Staying Warm In the Cool Weather

Summer is in the rear view mirror, and that means frosty mornings and chilly nights and autumn days filled with bright sunshine and brisk breezes.

It’s time to think about staying warm.

Of course, you’ll be thinking about outer wear, but there are other accessories and items to consider so you can enjoy the weather without feeling like your ears or nose may fall off.

Outerwear

The first rule of thumb is make sure to layer. It’s the perfect way to have the best of both worlds, because as the day warms up or you go inside, you can peel off hats, jackets, and sweaters so you’re not getting overheated.

Depending on how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, start with the basics: a long sleeved t-shirt, sweatshirt or sweater, and then an outer jacket. If you’re going to be outside - or the temperatures are dropping - you may want to add a shirt or light jacket that’s designed to keep you warm.

Head and Toes

You may have your upper body ready to face the elements, but without the right type of cozy headgear, you’re going to lose a great deal of heat - and with the right type of fuzzy wool knit cap, you’ll look cool while staying warm.

Gloves and mittens can help your fingers and hands feel comfortable. There’s nothing worse than having to keep your hands inside pockets when you’re outside. Keep an eye out for gloves that have pads on the fingers so you can use your smartphone or tablet without having your digits become numb.

Shoes and Socks

Just like your hands and fingers, your feet and toes need the right protection. Boots don’t have to be clunky and heavy - shoes and boots have become lighter and warmer. Don’t forget to add a pair of colorful wool socks for added warmth.

Inside the House

When you’re settled in for the night, a fluffy blanket can be the best way to stay warm and comfortable. Look for blankets that are made of natural fibers and materials. Socks and slippers make the perfect addition so you won’t get chilly when you’re walking around the house.

Windows and doors can also let in drafts and a quick check of seals and locks that need replacing can cut down your electric bills and make the house warmer. One handy idea to keep drafts from coming under the door - take a pool noodle, wrap it up in towels, and push it against the bottom of the door. When summer arrives, you can take the noodle to the pool or beach!

Make a Comfort Menu

There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup or stew to ward off the chill of autumn. Don’t forget to brew up a pot of your favorite coffee or tea - and hot chocolate is an excellent way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Don’t stop there - bake your favorite cookies and cakes. You’ll fill the house with tantalizing scents, and the heat from the oven will add to the cozy atmosphere.

Winter’s arrival doesn’t have to be a bummer - keeping warm and active can help you enjoy the season. After all, spring is only a short six months away!

Holiday Gifts for Remote Workers

The holidays are a special time for everyone, and with the increasing number of employees working remotely, creating a festive environment that celebrates the close of the year can be difficult when everyone can’t make it to the office in person.

Regardless of the current business environment, you want to make remote employees feel like they’re part of your culture - and part of the family atmosphere you’ve worked so hard to create.

Sending the right gift can make all the difference. It makes remote employees feel like they haven’t been forgotten and can help create a sense of belonging that keeps their morale and their dedication moving in a positive direction.

Staying under budget can be a challenge, but it doesn’t mean you can’t send out gifts that are useful and memorable.

The Snuggly Stuff

Now that it’s winter and everyone is limited to staying inside, a warm, fuzzy blanket or jacket is the perfect gift. You can choose from a variety of products with embroidered company logos and brand markings. Make it personal by adding each employee’s name.

Water Bottles and Cups

This is more of a practical idea, but your employees will remember how much you care whenever they fill them up. When they’re on remote video calls with clients, they can show their company pride and spirit to their coworkers and your clients.

Backpacks and Bags

When your employees hit the road for business calls, they can pack everything they need into a durable, quality bag. The choices here are virtually limitless - from simple drawstring bags to backpacks that offer spaces for laptops, headphones, tablets, and smartphones.

You can also take a different approach and consider coolers and travel bags - after all not everything has to be work related. These types of gifts are practical and useful, they’ll elicit a response that says, “I always wanted one of these, I just never got around to buying one!”

Home Offices

Even though you may reimburse your employees for office supplies they purchase, consider gifts that go beyond pens, paper, and mousepads. Desk caddies can make all the difference in organization and eliminate clutter. Consider lighting accessories that brighten up video calls. Charging stations or desktop, wireless speakers can bring a smile to anyone’s face!

Gift Cards

You can show your appreciation with gift cards to restaurants, spas, and online retailers. When your employees make their purchase, they’ll be reminded of your generosity and thoughtfulness. Besides, everyone likes to pamper themselves.

Remote workers can feel part of the family when they receive the right gift - and if you want to add a personal touch include handwritten messages with each present. If you have the time, gather everyone together for a gift giving session - or even make a video of everyone wishing them happy holidays.

Skylight’s Got Your Holiday Gifts!

At Skylight, we’ve been helping our clients select the perfect holiday gifts since 1977. With access to over 750,000 imprinted products, we can find something perfect for you and your business.

Visit our contact page to get in touch with us, or call us toll free at 800-840-1067.

Create Your Fall Bucket List Today!

Fall is the perfect time for getting things done - and taking time for yourself. You don’t have to worry about the blazing summer heat and winter is still a few months away. Cool autumn days and chilly nights make for perfect conditions to enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with friends and family.

Creating a Fall Bucket List is also a good idea because you can catch your breath before the holiday season begins and your time starts to slip away. Shopping in crowded malls, preparing big meals, and decorating can be stressful, but if you take some personal time you can tackle these tasks you’ll be in a better frame of mind.

The Outdoors

Getting outside before the cold and snowy winter arrives is a key bucket list item. Taking hikes on nature trails and biking through a park are great ways to get exercise and enjoy the weather while taking in the natural beauty of the changing leaves.

You can make a day out of it, and bring a packed lunch and drinks for a picnic that doesn’t include ants, files and other pests. It’s a stress-free getaway that won’t cost you much.

Harvest Time

While Halloween may be in the rear view mirror, check out local farms and other businesses to see if they are offering hay rides, tours of the property, or any festivities. When you bring a group of friends, it’s always more fun and a chance to spend time together.

Local Shopping Trips

Shopping stores and businesses helps support the local economy, and gives you a chance to find unique gifts and presents that you can’t find at larger big box stores, outlets, and the local malls. You can make a day out of it, and stop for a quick lunch or dinner to cap off the day.

Outdoor Parties

While the nights are cool and crisp, an outdoor party is an excellent idea. Fall themed dishes and drinks don’t have to be complicated - you want to spend time with your guests gathered around a fire pit - not in the kitchen. Your local party stores can be a convenient go-to for decorations and other entertaining ideas.

Weekend Getaways

Regardless of where you live, a long weekend in the country can be the perfect way to wind down and rest. Think about a quaint bed and breakfast situated in scenic locations. You can also consider a weekend in a larger city that offers upscale dining, excellent shopping, and a variety of other activities.

As always, planning ahead can help make the ride and trip smooth - and think about planning stops during your drive. Roadside markets and antique shops are usually worth the visit, and offer another opportunity to purchase homemade gifts that you won’t find online or at the local department or big box store.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Football and fall go together like cinnamon and cider - and whether it’s high school, college, or pro - going to see a game is a great way to spend a fall day. College and professional stadiums have come a long way, and visiting them can be as enjoyable as watching a game.

Making the most of your Fall Bucket List can provide you with a chance to slow down your life - and create memories that will last a lifetime. Hurry! Old Man Winter is right around the corner!

Must Haves for Football Season

Football - whether it’s high school, college, or pro - can be one of the most exciting games to watch in person or on the television with your friends and family.

Making sure you have all the ingredients for football season doesn’t have to be a tedious chore - with some planning, you can enjoy the experience without ever missing a play or tackle. 

Team Gear

You want to show your team spirit and there are plenty of options including jerseys, t-shirts, and hats. Most teams will have those for sale, and there are lots of different designs and color schemes available. Of course, it’s always fun to design your own apparel and stand out from the crowd.

On the Road

When you’re driving around town or on your way to a game, it’s time to let everyone know who you’re rooting for - and that’s never a problem with todays’ options. Bumper and window stickers help you show pride throughout the year. Car magnets are also inexpensive and won’t harm the paint or finish on your vehicle. Plus, you can take them off when the season changes or it’s time to hit the car wash.

Party Planning

Big game? Make it a big deal!

Plates, cups, napkins and serving bowls are perfect spots for your team logos and colors. You can also put together a banner for outside, and colored streamers help make the room pop. Hanging team flags on game day - and throughout the season - let everyone who passes your house know you’re a diehard fan.

Of course, no party would be complete without a game day menu. Traditional dishes like chili, hot dogs, chips and dip, and food from the grill are almost mandatory. Plan out your menu and make it simple so you aren’t busy when the game starts.

If you’re tailgating, you can go as big or small as you want. You can always grill when you reach the parking lot or prepare cold dishes in advance. When the weather turns chilly don’t forget to brew up a batch of coffee or hot chocolate. (Don’t be a rookie and forget to bring along a few trash bags so you can clean up before you leave!)

The Perfect Place

If you’re watching the game from inside your house, make sure to pick the best room with lots of space where everyone can sit and talk during the commercials. Outside is always an option, weatherproof and waterproof televisions and monitors are inexpensive. Smart TV’s don’t need a cable hookup, and you can watch several games at the same time.

Looking to Show Your Team Spirit?

At Skylight, we can help make your game day a memorable experience. With access to over 750,000 imprinted products, we can personalize everything from paper plates to hats, and more! 

Visit our contact page to get in touch with us, or call us toll free at 800-840-1067.

5 Ways to Celebrate National Gratitude Month

November has been deemed National Gratitude Month, and it provides an excellent chance for everyone to take a second and take note of what they have, and show their gratitude.

But what is gratitude?

There are many different ways to define it, of course the first word that comes to mind is “thanks, but it runs a little deeper. Think of it as a way to appreciate the positive in our lives, versus focusing on the negative. 

That isn’t always an easy thing to do, but that’s why this month is an excellent time to refocus - just in time for the upcoming holidays, where thankfulness and positivity are two behaviors everyone should focus on.

Celebrating National Gratitude Month doesn’t have to be a complicated process, with some planning, there are several ways to mark this event.

Focus On Your Life

You can start off on a good foot by taking stock of what’s going on in your life - family, work, friends - it's an endless list. 

Given the fast pace of today’s world, it can be hard to find time to focus - so consider making a list of all the good points of your life. You’ll be surprised at the amount of positives you’ll find.

Daily Meditation

We all talk about how busy we are and the refrain, “I don’t have time for that” isn’t necessarily true. If you carve out 15 minutes at the beginning of each day to reflect, it will set an excellent tone for the rest of your day. It doesn’t have to be complicated, all you need is to relax and be alone with your thoughts. Here’s the best part: it can become a regular routine if you work at it long enough.

Work With Others

There’s nothing better than partnering with a friend on a project, and when you team up with someone you love and care for, it’s an excellent first step! Pick out several days when you can meet up and discuss how things are going. This will help keep you in a positive mood and serve as a reminder.

Spread the Word

With social media, it’s easy to send out a message of what you’re grateful for, and when others hear what you’re doing, there’s a great chance they’ll join in! Starting a small movement dedicated to Gratitude Month spreads the good feelings around. You could even plan a small online chat or video call so everyone can share their experiences.

Write it Down

When you write down what you’re thinking, you create a written record that you can review whenever you want. Whether it’s a simple notebook or even an electronic file on your laptop, writing makes it real. As you move forward, the benefits of keeping a journal will clearly become evident after a few days.

Start Giving

When you’re aware of the parts of your life that inspire gratitude, you can show others that you appreciate them. It could be a simple note, a small bouquet of flowers or even an inexpensive gift that they'll always remember. Gratitude is contagious and once you spread it around, others will join in.

Looking to Show Your Gratitude?

At Skylight, we’ve been helping people select the perfect gifts since 1977. With access to over 750,000 imprinted products, we can find something perfect for you to show your gratitude to friends, family members and coworkers.

Visit our contact page to get in touch with us, or call us toll free at 800-840-1067.