Group Gifts Make Sense

It's already November people, time to start thinking about shopping early for the Holidays. It'll be here before you know it, and we'll all be kicking ourselves - AGAIN! So put on your holiday thinking caps and get to it. And while your at it, give a serious nod to the idea of giving together. You might just save some precious time, gas, and money!

Group Gifts Make Sense. Times are 'financially challenging', no question, so pooling money together enables you to give more. If ten of you contribute $10 each, that's a heck of a nice gift card to Williams Sonoma for Aunt Sophie, or Eddie Bauer for Cousin Joe, right? I don't know about you, but I love getting gift cards and choosing what I really want, so much better that ten little knick knacks. And what about for the boss, did you get stuck with passing the hat around again? No worries, there are a plethora of sites (see previous post) that let you bypass that ardous task and still get your 'real' work done.  No one should have to beg for money, but anyone can send an email.

Organizing a group gift is 'green' - well, sort of right? It is if you do it online. There's no driving around wasting gas to collect money or searching for the perfect gift. Thanks for sparing the air on that one. I've even read that some companies are recycling gift cards; brilliant (kudos to Rodd Gilbert @ Earthworks)! It takes a minimal amount of your time to organize online, (and a minimal amount of electricty for your laptop), which leaves plenty of opportunities to bake cookies, get together with friends or just bask in the joys of the holidays.

Now go pour that second cuppa, boost up your laptop, it's almost Christmas people.

Happy Holidays,
from: Everyone

Shout Out of Thanks

As this business plugs along, I just think it's nice to say thank you to those of you who make it work along the way. To anyone who's just taken a peek to see what the heck a group gift is - Thank You. To the looky-lou's who take the time to set up a group gift in the name of checking out the competition - Thank You. To the spammers who can't help themselves - hmmm, no thanks. But mostly to the Organizers and Contributors, a huge Thank You for trusting your gut, for using from: Everyone and for providing great feedback to make your experience even better. I hope you'll continue to pass us along and share the gift of giving.

I'm happy to report from: Everyone's been spotted on the East Coast. Keep it up folks, and thank you.

Paula

Meet the competition

I know, it's unsual to intentionally name one's competitors, but in this case, I think it's important, as each of us offers something a little different; that, and I believe in karma. Hopefully, the next time your in charge of the group gift, you'll look one of us up.

So, here we are (at least those that I know of to date):

from: Everyone
eDivvy
FrumUs
FromGroup
Lolligift
Socialwise
Wisheo

Take some time to peruse each site the next time it's your turn. Some offer gifts, others offer gift cards so your recipient can get what they really want. Some ask you to contribute a specific amount and others allow you to give whatever you'd like. Some ask you to register just to contribute toward a gift, and others are happy to have you participate without 'signing up'. Some charge for shipping and for others, shipping is free. Enough input, you can decide what works best for you.

Paula

Still not sure about the Group Gift thing?

Just in case you're not quite sure what the buzz is about Group Gifting, check out what people have said about from: Everyone!

Real Simple
Mommy Track'd
Simple Human
Today's Mama
Haute Today Gone Tomorrow
In Her Words

We think you'll agree, make it simple.

Group Gifting 101

Group Gifting saves you money; from: Everyone saves you time; it really is that simple. If you're trying to make your dollar go farther, especially when it comes time for gift giving, organize a group of friends to give together. For the same cost as sending a card or a small gift, you can pool your money and give a more substantial gift, from everyone! It's like getting more bang for your buck and that makes sense in today's economy.

And more, from: Everyone is all about the gift card - the gift of choice. Let that special person choose what they really want, either online or at a brick and mortar store. No more 'white elephant' gifts that sit in the closet collecting dust. Afterall, you want them to be happy right?

So get to it people, there are Teachers to Appreciate, Coaches to Thank, Brides to Congratulate and Babies to Welcome!

It's May already and time to think about the End-of-School

This school year has breezed by way too quickly for me. It feels like we celebrated the holidays, and all of a sudden I was looking for summer camp options. And now, we're into May and the end is in sight. For me, the end of the school year is kind of a push-pull. Intially, I'm happy to have some flexibility in our daily schedule; but soon enough, we're all looking for some structure. I'm joyful about celebrating all of my child's accomplishments of the year; and slightly saddened that they really are a little older. The perpetual Mom-Dichotomy!

Anyhow, as the year-end approaches and you start thinking about a gift for your teachers, remember to visit from: Everyone (http://www.fromeveryone.com/) the 'group gift' website. It makes more sense, now more than ever, to gather together to say thank you. It's not about extravagance; it's the gesture and thought that counts. And don't forget, as cute as all those crafty little things are, our teachers really do deserve something special for themselves; a gift card from Nordstrom, Borders, or Whole Foods - give them something they'd really love - a group gift from: Everyone.

Teacher Appreciation Week is coming!

Monday May 4th kicks off National Teacher Appreciation Week, with Tuesday May 5th, official National Teacher Day. What better time to show our appreciation for the teachers who make a difference in our children's lives.

With three children of my own, I've had my share of Teacher Day celebrations. From the grand scale luncheon to the smallest acknowledgment of thanks; every teacher deserves to know how much they are appreciated and valued by you and your child. Come on, we all like to hear a "Thank You" now and again.

So don't forget, mark your calendars - May 4th-8th is Teacher Appreciation Week!