Order Your Gifts Early

Between the global pandemic, the election and its aftermath, the vaccine release and controversy over mask mandates, the world has been in constant turmoil since March of 2020.  We have all had to deal with cancelled holidays and activities, virtual school, work-from-home juggling, social distancing, and a new way of life. 

It’s not only people who have had major disruption.  The way our goods are made and shipped, and how those goods get delivered to us, are also in turmoil.  Global manufacturers have had to make massive adjustments to keep up with these everchanging demands and headlines. Labor shortages, issues in the supply chain, higher eCommerce demands, and transportation shortages have wreaked havoc on what’s available and how we shop.

  
As a result of all of this disruption, the holiday season is expected to be difficult when it comes to shopping. Sharing this news isn’t a PR tactic to drive holiday sales.  This is rooted in fact and widely reported!  What’s going on? 

1.     First -- many goods just weren’t being made for a while. Factories closed and production stopped.  While much is back up and running, it will still take time for things to get back to normal. 

2.     Second – labor shortages are real.  Whether workers are being compensated more while receiving unemployment and pandemic benefits and therefore, not coming to work, or workers have COVID or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID, the labor shortage isn’t fake news. There simply aren’t enough people to do all the work! 

3.     Third – ships are stuck!  Carriers coming from overseas are lined up waiting to dock and unload but there is a tremendous backlog.  There are simply too many ships! Further, when the ships are able to dock, there are not enough people to unload. Add a shortage of drivers to transport the goods and what a mess. 

So what does this mean for holiday shopping?  It means with the constant labor shortage and supply chain interruption,  it may take much longer to get to you and your family this holiday season – or items may become out of stock very early in the season (we are already seeing this happen now).  How can you get ahead of things and ensure a smooth holiday season?  Here are four tips! 

1.      Organize your list now. 
Do you have a good idea of what your family and friends want for the holidays? Start thinking about it now and make your list early.  
 
2.     Don’t wait for better sales. 
This year looks different. Stores are having holiday deals well before the holiday season begins this year and it won’t benefit you to wait. Prices are not expected to drop before the holidays, but are actually expected to rise (that whole supply and demand thing from economics!). Some large retailers have already indicated that they will not be having Black Friday sales as is tradition.  Keep an eye out for early sales and take advantage! 
 
3.     Order Early 
As if it wasn’t already evident, our advice is to shop early for things you really want or need.  When you’re organized about what you are buying and you are following our tips #1 and #2, this should be easy!  
 
4.     Stay Calm
Prepare for gifts to arrive late and just go with it.  If COVID has taught us anything, it’s instilled in us that we have to “go with the flow” and adjust.  Cut yourself and loved ones some slack.  This might not be the perfect holiday season but focus on what is really important – your family, friends, and health.  Prioritize people over things and you’ll have the best and most meaningful experience of all. 
 
Still not convinced it’s going to be a rocky holiday gift-giving and receiving season?  Don’t just take our word for it.  Google: “Why it’s important to shop early this Christmas” and see what you find.  We are here to make your holidays a little easier.  Feel free to reach out for holiday card assistance or gift assistance, too. 

 

 

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? 

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!  

Graduation Gifts

Today's post is all about the gift for graduation! Seniors in high school face a lot of pressure getting into college or securing what's next for their future. Similarly, college graduates face the difficult challenge of getting a job in our economy.  Reward graduates who are close to you with something they'll love or will find useful in their next endeavor.

More Than Paper has a wide selection of gifts for every budget.  Take their photo on graduation day and insert it into a personalized frame with their graduation date for a wonderful keepsake gift.   Treat your graduate to a monogram necklace -- so hot right now!  Get your high school senior "dorm ready" with a personalized towel wrap, a monogram laundry bag, or hip monogram shower shoes/flip flops!

We have lots more ideas from which to choose at More Than Paper.  Head on over to shop our site now for these great gifts and plenty more for graduation!