Custom Plaques: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

We all have that one person in our lives that is hard to buy for. They simply already own everything, or you just have no clue what to get for them. Valentine’s day is no exception from this dilemma (and it’s right around the corner, too)! So, let us help you with that perfect gift idea that no one will ever consider buying for themselves. Create custom plaques for all of your loved ones this holiday.

Custom Plaques, Not Just for Awards

While a list of perfect Valentine’s day gifts may already exist, we think that you’re overlooking this one. The great thing about custom plaques is that there is room for more text than a name tag or name plate. Add an entire poem to express your feelings for that certain someone in your life. Or, add a quick tidbit from a favorite book.

Three custom plaques with a message of love to use as gifts for Valentine's day presents.

No matter your wording choice, don’t forget that you can also add icons and simple graphics. From roses to hearts, all plaques can be engraved with your special message for your loved one. So get to adding some extra style to your message. Don’t know what to add? Our experienced team is here to help you get your message out. Let us know what you need, and we’ll send you a digital proof for you to review before we start your order!

Thinking Outside the Box

One of the best things about customizing a unique gift plaque is that these can be given to nearly anyone in your life. From a favorite teacher to your grandpa, everyone is sure to enjoy this thoughtful gift. Just remember that your message should fit the recipient.

Oh, and another wonderful thing about a gift plaque is that you can give it to both men and women! Add your sweetheart’s favorite saying or your mom’s loving words to a suitable graphic. Now you have the perfect gift for everyone in your life.

What you can add to our custom plaques?

To answer this question, you need to make a choice. First, choose a value, standard or premium plaque. Second, look at the available materials. Third, make a size selection. For example, under Premium Plaques, you can choose a Rosewood Plaque with a Floating Acrylic Plate and then select from three different sizes.

When choosing which plaque size is best for you, make sure you know what you want for your message. The longer your message is, the bigger your plaque size will need to be. You will also need to keep in mind that you will need a larger size if you want to use a graphic to go with the text.

PRO TIP: Check out what we have listed on our site for ideas on what will fit on different sized plaques.

Now, when Valentine’s day (or any other holiday) comes around, you will have a gift to wow that special someone in your life with; and one they will cherish forever. So while flowers, chocolates and stuffed animals are generally used as romantic gifts, think outside the box this year by giving custom plaques.

P.S. Check out our article on Finding The Right Custom Plaque!

How Unique Name Tags Provide Fun for the Holidays

A name is what makes you unique. Well, that and your personality, quirks and other traits. But, without your name, you wouldn’t be who you are. Having a name is important. It makes you feel wanted and that you are a part of something. Well, the same goes for having unique name tags.

And what better way to show off your individuality than by wearing a tag with your name on it. There are many types of name tags to choose from: metal, plastic or paper; all sorts of different colors; different printing processes or engraving. The custom choices that you can make for your name tag will make them just as unique as you are.

From custom shapes to blank plastic, name tags have all sorts of uses. Especially around the holidays. Some of our customers use their name tags exclusively for identification. And others use them for creative and fun projects. There is no wrong way to use a name tag. And we have proof that everyone (and everything) needs a name tag! Check out this recent news article.

Here’s What Makes this Christmas Tree Farm Different

Nathan Wilcox started selling Christmas trees when he was 11 years old, and he doesn’t plan to stop any time soon.

“I would have a hard time quitting this because I’d feel I’d let a lot of people down,” Wilcox, 51, said.

The trees come from Wilcox’s farm in Floyd County, about 20 minutes from Radford University, and other parts of Virginia and North Carolina.

And get this: His trees all have names.

His older sister, Becky Belote, came up with the idea of naming the trees and when she stopped selling Christmas trees about 30 years ago, Wilcox decided to carry on the tradition.

Each year, his wife, Karen and their three daughters, Candice, Summer and Julia, would spend Thanksgiving filling out tags with names from family members, friends and classmates. (Karen) said she averages a box of 50 to 100 names a night while watching TV. In the past couple years, she has used popular celebrity names like Justin Bieber.

Both Karen and Nathan try their best to match the names to the right trees, i.e., putting “Charlie Brown” on a small, dinky tree rather than a big one. Once purchased, the trees are given a fresh cut and the employees remove the tree’s price from the name tag. Nathan said customers have told him they keep the name tags and use them as tree ornaments.

“A lot of people actually keep the name tag, for 10, 12, 15 years and use them as ornaments,” he said.

We love that someone is being so unique with their name tag usage.

green plastic unique name tags for Christmas party

Even here at Coller Industries, we have been known to get creative with name tag uses. Gift tags, shelf labels for organizing ribbons and so much more! We have even used them for prizes for picking a creative elf or reindeer name for our company Christmas parties. This creativity should know very few limitations. And adding names isn’t the only thing you should be able to do with name tags.

From brand recognition to conversation starters, name tags are just like names: useful in getting to know someone. And the holidays are no exception. Name tags are often seen as props for party games during company and family get-togethers. They are also great for family reunions and just hanging around with a group of friends.

Name tags are the glue that holds conferences and other events together. From decorations to meeting new clients, creativity is the key to making your name and name tags stand out. Add bright logos, graphics, names, titles and nearly any creative thing you want. Just remember to keep them as unique as you are.

Name Day: What It Is & How to Celebrate

Happy Name Day and Happy Birthday

The moniker we received from our parents the day we are born may be our most valuable possession. It distinguishes us from others, and it shapes our personalities and individuality. Many cultures and countries celebrate a person yearly on a special ‘Name Day.’

The best thing about name days is that you don’t need to know your friend’s birth date to send them a greeting; you only need their name. And, while birthdays are the most popular reason to celebrate and party, why limit our celebration of each person’s uniqueness to a single day?

Is this day the same as my birthday?

In short, the answer is no. However, there is much more to the answer than a simple “yes or no.” Birthdays are just that, the day you were born. However, your name day extends beyond and into more meaning than a birth date. In many traditions, cultures and religions, your name day is more important than your birthday.

What are name days, and where do people celebrate them?

Variety of name tags showing variations of the name John.

Many European and Latin American countries celebrate name days each year. The tradition of celebrating this day goes back to the Middle Ages, especially in Catholic and Orthodox countries and continues today. Celebrations of each name day may commemorate saints and martyrs of the Catholic church. For example, Sweden celebrates the name Karl on January 28, the anniversary of Charlemagne’s (whose given moniker is Karolus or Karl) death. 

A saint’s day celebration will include all the possible variations of that moniker. For example, St. Johns Day (January 7) is the name day of anyone named John, Giovanni, Ivan, Jeanine, Joann, Juan, and any of the 119 variations used worldwide.

Name days may be associated with a season or time of the year. One example is Palm Sunday, the name day for people with names related to flowers, herbs and plants to celebrate.

Many different traditions are associated with name days. However, no matter the customs, this is a time to celebrate the individual with congratulations and even small gifts.

How can I find my name day?

We know how important names are for building and maintaining relationships. And we believe in celebrating individual names every chance we can. So, search for official lists to find out when your moniker is celebrated. Many counties worldwide maintain lists of name days. For example, Sweden and Finland have kept lists that date to the 18th century and earlier. Today, It is simple to find a name day for yourself, your family and your friends by using the power of the internet. We recommend visiting www.mynameday.com to find yours!

Why are these days suddenly so popular?

In the book and television series, Game of Thrones, author George R.R. Martin refers to namedays. While he does not clearly define their significance, he mentions that they coincide with birthdays.

Westeros nameday card

The nameday is a custom in the society of the Seven Kingdoms. It is an annual celebration commemorating the naming of a person and serves to calculate his or her age. Babies are named the same day they are born. People receive presents from friends and family on their nameday. It is essentially what we now call a birthday.

Game of Thrones Wiki

So the tradition of namedays in Game of Thrones differs from the European tradition of celebrating one’s name day.

In conclusion

While each culture, fictional or not, may have different traditions surrounding name days, they all have one thing in common: the purpose.

Names are more than a label; our names help define us, they assist in building and maintaining relationships, and they are part of the continuity of society and a culture’s history. They are a part of our uniqueness and individuality and are always worth celebrating.

So, whether you respond to Michelle or Karl, Rebekah or Yuri or any other moniker, you have two days a year that are special to only you: your birthday and your name day.


We are all about celebrating names! 

Check out these products that share you with the world—showing your pride at work, in the community and at home.

A Happy Holiday Company Retreat with Name Tags

using custom lanyards at your holiday company retreat is sure to leave you colleagues with a memorable experience

From snowflakes to festive colors, make your holiday company retreat unforgettable!

Businesses often hold events for their employees and clients to attend. Often these events are based around a season or holiday. But, while these events are frequently related to summer festivities, winter holidays can also be a fun time to get together with colleagues and customers. Here are a few ways you can make your holiday company retreat even better.

Lanyards are sure to put everyone into the holiday spirit.

It doesn’t matter what lanyard you use, as long as it stands out. So, choose from a variety of fun and festive colors or create something unique for your employees. From Cord Badge Lanyards to Premium Full-Color Lanyards, we’re sure to have something that will add to your festivities.

Some of our lanyards even come with holiday options such as an ugly Christmas sweater pattern or a blue and white snowflake pattern. And then you can add any text you need. From business slogans to a holiday message, your holiday company retreat definitely need these lanyards.

Putting Those Lanyards to Good Use During Holiday Company Retreat

blue cord lanyard with conference name tag used for holiday company retreats

From personal identification to festive party games, lanyards are sure to meet multiple needs at your holiday company retreat.

Use custom lanyards to quickly and easily display name tags or other necessities at your event. Lanyards are perfect for displaying decorations and using as seating arrangements.

Or, even give them away as prizes for the best dressed, the ugliest sweater and even more! They can also make wonderful party favors for each attendee to take home to remember just how much fun they had attending your holiday company retreat.

Don’t forget the name tags!

conference name tags designed for holiday company retreats

From logo only name badges to conference name tags, we’re sure to have exactly what you need to make your holiday company retreats perfect. And, the best part is that it is all affordable.

Name tags are essential to the success of your event as they provide identification for everyone. Whether you are hosting a celebration for a small group of employees or a larger event for colleagues and clients, name tags are the perfect tool to make sure everyone knows who is in attendance.

And, networking is a ton easier when everyone can communicate by knowing each other’s names. Using Event Name Tags with fun, colorful graphics will help accomplish this task. And, by adding holiday graphics, each attendee is sure to enjoy keeping their name tag to remind them of how much fun they had during these company retreats.

What other personal identification products could you use at your next event or company retreat?

Corporate Gifts are for Everyone

Not only do we have the best ideas for corporate gifts this year, but we can also put any name on it!

Scott Ginsberg has come up with a philosophy about personal identification, “Everyone should wear name tags, all the time, everywhere, forever.” And we don’t think he’s too far off, especially when it comes to corporate gifts.

But, do you need a professional to tell you how essential name tags are? And, what about translating that into corporate gifts. Yes, it is that time of year again when every business should consider what they are giving to their employees, colleagues and customers.

Providing corporate gifts is an opportunity to connect with your clients, strengthen employee ties and share your holiday cheer. Recruiting, retention and business development are three great reasons to give a gift. But don’t just give a gift because you think someone expects it. Give because you want to maintain these relationships.

And, here are our three favorite gifts!

Executive Desk Wedge

use executive name wedges for your corporate gifts this yearThese fancy name plates are perfect for showing just how much you appreciate someone. They also make an excellent award for any achievement. With a class of excellence above any other, these beautiful executive desk wedges are sure to show how much you care. Whether you give one for your corporate gifts or buy one for yourself, the professional quality reflects the excellence you demand from yourself and your company.

Acrylic Desk Blocks

use acrylic desk blocks for your corporate gifts this yearCrystalline acrylic desk blocks make beautiful corporate gifts for your colleagues or clients. The clear, inch-thick name blocks come with an optional black backing that makes the engraved text stand out. Select whether the text is laser engraved on the front or the back. Front engraving may include white, gold or silver colored filling. With lots of font options, customize one or two lines of text however you want.

use award plaques for your corporate gifts this yearAward Plaques

Give the gift of wood with award plaques. They are made of quality materials and have natural grain patterns. Each plaque is made from high-quality wood and comes with unique designs. And, these custom plaques come in many different colors and finishes from which to choose. With the same custom options for each plaque type, there is no limit to how you can put this award to good use.

And, remember to wrap up these treasured corporate gifts in some custom (and branded) ribbon.

don't forget the custom ribbon rolls for your corporate gifts this year

Wrap ribbon rolls around an award plaque or use a rosette ribbon as a unique way of presenting a desk wedge. But, no matter your personalized ribbon choice, your colleagues are sure to love your corporate gifts this year.