Honoring Those Who Make Our Lives Easier

In our busy lives, we tend to overlook the contributions of those who help us maintain our homes and make our lives easier. From gardeners and house cleaners to delivery personnel and neighborhood security guards, these individuals play a vital role in enhancing our comfort, safety, and quality of life. They allow us to focus on other things and take various responsibilities off our plates. During the busy holiday season, try to take a moment to honor these people and recognize their contributions to your life. Here are some thoughtful ways to honor and appreciate their efforts.

Express Gratitude Verbally

Sometimes, the simplest and most obvious actions carry the most weight. Take a moment to express your gratitude verbally. A heartfelt "thank you" can brighten someone's day. Make it a point to acknowledge their hard work during your interactions. 

 

For Delivery Drivers & Workers

One idea that has gained popularity is setting up a snack basket for delivery drivers and workers outside your home!  Start with a sturdy, attractive basket that can hold a variety of snacks. Fill it with a mix of sweet and savory options, such as granola bars, mixed nuts, trail mix, fruit snacks, chips, and cookies. Consider adding some healthy choices like fresh fruit or protein bars to cater to different preferences. Include bottled water or sports drinks to keep them hydrated. To add a personal touch, include a thank-you note at the top expressing your gratitude for their service.  Place the basket in a convenient location that is easily visible. Don’t forget to replenish it often! This small gesture can make a big difference in brightening a delivery driver or worker’s day. 

 

Write a Personalized Note

A handwritten note can be a meaningful way to show appreciation. In your note, mention specific things you appreciate about their work. For example, if your gardener has transformed your backyard into a beautiful oasis, let them know how much joy it brings you.  If you are a busy mom or career woman who is lucky enough to have someone who cleans your house, let your house cleaner know that she makes it possible for you to accomplish more with your kids or in the workplace with the time she spends tending to your home and how important that is to you!!  Small gestures like this can leave a lasting impression.  If you are looking for some personalized stationery for thank yous that also work for your year-round note writing, we have some options from which to choose. 

 

-       Personalize these notecards from your entire family using your last name in the center and first names around the loop: 

-       These family crest notecards are perfect for year-round use and messages to anyone that you may be thanking. 

 

Not sure exactly what to say?  Your note might read something like this: 

 

Dear _____, 

 

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the hard work and dedication you bring to your role. Your efforts truly make a difference in our home, and we are so grateful that you make our lives easier. 

 

From keeping everything tidy to ensuring that our space feels welcoming, your attention to detail does not go unnoticed. I appreciate the care you put into your work. 

 

Thank you once again for everything you do. We are so fortunate to have you as part of our household!

 

Warm wishes,

 

[Your Name]

 

Provide a Small Gift 

As a token of your appreciation, you might provide a small gift to show your gratitude.  Find out what their hobbies are and what they enjoy doing outside of work. 

 

-       Perhaps the recipient enjoys pickleball or mahjong. Whatever their outside hobbies may be, we have a selection of activity/hobby notepads that are very popular at a great price!  

See all designs by visiting this link! 

-       A cosmetic bag or toiletry bag is a great option for your female recipients. We love this blush pink cosmetic bag that can be stored in your purse for handy organization and a stylish look!  At just $28, this personalized gift is a thoughtful way to show that you care. 

-       We also love these inexpensive canvas tote bags that can be personalized.  The Medium Canvas Tote is the perfect size for daily use. Featuring a contrasting trim and a top zip closure, this bag also comes includes a nice outer pocket for easy access to smaller items such as a phone. There are 18 color options from which to choose and a variety of ways to personalize the text, be it monogram, name, initials, or letter. Choose the typestyle and make it yours! 

 

Bake or Make Dinner

Food is always a great way to show appreciation! Consider offering a small treat, like homemade cookies to take home. Perhaps you have a little extra time, and you have the capacity to send them home with a lasagna or other favorite homemade dish of yours. We also like the idea of making a casserole and freezing it, so that they don’t have to think about dinner (and can easily transport the dish!) 

 

This will go a long way in showing your appreciation for their efforts.   Below you will find our recipe for a delicious chicken and broccoli casserole that you can freeze.   Be sure to send them thawing/heating instructions so that they know what to do.  Include your instructions on a handwritten note or letterhead like this one from More Than Paper. 

 

-       This letterhead is not only great for jotting down reheating instructions for your casserole but a variety of other notes that you need to write this holiday season! The 50# text paper is compatible with ink, laser and copy machines, too! 

 

Provide Financial Recognition

If possible, consider giving a bonus or a small gift card during holidays or special occasions. The amount you give is completely up to you and any amount will be appreciated. This shows that you recognize their efforts and that you appreciate the extra work they do. It can be especially meaningful during seasons when money is tight in any household. Consider gift cards to gas stations, grocery stores, or Amazon and Walmart.  You can include cash or gift cards in a handwritten note sharing your appreciation! 

 

Share The Work 

In today’s digital age, sharing your appreciation on social media can be a powerful gesture. With their permission, post about their excellent work, tagging them in your post. This not only honors them but may also help them gain more clients through your recommendation.

 

Support Their Growth

If they offer services beyond what you typically use, consider trying out different services they provide. For instance, if your cleaner also offers landscape services, you might benefit from that. Supporting their business growth can be a wonderful way to show appreciation.

 

By expressing gratitude, offering small tokens of appreciation, and engaging with people who make our lives easier on a personal level, we can acknowledge the hard work of many and show kindness.  By using one or more of these tips, you will surely show your appreciation for those who make your life easier.  

 

--

 

Chicken & Broccoli Freezer Casserole Recipe 

 

Ingredients: 

 

- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken shredded 

- 3 cups frozen broccoli florets 

- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

- 1/2 cup milk

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

-Sprinkling of red pepper flakes 

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

- 1 tablespoon of butter (optional, for topping) 

 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

 

2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. 

 

3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil (if using).

 

4.  Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

 

5. Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If using, mix the breadcrumbs with butter and sprinkle them over the cheese for added crunch.

 

6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

 

7. Cool & Freeze: Allow the casserole to cool completely. If freezing, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date.

 

INCLUDE REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS: 

 

To Reheat: When ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.  This casserole can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Please note the date. 

 

 

 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Take a moment to think about everything that your mother has done for you over the years. A mother is someone who is always there for you providing unconditional love. She will always put her family’s needs before her own. Although mothers deserve to be celebrated every day, make this Mother’s Day one to remember. Show your mother how much you truly appreciate everything that she does for you with a beautiful Mother’s Day gift.

 

Honor her for all of her selfless actions and amazing qualities she portrays to the world. Your mother will be overwhelmed with happiness when she sees any of our 2021 Mother’s Day gift ideas you choose to get her. We guarantee your mom will be talking about this sweet Mother’s Day gift for years to come. Here are some ideas:

 

You will put a smile on her face every time she looks at this beautiful hand signed piece of artwork that she can hang in her home. If your mother is the sun(flower) in your life, then this is the perfect gift to show her. 

 

 

If your mother is always on the go, this notepad is just what she needs. Unique gifts for mom like these will keep her smiling and laughing every time she goes to write down her to-do list and notes. You can even personalize this notepad by adding her name to the bottom. 

 

 

People always say that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” What better gift for mom than a colorful picture frame with a picture of her children and a custom message. She won’t be able to contain her excitement when she sees this thoughtful gift specially made for her. 

 

 

Mothers are typically on the go trying to get everything their family needs done in time. For the busy moms out there, we recommend getting them a custom personalized coffee mug. She will be reminded about how special and appreciated she is every time she goes to sip her coffee.

 

Your mom will be the talk of the grocery store with this adorable custom canvas grocery tote bag. This environmentally friendly tote can fit about two large bags worth of groceries (sometimes even more)! You can choose the character head, hair color, and skin tone of the person on the bag to best match your mother. 

 

 

Moms are spending even more time at their desks these days. Why not get them this pretty AND practical sticky cube. Perfect for spring:

 

 

Remember that a gift for mom should be carefully thought out. Whichever one of our Mother’s Day gift ideas you decide to choose for your incredibly hardworking mother, we recommend also writing a note on your own personalized stationery to show Mom how much she truly means to you. This extra little step can make the biggest difference to your mother. After all, what would we do without our amazing mothers in our lives? 

Teacher's Gift Ideas

We’ve never appreciated how valuable teachers are more than we do today.  The pandemic threw many of us into a home-schooling reality that we never thought we’d face.  We were stretched thin, our patience was tested, and the pressure was on.  Fortunately, for a majority of American students and their families, children are back in the classroom inperson.  As parents, we couldn’t be more relived and also grateful.  It’s clear that the debt of gratitude we owe these special people – our teachers – is a large one!  

We will always advocate for a heartfelt, thoughtful note to your child’s teacher. As a parent, take a moment to reflect on the year’s ups and downs.  Be specific about the growth that you have seen in your child, what he/she enjoyed, or how he/she overcame a challenge and has flourished. Teachers appreciate knowing what specifically they did to contribute to the growth of their students.  Sometimes a tangible example of how they affected change can be really powerful.  Take a few minutes to really think about the impact this teacher has had on your child’s life and be sure to write it down thoughtfully.   Of course, More Than Paper has plenty of stationery options from which to choose when you are ready to write your note! 

 

We also suggest that your children take a moment to write thank you notes to their teachers. (We have personalized stationery options for kids, too, of course!) This handwritten note from your child can mean the world to the teacher! The same advice applies --- have your child be specific about the school year and what he/she enjoyed in the class.  

 

Beyond a thank you note for teachers, consider small tokens of your appreciation. More Than Paper has a few gift ideas that teachers will find delightful and useful.  All of them are affordably priced, and we love that they are personalized.  Of course, many teachers love the slew of Starbucks cards they receive but these heartfelt, personalized gifts for teacher will really speak volumes.  Here’s a round-up of some of our favorite teacher gifts.  

 

1.     Make a statement with these teacher appreciation banners.  These indoor/outdoor vinyl banners are available in three sizes and are customizable with the teacher’s name and students’ names as well!  The banner is waterproof and comes with adhesive, removable tape for easy hanging.  We also have upgrades available with stakes and grommets for other ways to hang!  Imagine your teacher walking into school with this large, customized vinyl banner displayed for all to see.

 

2.     Teachers are constantly needing to jot down reminders, write notes home to parents, and take notes.  This notepad is an adorable way for your teacher to do all of that.  “From the desk of” personalized notepads make a great teacher’s gift. 

 

3.     If you are a teacher and you don’t have a mug with your name on it with an apple, are you even a teacher? Kidding, of course! If your teacher hasn’t been gifted a fabulous, personalized teacher mug yet – consider these ones by Pen and Hand.  They’ve been a top seller of ours for years! And in addition to personalizing the mug with the teacher’s name, you get to choose the hairstyle, hair color and skin tone to make the stick figure character in the teacher’s likeness. What fun! For added sweetness, fill the mug with candy, wrap in cellophane and tie with a ribbon. 

4.     Consider a stylish and handy personalized clipboard when choosing a year-end teacher gift. We love all of our clipboard options but especially this design.  This is a fun and functional gift that we love. 

 

5.     Another great idea is a personalized bookmark for your teacher! From your English teacher to your librarian, these personalized bookmarks for teacher are a great gift for the end of the year. 

 

 

 

Hard to believe how fast this year is flying by.  We hope you’ll consider these unique ways to honor teachers. Teachers spend many waking hours with our children and have the power to shape their minds, their personalities, and the course of their life.  We appreciate and thank all the teachers! 

 

 

Annual Holiday Gift Guide, Part 1

Halloween came and went and that can only mean one thing…. The holidays have arrived.  In other years, many of us would whine and complain about Christmas splattered everywhere on only November 5th. ^, But this year, anything goes and we all need a little cheer. One nice thing that we are noticing is that because people are home and generally have more time, they’re on the ball and more prepared than ever.  Maybe the frenzy of the season will diminish and people can really focus on what’s important – enjoying time with their family!  This is why we are releasing our Annual Holiday Gift Guide early. Let’s get a jump start on your holiday shopping, discover unique finds, and shop small this year. In Part 1, we’re sharing gifts “For Him” and gifts “For Teens/Tweens” that we think they’ll love. 

Gifts for Him

Gentlemen can be so hard to shop for, can’t they? We have a few ideas rounded up for the man on your list this year.

1. Bar/Decanter.  This elegant and well-priced decanter for his bar will surely make a statement.
2. Flask. This 8 ounce flask will take the party where ever he wants to go, in style, too.  Personalized just for him, this makes a great stocking stuffer or gift for him for  the holidays
3. Weekender Bag. Upgrade his duffle or backpack, even, to this weekender bag that is personalized.  Sturdy and stylish, this weekend bag will be your travel companion for years to come. 
4. Bottle Opener.  Why not? A personalized bottle opener is just what the man cave and stocking needs this year.
5. Luggage Tags. For the avid traveler, check out these personalized luggage tags.  These make a thoughtful stocking stuffer and gift for him.

 

Gifts for Tweens & Teens

Unlike guys, tween and teen girls can be pretty easy to shop for!  But how do you weed out all the things they want and get them something special? We have you covered with a selection of things they’ll love.

1. VelvetMakeup Bags. This brand new vendor of ours makes the cutest crushed velvet bags that can be customized.  Store makeup, pens/pencils, or whatever else you want in these fashionable small totes.
2.  Name Plate Necklaces. A trend that has not gone out of style is personalized name plate necklaces. These acrylic ones are priced right, too!
3.  Mini Glass Tray. Store all your trinkets, jewels, and baubles here!    
4. Shower caddy. We love a good personalized shower caddy for camp, the dorm, or even just at home.  Several colors available, show everyone that it’s her shower stuff!
5. PersonalizedPillow. Is it just us or are tweens and teens super into decorating their rooms (over and over again?)  A personalized pillow can add a great touch to any bed.  

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our annual gift guide in a few weeks!  In advance, we’d like to thank you for shopping with a small, independent retailer and helping our small business economy thrive.  We appreciate you!  

Teacher Gift Ideas

It's hard to believe that it's time to start thinking about the school year ending. In the south, there are just three weeks left until school gets out for summer.  Northern schools have a few weeks after that.  More Than Paper is here today with gift ideas for your children's teachers.  They work so hard all year long that we think a small personalized gift shows your appreciation.  Here are just a few ideas!

We love these (1) whimsical school bus note cards for writing thank you notes or (2) personalized lunch sacks by Pen at Hand.  Try a (3) personalized apple for the teacher picture frame, or (4) personalized clipboards.  For more ideas, choose from a (5) personalized stamp (great for stamping insides of books or creating your own stationery and note pads) or choose from a variety of (6) bookmarks at More Than Paper.

We also love this "Best Cookies Ever" in a personalized jar tied with ribbon. Makes a great "best teacher ever" gift!  

We also love these personalized drink acrylic cups, that you can fill with candies.  When they are done, teachers use them year round to fill up!

How will you honor your children's teacher this year? Try these great ideas and plenty more found at More Than Paper and share what your teacher has done for your child, too!

9 gifts from Santa's Workshop!

Christmas is less than 20 days away and if you are looking for a personalized gift this year, time is of the essence.  Here are 9 great gifts straight from Santa's workshop everyone is sure to love!  Need that last minute inspiration?  Find it below! 

1. Travertine coaster
2. Personalized Address Stamp by More Than Paper 
3. Desktop calendar by Stacy Claire Boyd
4. Rainbow Stationery gift set 
5. Bamboo Cutting Board 
6. Personalized martini glasses
7. Stemless personalized wine glasses 
8. Chevron personalized iPhone case by Boatman Geller
9. Personalized warm blanket 

If you need even more inspiration, check out Debbie's list of top gifts under $50 here!