In times of loss, a well-crafted sympathy note can be a powerful source of comfort and support for grieving family and friends. Knowing the right words to convey condolences may seem challenging, but with a thoughtful approach, you can offer solace during difficult times. In this article, we’ll guide you through the proper way to write a sympathy note to family or friends, ensuring your message is sincere and compassionate, and brings a sense of warmth to those in need.

Express Your Condolences with Empathy:

• Acknowledge the loss with sincere and empathetic words. Express your sadness for their pain and let them know you share in their grief. For example, “I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of [Name]. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.”

Begin with a Thoughtful Salutation:

• Address the note with a gentle and caring salutation, such as “Dear [Name]” or “To the [Last Name] Family.” Starting with a personal touch sets the tone for your heartfelt message.

Share a Fond Memory or Reflection:

• If you have a cherished memory of the departed, consider sharing it in your note. Recall a special moment or highlight a positive aspect of their character. This personal touch can bring comfort to grieving hearts and celebrate the life that was lived.

Offer Support and Assistance:

• Let the grieving family know that you are there for them. Extend a genuine offer of support and assistance, whether it’s providing a meal, running errands, or simply being a listening ear. A compassionate phrase like, “Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything I can do to ease your burden” can be reassuring.

Keep it Simple and Sincere:

• Avoid clichés or generic phrases, and instead, focus on simplicity and sincerity. Use your own words to convey genuine sympathy. A heartfelt and straightforward message often carries more weight than elaborate expressions.

Close with Warm Wishes:

• End the note with warm wishes or a comforting sentiment. You might say, “May the memories of [Name] bring you peace and comfort during this challenging time” or “Sending you thoughts of strength and courage.”

Handwritten Notes Matter:

• Whenever possible, opt for a handwritten note. The personal touch of a handwritten message conveys sincerity and thoughtfulness. If handwriting is not feasible, ensure your typed note is still personalized and warm.

Writing a sympathy note is an art of delicate expression, but with these guidelines, you can navigate the process with compassion and grace. Remember, your words can provide a comforting embrace for those in mourning, offering solace and support during their journey through grief.

In the world of personalized stationery, where every detail speaks volumes about your style, Giftsin24.com is thrilled to announce an exciting burst of color to elevate your correspondence experience. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction drives us to constantly innovate, and we are delighted to introduce three stunning additions to our stationery line: Orange Envelope Lining, Emerald Ink Border, and Cherry Ink for Raised Print.

Orange Envelope Lining: A Warm Embrace

Picture the excitement of receiving a beautifully crafted letter with a warm burst of color. Our new Orange Envelope Lining adds a touch of vibrancy and energy to your correspondence. Whether you’re sending invitations, thank-you notes, or heartfelt letters, the orange envelope lining creates an inviting and memorable first impression. It’s the perfect way to set a positive tone right from the moment your recipient opens the envelope.

Emerald Ink Border: Timeless Elegance

Elevate your correspondence cards and foldover notes with the timeless elegance of Emerald Ink Borders. The deep green hue exudes sophistication and adds a refined touch to your personalized stationery. The emerald border is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions – from formal business communications to personal notes. Your words will be framed in a rich and luxurious shade, making your stationery a true work of art.

Cherry Ink: Raising the Bar in Stationery

Unleash the power of color with our Cherry Ink, designed for raised print stationery, envelope linings, and border color on correspondence cards and foldover notes. The bold and striking red shade demands attention and adds a level of prestige to your personalized stationery. Whether it’s your monogram, business logo, or a special message, the raised print in cherry ink ensures that your words are not only heard but seen in a truly unforgettable way.

At Giftsin24.com, we understand the importance of personal expression in every piece of stationery. Our new additions of Orange Envelope Linings, Emerald Ink Borders, and Cherry Ink provide you with an expanded palette to infuse your personality and style into your correspondence. From warm and inviting to elegant and bold, these colors are designed to make your stationery stand out and leave a lasting impression. Explore the possibilities and enhance your communication with our vibrant new colors today!

February 20 is #LoveYourPetDay. How are you celebrating? Whether you have a cute cat, an adorable dog, a hamster or an iguana, your pet is an important part of your family. They give us so many things: Unconditional love, unlimited entertainment, even a free reason to get outside and go for a walk everyday. Here are three fun and easy ways to celebrate your favorite pooch, kitty or other companion. How will you mark Love Your Pet Day every day of the year?

Photo & Picture Frame

Keeping a sweet picture of your pet on your desk at work helps you generate those endorphins. Your office mates will love the One of the Family Picture Frame. It’s one of several solid wood picture frames we’ve designed with pet-themed artwork, including an engraved or painted name.

Keepsake Ornament

The holiday season is filled with nostalgia and traditions carried from one generation to the next. Decorating a Christmas tree is one such tradition. The Pawsitively Yours Printed Keepsake Ornament reflects the love you have for your pet.

Photo Agenda

It takes just minutes to upload a full-color photo of your precious pet, and write a few lines of personalized text for a personalized notepad, such as the Family Photo Agenda. Choose an exclusive lettering style and matte ink color. We’ll do the rest. In no time, you can find a place for these agenda sheets in their CrystalClear acrylic holder on your desk, on your kitchen counter, or on your bedside table.

So there you have it. Three easy and fun ways to celebrate #LoveYourPetDay every day of the year. Order today, the item will ship tomorrow, fast and free through FedEx Ground Shipping. When you give Tiny that can of tuna or new collar, be sure to give yourself something a little special too.

In a world that grows more digitized by the day, the act of putting pen to paper is transformational. Here are a few ways the classic form of journal keeping can ground you and increase your creativity:

One: Quickly capture thoughts and information

Ideas emerge at any given moment. Having a notebook on hand allows you to quickly jot them down before they slip away. It’s also a great tool for organizing all your ideas in one place. There’s nothing more frustrating than scattered jottings on receipts, slips of paper and the backs of envelopes.

Two: Improve your mental health by journaling and disconnecting

There is a strong connection between journaling and mental health. The weight of everyday life can bog you down. Studies have shown that expressing your emotions can help manage anxieties, ease stress and cope with depression. Use a journal to express your thoughts through writing, doodling or another visual tactic. Doing so can relieve the stress of overwhelming emotions and other life pressures.

Three: Eliminate distractions

Our smartphones are major points of distraction in our lives. We are constantly getting notifications about text messages, social media alerts, emails and other intrusive apps. By using a journal to jot down your thoughts, you can help eliminate distractions from the virtual world. Whether you are sketching, doodling, journaling or simply making your grocery list, using a notebook encourages you to focus on putting your thoughts on the page.

Four: A way to remember what you don’t wish to forget

Various studies have shown that the physical act of writing can help you retain thoughts and information better than typing on a keyboard or into a phone. The classic pen-and-paper combo requires you to think through every letter and word, which more effectively etches the information into your memory. Writing class notes by hand or jotting down information during work meetings also enhances retention.

Five: Plan and brainstorm more efficiently

Apps on your smartphone or computer can have constricting formats that confine your ideas and workflow. When your brain is on a roll, you need space to capture every thought, no matter in which direction your ideas go. In a notebook, it’s much easier to map things out on an unrestricted, blank page. Your mind can wander freely and creatively.

Find the system that’s right for you

The best way to enhance your note-writing experience, is to personalize a notebook or journal to reflect your style and personality. At Giftsin24, you can select a journal that inspires and motivates you to experience all the benefits of writing by hand. Shop our selection of personalized journal and notepad options to get your brain flowing.

September is National Courtesy Month. Politeness and manners are more than just words. They undergird a whole way of being that can help you feel happier and infect the community around you with good feels. It’s contagious! Here are some ways to instill calm and gratitude in your life.

1. Say “Please” and “Thank you.”

These are the magic words that keep the gears of any community moving, whether you are emailing, phoning, or speaking in person to someone. ‘nough said!

2. Be Kind.

You never know what the other person is going through. When someone speeds by or honk from behind me, I sometimes feel irritated, but other times, I wonder if they are trying to get to the hospital. A person may have just received a cancer diagnosis or notice of the death of a loved one. Maybe they are dealing with suicidal thoughts or feeling stressed by the medical needs of their daughter or mother. Try to give people the benefit of the doubt.

3. Learn People’s Names

It can feel overwhelming at times, particularly if you are meeting a lot of people at once. One man I just met very obviously said my name three times in a conversation, in an effort to remember it. Others try to use mnemonics: “Sweet Sydney,” for example. My husband writes people’s name in the Notes area of his phone. Do what you need to do. It really means a lot.

4. Listen Without Interrupting

We sometimes talk without thinking. Try to give someone your undivided attention, without trying to add your two cents or respond with related stories of your own. And when someone is going through a hard time, it’s the best time to zip it up and just listen.

5. Send a Hand-written Note

Received a gift? Got invited to a wonderful home-cooked meal? Been thinking about a friend and realized you’ve known her for 10 years? You got it…write a thank you note. It’s a time-honored tradition that really seals the bonds of a relationship. Life is short and can sometimes be lonely. Remember to thank people who are kind to you.

So those are 5 simple ways to be more courteous. As you practice these and other measures, you will also be building a more gentle and polite community around you.

Short cuts are a necessity in our modern age, no doubt about it. Life moves fast, and you don’t want to miss the important parts because you’re lost in the minutia of a bunch of busy work. So, how important is it to use quality stationery when writing a thank you note? Consider these scenarios:

1. Your aunt has given you a beautiful gift: she thought of a gift idea that matches your taste and desires, purchased it, wrapped it beautifully and presented it to you on your birthday. That was a lot of effort!
2. Your neighbor spent 12 hours of her time watching and feeding your kids for you on no notice when you had a family emergency.
3. Your mother’s friend flew into town for your mother’s funeral, and had a beautiful display of flowers delivered to the service.

In these cases, will a pack of thank you notes from the big box store in your town serve? Um…we think not.

If you want to correctly thank the people important to you — those who show you much consideration and generosity of heart — you’ll want to use superior stationery that befits the occasion: personalized stationery with your name or monogram, precision-crafted to exacting standards.

So how can you know what “good quality” stationery is? How will you know it when you see it? A lot of it has to do with the printing.

Gifts In 24 creates beautiful stationery on high quality papers and designed by professionals. You have your choice of a variety of stationery using 3 main printing methods: embossing, thermography and foil-pressing.

Embossing

Embossing, sometimes called “blind embossing,” is a classic choice. In this process, paper is squeezed between two molds, or dies, to create a raised impression on the top surface of the paper. As in the Henley Traditional Monogram Note, shown above, no ink is used, and so the name or monogram is delineated by the simple change in texture of the paper. Excellent embossing is highly valued and a sign of quality. How can you tell high-quality embossing from poor-quality embossing?

• Look at the front of the paper. The edges of the letters or design should be crisp. This crisp quality is harder to achieve with thicker paper (but, of course, we’ve got that figured out.)
• Now, look at the back of the paper. You should see a deep texture change behind the letters or design. The paper should have been squeezed up and into the embossed pattern or lettering. If there’s just a shallow impression, then the embossing is inferior.

Thermography

Sometimes called thermographic printing or raised-ink printing, thermography uses heat to fuse powder and ink. Thermography creates a shiny, raised personalization. The back of the paper remains smooth, because all of the printing process happens on the top of the paper. Our most popular raised-ink colors are black and navy.

Foil Pressing

Some of our stationery features foil-pressed details, such as a design. Here, as in the Infinity Note shown above, we apply heat to foil during the printing process. There is a subtle texture on the top of the paper, but the main effect is a vibrant, shiny design that beautifully contrasts with the flat, matte paper. If you would like a foil effect for lettering and monograms, choose our silver or gold raised ink.

Thanking your friends and family well is not one of those things to skimp on. If you order a supply of beautiful stationery right now, you’ll always have it on hand. Discover your new thank you notes today.

You can never go wrong with a monogrammed napkin–it’s the uber napkin: classic, stylish and always appropriate. It’s also very easy. Just follow our Monogrammed Napkins 101 guide.

With traditions, sometimes there are rules to follow. You can be as careful or as relaxed as you want to be: it’s your dinner party, wedding reception or family dinner, after all. Here are some of the traditional rules for how to use monogrammed napkins.

Monogram Basics

Let’s start with defining what exactly is a monogram. A monogram can be any combination of letters that symbolize a name. In a typical three-letter monogram, the order goes like this:

• Middle position (center) — last initial
• First position (left) — first initial
• Third position (right) — middle initial

So, Stephen Charles Johnson’s monogram would be S-J-C.

There’s also such a thing as a couple’s monogram. Here, the order goes like this:

• Middle position (center) — shared last name
• First position (left) — husband’s first initial
• Third position (right) — wife’s first initial

Obviously, these rules are modified in the case of a same-sex couple, or if the spouses do not share the same last name. Monograms can also have two letters, four letters or more. Read more about monograms in our 3-part blog series on monograms.

Where do you put the monogram on a napkin?

Traditionally, the monogram can appear in the lower left corner of the folded napkin or in the center third of the napkin. We monogram our napkins in the center third — we like the proportions better. The monogram is front-and-center. Plus, many of our napkins have what’s called a “coin” edge, a horizontal band of embossed lines at the bottom of the napkin. The coin edge gives the napkins a nice touch.

How big should a monogram on a napkin be?

The phrase “the bigger the better” works sometimes, but in the case of a monogrammed napkin, it doesn’t. If you fill up an entire napkin with a monogram, then when you fold it, you’d lose the effect. Looking at random parts of letters is not elegant! You’ll confuse your guests and waste your money. The monogram on a napkin should be a couple of inches wide and tall, but usually no bigger.

Formal Parties

Monogrammed napkins are the classic choice for a very formal dinner party — a wedding reception, memorial dinner, 25th anniversary dinner and so on. According to the definitive guide, Emily Post’s Etiquette, the napkin color should match the tablecloth — white or ivory are typical. The napkins should be folded into a rectangle, similar to our guest towels. Place the napkins on the plate, with the monogram facing the chair.

Informal Parties

The rules loosen at informal parties — things like baby showers and larger birthday celebrations. First of all, Emily Post says that the color scheme can be more relaxed and colorful. Mix a white tablecloth with colorful napkins. Use place mats — any material or texture will do: lace, straw, bamboo, etc. — and choose a coordinating napkin. Or, use a patterned tablecloth, choose a color from it, and make that your napkin color.

Here, the napkin placement is a little different: put the napkin to the left of the forks. (We know…many of us put a fork on the napkin, but that’s not traditionally how “it’s done.”)

Here again, use a dinner-style napkin described above, folded in a rectangle with the monogram in the center third of the folded napkin.

For a casual luncheon — maybe you’re having your a few of your BFFs over to celebrate the kids going back to school — you can use a napkin that’s folded into a square, similar to our napkins. Place it on the plate, diagonally, so that the monogram is pointing toward the chair.

Family Meals

In many families, it’s hard to gather everyone for a meal around the table. But when you do, it’s time to make the most of it. Setting the table is one way to make it special. Spending those few minutes to clear off papers, lay utensils and napkins, place glasses and dishes for every diner can help bring everyone’s stress levels down and look forward to catching up on the day.

Here, monogrammed napkins can be placed on the plate, under the fork, or where-ever you like. Help younger children learn how to unfold the napkin and place it on their laps. Then delve into the topic of the day, some words of gratitude, or however you like to get the conversation going.

Using monogrammed napkins regularly is a wonderful way to build routines and traditions in your life. Your friends will ooh-la-la. Your family will be impressed. And you’ll be pleased that you’ve created one more routine in your life that you won’t have to think about. Check out our selection and get started now.

Planners are nice. Writing journals are sweet to keep. But what if you could have one book that does both? Enter the Bullet Journal. It’s simple to set up, and it’s flexible, too, so you can customize it to capture all of your hopes, dreams and day-to-day plans. The magic starts with a blank journal, a pen and — if you can find them — about 15 free, uninterrupted minutes of your day to think and write, dream and plan.

So what is a bullet journal exactly? You may have heard the term floating around…it’s a cross between a diary and planner. You start with a book of plain paper, like our new personalized journals, and a good pen.

Once you have your book and pen, do these three things:

1. Save a page for a pretty inscription (think: this book belongs to… OR an inspirational quote that fuels you).
2. Create a table of contents on the next one or two pages to help you find information inside the book quickly. 
3. Number all the pages.

Next, think about what kinds of information– or sections of the book — you want. These are some ideas:

1. Pages for dreams, insights, daily observations and/or nightly gratitude lists.
2. Pages that list and explore your values and how you intend to live them. What is important to you and how will you manifest those values in your life? Example: you care about community services, so you can list 3-4 ways you contribute to your community each month.
3. Pages that relate to housekeeping — these could be important account passwords, healthy menus, shopping lists, home improvement projects, and so on.
4. Daily or weekly to-do lists. What are your goals for the day or week? Include check boxes that are oh-so satisfying to tick.
5. Goals and budgets — these tools are indispensable if you are going from point A to point B in your life.
6. Books to read, movies to see, restaurants to try.
7. List of birthdays, a kindness calendar, or other lists that help you reach out to those you love and your greater community.
8. Inspirational or motivational quotes and affirmations, for those low days when you need a boost.
9. Whatever else you come up with…a bullet journal should be a personal reflection of what is important to YOU. Personalize it to your heart’s content…so that your heart can be content.

Above all, a bullet journal can help catapult your life into one that’s more focused on the things that are important to you. It’s so easy to get distracted in our twitter-fueled, over-scheduled world. Spend 10 minutes every days helping your brain be more mindful of your own true goals and aspirations…and see what happens.

It’s nearly that time of year again — the one day we get to celebrate fathers across the nation for the guidance and advice they so proudly (and regularly) bestow. Shopping for Dad can be challenging, but when you want to express your gratitude and love with a gift that’s as special as he is, there’s no better choice than personalization. Read on to discover the perfect custom gifts for any dad.

• Dear Dad — Tell Dad how much you love and respect him with a handwritten note. Now is a great time to thank him for changing that tire, offering you advice on your first car or showing you the ropes of life. Pour your heart out on one of our best-selling personalized cards, such as our Colonial Card in your choice of colors. Or personalize a box of cards with your dad’s name or initials. Great for both personal and business correspondence, our options feature colored borders and embossed or printed initials or names in sets of 25 cards with matching envelopes. Choose traditional black ink on white paper for a sleek, timeless look.

• Personalized photo frame — Nothing is more sentimental than a photograph. Recognize the father figure in your life with a from-the-heart Father’s Day Picture Frame. Featuring an Alderwood frame that you can personalize with one of six lettering styles, it holds a 4-inch-by-6-inch photograph of a cherished memory.

• Pint glass — Swap out that old set of beer cozies for our Altamira Pint Glass that can hold up to 16 ounces of your dad’s favorite brew. You can customize it to your liking with one of 10 monogram styles. Get a set of matching glasses so your dad can enjoy a drink with his buddies or opt for our Ensenada Shot Glass so he’s always ready for a party. Personalize the 1.5-ounce shot glass with his name and initial. As an additional perk, these glasses are dishwasher safe. Cheers!

• Wall art — Add a statement piece to Dad’s man cave, bar or entertainment room that will be sure to catch his eye. We love this Morelia Wall Sign, which is sure to add a touch of elegance to even the most masculine of hangouts. Featuring one line of text in your choice of lettering style, this sign is available in white, black or neutral MDF. Browse more of our wall sign designs here.

Custom-made presents go the extra mile to make Father’s Day special. Thrill your dad with a personalized creation from Giftsin24. Need a special present ASAP? Our gifts ship within 24 hours via free FedEx ground shipping.

A newly minted diploma is cause for celebration. The new graduate is jubilant. Parents beam like the sun with pride. You chose a date for the party and have invited friends, family and fellow students. You’ve dug out your favorite summer outfit and are ready to fête the student of honor and their achievement. Now all you need is the gift!

Here are three of our best gift ideas for grads. Affordable, thoughtful and perfectly befitting this important occasion.

1. Personalized stationery gets the job done

Nothing says “grown up” more than having your own personalized stationery. Particularly for a college grad looking for a new job, personalized stationery will really come in handy, from the interview thank you to keeping key professional connections alive.

Monograms, names, embossed, raised ink … the possibilities are endless. Try the classic good looks of the Highland Card (shown above). Because young people are so mobile these days, skip the optional return address. But a border or envelope lining or even 100% cotton paper could be very nice.

2. A picture frame with their name

A new graduate probably has at least several cherished high school or college photographs. A special prom date. Earning straight A’s. Hanging out with their best buddies. Scoring the winning point. Giving a speech. Crossing a finish line. All of these moments and more make up the memories of cherished school years.

The Treasured Moment Picture Frame can work beautifully — simple, clean and offering plenty of room for a special message. Other frames offer motifs that could work just as beautifully. Personalize it with the graduate’s name, school, graduation date, nickname, small caption, or any other short message.

3. A personalized ornament they’ll cherish

Every year, we open our box of Christmas ornaments to discover a treasure trove of memories, from a birth to family vacations, the school years and much more. Giftsin24 is proud to offer personalized ornaments that mark important occasions. In addition to giving a keepsake the graduate will cherish for years to come, you can also use these engraved glass ornaments as gift tags, table place markers, party favors and more. They will serve to remind your guests of the special celebration you held.

For graduates, we love the Senior Class Keepsake Ornament. It comes in clear or red glass and includes space for the graduate’s name. Presented with a silver ribbon in a velvet pouch, the ornament will serve as a proud reminder of the graduate’s achievement.

Intrigued? You can find many more good gift ideas for graduates. Check out personalized stationery, engraved gifts and notepads. You’ll earn a spot at the head of the class.