:

Choosing the right wood helps to maintain the edge of your knives and custom cutlery.
They provide lasting quality and durability. Unlike plastic cutting boards, they aren’t destroyed and stained with use.
Typically, the wood darkens and beautifies as time passes. In addition, the variety of wood used for this purpose results in a gorgeous cutting surface with lots of decorative possibilities.
A quality wooden cutting board makes food preparation quicker and easier.
They are not just functional for food prep, but they also are perfect for charcuterie boards and serving trays. Or display them as home décor in your kitchen when they aren’t in use.
Studies have shown that wood is less likely to harbor bacteria than plastic. (More on that below.)
Wood cutting boards last longer than their plastic counterparts. On average plastic cutting boards last one to five years. Whereas wood endures for a much longer time frame of upwards of seven years or more!
Studies show that they offer a stable cutting surface with natural antibacterial properties.
Older boards, that have become worn, can be sanded down to create new surface.

Why Do You Need a Quality Wooden Cutting Board?

A quality surface matters when it comes to prep boards and cutting blocks. If the surface of your cutting board isn’t durable, then it won’t last. Not only do quality cutting boards last longer, but they also can prevent your knives from dulling too soon. Plus, better quality materials also resist bacterial growth. This is why we prefer a good, solid wood cutting board to the cheaper, plastic alternatives.

Cutting boards made from plastic develop deep grooves and chips with regular use. This in turn gives bacteria a place to hide and breed. As a result, they need to be replaced more regularly. On the other hand, hard wood cutting boards tend to be self-healing. In addition, plastic also isn’t as kind to your kitchen knives compared to the right wood surface.

Is Wood Safe to Use?

There have been multiple studies on cutting board safety. Some argue that because wood is porous and a natural product that it can harbor unsafe bacteria with each use. However, plastic cutting boards scar more easily and are therefore more difficult to clean over time.

Most studies show that wood is a safer alternative to plastic. In fact, wood is not any less sanitary than plastic as is often asserted.

Regardless of the wood you choose for this important kitchen tool, cleaning your boards with hot water and detergent is effective at removing bacteria, even as they age.

What Types of Wood Should Be Avoided?

Certain woods, such softwoods, are porous and therefore are more difficult to keep clean and likelier to stain. They also aren’t as self-healing as hardwoods and will show scars from knife usage. Pinewood can also give food a somewhat resinous taste if employed for this purpose.

On the other hand, in addition to being ring-porous, oak contains naturally occurring tannins. This makes this type of wood more likely to become stained with use. Ash is another wood that should be avoided due to its porous grain. As it also stains more readily than other hardwoods, such as maple.

We also recommend that you avoid boards made from exotic woods. These woods often contain toxins that could be absorbed into your food during preparation and can results in irritation, rash, runny nose, swelling or intestinal issues. Therefore, it’s wise to choose a wood variety that products nuts or fruits or has edible leaves or sap. You should avoid any wood that naturally repels insects.

Can You Use the Same Product for Meats and Vegetables?

It’s not recommended that you use the same cutting board to cut meat and vegetables. Food safety guidelines recommend a different surface for each of these types of food to prevent cross contamination. However, wood is perfectly fine for cutting meat, and many chefs prefer it due to the natural antibacterial properties in the wood.

What to Look for When Selecting a Wood Cutting Board

There are several things to consider when buying a cutting board made from wood. These include the dimension of the board, wood type and hardness, the grain, thickness and weight, and the porosity of the wood.

Wood grain: Edge-grain wood is typically used to make wooden cutting boards. This option is cheaper than end-grain wood due to its construction. End-grain wood, on the other hand, is most often used for butcher blocks. It gives you heavy, thick boards that are better suited for butchering meat. Both of these grains afford self-healing aspects that resist damage.
Thickness and weight: Choosing a thick board helps to prevent it from warping and splitting over time. While a thicker and heavier board also keeps it from slipping on your kitchen counter. The key is to find the balance that works best for your application and takes into account ease of portability and storage.
Wood Type/Hardness: We recommend you choose a hardwood for long lasting durability. The hardness of the wood should fall between 900 to 1500 range on the Janka hardness scale in order to protect the integrity of your knives. American cherry for example has a rating of 950-955, whereas Brazilian cherry is rated at 2820. In addition, hardwoods tend to be self-healing and show fewer scars and cuts.
Porosity of the Wood: You want to choose close-gained wood in which the pores are not visible to the naked eye. Open-grained wood not only stains more readily, but it also allows the wood to accumulate moisture and bacteria.
Dimensions: Unless you only need a small prep board, a larger wood cutting board is the best choice. This provides you with plenty of room to work without having to worry about cross-contamination. Additionally, we recommend a board that is 1.5” to 2” thick. This allows it to rest firmly on the countertop and helps to prevent warping.

Which Type of Wood is Best?

Based on functionality, hardness, and durability, we recommend the following types of wood when choosing a cutting board:

Black Walnut
American Cherry
Hard Maple
Acacia

Are Cutting Boards a Good Gift?

The high-end kitchen tools from LifeLong Gifts™ make excellent gifts for every relationship, both personal and professional. Here are just a few reasons why we love gifting custom wood cutting boards:

They can be personalized with a special message or sentiment for holiday gifts, housewarmings, anniversaries, or weddings. Or give them with your custom engraved business logo for things like closing gifts after you close on a home, so your services aren’t forgotten.
This product is handy and therefore likely to get daily to weekly use. In short, it’s a gift that keeps on giving and lasts for years to come.
It’s a personalized gift that everyone can use. They also look beautiful when displayed on a counter.

What Do You Give with a Cutting Board?

While engraved cutting boards make a beautiful gift on their own, you can also give a cutting board with several items tied onto the surface with a thick ribbon. Some of our favorite household products you can gift with your custom cutting boards include:

Mineral Oil or Spoon Butter
Cutting Board Cleaner
Custom Cutlery Set
An Ulu Knife and Bowl Board Pair
Safety Knife Sharpener
Stainless Steel Soap
Personalized Serving Ware
Tea Towels and Oven Mitts
Artisan Spice Blends
Cheese Knife and Shelf Stable Meats
Cutting Board Display Stand

Why Choose LifeLong Gifts™ Custom Wood Cutting Boards for Gifts?

Here at LifeLong Gifts™ we offer a wide range of wood cutting board designs that you can customize to give as gifts. Our engraved wood cutting boards offer plenty of room for your personalization. And they’re made from quality hardwood for lasting durability and to preserve the integrity of your knives.

How Do I Customize Your Products?

It’s easy to personalize the cutting boards you purchase through LifeLong Gifts™. You can choose an existing design, then add your custom message or information. Or you can select a blank board to highlight a business logo. We offer a variety of designs to choose from including monograms, names, and popular phrases.

To design a custom cutting board, simply choose the type of board and design you’d like to personalize. Then supply the information you’d like us to use to customize your product. Once you approve the proof, we engrave the boards to your specifications.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Cutting Board Engraved?

We don’t charge any additional fees* to engrave the cutting boards you purchase through LifeLong Gifts™. In addition, we also offer quantity discounts on as few as six boards. So you can save money while giving lasting gifts that make an impression. (*Design fees may apply to some products.)

What Types of Wooden Cutting Boards Do You Sell?

We chose the wood for our custom cutting boards based on both durability and aesthetics to give you the best of both worlds. All of our boards are made using hardwoods well suited for this application.

Rather than selling popular bamboo (grass) cutting boards, which can be incredibly tough on knives and have a shorter life than hardwood, we offer the following options for long-lasting durability:

Sustainable plantation hardwood
Acacia
Cherry
Walnut

Acacia Wood Cutting Boards

We love acacia wood cutting boards for their natural beauty. However, acacia has other benefits as well. Not only is this dense hardwood sustainably sourced, it’s also kind to knife blades, water-resistant, and highly durable. When regularly maintained with oil every month, it will likely outlast most kitchen tools.

Cherry Cutting Boards

Cherry is another great wood for cutting boards. Like acacia, this durable hardwood also has a natural beauty that shines through. Softer than other common options, cherry wood cutting boards help to protect your knives from damage. They also look stunning when engraved with your desired customization. We offer both cherry house-shaped boards as well as cherry cutting boards with a juice groove.

Bowl Boards

Our bowl boards, which we’ve coined Ulu-Mates™, are unique bowl-shaped cutting boards designed for our popular Ulu Elite™ knives. We offer these boards in three types of wood: acacia, walnut, and plantation hardwood.

We love the longevity of plantation hardwood. As plantation grown wood frees natural forests form industrial use, it makes it a sustainable and more environmentally friendly material. This high-quality hardwood is also easy on knives, though the boards do require regular maintenance the same as other wood products.

Like cherry, walnut also makes a gorgeous material for cutting boards. Another close-grained wood, the soft straight grains of walnut are knife friendly, while the color helps to hide any staining that may occur.

Customer Reviews

Here’s what Lanell M. Johnson Cypress, a recent customer and agent with RE/MAX, has to say about our products:

I love Lifelong gifts. I saw a presentation of what they had to offer at a convention a few years ago and I have been hooked ever since.

For years I have been in search of the perfect closing gift for my clients. I wanted something durable, long lasting, meaningful, beautiful, and personalized.

I love ordering from Lifelong gifts, Julia the customer care specialist always gives A+ service when I need something quick and detailed.

When I present the cutting boards to my clients and they see their family names on it, OMG they go crazy, they will text me, call me, and they shout me out on social media.

It is the always the last piece of the pie when I walk into Title Companies on closing day to present them their personalized cutting board, they are almost moved to tears.

It is the only closing gift I will give to every client. I love LifeLong Gifts and they have made me customer for life!

How to Care for Wood Cutting Boards FAQ

There are few things you need to know to properly take care of your wood cutting boards.

How to Wash Wood Cutting Boards

First off, it’s incredibly important that you do not put wood cutting boards in the dishwasher. You also don’t want to soak your boards in water as it will cause them to warp or crack.

The best way to clean wood cutting boards is to hand wash them using a brush or sponge and hot, soapy water. We recommend that you use a mild, unscented dish soap. Simply scrub your boards on both sides, not just the side you used. (By washing both sides of the board, you ensure that it dries evenly to prevent warping.)

After washing, then rinse and dry with a dishtowel. Set the boards upright in a strainer or against a wall to complete the drying process.

Do I Need to Sanitize My Boards?

You don’t have to sanitize your boards, unless desired. If you are worried about bacterial contamination, you can use a weak vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or bleach solution when cleaning.

Simply wipe the boards down using a clean cloth soaked in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or a mixture of four parts water to one-part white vinegar. Alternately, you can also use one teaspoon of bleach diluted in a quart of water. Allow the board to set for several minutes, then hand wash as usual.

To tackle stains or odors left behind, you can sprinkle them with either kosher salt or baking soda. Then rub a halved lemon, cut side down, across the board.

What Is the Best Oil to Use for Maintenance?

Oil is used on wooden cutting boards to replenish the moisture lost through washing and to revitalize their appearance. We suggest that you oil your boards once per month or when they feel dry to the touch.

You can’t over-oil your wooden cutting boards. So don’t worry about oiling them too often. Any excess oil simply won’t be absorbed and can be wiped off with a paper towel or clean cloth.

Food-grade mineral oil, also known as liquid paraffin, is probably the most common oil used for maintaining the appearance of your wood cutting boards. It’s inexpensive and easy to find. In addition, it won’t go rancid like olive oil and other common cooking oils.

However, you can also use any other food grade oil that’s not prone to rancidity. Fractionated coconut oil, for example, has a long shelf life of up to three years. (We don’t recommend using coconut oil that’s solid at room temperature.)

Alternately, you can also use spoon butter. You can save money by making your own. To do this, combine one part beeswax pellets (or carnauba as a vegan alternative) with four parts mineral oil over low heat in a double boiler. Allow to melt, then mix to combine. Pour the wood butter into a mason jar or other heat safe container and allow to cool and harden prior to use.

By regularly maintaining your boards with mineral or cutting board oil, you help extend the life of your products. Oil helps to prevent cracks, splits, and dry boards. Which in turn helps prevent bacterial growth.

How to Store Wood Cutting Boards

There’s no special way that you need to store your cutting boards. Just be sure they are dry before tucking them away inside a cabinet or drawer.

You can store your engraved wood cutting boards on the counter for easy kitchen décor. Or keep boards easily accessible by storing them upright inside a metal file organizer. Explore more cutting board storage ideas here.

Now that you know how to choose, create, and care for a custom cutting board, don’t forget to see what other wonderful products LifeLong Gifts™ has to offer! Shop now.

You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram to discover more exciting products and gift ideas. Or subscribe to our newsletter.

Ways to Market Your Business with Custom Magnets

8/30/2021

If you need fresh ideas to apply to your marketing strategy, then why not try magnets? Marketing magnets are a great way to drive sales and referrals! Not only are our custom business magnets for marketing affordable, but you also pay significantly less for engagement than you would using digital media advertising.

Keep reading to discover ways to use promotional magnets for marketing to boost your business. Once you discover how powerful and affordable these products are to your advertising, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without them!

Why Choose Magnets for Marketing?

Magnets are often overlooked by small businesses. Generally, this is because you just don’t know how to use magnet marketing to build your brand. However, there are so many great reasons to use this type of marketing as part of your strategy.

By choosing magnets that also work as useful tools for clients, you add value to the product. This means that prospects are more likely to keep and use the merchandise you give them. With them being magnetic, they are also constantly being exposed to your branding, with your contact information conveniently at their fingertips.
Direct marketing success relies heavily on repetition. The more a customer is exposed to your branding or company information, the more likely they are to reach out to you as their first call.
When it comes to customer engagement, promotional magnets are one of the most economical ways to reach new customers. Based on cost per impression, you pay a fraction of the cost compared to pay-per-click ads. We’re talking mere pennies for multiple interactions versus dollars for a single engagement.

How to Use Magnets in Your Marketing Strategy

Now that you know why magnet marketing is a great way to draw attention to your business, let’s discuss how to use magnets as part of your marketing strategy.

Our business got its start with magnetic business cards in 1990. Since that time, we’ve grown to employ a full-time labor force to produce and print our growing line of products on site here in the USA. If that’s not proof that magnetic marking works, then just ask our satisfied customers how many leads and referrals they’ve gained over the years using our products!

As every industry is different, we created a wide range of customizable magnetic products to help you creatively market your business. Keep your name and contact information in the hands of prospects year-round with these great ideas for ways to use magnets in marketing.

Custom Business Cards

Regular business cards are incredibly important to any business. However, it’s not uncommon for them to get lost in the bottom of a purse. Or find that you accidentally tossed someone’s contact info when you cleaned out your wallet last year. This is where our magnetic business cards make a difference.

Everyone uses magnets! So, the chance that your custom business card will get stuck to a client’s refrigerator or filing cabinet are high. Whether it’s to hang a photo of a grandchild or to display their son’s artwork, that simple business card ensures your contact information is always handy. So, if there’s an emergency, or your services are needed right away, you’ll be a customer’s first call.

Calendar Magnets

Our calendar magnets are the perfect way to reach customers from all walks of life. After all, who doesn’t use a calendar? Whether you’re a real estate agent or sales professional, our custom business calendars get results!

Home to the original magnetic tear-off calendars, these custom marketing products are a top seller across every industry. These work so well, in fact, that customers ask for these year-after-year. Not only do they keep clients engaged, but they also lead to referrals.

Custom Magnets for Cars

Market to the masses for an extraordinarily low price when you create and utilize custom magnets for cars. Our unique line of car magnets make it easy to promote your business on the go. Or use these to support your child’s sports team or to advocate for breast cancer awareness!

When designing a car magnet to promote your products or services, you should include the following information:

Your company name
Phone number
Website
One or two services provided

Refrigerator Magnets

Everyone uses refrigerator magnets! So, these are a fabulous way to reach and retain customers. Our lineup of popular designs provides the perfect backdrop for you to share a simple yet highly effective marketing message.

We offer custom fridge magnets for all types of businesses and events. These include:

Save-the-date for weddings or events
Restaurant take-Out
Spiritual inspiration
Medical, dental, and veterinary services
Motivational quotes
Home and real estate
General use

Sports Schedules

Sports schedules are huge! Magnetic sports schedules, however, are even better! Highly popular among team fans, these tools offer full season schedules for football, hockey, golf, basketball, baseball, racing, and soccer.

Choose your sport, then customize the schedules with your favorite pro, college, or high school teams along with your photo, logo, and contact information. Not only will your customers never miss a game, but you’ll also be their first call when your services are needed.

Personalized Notepads

Give clients and prospects you meet a magnetic notepad and you will absolutely get calls for more! Personalized notepads are both inexpensive and practical. They’re also a great way to gain recognition for your brand. Provide customer and potential clients a different notepad each quarter to mix things up and keep your name fresh in clients' minds.

Support for Causes or Teams

Whether you’re supporting a cause, such as breast cancer awareness, or your favorite sports team, products that speak to a specific group or consumer base have a tremendous impact. They’re also a great way to rally the people in your community together.

Marketing products in this vein are great not just for general promotion but are also perfect for school or community fundraisers.

Magnetic Mailers

No envelopes are necessary for these marketing tools! Our magnetic mailers are an effective and affordable way to canvas large areas or neighborhoods. Take advantage of our direct mailing service to save on postage and reach leads in nearby areas without knowing names or street addresses!

Household Reference

Everyone appreciates instant access to the things we use the most. This includes handy reference charts that relate to our lifestyle whether it’s cooking or keeping a home. Therefore, magnets that incorporate useful information in combination with your contact information are a win!

Our line of household reference magnets for marketing include options for every industry. Some of the themes include:

Home maintenance tips
Common kitchen conversions
Heart attack warning signs
Pet safety
Gardening basics
Local utilities phone list
Hot chocolate recipes
BBQ and wine pairings
Cooking temperature charts
Hurricane safety
And so much more!

Cross Promotion

Promotional magnets are also great for cross promotions with other local businesses. Partner with other companies to create a magnetic directory of your services including company name, phone number and website. Each company chips in on the price of the products, then helps to distribute them for a wider reach.

What Should Be on a Business Magnet?

As previously mentioned, using business magnets for marketing is a wonderful way to gain brand exposure – without your information getting lost in the shuffle. Not only are they easy to distribute, they’re also functional, durable and offer low-cost advertising per impression. But what information should you include when designing these cards?

You should include the same information on a business magnet as you would a traditional business card. However, don’t be afraid to add a fun graphic or design to make your cards colorful and attractive to display.

Here are the details you should include on your business cards:

Business logo
Company name
Tagline or slogan
Your Name
Job Title
Website link
Contact details, such as your phone number, address, or email
While optional, many companies also now include a QR code

For more tips on how to use magnets for marketing to make a big impact, explore our ideas on how to design a business card here.

Is It Legal to Mail Magnets?

Yes, you are allowed to ship magnets in the mail within the United States. However, there are some restrictions for air service. To legally mail magnets, they cannot qualify as a hazardous material. This basically means the magnets you mail shouldn’t have the magnetic field strength to cause deviation of aircraft instruments. (Meaning the field strength must be 5.25 mG or less at 15 feet from the surface of the package.)

Per these guidelines, all to the magnetic marketing materials offered through Magnets USA® can be mailed out to customers and prospective clients without restrictions. We are happy to mail out the marketing materials you purchase from us directly to your customer list to save you time and money.

However, should you choose to mail these yourself, the USPS sets guidelines for shipment of these materials which can be found here.

How Can I Make Custom Magnets?

Here at Magnets USA®, we make it easy to create your own custom magnets for your marketing materials. Our design tools make it a breeze to create magnets with your personalization. So, whether you’re designing business cards or magnetic calendars, your message gets seen.

We offer a multitude of opportunities to expand your marketing with branded magnets. Simply choose from one of the hundreds of design options available for any of our magnetic marketing products to get started. Then add your photo, logo, contact information and message using our Build-It software to make it your own.

Alternately, you can also create your own magnet designs from start to finish. To create DIY magnets, simply choose one of our custom magnet shapes and sizes, then upload the print-ready image you’d like us to use.

Need help customizing magnets for your marketing? Not to worry. We have a professional design team on staff ready to assist you! (Pricing for design services varies depending on complexity and the time needed to complete your request.)

More Ways to Market Your Products or Service

Now that you know how to use magnet marketing to promote your products or services, be sure to check out these other helpful posts:

For more marketing solutions for your business, as well as information on new product launches and special offers, please subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Tear-Off Calendars: An Affordable Year-Round Marketing Solution

8/25/2021

Learn how to incorporate tear off calendars into your marketing strategy for affordable year-round marketing. Whether you need to marketing ideas for real estate or another consumer or service-based industry, magnetic tear off calendars are an easy way to create relationships that produce results. Connect with your clients, generate leads, and gain referrals with this top marketing solution that’s designed to fit your budget!

Why Choose Tear-Off Calendars for Marketing?

Promotional calendars are a highly effective tool in marketing. As they provide year-long visibility for your brand, they are one of the BEST ways to spend your advertising dollars. When compared to cost per click on ad campaigns and other forms of digital advertising, you get a full year’s worth of ads for an incredibly low investment.

Here are some of the top reasons to choose tear-off calendars for your next marketing campaign:

They allow you to engage with your customers on a daily basis, even when you aren’t present, for cost-effective year-round exposure.
Themed calendars help you connect with those with similar interests. So, they’re more often to think of you first when they need services you offer.
Beautiful designs and functionality ensure this marketing tool is prominently displayed and stays in regular use.
Customization ensures your contact information is always at their fingertips.
They make a fantastic tool for small businesses that don’t have a big marketing budget like the major corporations.
Customers absolutely LOVE receiving calendars from businesses. They garner a positive response as well as generate leads and referrals both in the short term as well as for years to come.

What Makes Our Magnetic Tear Off Calendars the Best Choice?

Obviously, there are lots of ways to market to your clientele and generate leads. However, you may be wondering, what exactly makes our calendars such a great option?

Here are the top reasons why Magnets USA® is the best choice for your calendar marketing:

We never outsource production of our magnetic calendars. They are always 100% produced and printed on location in Vinton, VA with on-site customer support ready to assist you.
We offer professional design services to help you create the perfect calendar magnets for your marketing strategy – so you can make an impact even if you’re technically challenged.
We don’t just print your custom calendars and call it quits. Here at Magnets USA® we also offer full mailing services to save you time and reduce expenses. Plus, the more you buy, the more you’ll save!
We offer tear off calendars in a variety of cover themes and options. So, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your clients regardless of the industry. Some of the theme options include recipes, quotes, and real estate tips.
As a small business ourselves, we recognize the challenges you face. Therefore, we always offer the best quality products at fair and competitive pricing.
These pad calendars not only have monthly tear off pages, but they also feature a magnetic topper that highlights your contact information.
We offer a peel and stick option for our magnet calendar toppers. This budget-friendly variation helps you save even more by allowing you to attach your business card to the top yourself. So, it’s perfect if you’re just starting out.
Our non-toxic, magnetic tops can be die cut into house-shaped designs or with rounded corners for extra flare.
The magnet means this product attaches easily to a home refrigerator or office filing cabinet where it will be regularly noticed and utilized, giving it increased visibility.
The Magnets USA® exclusive card stock backer includes a handy kitchen conversions table and home account info write in chart.
Each calendar features 13 full months of calendar pages with before, current and after months on the back of each page. While our recipe calendars feature a recipe card on the back of each calendar page for delicious, home cooked meal ideas.
We offer the option to send out a personalized, business building GiftNote™ with your magnetic calendar purchase. These lightweight, greeting style notes are a great way to introduce yourself to prospective clients and can also be customized with your photo and contact information.
Our extensive line of custom calendars is updated yearly. So, there’s always a fresh advertising tool to entice new customers.
Every one of the tear-off calendars from our regular line features a beautiful, full-color card stock cover. This makes them a more sturdy and durable option that our own customers love.
We 100% guarantee the quality of our products. So, you can rest assured that if a mistake occurs, we’ll take care of it!

Jumbo Tear Off Calendars

Our jumbo tear off calendars are more popular than ever! Make a larger impact and stand out from the competition with this amazing upgrade.

Produced and printed right here in the USA, the same as our other magnetic calendar products, our jumbo versions can be mailed for 2 oz. postage. Or let us send them directly to your customer list for less to save you both time and money!

In addition to the same features as our standard size tear off calendars, here are some of the other amazing highlights our jumbo calendar pads offer:

They double as mini yearly planners with room to mark doctor’s appointments or dates to remember.
Our regular jumbo version features room for important notes. While the back side of the calendar pages on our jumbo recipe calendars tear off and fold in half to create 5.125” x 3.375” keepsake recipe cards.
They have a die-cut magnetic topper with rounded corners for a sleek design.
The size is more than double that of our standard magnetic calendar pads.
You can upgrade your purchase with a premium GiftNote™ that’s specially designed for the larger size. These business builders afford greater impact to your marketing campaign and give them a personal touch.

When Is the Best Time to Order?

Planning ahead is crucial for making that first of the year impact. So, when is the best time to order?

Our promotional tear-off calendars are popular throughout the year. We even have some clients that gift them after the New Year. However, we typically find that mailing out your calendars so they are received between the week after Thanksgiving and just before Christmas has the biggest effect. Early delivery also gives you a chance to connect with potential clients before anyone else has the opportunity.

To ensure timely in-house production of your marketing materials, and to account for unpredictable mail delivery, we recommend that you place your order with us by the end of October for the best customer experience.

Did you miss your marketing deadline to send out a full year calendar? No problem! We also offer mid-year calendars so you can still come out ahead!

How Else Can I Use Calendars for Marketing?

While direct mail is a great way to get our tear off calendar magnets into the hands of customers, it’s not always an option when trying to reach prospective clients for whom you don’t have contact information. If you’re looking to advertise your services in person, then here are some great ideas for distribution:

Let’s face it. Business cards, like email, tend to get easily lost in the shuffle of day-to-day life. Rather than hand out business cards at your open house to generate leads, gift these calendars instead. They also make a great handout at a front reception desk as well as at conventions and trade shows.
Network with other local businesses for increased exposure to more people. Ask your community coffee shop, gym, or barber shop if they’re willing to set out your marketing materials for their customers. You can also offer them to people you may interact with in these areas on a regular basis.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you know personally. While your mail carrier or children’s soccer coach may not be current clients, you won’t know if they’re interested if you don’t ask! Give them a themed tear off calendar for their enjoyment and see where it takes you.
Keep extras in your car. Just like a business card, these products contain all your contact information – but with a bonus! Having additional calendars on hand are a great way to make a first impression with those you may randomly meet while conducting day-to-day business or shopping for groceries.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Still not sure about ordering? Here’s just a small sample of some of the positive feedback we’ve received on using promotional calendars as a marketing tool:

For the past three years, with so tough a market, I would not have done as well as I have without the Refrigerator Calendars. Thank you Magnets USA for such innovative Calendars. They make my job as a Realtor, easier and more profitable. – Nanci W.
I was starting to wonder if all the Magnetic Calendars I had been giving out each year were worth the effort. I recently closed a property and afterward the client said, ‘see what 15 years of sending someone a calendar can do?’ I guess that answers my question closing just one house pays for many, many years of sending Calendars. – Doug B.
I anticipate eight to 10 listings from our mail-out over the year. From experience, we know not all calendars are the same quality. Yours are the best. For the money, this is the most effective marketing tool we use. – David R.
These calendars really work! I recently received an email from a young man requesting my assistance in finding his first home. When I asked if someone had referred him to me, his reply was, 'I know who you are, because your picture and calendar have been on my mom and dad's fridge since I was a little kid!' This same scenario has repeated itself over the past few years. After sending out calendars for over 20 years to my sphere of influence, they have been my best spent dollars in advertising and keeping in touch. – Pam S.
Our real estate company has been ordering magnetic holiday calendars from Magnets USA for over 21 years. Each year the process gets easier because our representative is so helpful and completely knows her products and her clients' needs. If I have a question or a late order, our representative just handles it. – Karen D.
I send or hand out 400 pieces every year, and get calls and sales from my calendar mailings. I use them to keep in touch with clients and friends, but mostly I farm certain neighborhoods. I have received many calls from these calendars and have people come up and talk to me because they want to thank me for the calendar and the recipes. What an easy and efficient marketing tool! – Fred L.
I have been a Realtor for over 40 years in the Colorado Springs area. I have always used Magnets USA products to keep in touch with my client base. My husband and I relocated to the Durango, CO area in 2009 and I put my Real Estate license on ice for 2.5 years. Upon returning to the area, I took the required courses to activate my license and started selling again in the area. I had little success the first few months. Then I received my personalized magnetic calendars from your company in December of 2014. I sent out 150-200 to my past clients and personal contacts. I actually mailed them on Christmas eve, December 24th. I received a phone call the first week of January from a previous client that had done several transactions in the past and he said: " I'm SO GLAD you're back. I started doing Fix and Flips 2 years ago, and I do not care for the Realtor I have been using. Will you please work with me to acquire distressed properties and then sell them for me?" I have been back in business for 7 years and received recognition in my office this January for the most listings by a Single Agent in our office of around 50 agents! I typically order Calendars, Baseball Schedules and Football Schedules. It's advertising money well spent. - Jackie Pierce Eaton
I have been ordering from Magnets USA for as long as I have been in the business, and I will continue to do so until I retire. My clients love the tear-off calendars that I send out every year, when it gets close to the holidays, I start receiving calls inquiring about whether I will send them each year, and I always say yes! The covers are beautiful, and the quality is excellent. I recently ordered the Learn, Live, Hope notepads and have gotten an extremely positive response from them, more so than I was expecting. These are definitely a winner. - Nina Cimini

As always, if you have questions, we are ready to assist you! You can order our marketing calendars online or give us a call at (800) 869-7562.

For more tips and products to keep you at the top of your marketing game, as well as ideas on how to market yourself as a REALTOR®, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

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