Personalized Engraved Gifts - A New Trend in Gift Giving

Personalized engraved gifts,  a remembrance of proud accomplishments, are among the most popular types of gifts. Confirm gratitude, boost moral, express your thanks to a loyal client with personalized engraved gifts.

Personalized engraved groomsmen gifts show appreciation. The groom will often present each groomsman with a personalized engraved groomsmen gift.

All gifts are appreciated, but personalized engraved gifts are more meaningful and will be remembered. A personalized engraved gift is one of the most cherished gifts one can receive.

So what do you get the person who has everything? A good question and one that plagues tens of thousands Christmas gift buyers every year. The same is true for those who aimlessly wander the isles of the local big box store in search of an inspiration and a birthday gift all at the same time. What do you get for someone who has a lot of money, does not really need anything, or whose rather eclectic or expensive hobbies you cannot possibly afford to support? What about the person whom you do not know all that well, but whose invitation has left you feeling obligated to come with a gift in hand, since appearing empty-handed is indeed an impolite thing to do?

Personalized Gifts: Bestsellers

Engraved Money Clips

Accessories

Square Mirror Cufflinks Add a touch of class to your groomsmen's tuxedos with this elegant gift. Square silver-toned cuff links emblazoned with the recipient's initial provide the perfect present for those who contributed to your special day. $25.99	Woven Metal Pen This stylish silver ballpoint pen, embellished with a woven metal pattern, makes the perfect gift for the graduate or executive in your life. Also ideal for members of your bridal party, the pen includes a clip for safekeeping in your pocket or briefcase as well as a protective cap $20.99	Carbon Fiber Pen This attractive carbon fiber pen not only looks good, but it also writes like a dream! Black and high-gloss silver exterior is ideal for men or women. Matching removable cap has sturdy clip for safekeeping. $25.99	Leather Wrapped Pen This handsome pen features an attractive leather-wrapped exterior that provides a solid grip. Cap with sturdy clip attaches securely to pocket, PDA, or briefcase. Perfect gift for the budding executive, new graduate, or as a way to say "thanks" to your groomsmen. $20.99
Money Clip and Key Chain Gift Set Give your groomsmen, favorite executive, or new retiree a stylish gift with this classy engraved duo. Elegant gift box contains a circular key chain with initial tag, and a useful folding money clip, also engraved with the initials of the lucky recipient. $29.99	Stainless Steel Harmonica Play the blues or even a little rock-n-roll on this genuine Hohner, personalized harmonica. Everyone will love the opportunity to make their own kind of music on this standard 10-hole (diatonic) harmonica, fashioned from high-polished stainless steel. $20.99	Stainless Steel 13 Function Army Knife The 13 tools included in this versatile knife make it a useful and welcome addition to the gentleman's trouser pocket. Brushed stainless steel construction ensures years of use. $16.99	Personalized Silver Plated Cufflinks It's the details that make the man. Distinguished with subtle beading around the edge, personalize these silver plated accessories by engraving them with a stellar monogram - theirs. Personalized with a three initial monogram. $25.99
Addison High Polish Brass Cufflinks For the well-heeled groomsman who appreciates understated elegance, these impressive brass cufflinks will have him stylin' for any special occasion - including your Big Day. Perfectly honed squares showcase his engraved initials for a touch of class. $25.99	Harrison Clever Money Clip and Wallet Our most popular money clip, this sophisticated clip is a masterpiece of balance and symmetry. Light weight yet durable. Help him keep his bills and credit cards safe in the Da Vinci of stylish accessories. $23.99	Black Leather Business Card Case There's nothing worse than a shabby, dog-eared business card stuffed into his pocket. Class him up with this sophisticated stainless steel and leather business card holder, with stylishly engraved front plate. $15.99	Personalized High Polish Pocket Watch Wonderland's White Rabbit would enthusiastically trade in his carrots for this smart stainless steel pocket watch. With a 1 1/2" face and engraved closure, it hangs securely from a traditional 14" braided chain. Never be late for another very important date. $30.99

Bars and Cigars

Personalized Cigar Humidor Keep your cigars at their freshest with our colorful and sturdy sublimated cigar humidor. Available in a variety of designs and created to match our whimsical pub signs, these personalized humidors are the perfect gift for the cigar aficionado and are ideal for executives, retirees, new graduates, or anyone who enjoys a good smoke. $69.99	Personalized Coaster Puzzle Set Add some whimsy to your barware with our entertaining Coaster Puzzles. Available in a variety of designs, these unique puzzles separate to become four handy coasters. $29.99	Manhattan Flask This stylish round flask says ?class? from its simple yet chic design to the elegant center monogram. Fashioned from highly polished stainless steel with an easy-to-open screw-on cap, our Manhattan flask fits easily in a pocket or briefcase. $30.95	Brushed Flask and Zippo Lighter Gift Set Get two-gifts-in-one with this classy duo. A personalized compact brushed finished flask allows him to carry his favorite beverage discreetly and the elegant matching genuine Zippo lighter can be conveniently stowed in a pocket or briefcase for a quick light whenever he needs it. Flask holds 4 ounces of his favorite libation. $49.99
Metro Cork Screw Not your everyday corkscrew! This ingenuous device not only looks good, but it also uncorks your favorite bottle of wine or champagne with ease. No more cork residue in your favorite pinot noir or chardonnay! $36.99	Textured Stainless Steel Flask Reminiscent of pocket flasks manufactured in the 20's and 30's, this textured stainless steel flask holds 4 fluid ounces. Personalized with one line of up to 10 characters. $23.99	Personalized Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker Gin or Vodka? With a twist or an olive? Whatever your pleasure, you'll create the perfect martini in this gleaming 20 oz cocktail shaker. Personalized with a single initial. $25.99	Personalized Coaster Set The wine enthusiast or home bartender will appreciate these set of four richly detailed, waterproof coasters, which reflect his fave activity from golf to hunting and beyond. Personalized design is printed in full color onto a non-skid cork base. Includes a 4 coasters and holder/caddy for storage. $39.99
Personalized Silver Plated Can Koozie Dress up your cold beverage of choice with a dashing silver-plated personal cooler, personalized with any message you choose - such as "Hands Off Bucko". $24.99	High Polish Stainless Steel 7 oz. Flask This speakeasy-style flask holds 7 ounces of your favorite beverage in sleek, smooth stainless steel. Personalized with two lines of up to 15 characters per line. $30.99	Personalized Stainless Steel Leather Flask Encased in a rich black leather sleeve, our stainless steel flask is right at home in a groomsman's trouser pocket. Holds 4 ounces. Personalized with two lines of up to 15 characters per line. $25.99	Personalized Wine Bottle Stopper Wine connoisseurs know a good wine by its bouquet, and a good stopper by its style. With its stainless steel design and an engraved, personalized top, share the joy of your celebration with this keepsake gift. $20.99

Glassware

Grand Pilsner with Pewter Medallion This traditionally styled grand Pilsner beer glass is the ideal way to honor your groomsmen for their help with your special day. This large glass holds plenty of brew or their favorite non-alcoholic beverage, so frequent trips to the refrigerator won't interrupt the party or big game. $25.99	Ferdinand Mug Give a set of these stylish Ferdinand Mugs to your groomsmen or anyone who appreciates the fine qualities of a good brewski. Mug includes a sturdy handle and wide base to prevent spills during exciting sporting events! Include the recipient's initial for a personal touch. Holds 18 fluid ounces. Personalized with one initial. $16.99	Island Shot Glass This Island Shot Glass is slim and stylish yet sturdy enough for knocking back a few shooters with your favorite buds. A personalized set of these handsome shot glasses will be a welcome addition to anyone's personal barware collection. Hold 2.5 ounces. Personalized with one initial. $11.99	Distinction Shot Glass Ready, set, shooters! Engrave a name/initials and the name of his favorite libation on this attractive traditional shot glass. Purchase one, two, or a whole set for each of your groomsmen. They?ll be the perfect addition to any shot glass collection or personal bar. $11.99
Shot Glass with Pewter Emblem Celebrate the big day with a shot - or at least a shot glass. Choose from medallions that feature a "Coat of Arms" or say "Groom", "Best Man", "Groomsman", or "Usher", and is personalized with your buddy's name. $15.99	16 oz. Mug with Pewter Emblem Give a keepsake mug to honor your best buddies - choose from medallions that are plain, or say "Best Man", "Groom", "Groomsman" or "Usher", and personalized with a name. Each glass mug with pewter medallion holds 16 fluid ounces. Personalized with two lines of up to 15 characters per line. $25.99	16 oz. Famous Quote Beer Stein Whether he prefers a pale ale, smooth lager or hearty stout, he'll enjoy watching the foam rise on his very own personalized beer stein. One side is imprinted with a single-initial monogram. The other side features your choice of 8 different quotes--from the great minds of Ben Franklin to W.C. Fields. Each heavy-duty white ceramic mug holds 16 ounces of your favorite beverage. Cheers! $26.99	Personalized 16 oz. German Beer Stein Whether they favor a lager, ale, malt or light beer, they'll toast you whenever they pour themselves a cold one. Choose the personalized design that best suits each groomsman's hobbies: racing, golf, poker, sportsmen or the classic pub. Each personalized white ceramic mug holds 16 ounces of their favorite beverage. $29.99
25 oz. Gold Rimmed Sports Mug Remember your next occasion every time you drink from this personalized mug filled with your favorite beverage, one step up from the pub with its stylish gold rim. Holds 25 fluid ounces. Personalized with two lines of up to 15 characters per line. $21.99	25 oz. Silver Rimmed Sports Mug Give a large gift from your great big heart. A crazy amount of your favorite beverage fits into the gigantic gift with free personalization. Personalized with two lines of up to 15 characters per line. Holds 25 ounces. $21.99	Personalized 16 oz. Stainless Steel Mug Not your everyday beer mug! Solid and sturdy stainless steel is perfect for a cold one, but attractive enough to display on your desk as keepsake from your big day. Each stainless steel mug holds 16 ounces of your favorite beverage. Personalized with a single initial. $30.99	Aris Shot Glass For the straight shooter in your wedding party, this smart shot glass is the ultimate addition to his home bar. Whether he enjoys a cocktail after work or a nightcap before bed, he'll be ready for last call. Holds 2.5 ounces. Personalized with a single initial. $11.99

Sports

Personalized Soft-Sided Cooler Tote your 12-pack in style with our attractive but sturdy soft-sided cooler. Perfect for picnics, sporting events, and parties, this stylish cooler is lightweight and easy to carry and includes a detachable shoulder strap. For a personal touch, we?ll laser emboss your cooler with your choice of personalization. $39.99	NFL Can Holder Any sports fanatic will love this silver-plated can koozie, an ideal way to keep your favorite brew cold while watching the game. Designed to accommodate a 12-oz. (or larger) can, this unique personalized gift is emblazoned with the logo of the recipient's favorite team as well as personalization of your choice. $40.99	Sportsmen's Gift Set Three gifts are better than one! He?ll have everything he needs in this unique gift set featuring a personalized multi-use penknife, handy flashlight, and sturdy compass. Stainless steel construction and a brushed finish lend a hint of elegance to these everyday items. Perfect for outdoor lovers! $25.99	NFL Flask Drink to your favorite team! Any football fan will be thrilled to receive this polished stainless steel flask emblazoned with the logo on their favorite team. This stylish flask stores easily in a pocket or briefcase. $29.99
NASCAR Flask Vroom! NASCAR fanatics will love this handsomely engraved drinking flask, featuring racing great Dale Earnhardt Jr. Fill it up and take it to the races or display it with other racing memorabilia. Perfect for groomsmen or others who are racing fans! $29.99	Personalized 13 oz. Sports Mug Quench that thirst with this hefty commemorative mug. Holds 13 fluid ounces of your favorite beverage. Personalized with two lines of up to 15 characters per line. $15.99	Personalized Classic Golf Shadow Box The guy who wants to out-Tiger Mr. Woods will enjoy the thrill of victory when he displays his 4" x 6" photo in this unique wood-framed shadow box. His smiling face will be surrounded by all things golf, including finely crafted miniature clubs, shoes, gloves and tees. Personalize the brass plate with his name, nickname or message of your choice. $39.99	Personalized Hall of Fame 34" Baseball Bat Reward your designated hitters with this regulation-size memento from the Wedding Hall of Fame. An ideal gift for the weekend warrior who will remember your Big Day each time he knocks one out of the park. $39.99

Travel

Stainless Steel Key Chain & Bottle Opener This sophisticated key ring is securely attached to a brushed stainless steel bottle opener, a dynamic duo. Fine craftsmanship guarantees a long life free from rust or tarnish. (Please don't drink and drive.) $16.99

Personalized Overnight Bag Fitted with three outer pockets, reinforced seams, and a comfortable shoulder strap, our travel bag is the perfect choice for overnights or a trip to the gym. $40.99

Personalized Leather CD Case Personalize your music lover's gift in genuine leather for a long-lasting travel buddy to hold their tunes. Each leather case holds 12 CDs. $29.99

Personalized Leather Dop Kit A traveler's necessity that always comes in handy. Made of long-lasting leather and featuring engraved personalization, give this bag for a special occasion or to commemorate a celebration. $43.99

Wedding Responsibilities: Groom and Groomsmen

What’s A Groom to Do?
It’s an age-old debate…just how involved is the groom in planning the wedding? The answer varies by couple, but here are a few definite responsibilities that fall squarely on the groom’s shoulders.

Finding A Best Man
The best man is the groom’s maid-of-honor equivalent. He is responsible for keeping the groom calm under all circumstances, organizing the bachelor party, safeguarding the rings on wedding day, and getting the reception started with a first toast.

Picking Groomsmen
Flanking the best man are the groomsmen, who sometimes pull a double-shift working as ushers. If there is an aisle runner, the groomsmen are responsible for unrolling it in preparation for the processional. After unrolling it, the groomsmen join the groom in front of the altar. Following the ceremony, the groomsmen escort the bridal party back up the aisle.

Groomsmen Gifts
To show appreciation for a job well done, and to symbolize the groom’s progress from one stage of life to another, the groom will often present each groomsmen with a personalized gift. Take some time to think about the personality of each groomsmen, one might be the best golfing buddy ever, while the other prefers chilling out watching football and drinking beer. You can either get a different gift for each groomsmen, or the same gift for each one of them…personalized of course, so they don’t get them mixed up. One great idea might be a pocket watch engraved with the wedding date and their name. Or, if you have less of a budget, consider an engraved money clip or nice pen. Here are some ideas to help you get started, plus…with free personalization and shipping, you really can’t go wrong.

Four Ways to Digitally Preserve Your Wedding Photos

(ARA) – Your great-grandmother probably had just one treasured wedding portrait, and your own mother likely captured memories of her special day in an old-fashioned photo album. You, however, are getting married in the Internet age, which means you’ll be able to preserve a virtually limitless number of images from the biggest day of your life.

Here are four ways to digitally preserve your wedding photos:

1. Digital Devices

From digital picture frames to smart phones that allow you to store images on a micro SD memory card, digital devices mean you can keep - and carry with you – favorite wedding photos. Some digital frames limit the number of images you can store, while others are compatible with SD memory cards, meaning you can store, view and swap out thousands of images. You can also use your MP3 player, laptop, PDA and some mobile phones to store images.

2. Your PC or Laptop

Many wedding photographers now offer services to put your wedding photos on a disc so that you can transfer images to your PC or laptop. Most developing services, like those found in pharmacies or department stores, also offer the option to put your images on a disc. This storage method makes it easy to transfer images to your PC or laptop, where you can use editing software to create collages, crop, color-adjust and otherwise manipulate your images.

3. Photo-sharing Web Sites

Many photo-sharing Web sites now offer ample storage for all your wedding photo needs. PhotosYourWay.com, for example, a new innovator in photo-sharing, offers 7GB of free storage, enough to store thousands of images. Photo-sharing Web sites also allow you to spice up your photo presentation with effects like captioning, cropping, editing, borders and more. You can present your images in a slide-show format, and even share images with a specific group of family or friends, or designate them viewable by anyone interested in wedding images. One caveat – photo-sharing sites are only for original, amateur works, not the copyrighted images you receive from your professional wedding photographer.

PhotosYourWay also offers the opportunity to get paid for your original, amateur wedding images. When you upload your images, simply select the option that makes them available for purchase by photo houses, advertising agencies, publishers and anyone else who needs fresh wedding images on a regular basis. The Web site acts as a broker for the images, sharing a percentage of the sale price with the member who posted the photo. It’s possible to make up to $300 for exclusive rights to one of your images.

5. Your Own Wedding Web Site

Many couples are now opting to design their own Web sites prior to the wedding. Pre-wedding day, the sites can be great resources to communicate important information to guests and for making faraway loved ones feel like a part of your wedding preparations. After your big day, the site can be used to share anecdotes and images from the honeymoon, update friends and family on where you’ll be living as newlyweds, and even for posting personal thank-you messages for especially thoughtful gifts.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Rent It: The Perfect Personalized Wedding

(ARA) - When it comes to planning a wedding, most couples don’t want to settle for cookie-cutter solutions that will make their wedding appear impersonal or even unremarkable. Instead, they want the biggest day of their lives to represent the two of them and no one else.

This yearning for personalization doesn’t have to translate into more money. On the contrary -- whether you’re planning a formal wedding or a more casual event, you can incorporate personalized touches without breaking the bank by renting the materials you will need.

From 250 identical vases, to chandeliers, to helium balloons or faux floral centerpieces, rental businesses provide endless amounts of materials that can make the difference between a run-of-the-mill event and your dream wedding.

“You can rent just about anything to make your wedding perfect,” said Christine Wehrman, CEO of the American Rental Association (ARA), the global trade association for the rental industry. “By renting products for your wedding, you don’t have to settle for items that don’t fit your personalized vision. You’ll get exactly what you’re looking for and you’ll have access to products that may have otherwise been too expensive in large quantities.”

Make an impression by choosing table linens in your wedding colors, or go with all–white, then add chair covers with a bow-tie sash and matching napkins in accent colors. Rental businesses will have hundreds of colors to pick from. Be sure to ask for sample swatches of the linens so you can coordinate colors with your bridesmaid dresses and flowers. Add your choice of china and glassware to the arrangement for each table and get a rich and sophisticated setting.

If you’re looking for the beauty of an outdoor location without the worry about the weather, tents are a great way to create the wedding of your dreams. ARA member rental businesses have beautiful tents to create the venue, as well as everything you need to make it beautiful and comfortable.

Huge tents and elegant canopies come in wedding white and many also come with clear tops -- thus allowing guests access to the drama of a sunset or a sparkling night sky. However, if you plan on incorporating a tent into your wedding, make sure you give the rental business -- and yourself -- enough advanced notice. Depending on the time of year, the rental business will need plenty of notice to reserve all the equipment you will need.

Also, many ARA member rental businesses offer personalized service through their Certified Event Rental Professionals who are trained to help you choose the right rentals to make your dream wedding come to realization.

They can help ease the tension of pre-wedding set up with their knowledge and experience. Many businesses even help you throughout the event as well, keeping it on track and flowing smoothly.

You can also rely on rental service experts to help before you book your venue. They can help you assess the site for things like power accessibility, ground water issues, or overhead power lines that may interfere with your vision of a tall tent, among other situations.

All events, no matter how big or small -- even for the Oprahs or Trumps of the world -- include rented materials. Visit www.rentalhq.com to find your local ARA member rental business.

Courtesy of ARAcontent