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Today is my half-birthday. It just happens to fall on my father’s birthday (Happy Birthday Dad!). So, when I was growing up, I used to get “half-birthday” presents on his big day. Usually they were ViewMaster slides (remember those?).

Anyway, I thought this would be the perfect occasion to talk about using gifts and gift cards as a part of a company’s marketing efforts. One way to stand out from the crowd is to send cards on occasions that others are not sending them. For example:

Thanksgiving — thank your clients for their business

Chinese New Year — celebrate something new or tie a promotion to whatever year it is (this year is the Year of the Rat)

Daylight Savings Time — send a reminder when it begins or ends

Administrative Professionals Day — send a gift to your client’s administrative assistant

Halloween — Scare up some sales

and, my favorite:

Half Birthday! Send them a coupon for half-off something for their half birthday. I bet you’ll stick out in their mind!

For virtually any occasion, wine makes a great gift — from informal meetings to wedding celebrations to birthday bashes. And you don’t have to give wine, either. There are several different gifts you can get the wine lover. Here are a few suggestions for great wine gifts:

Personalized Wine
Several wineries offer personalized wine and champagne gifts, complete with custom made designs and labels. For corporate events and parties, a personalized wine gift is an ideal way to showcase your gratitude and give a gift that really shows how much you care.

There are also ways that you can create your own personalized gift.
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Sometimes the simplest gifts are the ones that are best. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you might be considering flowers as a gift. Of course, you could just go to a florist and have them do all the work. But, with a little effort on your part, you could have a much more meaningful gift.

Arranging flowers is not that difficult with a little guidance and some great ideas — which is what this article is about. Here, I’m going to provide you will a few tips and ideas to display your flowers creatively, stylishly and simply.

Chose Your Vase
You can look around your house for basic household containers. Think beyond the typical glass vase. Expand your horizons — you just need a container that can hold water and has an opening at the top for your flowers to stick out. Some items that work well include
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February 2008 Gift-Giving Occasions

March 23: Easter

February 2008 Party Opportunities

March 8: International Working Women’s Day

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day

March 23: Easter

Other Events

Be sure to keep in mind any birthdays and anniversaries that your friends and family might have coming up in March.