The Personal Gifting Co

For Everyday Giving

Lisa’s Personal “Fall” Favorites

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I’m sure I’ve said this a million times before, but Fall is indeed my favorite time of the year. 

My favorite fall scented candle, the house decorated in autumn décor, The coziest, plush throw blanket and my favorite comforts foods.

Below are a few of my personal favorites that I’m enjoying this season that I wanted to share with you.

Balsam Hill Fall Wreath

Balsam Hill Fall Wreath

Infuse elegant autumnal beauty into your home with Balsam Hill’s Fall Harvest Foliage. Lovingly crafted by hand, this Balsam Hill exclusive is adorned with sunflowers, pumpkins, berries, pinecones, and burlap ribbon to represent the warmth and color of the harvest season. For more information on the wreath.

Pottery Barn Sherpa Back Throws

When it comes to cozy textures, we believe the more the merrier. Ridged stripes on the front of this throw create a sense of loftiness, and the supersoft sherpa reverse is the perfect warmth for chilly weather or snuggling by the fire. For more information on these cozy blankets.

Oh My Gourd Doormat

Perfect for Fall and even Halloween, you can’t go wrong with a “punny” Oh My Gourd Doormat. For more information on the doormat.

Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove Jar Candle

Treat yourself or a loved one to Capri Blue’s beloved pumpkin spiced scent — it’s a cozy, comforting choice that’s perfectly suited for the harvest season. Pumpkin Clove: The scent of creamy, buttery pumpkin with a touch of orange zest, wrapped within a savory vanilla and cinnamon base. (SPICE) For more information on the candle.

Staub Ceramic Stoneware Pumpkin Cocotte

Bake and serve individual portions of soups, casseroles or vegetables with these charming ceramic pumpkins. Inspired by the French heirloom Rouge Vif d’Etampes pumpkin—the same handsome variety used to depict Cinderella’s carriage—they add a sculptural element to the tabletop. For more information on the stoneware.

Throwback Stir Stick Popcorn Maker

Movie night is more fun with freshly popped popcorn served retro-style. This electric popcorn maker has a motorized stir stick to ensure that all kernels are popped to a fluffy consistency and tossed evenly in butter. For more information on the popcorn maker.

Host A Pizza Party

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Not sure if we need a month to celebrate pizza, since we do a fantastic job eating it any month. But since October is giving us the green light, then I say let’s make the most out of it! 

Just in case you’re having trivia night soon, a little unknown fact is other than the months of July, August and December, there is some type of pizza celebratory day in every month. 

There’s nothing better than getting your family and friends together, buying all your favorite pizza toppings and having a pizza party night at home, it’s fun and delicious.  

Below are a few essentials to making pizza night delicious…

Must Haves:

  • Pizza Dough – Making your own can be fun, but if you’re not into that or just don’t have time your local grocery store has so many options to choose from. Another option is to purchase pre-made dough from some of your local pizzerias. In St. Louis, you can purchase pizza dough from Trader Joe’s and Dewy’s.
  • Pizza sauce– again, you can make your own or purchase at your local grocery store. Other options if you don’t want a red sauce is white or pesto.
  • Toppings– This is where you get to be creative. Add whatever toppings you like. You could have your friends bring their favorite. Here are some ideas:
    • Meats: pepperoni, ham, sausage, chicken, bacon, prosciutto, genoa salami, meatballs, canadian bacon
    • Veggies: mushrooms, olives (green and/or black), artichoke hearts, onions (red/white/carmelized), bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, banana peppers, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, fig, garlic
    • Fruit: Pineapple
    • Cheese: Mozzarella, Provel, Goat, Gorgonzola, or a blend
  • Other pizza options:
    • Taco Pizza
    • BBQ Pizza
    • Breakfast Pizza
    • Dessert Pizza
  • Don’t forget some hot wings, breadsticks and your favorite ice cold beverage adds the finishing touches. 

Another great way to enjoy pizza night and cooler, fall temperatures is to cook your pizzas on a stone on the barbecue pit. 

The Best St. Louis-Themed Gifts for Showers, Gift Bags and More

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Read the recent interview Lisa had with Amanda Dahl of STL Today and St. Louis Bridal.

What’s the best way to celebrate your love and your love for the Gateway City? Customized gift sets! Whether for your guests, for the bridal party or even just as a thank–you for your parents, nothing captures the memory of this life moment quite like personalized reminders to take home.

Luckily, Union Studio specializes in unique, locally made items that will leave the desired impression.

“The fact that everything we have is handmade and local, by virtue, pays homage to St. Louis,” co-creator Sarah Kelley says. “[My business partner,] Mary Beth, and I personally know all 100 artists that we work with. We do our best to share their stories … with the people who shop here. Community-building happens here.”

Lisa Paden, owner of The Personal Gift Basket Co., believes the key components to a perfect gift depend on your knowledge or your relationship with the person in question. Gifts from the heart for those standing by your side on your wedding day can be as simple as offering a matching shade of nail polish and Champagne glasses or as elaborate as writing a handwritten note in dark chocolate leather notebooks, Paden says.

“We try to get to know the recipients; sometimes that’s easy and sometimes that’s not,” she adds. “That’s the fun part, coming up with the ‘why’ you’re gifting.”

The born-and-raised St. Louisan appreciates introducing her beloved city to others and collaborates with couples to find the right fit for each personalized gift basket. An entrepreneur, Paden has even captured the flavor of St. Louis in a one-of-a-kind treat.

“I work with a women-owned company out of California [called The Art of Caramel],” Paden details. “They asked me if I [wanted] to make a popcorn based on my city. I went to my friend, Gooey Louie in St. Louis, and asked him for four mini cakes that I overnighted to the girls. They loved them and said, ‘We definitely have to make a popcorn with this flavor.’ And that’s what we did!”

At Union Studio, a plethora of local artists allow for endless varieties – and Kelley and Bussen are attheready to flesh out your notions for the ideal gift set. Almost the entire inventory is available online, and you can call or connect with the owners via Facetime for further information. A walk-up window allows you to see items inperson – just be sure to wear your face mask.

“Our mission is connecting makers to people who want to support their work,” Bussen says. “People are still making and, on the other side, wanting to connect even more. When it’s handmade work, that intention doubles.”

Connection is the reason to gift your loved ones on your big day – something many crave during this historic time. Paden says it best: “My mantra is it’s always a great day to give a great gift.”

For couples seeking that signature St. Louis style to make a DIY gift set, pick gifts and treats from your favorites, like themed prints by Kelly Sieckhaus Designs; drink blends from Big Heart Tea Co. or Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co.; sustainable stainless steel straws from Ted Drewes Frozen Custard; specialty sauces like barbecue from Pappy’s Smokehouse or hot sauce from 4Hands Brewing Co.’s collaboration with Mission Taco Joint;  or snacks like granola from Made Fare Co., salty nibbles from Billy Goat Chip Company and Just Popped Popcorn, or sweets from Bissingers.

The Personal Gift Basket Co., Wentzville, 636-240-3049, thepersonalgiftingco.com

Union Studio, 1605 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, 314-771-5398, stlunionstudio.com

See Original Article

Memorable Gifting Experience

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My company motto is: there is always a reason to give a thoughtful gift. I genuinely believe this statement to be true, and helping my clients create a memorable experience for the recipients is my top priority. Gifting is so much more than just creating a gift and making the recipient happy. Now don’t get me wrong; the beautifully designed gift is a significant part of the experience but not the whole experience. 

Today I want to share three helpful tips for creating a memorable client gifting experience.

Tip #1

Be Purposeful and Impactful.

Think about why you are giving the gift. Whether personal or business, these opportunities are great ways to show gratitude and nurture the relationship. Our top four are:

Personal Gifting 

  1. Birthday
  2. Wedding
  3. New baby
  4. New home

Business Gifting

  1. Events
  2. Onboarding
  3. Thank you
  4. Congratulations

Tip #2

Set a budget that you’re able to repeat.

Setting a gifting budget is a good idea, especially for corporate gifting. Gifting can be an investment but so worth it. Think of your whole client experience and consider other opportunities you may have to gift. Take all those experiences into consideration when coming up with your budget. 

Tip #3

Make it personal

There are many ways to personalize a gift, whether it’s custom gift boxes and containers or customized ribbon. But the number one way to personalize your gift is with a handwritten note card. Because we live in an electronic world, handwritten notes carry a lot of weight. 

I strive to make gifting simple and less stressful for each of my clients, all while curating gifts the recipient will love and remember. 
To learn more about how we can be of assistance to you with your gifting needs, you can email me at lisa@thepersonalgiftingco.com or call us at 636-240-3049.

Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifts

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A few of Lisa’s personal favorite women-owned shops around town.

One thing I feel this pandemic has taught us is that we are all in this together. COVID-19 has created an existential crisis in our communities and all over the world. Small businesses and mom & pop shops are the heartbeats of our economy. Success is a joint effort, and when your community hurts, you hurt. Small businesses are being directly and indirectly affected by our current circumstances. Because of the suddenness of all this, most companies did not have enough time to prepare properly. So just like the old saying goes, “it takes a village…” well it takes a village to work together, to buy, sell and trade with one another to help heal our land.

One way we can help is to buy from our local businesses. Since Mother’s Day is fast approaching, I thought this would be a great time to share 5 of my personal local favorites to help spark your gift shopping juices. Supporting these local shops helps them keep their doors open and lights on.

Collections By Joya, Owner: Betsy Blancett-Narcelli

I love the uniqueness and quality of the jewelry. Knowing that every piece is hand-crafted by an expert artisan, makes me feel like I’m wearing a one-of-kind. Another thing to love is that a portion of every purchase goes toward a women’s charity.  https://www.collectionsbyjoya.com

Leopard Boutique, Owner: Rachel Sauter

I discovered Rachel’s hot finds after participating in a fashion charity show, and I was hooked. I can trust that she has something special every time I walk into the store or shopping online. Her staff is always helpful and knowledgeable, and can assist you in curating the perfect outfit, including shoes and accessories. https://shop.leopardboutique.com 

Lark Skin Co., Owner: Lisa Dolan

This is one of my new favorites, and I had to add it. I was gifted Lark’s cleansing balm and I absolutely love it!  I’ve since purchase several other products from the skincare line and they have proven to stand up to many other products I’ve used in the past. This is a wonderful gift to give someone who desires beautiful, healthy skin.  https://www.larkskinco.com

STL Cake Pops, Owner: Rachel Sarino

I have never been disappointed by Rachel’s delicious cake pops. There are so many flavors and designs to choose from, and if she doesn’t have what you’re looking for, she can probably make it.  There’s more than just cake pops, there’s cookie cakes, chocolate-covered Oreos and strawberries and cake pop kits.  https://stlcakepops.com

Rudy’s Flower Truck, Owner: Brittany Sarhage

I absolutely LOVE the idea of a flower truck, this gives me all the creative feels! But more than just the truck being beautiful, the flowers are as well.  Buying flowers from Rudy’s Flower Truck makes you feel like you’ve stepped back to a simpler time.  If you can’t get to the truck to get all the “fills”, they also deliver in the St. Louis City and County.  https://www.rudysflowertruck.com

Collections