Thursday, July 29, 2010

Special Days (Easter, Mother's Day etc.) Congrats, Grads!

04/01/09

Special party favors and gifts for the class of 2009

Each year, graduates emit a collective sigh of relief after all the tests, papers, and stressful projects have been completed. Finally, it’s time to celebrate!

Graduation season is not only a time to honor academic achievements and noteworthy accomplishments, but it is also a time to give students a pat on the back with rewards that recognize their hard work. This time of year also gives family and friends the opportunity to offer graduates a few words of wisdom as they set out on new journeys and new beginnings.

These creative gifts and party supplies are items that graduates of all ages can appreciate.

For young graduates
Plush toys are the perfect gift for children graduating from preschool, grade school, or middle school. Fun new options from Fiesta, Gund, and The Herrington Teddy Bear Co. will surely make young grads smile.

One new design from Fiesta (323/581-9988 or www.fiestatoy.com) is the plush-and-frame combination. Each plush animal—either a monkey, teddy bear, or puppy—holds a frame that can fit either a photo or a gift card. The frames are embellished with the graduation message “#1 Grad,” “Congratulations,” or “Happy Graduation.” The adorable animals, which measure 5.5” tall, are topped with miniature caps and tassels. Each plush retails for about $7.

At the same price point are Fiesta’s Top Grad Monkeys. The quirky plush monkeys hold half-peeled bananas that read “Top Grad.” Available in chocolate or ivory, each monkey measures 10”. The toys are designed for children ages 3 and up.

For little girls, Fiesta also has plush flowers with smiling faces. Each flower has a bendable, green stem with two plush leaves; embroidered on one leaf is the phrase, “Happy Graduation.” The flowers, which retail for $3.99 each, come in orange, yellow, red, blue, pink, or lavender, and each wears a graduation cap and tassel.

The Herrington Teddy Bear Co. (800/942-4498 or www.herringtonteddybears.com) also has a new collection of graduation-themed plush. The company’s new Petit Fours collection—which features miniature plush animals—includes a teddy bear in a velvety white drawstring bag with an embroidered message that reads, “Happy Graduation” with an image of a cap and tassel. The honey-colored bear wears a miniature cap and tassel and retails for less than $10.

Herrington also has a High School Spirit Collection that is perfect for middle-school graduates heading to high school. A 13” Letterman’s Jacket Teddy Bear and 13” Cheerleader Teddy Bear are available, and they can even be customized to coordinate with your local school’s colors and logos. Ten colors are available. These two styles will be available May 1.

Also part of the High School Spirit Collection is a 13” teddy bear wearing a hooded sweatshirt (available in 22 colors), a 10” teddy bear wearing a graduation gown, and four 5” sports balls.

“We are very excited to celebrate school spirit with our new High School Spirit Collection,” says Cecilia Gustavsson, vice president of sales for national accounts. “The Letterman’s Jacket Bear and Cheerleader Bear are above and beyond the ultra-popular hooded sweatshirt bear. All items in this collection make ideal gifts and incentives for team sports and school admiration.”

A final plush offering to consider for young graduates is from Gund (732/248-1500 or www.gund.com). The GundFun Summertime Simon plush owl moves and plays the song “Summertime Summertime” when its foot is pressed. The 10” owl retails for $36.

Off to college
With so many new graduation products from gift companies this year, you can get creative with high-school graduation gifts in your store. Whether they are attending school away from home or nearby, college-bound grads will certainly appreciate some of these unique items.

Mud Pie’s (800/998-1633 or www.mud-pie.com) new “Class Of” collection is packed with bright giftware for teen girls heading to college. One essential dorm item that girls will love is the waterproof shower caddy, which has five pockets to hold personal-care supplies. The caddy has handles that make storage a snap, as the tote can hang on a doorknob or closet hook. The caddy measures 14.25” x 14” and retails for $17.

The collection’s Triple Notepad Set is perfect for jotting down quick notes to friends and posting reminders in study areas. Included are three stacked pads and a polka-dot pen that is tied with a “Class of 2009” grosgrain bow. The set retails for $14.    

Another useful item in Mud Pie’s “Class Of” collection is a two-toned, faux-patent leather laptop tote. With a zip closure, it features pockets and interior cushioning for protection, and it can hold up to 18 pounds. The tote comes in black-and-white or lime-and-black color combinations, and it has a “Class of 2009” grosgrain ribbon tied on the handle. It measures 24.5” x 16.5” and has a suggested retail price of $25.

For late-night studying, college-bound students will appreciate Mud Pie’s tall, ceramic latte mug. With a figural “2009” handle, it is available in three messages: “Class of 2009,” “I did it!” and “Oh the places you’ll go!” The mug retails for $13.

Other pieces in Mud Pie’s graduation collection include a twill photo pillow, photo frames, storage bins, laundry bag, waffle bath wrap, identification holder, loungewear, cosmetic case, can cozies, and more.

Another company that has products perfect for college students is Quotable Cards (212/420-7552 or www.quotablecards.com). New this year are sturdy, 100-percent cotton canvas tote bags that are great for carrying books to class. The totes are emblazoned with colorful or black-and-white quotations that are sure to make a statement on campus. One graduation-themed style features a quotation from Minor Meyers Jr. that reads, “Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.” The bag has three pockets and a zippered closure. It measures 14” square and has 12” shoulder handles.

Quotable Cards’ quotation-themed giftware collection includes plenty of other items graduates will appreciate, including magnets, calendars, candles, and more.

Party time
No graduation celebration is complete without a party. Here are some supplies that will give your customers standout get-togethers.

Party hosts can decorate their backyards with Burton + Burton’s (800/241-2094 www.burtonandburton.com) garden stakes. Each resin-and-metal stake features a cap and diploma at the top. At 11.25” tall, the stakes are ideal for garden beds, floral arrangements, or gift baskets. Each stake retails for $1.99.

Grads will love the fact that their family and friends can write personalized messages in the Class of 2009 guest book from Hortense B. Hewitt Co. (800/821-2504 or www.hbhwedding.com). The book features a white foil stamp on the cover and is a keepsake that can be cherished years after school is over.

At the end of the party, hosts can thank guests with graduation favors from Event Blossom (888/543-0938 or www.eventblossom.com). The company’s “Sweet Success” collection of personalized favors includes novelties such as notebooks, playing cards, and containers to hold candy or other treats. The items come in 27 colors and four graduation-themed icons.
 
A+ ideas
Remember that graduation celebrations take place throughout the summer, so reserve a special spot in your store for graduation party supplies, greeting cards, and giftware, and make sure to advertise with in-store signs and notices on your windows.

It is also wise to purchase an ad in a local high-school newspaper or create a discount flyer that can be distributed to students. After all, adults aren’t the only ones purchasing graduation gifts; students attend multiple graduation parties for their friends throughout the summer.

Use these ideas and offer helpful items in your store this year, and you’re sure to earn a passing grade with your customers.       

> more Special Days (Easter, Mother's Day etc.) articles

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