13 replies to this topic

[Gemini]

Hello Everyone,

I am looking for 25th Anniversary Gift ideas for members of an amalgamated union (meaning that there are several types of industries within this union). The members are both male and female of all ages including retirees.

The specifics are as follows:
Quantity: 200,000
Required Date: End of July
Price Range: $0.50 - $2.50 net
Other: must be mailable, and MUST BE MADE IN THE U.S.A. OR CANADA!!!

This item should have a high perceived value. Otherwise it would be an insult to give the members a fridge magnet (for example) to say "thanks for your membership dues for the past 25 years - here's a fridge magnet to show our appreciation" - NOT!!

I have already thought of a leather coaster but I'm looking for something to WOW them as they will only proceed if it's a great idea.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tina:)

[robinr21]

I know key rings and pens do not necessarily "wow" - but since the 25th anniversary is the "silver" anniversary, you might consider sterling key rings or silver or silver-trimmed pens. The packaging, if in a nice gift box, can certainly increase the perceived value.

[gfinelogo]

A custom cast pin come to mind. Uni-sex and can be worn with pride...

[krier32]

I would take a look at Certif A Gift for a program. They should be able to accomodate any size and price range.

No offense intended........but come on.....25 years and here's your $2.50 gift, these people are all heart.

[Gemini]

Thank you everyone for your replies.

I'm not sure that Certif-A-Gift will work for this but thanks for introducing it to me. I had never heard of it.

Regarding the big splurge of $2.50 for the gift, I want to come to my client's defence here. I have never heard of a union giving all of it's members an anniversary gift (not to say that it hasn't happened before). Remember these are not their employees, they are members who are paying union dues so it's different than an employee gift. Secondly, it's been a rough year for everyone so money is tight right now. Finally, we have to be careful about how much money is spent on something like this because they could take some slack if they spend a lot more money on a gift which is basically paid for by the union dues. Lots of people have lost jobs and probably would be more frustrated if the union spent their hard-earned money on gifts instead of saving jobs. (I wasn't offended by your comment - I just wanted to explain my client's position.)

Thanks again.

Tina

[krier32]

Your points are valid and duly noted.

One other item comes to mind.......maybe a nice ceramic mug with a gold trim around the top with an imprint of "Thank You for your 25 Years of Membership"

In addition, you may be able to get them personalized with the recipients name just before they are shipped out.

Obviously these would be shippable just not necessarily mailable. Don't know if it was needed to go out via Postal Service.

[Troy]

Tina- a pin is always nice- but also consider a commemmorative coin with specially designed artwork for the anniversary- looks a lot more expensive than it is... look at Bastian in Rochester NY under asi... or wendells in minnesota- USA and UNION made.

[gfinelogo]

The coin is a great idea and Union Made should be a slam dunk!!!!!

[Gemini]

Thank you again everyone. I like the coin idea. The mug idea concerns me though because of the breakage and the fact that almost all ceramic mugs are made off-shore. The is only one American made ceramic mug that I am aware of and it's the boring C-handle mug. But I appreciate that you took the time to help.

Tina:)

[djoctagone]

Tina . . .

How will the items be distributed to members and how does that factor into budget?

[Gemini]

Hi Scott,

They'll be distributed by mail so I'm trying to keep the item light-weight, flat, etc.

The price for postage is separate from the budget for postage.

Tina

[royster13]

So they need to be under 20mm thick at most for 1st class mail......If they are thicker, they must be send as parcels which will raise the postage significantly.....8.00 and up per parcel....

[Gemini]

So that's just over 3/4", right Royce? (Yes, I know I'm Canadian and yes, I know metric but I was also thinking mousepads and my supplier uses the imperial system.) Thanks for the information Royce. That will make a big difference in whether or not they move forward with this.

Thanks,
Tina

[royhill]

Standard 1 st class in the US is no more than 6-1/8 inches high X 11-1/2 inches long X 1/4 inch thick and weighing 3.5 ounces or less. After that it goes
up to "large envelope" and those can be up to 3/4' thick which cost more than the "standard" 1st class.

I would think they'd have an overall budget that would include mailing. If so, then if they ok'd the budget for the large envelope and you could mail it standard then they could spend more on the item and you'd make more too:D