TMG publishes uplifting news, mostly business and start-up based items; also news on marketing and promotional trends, but also interviews with business owners from florists to artists to CEO’s. We want to know how they get clients, how they promote their brands and how they started out.
We will start a regular feature interviewing business owners and find out how they tick. How did they start? Why did they start? Did they star on a shoestring, did they get funding? What was their reasoning for starting their business.
From artists to bakers to CEO’s of large companies, everyone has a story to tell.
In between these stories we will introduce new businesses and marketing news. Nothing boring, stories and articles on things you will like.
Believe it or not gift cards were the most requested items on holiday wish lists this year, before that it was cash. I myself like to open wrapped gifts, but what do I know?
Interestingly enough even though people prefer to receive gift cards as gifts, millions of dollars in shopping treasure could go to waste as recipients forget about the cards or misplace them. So much for a thoughtful gift. It’s forgotten much too often.
To prevent this yearly mishap, National Use Your Gift Card Day is unwrapping its sixth annual campaign on Saturday, January 18.
Held on the third Saturday of each January, the retail holiday reminds shoppers to use the $29.3 billion in gift cards they were expected to receive this year but are likely to overlook.
An astonishing 43% of Americans have at least one unused gift card lingering around the house or in their phone wallets, worth an average of $244.00, the personal finance site Bankrate reported in September 2024.
“Everyone loves getting gift cards, which let you treat yourself after all the time you spent shopping for others,” said Tracy Tilson, founder of National Use Your Gift Card Day. “But in all the excitement of the holidays, it’s so easy to forget you received them. That’s why we created a gift card holiday – to urge consumers to find and use the cards that are meant to be spent.”
Gift card were the top-requested gift in 2024, followed by clothing and accessories, books and other media, and personal care or beauty items. To those whose wish came true, National Use Your Gift Card Day recommends these tips for keeping track of the cards you received:
Designate a safe spot for them and put each one there as soon as you receive it.
Visit the websites of merchants whose cards you’ve been given, to find special deals to maximize your gift card and save money on purchases.
Make a shopping or dining plan to use them, including when you’ll go and what you’ll buy.
“Whatever you choose to do with your cards, you can feel good knowing you’re honoring the good wishes of those who gave them to you,” Tilson said. “These presents were meant to be spent, and National Use Your Gift Card Day is here to help make sure they are.”
Merchants who support the holiday include Macy’s, Ace Hardware, and Applebee’s.
Getting back to work after a holiday can be challenging, but with some intentional strategies, you can ease the transition. Here are 10 tips to help you shift from holiday mode to work mode this week:
1. Set a Transition Day
Plan to return a day or two before work starts to reset your routine, organize your space, and mentally prepare for the week ahead.
2. Ease Into Your Routine
Start with easier tasks or those you enjoy before diving into more challenging projects. This helps rebuild momentum gradually.
3. Plan Your Day Ahead
The night before your first day back, create a prioritized to-do list to eliminate decision fatigue and set a clear direction.
4. Organize Your Workspace
Declutter and tidy up your desk or work area. A clean environment can help you feel more in control and motivated.
5. Start with a Power Hour
Dedicate the first hour to tackling quick, high-impact tasks. Crossing items off your list can boost morale and build momentum.
6. Revisit Your Goals
Review your long-term objectives to reconnect with your purpose and align your tasks with your priorities.
7. Minimize Distractions
Silence notifications, set boundaries, and focus on one task at a time to rebuild your concentration.
8. Take Breaks
Schedule short breaks to recharge. A quick walk, some stretching, or mindfulness exercises can help maintain energy and focus.
9. Reconnect with Colleagues
Catch up with your team or coworkers to re-establish communication and get updates on ongoing projects.
10. Be Kind to Yourself
Allow yourself time to adjust. It’s normal to feel a bit sluggish at first, so avoid setting unrealistic expectations.
As we start a new year, it’s nice to announce that all of our pricing will remain the same. There are no price increases at TheDiscountPrinter.com. This is our 42nd year! We started printing in January 1983.
At first, we printed school publications, like school newspapers, year book supplements, literary magazines and so on. We moved onto hospital printing, charity work for organizations such as the Red Cross and American Cancer Society and eventually advertising specialties and promotional items, which we specialize in today.
We were one of the first online printing companies, way back, when the internet was fairly new. We’ve grown with the internet.
One item that’s been very popular these past few years are the Red Solo Cups. Everyone seems to want these cups – personalized of course.
Weddings, parties, BBQ’s, house parties, birthdays, schools, clubs, etc. It’s amazing how many uses these cups have. They are an icon and when they are personalized, they are YOUR icon! You can see more about them here.
We look forward to serving you in the new year and the whole year. And remember, there are never screen charges and everything shops free in the U.S.
Thanks for subscribing and being part of our world, so we can be part of your world.
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