Teacher’s Day is celebrated in India on September 5 as a sincere tribute to the hard work and devotion of the teachers. The occasion is dedicated to the first ever Vice President and the second President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was known to be a passionate advocate of education to all.

Here are some of the touching themes we have collated for you from online greetings sources. You can pick the one of your choice.

Love You Shower: Give this card to your teacher and shoe your love and respect to him or her.

Sincere Efforts: Appreciate your teacher for his or her unconditional support & efforts through this card.

You are my parents at school: Thanking you for being there.

Your helping hand…: Express your gratitude to your teacher.
Adjectives for a TEACHER: Express the respect you hold for your teacher.

Dear Teacher, Remembering You With…: A Thank you card! 

You Have Helped Us…: A card to your favorite teacher.

God Understood our…: Tell your Teacher that he is the best through this Card

Helping, guiding and tutoring me…: Wish a very happy teacher’s day!

You have always shown me the right way: Show your gratitude.

The Best Teacher!: For your all-time favorite teacher.

Award For A Teacher…: A charming way to make your teacher smile.

Guidance And Support!: Thank your teacher/ teachers for all what you have got from him/ her/ them.

Really Can’t Be Like You…: Send this fun card to your teacher and make him/ her smile.

You’ve Been A Friend…: A beautiful message for your teacher who has been a friend to you.

Missing You…: A cute ecard to let your teacher know how much you miss him/ her even after leaving the school.

‘Happy Teachers’ Day!’ greetings serve as an expression of our gratitude towards them.

Teachers’ Day wishes sure will make a touching gesture.

Take this opportunity to wish your teacher/s with some nice greeting cards and ecards.

Bookmark to:

Ganesh festival is a perfect confluence of philosophy, mysticism, and mythology. The stories of God’s divine pastimes have great symbolic connotations, and require full understanding and concentration to be blessed with pure happiness and peace. Whoever understands their inner and outer meanings will grasp the essence of life.

Ganesh Chaturthi, the birthday of Lord Ganesh, falls on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada which falls in August-September. The symbolic connection behind the snake, mouse and the Lord’s pot belly and its relationship to the moon on his birthday is highly mythical and philosophic.

The entire cosmos is like the God’s belly. Shakti Parvati, the primordial energy, cooks 21 types of dishes, meaning 21 expansions of the cosmos: seven above, seven below and seven oceans - all of which are inside the Ganesha’s cosmic belly - held together by the cosmic energy symbolized as a huge snake that Ganesha ties around him.

The mouse is nothing but our inflated ego. Ganesha, using it as vehicle, represents the fact that our great Self or consciousness controls the ego, using it as a vehicle or instrument in daily life. In other words, one who controls the ego attains Ganesha-consciousness or God-consciousness.

Apart from a significant spiritual side, the festival has a social aspect. Lokmanya Tilak, the great freedom fighter, made it a public event to reshape the Indian psyche based on our own heritage and history.

The concept of public festivities is the gift given by him to the nation in the 19th century. Tilak had inspired people to organize the festival to rekindle nationalistic spirit. Since then, the purpose and form of the festival has greatly changed.

LALBAUGCHA RAJA (The Emperor of Lalbaug) in Mumbai is among the most revered and popular Ganesh idols in Mumbai visited by a host of celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar and Lata Mangeshkar.

The Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, located in Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is another revered idol. The Ganpati was established in 1893.

Bookmark to:

In our previous blog, we carried details of a news report, stating that the Zoozoo creator Vodafone Essar intends to release official Zoozoo merchandise with the help of leading retail chain Shopper’s Stop.

Branded character merchandise is a territory not many retailers want to tread upon because of the peculiar market conditions. One of them is intellectual property issues. Customer care associate & chief executive for Shoppers Stop, Govind Shrikhande, elaborated that character merchandising is rather easy to copy. There isn’t much control over violation of IP rights.

According to him, film merchandise has a shelf life of roughly two to three months whereas character merchandising is more challenging, particularly if the official merchandise is costly, thereby prompting the demand for their cheaper knock-offs. He estimates that the branded merchandise market is in the region of around Rs 1,050 crore.

Character merchandise has worked successfully in case of the Disney and other you can make your brother, both a cricket and Zoozoo fan, happy with a ravishing Zoozoo rakhi like SpongeBob, SquarePants, Ben 10, and Hanuman etc. The official Zoozoo fan club page on Facebook has over 3 lakh fans. Such branded merchandise works well for brand promotion. It reinforces the image of the brand.

E-commerce site Indiangiftsportal.com stocks products that feature the Zoozoos. Its MD Manan Sharma claims that his efforts to get an official license for Zoozoo merchandise failed. But he is not worried about infringement of IP rights? According to him, they are simply making the Zoozoos popular so there shouldn’t be a problem?

On the other hand, online merchandiser Myntra Designs Ltd has been a tad more cautious. Their creative designers contribute their own ideas and the site has rejected several Zoozoos based T-shirt designs owing to copyright issues.

Irrespective of pros and cons of the debate, the good part is that you can make your brother, both a cricket and Zoozoo fan, happy with a ravishing Zoozoo rakhi.  

Tags: corporate gifts companies, Cheap corporate gifts, Best business gifts, Corporate gifting India, gifting etiquette, Business Gifting
Corporate gifting, , gifting to clients, low cost gifts, Worst gifts

Bookmark to:

After making their dazzling debut on television during the Indian Premier League (IPL) second edition concluded earlier this year, the highly adorable and popular egg-headed Zoozoos have found their way onto birthday cakes, T-shirts, shoes, comic strips, newspaper mastheads, wedding cards, key chains and now even rakhis. Smart local and Chinese marketers are fast cashing in on their rapport with fans.

E-commerce site Indiangiftsportal.com stocks products that feature the Zoozoos. In a span of fortnight, the website sold over 100 Zoozoo rakhis, according to its MD Manan Sharma. The Zoozoo rakhi costs Rs300 and includes a handmade box, a card, along with credit card and courier charges. The cute Zoozoo characters are made and sourced from China, whereas the attractive rakhi ribbons and threads have been added here.

Meanwhile, their original creator Vodafone Essar will soon come up with official Zoozoo merchandise in collaboration with retail chain Shopper’s Stop. A senior official from the shopping chain was quoted as saying in The Mint publication that they are already in discussions and are very close to finalizing the deal.

The development was confirmed by a sr. advertising executive, according to whom Shopper’s Stop was scouting for reliable suppliers to make quality Zoozoo merchandise. Shoppers Stop is most likely to manufacture as well as market zestful Zoozoo T-shirts, clocks, dolls, bags, mugs etc. These are sure to be among the most popular gift items once they are released in the market, depending on their price range.

The merchandise should be possibly within a couple of months, the report mentioned executive creative director (South Asia), O & M, Rajiv Rao, as saying. Incidentally, Rajiv Rao created the much fancied Zoozoo campaign.

Shoppers Stop has already produced branded accessories and apparel for films like Om Shanti Om and the Saif Ali starrer Love Aaj Kal. They are giving branded character merchandise a try.

The Zoozoo rakhi and other merchandise – branded or otherwise - should make memorable collectibles.

Bookmark to:

Here is an opportunity in the offing for those keen on gifting exquisitely crafted, classic and glittering gold items. According to media reports, the World Gold Council is all set to explore spiritual connection of the popular yellow metal with India’s heritage and mythology. 

WGC, as is known, has developed into a worldwide organization funded by the leading gold mining firms. The council apparently is searching for the precious metal’s intrinsic value beyond prices. It is thinking of appointing an expert on Indian mythology, Dr Devdutt Pattanaik, as a consultant.

The famous writer of several research based books comprising ‘The Book of Ram’, Dr Devdutt Pattanaik will be mandated to come up with innovative ways for fitting gold in spiritualism. As reported, the council is likely to engage him for the project by October. The first glimpse of the concept is slated to be offered by as soon as April 2010.

Now, gold is considered more as a valuable asset for future. Primarily stored more for its ornamental value in the past, people now hold it as an investment. However, WGC is trying to look at gold beyond just market price. For this it will try to strike a mythological chord with those spiritually inclined. The council is planning to work with leading temples trusts like Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to manufacture jewelry items, either by themselves or by engaging local manufacturers.

Ajay Mitra, MD (India sub-continent) for WGC, has been quoted as saying: “The concept has immense potential; the metal will not only accumulate all the known forms of mythology like forming symbols (such as trishul, om), rituals and telling story, but will also bridge the gap between the ancient art of story-telling and rituals as of today.” 

These gold artifacts with a spiritual connection, once they are released, are bound to make a popular gifting choice. 

Bookmark to:

Employers looking to incentivize their employees need not only consider gifts and monetary rewards. There are so many other steps and ideas that they can initiate to strike a rapport with their workforce. 

A case in point is Hindustan Unilever’s recent health initiative for its 15,000 strong team. The program is reaping great rewards. Shyamal Majumdar in an interesting article entitled ‘What’s your vitality index?’ that appeared in The Business Standard gave an insight into the initiative.

Based on an interview with T Rajgopal, HUL vice-president (Medical and Occupational Health), the writer threw light on the employee-driven incentive program at arguably India’s largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company.

Rajgopal and his team have indeed been able to implement a ‘personal vitality’ initiative in a phased manner for the employees of HUL in India. The health plan is ahead of the curve and hence is getting a favorable response from the company employees.

Underlining the importance of the move, the article pointed out: “What employees are doing at lunch and also after work can greatly affect their employer. HUL can consider the rewards-ratio of many other global firms that have implemented well-thought-out health plans for their employees. The ratio for Johnson & Johnson is 3.8:1. The same for Pepsico, Motorola and Dupont is equally healthy.

“We are providing employees the encouragement and the necessary tools to change unhealthy lifestyles before these transform into chronic diseases. We do it in a fun way that also allows them to choose the path, which fits them best,” stated Rajgopal.

At the heart of the new HUL initiative is a vitality index - the measurement of the personal vitality of every individual employee. It is based on four parameters - blood pressure, blood cholesterol, the Body Mass Index (BMI), and blood sugar.

Bookmark to:

If hip hop stars are indeed the ultimate in cool, Adidas has got its formula perfectly right with its line of appealing apparel and accessories conceived in association with noted musician Missy Elliot. Termed, Respect M.E. it has all the ‘Elliot’ trademark style, with ravishing rap star bling.

The line is available for sale in Adidas Originals stores globally and in leading Indian cities such as Chandigarh, Bangalore and New Delhi. Tushar Goculdas, director (marketing and sales) Adidas India, has been quoted as saying, “We first launched the Originals lifestyle brand at the 1972 Munich Olympics. It was inspired by the famous sports stars of the time.

“The line happened to catch on so well that shoes and apparel seen on the field in the 1970s are now often seen in movies, music videos, and on celebrities at clubs and many rock shows.” 

Tracking the trend, there seem to be quite a many takers for a curious collaboration between sports and fashion. A peep into the actor Amrita Arora’s wardrobe and one instantly realizes that it is dominated by top brands such as Adidas, Lululemon Athletica, Juicy Couture and Reebok.

Interestingly, she isn’t really a sports enthusiast. In fact, these clothes do not make her appear like one either. It’s rather the ‘sporty chic’ look she prefers. Amrita likes to wear workout tops that go nicely with jeans and heels for those outings with special friends. 

Amrita Arora has been quoted saying in an interview: “They are made for workouts; they hold the body together and also give you a good shape. The actor loves the sporty, colorful apparel from Lululemon Athletica, which is a Canadian brand. At filmi parties and events, she has often been spotted in Juicy Couture tracksuits, even pairing black track pants sometimes with a shirt and boots. According to her, it’s quite comfortable and cool.

Bookmark to:

There are many cricket or football fans around who are crazy about sports memorabilia. You may be aware of friends or colleagues who are keen to grab their favorite soccer, basketball or cricket team’s jersey.

They are not averse to spending to buy them up. Needless to say, that the caps, jerseys or trousers that symbolize their connection with say Manchester United or Mumbai Indians is a prized possession for them.

Sales of the host of merchandise related to the various Indian Premier League teams picked up. As IPL fever gripped the country, the merchandise of the IPL teams’ specially targeted at their loyal fans was vigorously marketed. In the UK or the US, the average share of items like monogrammed T-shirts can be very high.

The point to be made: Merchandise is an integral part of soccer or basketball team’s fan base and economic structure. Fans are always keen to buy say a monogrammed David Beckham T-shirt, which is a hot property. IPL merchandise sales were lower though. “It’s a new concept in India and will take time to catch on,” Rajiv Mehta, managing director of Puma was quoted as saying in a Business Standard article.

In fact, according to him, the response this year has been better than expected. Linked to the novelty of this concept is the fact that popular team jerseys – like the highest selling item for any team globally - are priced high for the average cricket fan in India. For example, a KKR jersey cost close to Rs 800 at a Reebok outlet. Similarly, an Adidas’ Delhi Daredevils polo t-shirt costs Rs 1499. A Rajasthan Royals jersey is available for Rs 699 at Puma.

You sure can consider sports memorabilia for gifting. Spot the person’s team or player before you gift one.

Bookmark to:

Sportswear has surely made its way out of the rough n tough gym bag to enter the high-flying wardrobes. As a result, most fashion labels are getting sportier.

For example, Boss Hugo Boss last year launched its brand Boss Green to complement its popular Boss Black range of formal wear in India. The brand manager of Boss Hugo Boss, India, mentioned in an interview: “It’s a collection for those who don’t mind doing business at the golf course. They probably wanted a choice of luxury sportswear that wasn’t available at all. Those who earlier would (compulsively) wear blazers to after-work parties have switched to golf wear.”

The reasons are obvious; the look is rather simple and informal with golf T-shirts, jerseys, jackets, trousers, and shoes. Designer Narendra Kumar’s captivating collections for men have had a sporty edge. His collection for Spring/Summer 2009 at LFW 2008 went a step further.

The line was inspired by sportswear with cropped cabin jackets, denims and formal track pants. India saw a funky fashion-sport tie-up when Reebok got a psychedelic makeover - shoes in bright colors like orange, pink, silver, red and blue, topped with superb Swarovski and sequins as well as activewear under the Reebok label Fish Fry.

High fashion is indeed meeting mainstream everyday clothing. The trend is quite pronounced in the West and is catching up fast in India. A big workout culture is developing.
Take the case of actor Deepika Padukone who likes to wear short dresses to go with metallic sneakers & hip hoodies with three-fourth trousers. To party with friends, Nina Manuel often slips on her black Puma dress with orange-n-white boots from the Missy Elliot line. She might pair shorts & stockings with a purple halter Puma top.

Malaika Arora Khan often shares her sister’s liking for tracksuits. So the next time you are shopping for someone who is sporty type, you know where and what to look for.

Bookmark to:

Giving a style statement with cool, crispy quotes in some cool tees are a perfect gift for someone who wants to look uber cool. “I’m surrounded by idiots”; “Get me drunk and enjoy the show”; “50 % single” are some of the whacky n witty one liners on T-shirts fast catching up amongst college-goers and youngsters.

With teen tennis sensation Sania Mirza having already made such tees with catchy one liners her unique style statement, teenagers are too stretching their imagination to get them. Started by two college friends Abhir Khanna and Pranav Kapoor in August last year, Blue Bus Tees are selling like hot cakes.

The demand for their T-shirts is not restricted to the youth alone. Middle-aged men are also ordering them. The duo were working in their family businesses initially, but later decided to start something on their own. Abhir Khanna informed: “”We decided to come up with one liner T-shirts since we realized there were not many in India”.

The brand name, Blue Bus Tees, was a random choice. “While travelling in a BEST bus, we thought of calling it ‘Red Bus Tee’. Since the brand name ‘Red Bus’ was already registered, we named Blue Bus,” reminisced kapoor. ‘Blue Bus Tees’ is a T-shirt selling website, where one can order T-shirt and make payments via credit card, demand draft or cheque.

The reason behind online selling of the T-shirts was to launch business in a cost-effective way. The duo didn’t want to spend on renting a shop space. Their target was the young audience as they surf the internet more.

The witty one liner T-shirts are now going places. The sales are happening from all over India. The duo has marketed them in college festivals like Malhar and Lakshya. Their Poker tees are selling well, too. Next in line are Bollywood tees with crazy one liners like ‘Mere pass maa hai’ and others like Jhakaas, Item number. Prices are Rs 250 onwards.

Tags: Cheap corporate gifts, business gift baskets, Business etiquette, Gifting events, Corporate gifting India, Best business gifts, Business Gifting
Corporate gifting, low cost gifts, business gifting, promotional products

Bookmark to: