Being eco-friendly and socially conscious is the new trends when it comes to celebrating and gifting.Many websites are thriving on this concept. One of them is GiveIndia that involves a simple procedure for being part of this new movement. Once you are registered with the site, you just need to state the cause you wish to support and the contribution you wish to make. The web link is then promoted. For example a newly married, a member of the site, printed an appeal on their wedding card for donating money instead of showering them with personal lavish gifts.

Many members have been raising funds in this manner through the website. You can pass the link to your colleagues, relatives, friends, and social forums. One of them informs to have collected Rs 60,000 for a social cause. Many see this as a chance to remember their near and dear ones who are no more in this world.

Corporate gifting pattern is changing as well. Corporate entities instead of merely ordering a consignment of cards from NGOs are making a contribution to help NGOs. The Concern India Foundation has a donor match program for both corporate world and individuals who approach them with a pre-set budget and a wish list of the cause they wish to support, and the foundation helps match these requests with the NGO concerned.

Even festive celebrations are turning eco-friendly. Coexist provides an environmentally friendly solutions through a range of eco-sensitive handmade decorations in cloth and hand-made paper.

Bollywood starlet Genelia D’Souza is one celebrity who believes ‘Green Christmas’ is a fantastic idea. She stated: “I think it would be a great idea to try out the eco-friendly material for decorating the tree.” Choreographer Marc Robinson and his wife Waluscha get their decorations and even the tree from New York. and do not buy new stuff every year.

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Corporate gifting

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The gesture of gifting has now taken a whole new context and meaning. Ethical gifting seems to be the buzzword, not restricted to the corporate sector alone. The trend now encompasses a range of actions like raising funds for a noble cause or pledging your wonderful wedding gift, supporting and helping an NGO, etc.

A DNA India news report by Sanghamitra Bhowmik points out that gifting has taken on an entirely new dimension with the internet. GiveIndia’s is one among the noteworthy innovations. The site has a webpage titled ‘iGive’, which can be used by visitors to raise funds for a specific cause or mission that they support or espouse.

Amita Chauhan of GiveIndia has been quoted as saying: “We once had a couple that donated the money they had received in gift during their wedding to an NGO of their choice.” 

Gifting eco-friendly products also has caught the fancy of the socially conscious class.
The proprietor of eco-friendly gift shop Eco Corner, Urvashi Mody has been in the business for over two and a half years. They already have several repeat customers for such gifts. Mody sources these eco-friendly products from across the country, as she claims. Her shop displays a variety of them including jute items, stationary, craft products designed by the tribal people and the underprivileged.

Nyassa in the western suburbs of Mumbai is another body that has on offer its line of nourishing natural body & beauty products that it produces and distributes. It was launched in 2007 by Ishwin Anand. The products are manufactured with essential oils and entirely natural materials.

Eco-friendly packaging is also becoming popular.

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The tradition of gifting on the eve of Christmas seems to have started with the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus. As mentioned in the Bible’s book of Matthew, “On coming to the house they saw the child with his mother Mary and they bowed down and worshipped him. They then opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, incense and of myrrh…” There are some curious gift categories that we came across, including teachers’ worst Christmas gifts, popular gifts, etc. 

Usually teachers love to get pressies from their pupils on Christmas eve, but often what they get is a bit weird, a BBC NEWS report points out. It mentions a golden horse statue, a raw chicken and a glass fish among the stranger gifts they have been given.

For those planning to buy a present for their teacher, and wondering what they should, BBC Newsround spoke to a cross-section of teachers in the UK to find out the worst things they  can or have received at Christmas.

It noted: “Among the worst things teachers said to get was perfume, which smells really bad! Another was chocolate, particularly if it is out-of-date, or one that is half-eaten! And the worst thing that pupils can possibly gift their teachers on Christmas eve are some really tacky ornaments. But do not worry if you are not planning to give your teacher a pressie, or perhaps you cannot afford to get much.”

You do not spend loads, but simply try to ensure that your gift is as personal and unusual as possible. According to the government, the report mentions in a lighter and literal vein, teachers are not allowed to give pupils higher ranks only because they have given them nice gifts!
 
Try the Christmas quiz 

Incidentally, BBC NEWS published another report on a host of hostile Christmas gifts. All were found to be counterfeit as well as dangerous.

Curiously, Ipod has topped the list of contemporary Christmas gifts. A news report mentions: “Looks like assorted gift givers and secret Santas worldwide have found an easy gift option (the Ipod). It has sold over 150 million units since first launched in 2001.”

Classic diamond earrings came second as the preferred gift item, closely followed by the Nintendo Wii. The popular games console works by detecting the players’ movement is very much in demand. A Tiffany necklace stood fourth. Gadgets are proving to be popular with a laptop, Nintendo Gameboy and Playstation 3 all voted into the top 50.

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Who doesn’t like cookies? They are the perfect choice for someone who wishes to tantalize one’s taste buds and do away with those hunger pangs. One can get several choices for presenting cookies in a fun gift packing.

Cookies are among the most popular gifting items - synonymous with the Christmas celebrations as much as a cute Christmas tree or gorgeous golden bells. When wrapped in a wonderful box, they make a meaningful gift for your boss, friend or your colleague, to go with the spirit of this unique festival.

There are many quality brands that have a wide variety on offer, ranging from the more traditional crispy, crunchy cookies to the indulgent mouth watering cool chocolate dipped cookies, luscious creamy cookies, savory salty Cookies and even customized cookies.

For this season, take your pick from delightful stockings or jute bags, brightly wrapped gift boxes adorned with Santa, mistletoe, stockings and everything else that enhances the Christmas mood, filled with the choicest cookies in tantalizing flavours that include Chocolate, Coffee, Brandy, Honey, Coconut, Ginger and a lot more.

Most of these cookie packs are well within budget. At any of the leading malls in your city, the mega cookie gifts are available to make your near and dear ones happy. You can get a beautifully crafted cane hamper comprising mouth watering, melting chocolates, a selection of premium dry fruits, a pair of champagne glasses and other goodies. There are elegant photo frames and gifts galore!

There is something on offer for everyone on the Christmas eve including Chocolates and plum cakes specially created for the season. In addition, many malls run special Christmas programs and promotional offers. Children get an opportunity to meet and sing along with a lifelike Santa Claus at his jovial best. It is time to catch up with the Santa spirit!

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Santa Claus is an icon of peace, joy and happiness, who enlivens our minds and hearts. He lives in the hearts of those who believe in virtues of giving and spreading happiness. Hence, gifting is something that is closely associated with the festival of Christmas.

Traditionally, Saint Nicholas was depicted as an imposing, tall, dignified ecclesiastical figure riding a white horse, dressed in red robes trimmed with white fur, worn by bishops, placing gifts of nuts, fruit, candy and small figurines on the hearth.

The popular and distinctive image of Santa was further developed from literary descriptions by novelist Washington Irving and poet Clement Clarke Moore and the fanciful drawings of poet and illustrator, Thomas Nast. In his drawings, Nast has depicted Santa as a delightful and jolly elf with a potbelly, and a bagfull of gifts slung on his shoulder.

In his poem, ‘A Visit by Saint Nicholas’, Nast has gives a detailed description of a happy, old, dwarfish man, riding on a sleigh drawn by eight reindeer, whose names are specified as Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen, respectively.

The present adorable personality of the North American Santa Claus, which took shape in the 19th Century, was that of a chubby, bespectacled elf, dressed in bright red. Father Christmas, Befana or even Kringler, Baboushka, Santa has spread cheer, joy and warmth in every form and under every garb. And that makes him a key figure in religious history, who carries a touch of benevolence.

But Reindeer are not found around the North Pole, so how do they figure in German, Dutch and North American legends? Actually, this was the brainchild of Clement Moore. One evening, while riding back home from New York City, he was inspired by the tinkling of bells on old Dobbin, his donkey and there flashed an idea for a Christmas tide verse for his children! Another explanation could be that German legends and mythology are closely related to those of Scandinavia, a Polar region.

Christmas is the time to rejoice with Santa, the Patron of Giving, and Giving sure is a noble gesture.

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As Christmas approaches, Santa Claus is eagerly awaited by children and so also the goodies and gifts he brings along.

It is interesting to note that the popular view of Santa we all have today - with the sleigh, the reindeer and the chimney – was derived largely from Clement Moore’s ‘The Night Before Christmas’, the 1822 book, further reinforced further by an advertising campaign.

The Santa Claus story combined with the modern retailing phenomena and consumer culture has grown since the turn of the century to make gift-giving an integral element of the Christmas celebrations. Incidentally, there was no elaborate exchanging of gifts until late 1800’s.

The Christmas tree – apparently a German tradition – began in the early 700AD century. The tradition of a Christmas Tree gradually moved to the UK and US. Since Victorian times, people had been decorating trees with candies and cakes hung with ribbon, ornaments and candles. The first electrically lighted Christmas tree appeared in 1882. Mistletoe, representing the goddess of love (Frigga - Scandinavian), was used as a decoration in houses for thousands of years and is also associated with many pagan rituals.

The 12 days of Chistmas are the ones that separate Christmas day (December 25) from Epiphany celebrated on January 6, marking Christ’s baptism (the Catholic tradition) or the day when the wise men visited baby Jesus with their gifts. This includes great fanfare and singing. The Anglo-Saxon tradition revolved around gathering together for small, serene choirs on the scenic village green lawns to sing carols and popular Christmas songs that would entertain and please the passers-by.

This joyous festival truly enlivens our hearts with warm revelry that extends well into the new year! Gift your near and dear ones, the little children, your friends and colleagues to spread the joy of Christmas.

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It is X’mas!, an interesting write-up by Abhilasha Ojha in Business Standard, exhorts us to simply forget the recession just for a while. It suggests that all of us also should hold our thoughts as far as the threat of terror is concerned and that we should for the moment stop thinking about all that is negative and find some excuse to be a part of the festive season.

The writer has suggested some colorful ideas to soak in the spirit of Christmas, who mentions: “Clothing brands are all geared up for the season with some truly exciting creations. Let me Be, a popular women’s brand, for example, has just unveiled its catchy Christmas collection. It is full of reds, whites, greens, and has created magnificent magic with rich fabrics like satins, wool, fleece and silks.”

There is a hint of embellishments that comes with precious stones like pearls and diamonds, and accompanied by a whisper of lace and sequins. Puffed sleeves, pleated necklines along with classic cuts and a liberal usage of motifs make sure that there is sophistication along with an elegant element of play. (Rs 5,000 onward at Ensemble and Amara)

You can also say it with cards. We often tend to underestimate the positive impact of greeting cards on people. The writer exclaims” “I do not mean those run-of-the-mill greeting cards. Gorgeous hand-paper varieties are available (also those in recycled paper). There are so many do-it-yourself books on the shelves (like Cheryl Owens’), you can use to try create your own greeting card at home.

If you are lazy, you may visit New Delhi’s Anandz Creations, where the card-maker Anand has on offer some wonderful designs with jute, brass and recycled products (Rs 95 onward). You can frame one of these and have it mounted. Another option the writer suggests is New Greeting Card Project by Himanshu Verma. It is an annual feature, which brings forth art on cards (Rs 150 each).

Read the complete article here

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One’s home is one’s castle, goes the saying. But homes nowadays won’t normally feature drawbridges, moats and ramparts, to keep off unwanted visitors. Now, a house alarm, preferably a full-fledged and managed home security system, is an essential feature to make sure that one’s family and possessions are safe.

A Business Standard news report by Priyanka Joshi & Aabhas Sharma (December 6, 2008) mentions: “The electronic security market is worth Rs 1,800 crore. It is clocking a CAGR growth of 30 per cent.” It quotes vice-president & business head of Godrej Security’s equipment division D E Byramjee: “Today people demand a doubly safe, easy to operate and cost-effective security solution for their homes. Even if there’s a watchperson at the gate, owners still want to identify the person at their door.”

For this purpose, Godrej has introduced video doorphones. These are priced in the range of Rs 8,000-15,000 that help users view every caller at the door and even talk to them before opening the door.

Security systems that you can consider for yourself or for your family, friends and colleagues as a gift item are:
• Burglar alarm systems
• Video surveillance & doorphones
• Wall-mounted air sensors
• Motion detectors
• Two-way key fobs
• Wi-Fi cameras

According to the software implementation and support head of Micro Technologies, Milind Londhe, “Security is something that cannot be compromised on. People now have realised this hence are looking to implement effective security solutions.”

Security solutions manufacturers like Honeywell Security have been coming up with intelligent video systems. There are multiple benefits of such systems. Starting at about Rs 22,000 (per camera), they are getting fast popular. With Bluetooth and infrared, most security gadgets are now available in wireless mode as well.

Tags: promotional products, gifting india, Business etiquette, promotional gifts, Best business gifts, low cost gifts, gifting etiquette, Popular corporate gifts, business gifting, Gifting occasions

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Post terror attacks in Mumbai, security has become a big concern not only for corporate houses but also for homeowners. In such a scenario, gadgets that enhance and add to the safety and security of your stay at home and office will make a much appreciated gift. Here we present a range of security items that you can consider for gifting to your friends and relatives:
   
1. Burglar Alarm System- Its vital features are as follows:
Detects intrusion;
Wireless, 24×7 remote monitoring;
Detects gas leak;
Remote keys;
Easy to operate;
Price (approximate) Rs. 8000

  
2. B/W Video Door Phone- Its vital features are as follows:
Clear, bright pictures;
Allows 2-way communication;
Cast iron outdoor unit;
Visibility up to 25 ft
Price (approximate) Rs. 8000
    

3. Colour Video Door Phone- Its vital features are as follows:
Clear, bright pictures;
Crystal-clear speaker system;
Price (approximate) Rs. 17500
 

4. Electronic Gas Leak Sensor- Its vital features are as follows:
Detects gas leak;
In-built hooter gets activated;
2-hr battery back up;
Fire-proof
Resistant to extreme temperatures
Price (approximate) Rs. 1000

Zicom Electronic Security Systems Ltd. is a leading player in the domain of corporate security products. Their latest venture is Retail Products (for HOME and RETAIL) courtsey which they have realeased several home safety products.

Image courtsey: Zicom

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When it comes to gifting diaries, you can get innovative and imaginative to leave a lasting impression on your client’s mind. For instance, some years ago, communication expert Mudar Patherya has in the past designed many unique diaries. Many of them were based on a specific theme, related to the company’s core business.

For instance, the lafarge diary was based on the theme ‘character is the only cement, which holds the world together’ and was full of anecdotal stories. On the other hand, the standard chartered diary was called ‘life’s savings, a bank of inspiration’. The diary had inspirational tales from sports, religion, and other domains of life.

You can get diaries designed with peace and harmony as the core theme for this year has witnessed many turbulent events with Mumbai being hit by terror attacks and leading metros of India having been exposed to bomb blasts. You can spread the message of prosperity and brotherhood and building of trust.

If you are looking to get the job done in quick time, ADINDIA is your option. They make diaries that are flawlessly and fluently printed on the finest quality of paper with easy to use and customized formats. In fact, customization is the key aspect of the whole exercise. You should look to strike a personal note with each client, even in your formal gifting exercise on eve of the New Year.

These diaries are bound in exquisite Leather/Leather Jackets, Leatherite, PC+ and Hard Bound, Vinyl & Wiro binding. They are accentuated further by gild-edged pages, handy ribbon markers and Tab Cutted Months besides inclusion of Year & Forward Planners, STD and ISD Codes, Travel and Meeting charts, Weights, Measures and Health Guide, World Time, Currencies, Airports, National and International Air Distances and City Guide Maps.

Do not go for too flashy concepts and gaudy designs this year, we suggest, since even the corporate world has been shaken by the tragic turn of events in the city of Mumbai. This year, the celebrations are likely to be more low-key, and you should not go overboard in your gifting exercise in keeping with the prevailing sentiment.

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