AA Gifts & Baskets Idea Blog

Archive for the ‘Congratulations’ Category

When it comes time for someone special to you to retire, what do you say in the card? Chances are you’ll be at a loss for words to tell your friend just how you feel. Here are some ideas you can use to help you get started.

First, choose a card that’s appropriate. If he’s the office jokester, you may want to select a funny card. If he’s the quiet type who’s always been there for you, you might want to go more serious. It’s up to you. Judge by the situation and the person.

Next, use your best handwriting and a dark pen. Often people can’t read gel pen ink that’s in funky colors. Also, never computerize your message. Hand writing is best here. Finally, don't forget to get them a thank you basket showing your appreciation for all their years of hard work.

So what can you say?

• You’ve worked hard for this day. You deserve all the best in your retirement and for years to come.

• I’m so jealous! You get to go enjoy those grandkids and I’ll still be here in the office. But I am so happy for you! Enjoy every day and think of all of us here. It won’t be the same without you.

• All the very best for a person who showed a true work ethic that is rarely found these days. You will be missed around here.

• Dear Mom, You’ve been a real inspiration to us all with the way you worked and raised us all. We are so thrilled you’ll be able to spend more time doing the things you love now.

• Congratulations on your retirement. It couldn’t have happened to a better guy!

• Thank you for all the years we spent together working side by side. You’ve made it fun to come to work each day. I’ll miss you very much.

• The old office won’t be the same without you. But we are so happy that you’ll be able to start enjoying some of the many hobbies you have.

• As you’re running after the grandchildren, take a moment to remember all of us here at the office. We’ll miss you.

• You gave your all in everything you did. Here’s to the best retirement a guy could have.

• Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Get out there and enjoy every minute of it.

• May you and Margie enjoy many happy years of retirement together.

• As you retire, look forward to all the good things yet to come. Like sleeping late, throwing your alarm clock out, and eating dinner at 4:30 in the afternoon!

• Many happy thoughts go with you as you leave this place. And you’ll always remain here in our hearts.

• Today you retire. We’re so stinkin’ jealous.

• Retirement starts a brand new chapter of your life. Here’s to writing a great one!

• Now you’ll have time to do the things you always wanted to do. Make the most of every single day.

• We may not see you every day anymore, but we’ll be thinking of you out there sunning yourself during business hours.

Retirement cards are not hard to write. Get everyone in the office to go in together on a card and a retirement gift so you can all express your well-wishes together. If it’s a family member, consider gifting them with a day out with you or a special trip rather than just a present.

Aromatherapy has been around for a long time. It’s simply the use of scents to target benefits like relaxation, sleep, well-being, headache relief, etc. If you want to give an aromatherapy gift basket, it’s really easy to make one yourself.

The first thing you should do is choose a scent. If you’re not sure what scent your friend would like, do some thinking. Have you smelled candles burning in her home? What scent and color were they? Does she wear a certain perfume? What does it smell like? These are some clues into some of the scents she may like. If you still don’t have a clue, go with something like vanilla or buttercream which just about everyone likes.

Once you have chosen your scent, choose a vessel to put it all in. Often times inexpensive baskets work well, but you can also place everything in a decorative hat box or other display box that she can use again. If you want to make her a travel basket, put it all in a large cosmetics pouch that zips so she can take it with her on the road.

Aromatherapy baskets can include just about anything. Most include relaxing elements designed to help the recipient de-stress and unwind. Candles with strong but pleasant scents are nice as is incense. You do have to be careful to choose a scent that is meant to relax, like lavender, if you intend it for stress relief. If you give a basket full of peppermint or spearmint scents, the opposite effect will occur. Your friend will be much more alert instead of relaxed. Peppermint makes a great gift to give as an aromatherapy pick-me-up basket for someone at work who always hits that 3:00pm slump.

Arrange all your items on some sort of packing material. This can be shredded paper, recycled Easter basket grass, or even just tissue paper. The idea is to make each product stand alone in its own little spot so the basket doesn’t look thrown together. Include a simmering pot for spices or a candle warmer, which allows wax to be heated without a flame. Great for the office or around kids.

You might want to include soap and a soap dish, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, a neck pillow, or an herbal pillow filled with buckwheat that can be used hot or cold for neck pain relief. There are hundreds of scents and thousands of products to choose from. So your options are limitless when putting together an aromatherapy gift basket. Include natural bamboo towels and face cloths, slippers, or a robe.

Tie it all up with a big ribbon and present it. Your friend will absolutely love getting a basket filled with products she can use right away to change her mood and her day. Whether it’s relaxation or alertness you are going for, research the different scents and what each one is thought to enhance. There are so many out there that you will definitely find one for the lady in your life. Don’t settle for the first one you find. Do some sensory research. You’ll have fun doing it and just may relax yourself, too.

There are many reasons you would want to congratulate someone. When the time comes, will you have the right words? Here are some ideas on the type of sentiments you can write in a congratulations card:

Graduation

Way to go, graduate!

Set sail for the rest of your life.

Welcome to your new life!

We knew you’d excel. You always do.

Today is reserved for the brightest stars. And you certainly shine!

No one else could have done it as well as you did.

You did it!

Nice going! We knew you’d succeed.

We’re so proud of you.

Here’s to a future as bright as you are.

There’s no stopping someone as bright as you.

You’re a rising star!

May all your dreams come true as you head for your future.

All roads lead to success when you’re involved.

New Baby

Babies are such a wonderful gift from God.

Enjoy your little bundle of joy.

Congratulations on the newest member of your family.

What babies take away in sleep, they make up for in loveliness.

To the new mom and dad—may every day be as delightful as this one.

Cherish each day of this precious little one’s new life.

Engagement

All the best to you as you embark on your new life.

Love brought you together. And we’re so glad.

It couldn’t happen to two more wonderful people.

Here’s to a life of joy and laughter.

May you find joy, happiness, and a good wedding planner.

The road to happiness starts with this exciting beginning.

Wedding

As you head for your new future, may you take our love with you.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wonderful…We wish you all the best.

Life starts anew today. Happy new life.

Drink a toast to the happiness that lies ahead.

Today is the first day of the rest of your lives.

The best marriages are between best friends.

Two became one today.

Always search for a reason to celebrate each other.

New Home

Here’s hoping your new home is filled with joy and peace.

We’ll miss you in the neighborhood, but we’re so happy you’ve found a new one you love.

Enjoy many happy days in your new place.

Home is where the heart is.

May you enjoy years of good times in your new home.

Big Anniversary

40 years of marriage is a reason to celebrate!

You made it! 60 years and many, many more!

Marriages like yours are examples to all of us.

You are both shining lights in our lives. We love you.

Congratulations on 50 years of wedded bliss.

You stuck it out! Happy 60^th Anniversary.

May you have 40 more wonderful years ahead of you.

To the couple that we all admire.

If you find yourself stumped for exactly the right words, just go with your honest feelings. No one expects you to be a published poet. Just write a sentiment that sounds the way you might talk if you were face to face with the person. Make your card lovely and personal. If you’re making your congratulations card yourself, include a photo of the person when they were younger for a walk down memory lane. If it’s a new graduate, tuck a few dollars inside the envelope to send them on their way.

Graduation Gift Baskets

Whether they are graduating from elementary school, high school, college, or just passed their professional bar exam or doctor's boards, celebrate their milestone achievement with a graduation gift basket. They'll no doubt be ready to relax and unwind after the stress leading up to finals or after interviewing. Why not give them something sweet to savor their accomplishments? Themed coffee mugs make popular foundations or containers for graduation gift baskets. You can fill the mug with cookies, candy, chocolate, and other sweets. Top your mug with a small themed balloon or floral pick and your gift will be complete.

Retirement Gift Baskets

Retirement is a once in a lifetime event that should be celebrated. If you know someone who is retiring, surprise them with a retirement gift basket. Find a sturdy wicker basket and line it with colorful shred. If you know what their favorite hobbies are, you can make a themed gift centered on fishing, golfing, gardening, etc. Check with a local gift store to find a retirement themed coffee mug, and put some nice flavored coffee packets inside. Additionally, there are lots of books about dealing with retirement, and one of these would certainly be a welcome addition to your basket. You could also include some of their favorite snacks like fruit, chocolate, and nuts. Finally, since the event is cause for celebration, add a bottle of champagne or sparkling apple cider. Retirement gift baskets are a fun way to send them off to the next chapter in their lives.

New Promotion Gift Basket

If a friend or family member just got a big promotion at work, why not give them a congratulations gift basket to let them know you're proud of their achievements? If their job includes some new responsibilities, consider including some practical items, like a new calculator or hands-free headset for their telephone. You can also add some little "executive" desk gifts, like a miniature pool table or Newton's cradle. A personalized business card holder and nice fountain pen will really make them feel like their new career is taking off. Simply place all your gift items in a wire paper caddy that will look great on their new desk.