Thursday, July 25, 2013

College Packing Checklist

We went to college so this is based on experience.  Real life experience.  We’re here to tell you that there are things you need for college and there are things you really need for college.   Sure you need text books and a computer, but did you know that shower shoes are absolutely essential?  We found an amazing checklist to help you get organized for college and shopped More Than Paper for 8 things that just may make heading off to college even cooler.  If that's even possible. 

First the essentials and complete packing list. We found this on Pinterest via Bed, Bath & Beyond.  Share this with your friends! Pin it now. 



Now for those things that might make heading off to college even cooler, More Than Paper has you covered with 8 great college finds. 

#1:  A shower caddy.   Carting soap, shampoo, conditioner, a razor, shaving cream, and other shower products -- you’ll need a place to store everything.  This personalized shower caddy will let everyone know it’s yours and keep everything organized in one place. 

Personalized Camp Caddy for Camp

#2:  A computer case.   Your computer will go with you everywhere (minus the frat parties) so make sure you protect it – and in style.   The sleeves are made from neoprene rubber cushion for maximum protection and are available in dozens of styles, patterns and colors.   See them all here. 

Cases for laptops & iPads - Black White Polka Dots ()

#3:  A laundry bag.   Dorm rooms are small. Keep them organized as best as possible and messes to a minimum.   Put dirty laundry in a fashionable, personalized laundry bag like these ones. Who knows, it may make laundry time a bit more fun!  Or they may help strike up a conversation in the laundry room to meet a new friend.   

HeartStrings - Embroidered Cotton Laundry Bags (W180)

#4:  A bath wrap.   We remember getting ready for a Friday night with dorm friends.   All the girls packed in the bathroom, doing their hair and make-up and prepping for a fun night out, there was such excitement in the air!  Just about everyone was in a personalized bath wrap.  Available in several colors and font styles, choose the one that’s right for you! 

Adult Bath Wraps - Aqua (W11)

#5:  Cosmetic bag and toiletries case.   You’ll also need a place to stash make-up and toiletries that don’t go with you to the shower.  We love the quality of these waffle cases which are vinyl lined for easy clean up in case of spills.  

Waffle Cosmetic Bag - Pink (W100-W101)

#7:  Dry Erase Board. As on the Bed, Bath & Beyond essentials packing list, you'll need a dry erase board. Put it on your dorm room so friends can leave messages if they stop by and you aren't there.  Or keep tasks organized at your desk!    We've added dozens of new ones, come check them out.

Devora Designs - Dry Erase Memo Boards (Chevron - Grey-Lemon) Chevron - Grey-Lemon


#8:  Desk Organizer.  Get your schedule organized with this desk blotter. Show your school spirit - most designs can be customized with your school colors, such as this "Collegiate" one below!

M. Middleton Dress The Desk Blotters - Collegiate (Changeable Colors) (427-51963)

So what do you think?  We hope we covered the basics for college plus a few more things you may want to pick up.  College move in day will be here before we know it, soak up the last few weeks of the summer!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Go Nautical!


There are few things we love more in the summer than being on the water on a boat.  The warm sun, sea breeze, and smell of the salty air bring such a feeling of peace and joy.  Whether it’s being on vacation on a cruise, the ferry boat ride to work, or a sunset boat outing with friends -- there’s nothing like that nautical feeling you get from being on the water.   As you probably know, these days “nautical” is not just a feeling or sport, it’s also a style.


From nautical clothing and jewelry:



To nautical home décor – you can find that nautical style almost everywhere.  And it’s hot for summer 2013!


 

At More Than Paper, we love the nautical look of personalized gifts and every day accessories by Boatman Geller.  This year they’ve launched a new line of products available in nautical trends.




We absolutely adore the personalized stainless steel travel tumblers  by Boatman Geller.  Hold 18 ounces of your favorite drink in style!  They go anywhere with you.   They also make a great gift for the boating enthusiast or anyone else with many color combinations, designs and styles available here.



The personalized wine tags make a great hostess gift this summer!  Get 8 personalized wine tags for $24 and additional sets of 8 for $12.00.  There are 169 styles to choose from at More Than Paper.  Now your hostess doesn't have to guess who the bottle of wine came from at their party.   See all of the designs here.




Choose from a variety of personalized glass cutting boards like this nautical oneThese also make great hostess gifts or a gift for the cook.   Try getting it personalized with the boat’s name!




We also love these personalized beer bottle kooziescan koozies, and tumblers.  They’re a great gift for the boating enthusiast and look great in the hands of the captain on any boat.  More Than Paper and Boatman Geller have you covered with high quality products, great prices and excellent service.




So what’s your nautical style this summer?  Be sure to personalize your style with these great ideas by Boatman Geller from More Than Paper!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Camp Visiting Day

The mere mention of “visiting day” brings us back to our childhood.  As a kid: how do you show off your camp, everything you’ve been doing, all of your friends, your favorite spots AND get all your stories in?   As a parent:  how do you soak it all in, catch up on everything, and spoil your child rotten all while wanting to hug them and never let go the whole day?

Typically parents bring their campers goodies –  the favorite bagels that they have been missing, the essentials to restock their toiletries and wardrobe, but also many times parents bring little presents that campers can use the rest of the summer.   What are you bringing this year?  We have got some great ideas for you!

These personalized loom kits are hot for summer 2013! This gadget turns colored rubber bands into beautifully styled bracelets, rings, and other jewelry.  There are different patterns and styles you can make allowing for endless opportunities on rainy days or during rest hour.   The kit comes with approximately 2,400 rubber bands in 8 different colors, an instruction booklet and of course a personalized case in which to store it all!  


Personalized Loom Kit


A personalized care package bucket is also great on visiting day.  Classic and new games – this makes a great gift.   Hurry, we have limited inventory here! 


Personalized Camp Care Packages - Boy


Campers can sign pillowcases as a memento of the summer.   Get your camper a personalized pillow case with their name, nickname, initials or choose from a design like “Forever Friends.”   More Than Paper has a variety of styles of autograph pillows to choose from as well.  See them all here!  


Just Gifts by Robin - Autograph Pillows (Baseball) (TR15)


Also a great product for visiting day are these personalized graffiti kits
perfect for stashing your stuff in.  Store stationery, toys, toiletries, and more in this 14" x 14" x 3" storage box. 

Personalized Graffiti Stationery Box - Boy




The end of camp only means one thing: color war!  (Or the more politically correct term:  Summer Olympics.)  Get your camper ready with the right red, blue, green or appropriate color clothing!  Your camper will show their color spirit this summer with personalized color war clothing. 


 Custom Camp Clothing - Color War Banner


So hold your kid close on visiting day this summer and be sure to wow them with great gifts like these!  And while visiting day is certainly not about the gifts and all about just being together – a little something will surely be appreciated and make the day even more special.   Hug them tight! 

Monday, July 8, 2013

Camp Care Packages

In a parenting magazine, we once read an article about childhood memories.  Here’s a test.  Close your eyes and think of your fondest childhood memory.   What were you doing and who were you with?
The magazine study cited that most often the most recalled and happiest childhood memories were when the person was 1) doing something exciting, a little dangerous, or adventurous;  2) most often it was not with their parents or families, but it was an independent adventure or with contemporaries; and 3) it was an outdoor activity.
For us, camp memories are among our fondest.    Being unleashed from your parents for 7 weeks in the great outdoors doing exciting and adventurous things daily is the perfect formula for great childhood memories.
As a parent, it’s hard to let your child go off to camp for 7 weeks.  But you do it because you know that you are allowing your child to experience a sense of freedom, a newfound family of friends, counselors and staff, and make those lasting memories.
While it’s lonely around the house, think of some creative ways to let your children know you are thinking of them.  More Than Paper has you covered with some really cool care package ideas.  In fact, we have a whole camp section!
Since many camps have restrictions on sweets and snacks included in care packages, assemble a game package with Jax, War, playing cards, Play-Doh, bouncing balls, and things to keep them busy while in the bunk during rest hour.

Be sure to include some personalized items like this personalized journal.  Your camper can record all of his or her experiences of the summer and relive it for years and years to come.  The personalized notebook has 50 lined pages and is laminated on the front and back to stand up to the test of time.
Spark & Spark Note Notebooks - Preppy Flowers (Blue) (03-NBS-1400-63-12)
We love this camp memory book too!  It’s perfect for the boy who just wants to jot down a few quick memories here and there.
iDesign Memory Books - Campfires & Guitars (Camp) (ID_MB_14)
Do you remember what it was like to have your first best friend?   Send your daughter our Mogo charm link bracelets to give to her best friends.  We love the interchangeability of these.
MOGO Magnet Charms - Camp
Though they probably don’t want to already think about camp being over, get them some camp calling cards to pass out with their address to keep in touch year round.  Be an extra cool Mom and include their Facebook URL, Twitter handle and cell phone number so they can “socialize” all year round.

iDesign Keep In Touch Cards - Guitars & Campfire (Camp) (BID_CAMKIT_14)

While the kids are gone, don’t spend too much time missing them and being sad.  Remember they’ll be back sooner than you know leaving dirty socks on the coffee table.  And remember what it was like to experience freedom and adventure when you were young.  They’re better kids for having gone off and experienced new things.
We are proud and excited to launch the More Than Paper blog and hope you will join us regularly to see what’s new at our store and be inspired with great gift ideas for every day and life’s biggest occasions!  May this summer be your families best summer yet!