Giving Back to Your Employees' Furry Friends

These past few months have been far from the usual, but one of the advantages to a global lockdown is staying at home with our furry friends. And more importantly, getting to work alongside them every day. Working from home with your pet(s) can add many benefits to your day-to-day life, so we wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you and give back to our furry friends.

Working with your pet not only allows for a comfortable work-home balance during the day, but it can also lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels. Petting an animal releases dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which can improve our mood and make us feel happy. If you’re feeling down, your serotonin and dopamine levels are probably low.

That being said, feel free to stop and pet your furry friend as much as you’d like throughout your workday because it’s only going to make you happier and healthier!

So, it’s been scientifically proven that pets significantly decrease the likelihood of a person developing anxiety or depression, but did you know it also has the same effect on your pet? Once a pet falls into the routine of the owner being home all day, every day, they start to become relaxed and less anxious about being separated from you.

Routines, in general, are well-received by pets because they provide stability and continuity. Knowing that they’ll be fed in the same place at the same time every day, or let out to use the bathroom every four hours like clockwork, are just two examples of how staying at home allows for routines to be made, resulting in a happier pet. Doing this will make for an even stronger bond between you and your furry friend.

Also, being given the opportunity to work from home can give a person more “free time” during the day, allowing them the time needed to adopt a pet. If you haven’t heard, there’s been a significant decrease in the number of animals up for adoption in shelters all over the country. More and more people are using their time and resources towards giving a pet the life of their dreams which is yet another great way to give back to not only yourself but the pet as well.

And for all the cat lovers out there, June is National Adopt a Cat Month! Be sure to hug your cats tight and tell them how much they mean to you! Also, if anyone you know is looking for a new furry friend to call their own, consider suggesting the adoption of a cat. There are plenty of furry felines of all kinds that are just waiting to find their “furever” homes!

From everyone at Skylight Creative, we want to give a special shoutout to all of our cat-owning customers and their furry felines. Happy National Cat Month, and be sure to check out our selection of cat toys and products. Showing your employees that you care about their pets shows that you care about them, too!

As always, if you have questions or want to learn more about Skylight Creative, give us a call at 410.879.8401 at or contact us on the website.

Top 5 Gifts for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is just about a week away. It’s a time to celebrate all things dad, from grilling to his favorite sports team and everything in between. But shopping for dad can be HARD, especially if he’s the kind of guy who already seems to have everything.

We’ve put together a guide that can help you find a gift for dad that is sure to make his day special. We’ve even included a couple of unique gifts to mix it up and help you buy for the picky ones in your life!

Bob Titelman with his wife and daughter

Make Your Own Beer Kit

Is your dad a DIY kinda guy? Does he love beer? This is the perfect gift. You can find a variety of these kits but most of them come with everything Dad needs to start his own in-home brewing company (even though he’ll probably be the only customer).

Coffee or Water Tumbler

This isn’t the most unique gift on the list but it’s one of the most practical and often a favorite. Whether your dad is on-the-go or a homebody, he’ll appreciate a large tumbler to keep his water, coffee, or preferred beverage at the right temperature.

You can find these tumblers in a variety of colors, styles, and even with his favorite sports team logo.

Luxury Cooler

This is one of those things that your dad probably wants but isn’t willing to drop the money on – or he asked your mom and she told him that spending $200 on a cooler is insane. That’s what holidays are for, though, right?

If your dad is a big fan of camping, fishing, or going to kids’ sports games, having a cooler that will keep everything safe and cold is more than just a luxury. It’s critically important. A YETI or RTIC cooler would make this Father’s Day one your dad will remember for years to come.

Knife Set

Is your dad the chef de cuisine in your home? People who love to cook know the importance of a good, sharp knife. It can make slicing and dicing much easier and give Dad an extra boost in the kitchen. Be sure to do your research before you buy, though. He deserves the best, after all!

Picture Frame with a Picture of His Favorite Person

You, of course! Never underestimate the power of a good picture in a frame with a meaningful poem or “#1 Dad” written on it. You may feel like it’s a vain gift or something that your dad won’t truly appreciate – but most dads just want to be able to see pictures of their kids and remember all the good times.

Bonus points if the picture has him in it, too.

Happy Father’s Day from Skylight Creative

Thanks for all the dad jokes, cookouts, and words of wisdom. We hope you get exactly what you wished for this Father’s Day! If you have questions or want to learn more about Skylight Creative, give us a call at 410.879.8401 at or contact us on the website.

Staying Safe and Healthy in the Summer

COVID-19 continues to spread, and many are left to wonder, “What is there to do this summer season?” Although we need to remain cautious and conscious of where we go, who we’re with, and whether or not our hands are clean, there’s still tons of summer fun to be had for all!

Here are a few tips on how you and your family can stay safe and healthy in the summer, without having to compromise your fun.

1. Wash your hands

We’ve all heard this over a million times by now, but it still remains true! Washing your hands can protect you from infections (such as COVID-19) and many others, by removing harmful germs from the skin. Be sure to wash your hands and use hand sanitizer as much as possible, especially after touching foreign surfaces. The bottom line is, the more you wash your hands, the less susceptible you’ll be to illnesses. 

2. Go camping

Going camping in a secluded area is the perfect place for friends and family who’ve been practicing social distancing to get together. From having a BBQ, to hiking, kayaking, and more, there’s tons of fun to be had at a campground. All you need is a tent, some food, and great friends to make this experience the trip of a lifetime. Just limit your use of public bathrooms or communal picnic areas, and this should be a great low-risk summer getaway.

3. Spend the day at the pool, or the beach!

If you’ve been practicing social distancing, going to the beach or a pool with a small group of friends is low-risk. The idea that the virus can be spread through the water is almost entirely false. While the water won’t completely get rid of the virus, it will dilute it enough to weaken it. This means it is highly unlikely that the virus will be spread through pool or ocean water - so go ahead, grab your towel, and jump in! 

4. Stay hydrated & Wear Sunscreen

Staying hydrated not only keeps you cool and quenches your thirst during some fun in the sun, but it also boosts your immune system. Drinking water removes toxins from the body and can help fight infections that may cause illness. If you’re in need of a new water bottle, we’ve got you covered - click here to view our collection. 

And of course, wear plenty of sunscreen! The summer sun can be really powerful, and sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Wearing sunscreen is incredibly convenient and widely popular, so you shouldn’t have trouble picking up a bottle or two!

The past few of months have certainly been different, but summer is here and we couldn’t be happier! Be sure to stay safe and healthy this summer, but also have a lot of fun too!

If you have questions or want to learn more about Skylight Creative, give us a call at 410.879.8401 at or contact us on the website.

4th of July Checklist: How to Prepare

In the midst of COVID-19, it’s hard to believe Independence Day is just around the corner. It’s safe to say that things might look a bit different this year. While the world has felt chaotic and uneasy, we hope that friends and families are able to practice safe social distancing and lift each other’s spirits on Independence Day. Whether you’re planning a neighborhood get together or a small gathering at the house, here are a few essentials you’ll need to account for.

1. Storage. Having a reliable, sturdy cooler is a staple for any summer event. Make sure you have one that is easy/lightweight to transport, nicely insulated, and can fit a large number of drinks. We love coolers that have a handlebar and/or wheels on the bottom for easy transport.
   
   
2. Drinks. Independence Day is the perfect holiday to get creative with drink ideas. Search “4th of July drink ideas” in Pinterest and you’ll have endless options! But above all, make sure you’re drinking enough water. It’s easy to forget to hydrate, especially when you’re in the water all day. We highly recommend a thermos or tumbler to keep your water (or any other beverage) cool all day long. If using bottle openers or wine openers, make sure you have disinfectant wipes to wipe them down before each use. And In light of COVID-19, please be aware of sharing cups!
    
3. Food. Ahh, we can almost smell the aromas of hamburgers and hot dogs. Due to COVID-19, we’d like to remind everyone to handle food as safely as possible. If you’re cooking for a group, make sure you’re wearing a mask to avoid spreading germs to the food. Refrain from sharing utensils or eating after one another, and try to avoid buffet style. And don’t forget to wash your hands before and after eating! To avoid unwanted bugs, we also recommend purchasing extra tupperware containers, foil, and saran wrap to cover the food. In addition, make sure you have plenty of trash bags and a waste bin.
   
   
4. Apparel. When it comes to apparel, material matters on Independence Day! Because you’re dealing with heat and sweat, you’ll want clothing that is lightweight, breathable, and non-irritant. You’ll also need something to protect your face, like sunglasses or a hat. Try avoiding dark colors like black or navy blue, as those are the colors that get the hottest. If you plan to stay out after dark, we recommend covering your skin well to avoid bug bites. It might be a bit toasty, but you’ll be glad you didn’t wake up in a scratching fit!
   
   
5. Seating. If you’re going to be outside, make sure you have enough areas to sit. Amazon has very affordable lawn chairs, or you can pick some up at your local Target, Walmart, etc. We recommend ones buying chairs with cup holders, and avoid buying dark colored chairs as the same principle for clothing applies here.
   
   
6. Decor. This is one of our favorite parts of Independence Day! Whether you love DIY or purchasing goods, this is a fun time to let your creativity shine through. Banners, streamers, table cloths, signage, balloons, table toppers, and drink/food accessories are all good places to start.
   
   
7. Games & Activities. In addition to fireworks, having different activities to do will keep friends and family preoccupied all day long! For adults, we recommend purchasing some fun party/card games, and physical games like corn hole, beer pong, ladder golf, bocce ball, etc. If there are kids around, make sure they have activities to do as well such chalk art, coloring/painting, etc.
   
   
8. Protection. Independence Day is typically a scorcher, which means it’s extra important to bring your protective gear. Bring plenty of sunscreen, and apply every few hours. Also bring bug spray if you’re in more of a wooded area, and consider bringing umbrellas if you need a break from the sun. And in light of COVID-19, don’t forget to bring your biggest piece of protective clothing — your mask!

If you’re planning an Independence Day event, you might find some helpful ideas on our website! We have a variety of different accessories, bags, apparel, and drinkware that you can customize or buy as is.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday! For any questions or concerns, please give us a call at (410) 879-8401 or contact us online for more info.

Welcome Back! Taking Care of Your Employees During Coronavirus Reopening

States across the country are slowly beginning to initiate plans for reopening. Small businesses, retail stores, and even some restaurants are opening their doors. This is great for business – but it’s important to remember that COVID-19 is still a pandemic that we need to be mindful of. There are a few ways you should be taking care of your employees during the coronavirus reopening.

Adopt a Safety-First Mindset

Before you do anything else, you need to ensure the safety of your employees. They’re the backbone of your business, after all. They help keep the doors open and give your customers and clients the service that keeps them coming back time after time.

When you’re ready to open your doors again, you should do a thorough cleaning of your space. Wipe down and disinfect all surfaces. Then, when employees start coming back in, provide ample opportunities to use hand sanitizer or wash hands.

Create a system for employees and customers to stay at least six feet apart from each other at all times. At Skylight, we like to call this practicing “Safe 6”. This may include stickers on the ground at six-foot intervals or even creating boxes using duct tape.

Whatever you’re requiring from your employees for health and safety (masks, frequent hand washing, etc), make sure you lay it all out in black and white via a companywide email and a socially-distanced team meeting. Being clear on expectations will help your employees feel safer.

Put Yourself in Their Shoes

As employees start to come back from the coronavirus shutdown, they’re going to take some time to settle in. Build in some flexibility and understanding for employees that have been working from home for the last two months or who have been furloughed.

It takes some time to pick back up, especially while the state of the world is still so uncertain. Providing a safe environment and letting your employees know that you have their backs, even if that means they’re working a little differently than usual, can boost morale. Teams need motivation right now and good leadership can help give it to them.

Welcome Them Back Enthusiastically

There hasn’t been a lot of cause for celebration in the last few months. As routines start to go back to normal and we adopt a new mindset, we should take the opportunity to celebrate our employees and the reopening of businesses.

Set your employees up with some company apparel, drinkware, or brand-new office supplies. The newer and the cleaner everything is, the more comfortable people will feel. This is a time to make your employees feel appreciated for all the hard work they’ve done and the loyalty they’ve shown.

Products for Taking Care of Your Employees During the Coronavirus Reopening

During this difficult time, Skylight has opened a shop specifically for personal protective equipment, including:

·         Cloth masks

·         Hand sanitizer

·         Nitrile gloves

In addition, we carry stickers, floor decals, signage and t-shirts that promote practicing a safe six feet of distance. You can even have many of these items branded with your company logo. You can get more information here or contact your sales representative directly. More questions? Give us a call today at 410.879.8401.

4 Unique Gifts for Healthcare Workers

Many of us know someone that works at a hospital, nursing home, pharmacy, or somewhere else in the healthcare industry. These people work hard to keep you healthy and safe. Since May celebrates healthcare workers, we want to help you say thanks to these heroes. Show them your appreciation with some of our top unique gifts for healthcare workers. 

 

Snack basket

Who doesn’t love snacks? A gift basket filled with tasty food is a creative way to show someone that you are thinking of them. You can choose a theme and add in their favorite items to eat. 

First, choose a basket that can be repurposed in their home or workplace. Second, fill the bottom with tissue paper so the snacks can be seen. Third, place and organize the snacks in the basket to make it look presentable.

You can include items like: 

• Chocolate
• Chips 
• Cookies
• Drinks

Cover the basket in a clear wrap with a bow to ensure that nothing falls out of it during transport. 

Lunch bag

Staying energized through long shifts is sometimes difficult. A healthy lunch brings the right nutrients to keep healthcare workers going throughout the day. A lunch bag is a unique gift that a healthcare worker can use on a day-to-day basis.

You can even take the gift of a lunch bag to the next level. Pack food into the bag and bring it to them during their lunch break. Add in a homemade dessert they can enjoy after their meal. This unexpected present could turn their exhausting day into a positive one.

Slip-resistant shoes

Standing all day can take a toll on healthcare workers. If you are looking to spend a little extra money for someone you care about, consider purchasing them a new pair of slip-resistant shoes. You can find these shoes from Crocs, Nike, or Sketchers.

Most workers wear their “outside” shoes into work then put on their comfortable, slip-resistant shoes once they are in the building. You can place the gift in a drawstring bag so they can carry their new shoes in and out of work. 

Coffee tumbler

Many people agree that coffee fuels their day. A thoughtful idea is to gift them with a personalized tumbler to keep their coffee hot throughout their busy day. You can add their name or a saying like “not all superheroes wear capes.”

If this person stops to get coffee every morning, add a gift card to their favorite coffee shop. If they use a Kuerig or a coffee machine, add a complimentary gift of ground coffee or K-cups. 

Thank you, healthcare workers! 

Healthcare workers have been risking their lives daily, and that shows now more than ever during the pandemic. Our team at Skylight Creative is thanking all healthcare workers for their sacrifices, hard work, and support. You keep the world going! If you have questions or want to learn more about Skylight, you can call us 410.879.8401 at or contact us on the website.