Add up the fun with these gifts for employee anniversaries

    Frontenac 6207

    Looking for a buzz-worthy way to affirm for employees how much you appreciate them? Go with a gift that invites them to literally rack up  their years of service and makes a satisfying “clink!” sound for every anniversary.

    Our crystal Goal-Setter awards are an increasingly popular selection for organizations that want to take a step up from paper certificates or trinkets, and instead give something that reminds employees of how valued they are.

    Each of these impressive awards begins with a main piece that has an optically clear etching panel for text, logos, graphics or any combination of them. Colored blocks are then added to recognize every year of service or major milestone.

    Monterey 6213

    Goal-Setter awards have flexibility to fit everything your organization wants to celebrate, and the blocks can also be designed to call out any promotions, honors and awards received. This award option is economical, too, versus producing individual pieces for every occasion, and it’s easy to order the affordable blocks either ad-hoc or all at once. (Check out this fun video from PromoCorner to get their take on why Goal-Setters should be top of mind and how they make celebrations easy!)

    These awards are sources of pride that become showcases and keepsakes as unique as every employee who receives one.

    Triangle 6458

    Make it yours 
    Keep in mind that Goal-Setters can accommodate deep etch and colorfill imprints, and the blocks are available in a range of colors to coordinate with branding and themes.

    All of this can be shipped out in just six to eight business days after the art and customization are approved!

    For assistance with product selection, customization ideas, questions and quotes, contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@

    crystal-d.com.   

     

    Share
    Leave a comment

    We’re all about that (lighted) base

    With eyes turned toward the skies and faces reflecting the glow of the pyrotechnics bursting high above, there’re nothing quite like watching people take in a fireworks show. Seeing sparks of bright light interrupting the dark draws people in and holds them, awestruck and captivated.

    When people see crystal awards and gifts enhanced with lighted bases, the result is just as spectacular, and the reaction is just as breathtaking.

    Most of our pieces benefit from having a base for display, but some design features stand out even more when paired with a lighted base. The difference is easy to see.

    Best uses for lighted bases
    Crystal awards and gifts featuring 3D subsurface images, deep-etch designs or text, colorfill, or Illumachrome™ imprints benefit the most from the illumination provided by a lighted base.

    Why? Because the light allows the designs to stand out within the optically clear crystal, and every intricate detail instantly becomes easier to see.

    Here’s another before-and-after pic, of a 3D subsurface dragon. You can also watch the video showing the impact a lighted base can make.

    And, in this design showing front and side views of a tower with a 3D subsurface design, butterflies appear to take flight with their wings aglow from the base that projects light through them.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Crystal D has a wide variety of lighted base designs in finishes including black piano, rosewood, black mirrored and more — and there’s a full range of sizes, too, to help you find the base perfect for your project, style and budget. We’d be de-light-ed to help! Contact us today! 

    Share
    Leave a comment

    3 tips for retaining employees through recognition

    Good employees are worth hanging onto — and it’s expensive when you don’t. Really expensive. Forbes has reported that replacing someone who leaves an organization can cost, on average, six to nine months’ worth of the individual’s salary. Yikes.

    Commander 6386

    Sure, there are many factors that weigh into a person’s decision to go or to stay. But there’s one that employers have more control over than they realize: recognition. 

    Organizations that prioritize employee appreciation, a Gallup/Workhuman survey revealed, have workers who are 56% less likely to look for a new job. Recognition is 

    also a powerful recruitment tool, giving an advantage to companies that have woven it into their culture and making them more attractive to potential workers. (HR recruiters especially love when they can share these programs with applicants!) 

    Employee recognition awards clearly pay off, but unfortunately many organizations don’t know how to do them (or how to do them well). Here are three tips for building a framework for spotlighting contributions. 

    Catalyst 8338

    1. Decide what to highlight. No matter what, your awards should align with what’s important to you and your culture! Popular themes are years of service, company values or leadership behaviors, project launches, innovations, teamwork, metrics (like sales goals or growth), employees of the month/quarter/year, and customer reviews or ratings. Determine which ones you want to focus on, then outline the criteria for recipients.   
    2. Be intentional and authentic. It takes commitment for recognition programs to be successful. Leaders must be all-in on putting forth the effort to identify what they want to recognize, as well as clearly articulate why a person or team is chosen. Be specific so people immediately recognize how their everyday efforts and special contributions made a difference.   

      Hallock 6555

      No matter what, the appreciation has to be authentic. Be thoughtful and truly enthusiastic about every single award handed out. When it comes to the awards themselves, they should reflect your brand and culture. Crystal awards are a beautiful reminder of the investment you are making in ensuring your teams know how valued they are, and they can be customized with any combination of colors, logos, text and images.   
       

    3. Do it regularly. What’s the frequency, Kenneth? As often as possible! The key to meaningful recognition, above all else, is to be consistent. Decide on a rhythm you can stick to and that fits into your calendar. You can either integrate your appreciation within already-planned meetings or set aside regular time throughout the year to focus on delivering kudos (and keep this time sacred).  

    Crystal D has worked with thousands of customers who recognize their people for their contributions. We have examples and ideas that can help you launch your own program, as well as crystal awards for every recognition need and budget. Reach out and contact us! 

    Monterey 6213

     

    Share
    Leave a comment

    How to master your golf award game

    With leisure on the links in full swing, event planners and tournament coordinators are aiming for awards and gifts to hit a hole in one — instead of landing in the rough. Crystal awards strike that classy vibe synonymous with golf and are treasured trophies that will be displayed (and maybe even humblebragged about!) for years to come.

    Here are “fore” ways our themed awards can really up your golf-award game!  

     

     

    • Performance: Beyond the expected awards for first, second and third place, golf awards can celebrate things like Best Foursome, Hole-in-One, Longest Putt, Rookie of the Year, Chipping Contest Champ and Best Dressed. Some of our hottest golf-themed award designs are putters or drivers, and have 3D subsurface images within them.

     

    • Participant gifts: Gift sets with shirts, visors and golf tees are common, but crystal awards stand out and are never tossed in the back seat of the car. You might be surprised to know how affordable these stunning pieces can be, too. (Under $60 for a customized golf ball and less than $20 for a tourney memento with a 3D image etched into it? Cue the polite applause.)

     

    • Legacy: The sport itself is rife with history, from its origins around the middle ages to its modernization in Scotland. So, too, are its players. Honor athletes who have contributed over the years by marking special milestones like 10, 15 and 20 years of participation, and introduce a Goal-Setter award to chronicle past winners!

     

    • Donor appreciation: Donors help support charity golf tournaments in a big way, and crystal gifts thoughtfully branded and personalized as a thank-you are a beautiful way to acknowledge and showcase their generosity.

    Parkdale Square 6525

    For assistance with golf award and gift selection, customization ideas, questions and quotes, contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@crystal-d.com.   

    Share
    Leave a comment

    Celebrating the ones who help celebrate others!

    WOW Day 2024 is in the books and our cheeks still ache from the smiles and laughter!

     

    What’s WOW Day? It’s exactly what it sounds like: an entire day devoted to providing “The WOW Effect”™ to our employees. Crystal D sets aside this time every year as a recognition event for our Memory Makers — who they are as unique individuals, as well as how each person brings memories to life for the millions of customers we hand-craft awards for.

     

    It’s not a time for numbers or financials. It’s all about having fun and expressing meaningful appreciation of the people who work to celebrate people. And it’s the culmination of our year-round, frequent, and meaningful recognition program. Authentic appreciation is at the forefront of everything we do and all that we are!

     

    At this year’s WOW Day, we heard keynote speakers reminding us of the positive impact we have on the world. We bowled under neon lighting. We danced! And we revealed a new class of Value Champions, a Grand Value Champion, and many more deserving award winners.

     

    What began years ago as a short meeting with lots of graphs, has morphed into a celebration of the people that make our company what it is today and what it will be in the future.

     

    We are set to GLOW ALL OUT!

     

     

     

    And, finally: CONGRATULATIONS to all the Memory Makers for a wonderful year! Special shout-out to our big winners at WOW Day 2024!

    Share
    Leave a comment

    Crystal D BBQ: A ‘wheely’ good time!

    Every year, Crystal D employees take time out for an all-company BBQ where we celebrate springtime, share laughter, and take part in some seriously cool competition. Here’s a peek behind the scenes of our Mario Kart-themed bash — complete with team-designed box cars and a relay race! 

    (Think we sound like a fun and rewarding place to work? We are. Check out our Careers page for the inside track on hiring opportunities and see if you’d like to make the move to Crystal D.)

    Share
    Leave a comment

    10 affordable engraved crystal gifts under $75

    When a recipient opens up a gift box, their excitement is swiftly met with either delight or disappointment. Make sure every kit lives up to the anticipation by including a customized crystal gift that reflects how much the person is valued (yet also stays within budget)!

    While Crystal D has thousands of items that make stunning choices to include in kits, we’ve scoped out 10 of our favorites priced under $75. They’re unique, fun, functional and just plain cool. Add an image, logo or text to customize it with your branding or add personalized flair, and you’ll be creating a permanent reminder of the meaningful appreciation or recognition behind it.

     

    Bottle cap paperweight – There’s something satisfying about this oversized crystal bottle cap that makes you want to say “ahhhh!” It’s a quirky keepsake that pairs perfectly with thank-you kits for beer competition judges, party favors at a brewers’ convention, or even groomsman gifts.

     

     

     

    Wine stoppers – White or red? Riesling or Merlot? How about both? We’ve got you covered, whether the theme is “winning wines,” “aged to perfection” or “festival favorites.” Personalize with initials or commemorate with a special date.

     

     

     

    Denton ellipse – Some see a fruit while others see a football. We just see possibilities! This sleek piece really stands out, either standing up or laying down, and is a fresh way to boldly display statements and sentiments.

     

     

     

    Slant heart paperweight – You won’t miss a beat with this timeless shape that makes a versatile choice for wedding favors, blood drive donors, charity supporters, or any way you choose to show a little extra love and appreciation!  

     

     

     

    Notepad holder – Jot this one down! It’s not just a parking lot for paper. It’s a place to remind people to take note of how much they’re appreciated. Engrave with their name, an inspirational quote or a funny quip.

     

     

     

    Jade card holder – A stylish way to keep business cards handy … or sticky notes, or reading glasses, or packs of gum … anything that needs a home to help keep a workspace neat and tidy.

     

     

     

    Continental globe – There’s a world of ways this globe can be incorporated into a kit, like aviation-themed packages for frequent flyers, corporate incentive travel gifts, or travel agent appreciation. It can also remind people of their organization’s global impact or ambition.   

     

     

     

    Apple paperweight – An apple in a kit is a really big hit! There’s something about a real thing crafted out of crystal that makes everyone reach for it. We love this iconic fruit-inspired piece for teacher appreciation, but it’s also a perfect fit for highlighting grocers and markets, as well as doctor’s offices (“an apple a day ….”).

     

     

     

    Galileo thermometer – This conversation piece puts the “fun” in “functional.” It features colorful glass balls with gold tags corresponding to various Fahrenheit degrees, and the lowest floating ball indicates the approximate room temperature. Adding a logo or special message further enhances it as a beautiful statement piece that’s also one of the hottest and most-searched-for items on our website.

     

     

    Superstar award – Recognizing people for standing out among the crowd is easy with this eye-catching award! People are sure to gaze at the star after they receive it — reinforcing their positive contributions and providing a spark of joy wherever they proudly display it.

     

     

     

    These pieces ship out just six to eight days after art approval! Check out more of our gifts and awards under $75 here.

    Share
    Leave a comment

    Our Memory Makers make us say WOW!

    Crystal D isn’t just a company that produces awards and gifts for others — we also practice recognition and appreciation with our own employees, who we call Memory Makers. We have a variety of programs in place to highlight people for the ways they contribute, carry themselves and serve our customers.  

    Every quarter we spotlight five Memory Makers nominated by their peers for living out our Core Values on a daily basis. Congratulations to the WOW Champs for the second quarter of 2024, as announced this week! Here’s who they are and what was shared about them.

    Jorge H. — Production

    Core Value: Integrity — “I do what I say I will do.” 
    “Jorge has, time and time, again proven to be reliable when it comes to tasks given. Whether it’s an order that needs to be handled quickly or an award that needs to be buffed, he is quick to accept the challenge and does so without complaint.”

      

     

    Richard D. — Production  

    Core Value: Quality — “I have the unyielding persistence to improve.” 
    “Recently Richard has come across a few changes that were made in Production. He has a keen eye for detail that ensures the highest standards for our customers, internal or external. He comes to works efficiently in whichever area he is in. His quality and standards are top notch when etching or taping, with no questioning if something is passable or not. He just does, and gets the job done.” 

     

    Heather W. — Office  

    Core Value: Commitment — “I am committed to the ongoing viability of the company.”  
    “Heather always goes above and beyond her normal duties, by helping out everyone with anything and everything that comes her way. She is dedicated, persistent, and takes pride in everything she does for our Memory Makers. She acts in the best interest of the company,  and is a good steward of company resources.”

      

    Carnell T. — Production

    Core Value: Respect — “I treat others the way I want to be treated.” 
    “Carnell has a smile, laugh, and joke for everyone all the time. He is one of the friendliest people you will ever meet and will carry on inside jokes forever, even if he barely knows you. If you’re ever having a bad day, a single encounter with him is bound to boost your mood. While he’s making you smile and laugh, he’s still able to get all of his work done and help others with theirs.”

     

    Michael X. — Production  

    Core Value: Passion — “I have the burning desire to achieve, in all I do.” 
    “Michael is passionate about everything Crystal D, from making sure every colorfill piece leaves perfectly, to striving to lead his team to victory for [the company’s] Values Week. He communicates his needs openly to make sure that everything gets done correctly and in a timely manner, and maintains a very positive attitude no matter how stressful a day gets.”

    Share
    Leave a comment

    Making memories as a mom: Meet Ann

    This week, as we celebrate the women in our lives who fulfill the title of Mom, we wanted to take a moment to share about one of our Memory Makers who shines in both her roles. Ann joined Crystal D in 2009 and has welcomed two girls since then.  

    What is your role at Crystal D? I am a graphic designer, and my role includes working on new product design, creating virtual art (where we show customers how their artwork will look on our awards) and doing graphics for our internal company events.  

    Who is in your family and what do you enjoy doing together? My husband, Weston, and I have been together for 21 years, and our daughters are Calla (4) and Ellie (2). We love spending time outside, up north, with family; playing games; making crafts; laughing and just being silly.  

    Ann, Calla, Ellie and Weston

    How does Crystal D support your work-life balance as a mother? 
    Crystal D has been super flexible and has done a wonderful job helping me balance work and family. I have worked closely with my managers and design partner to communicate and adjust when needed. As my time with Crystal D has grown and my family has grown, we have always been able to adapt and find a way to make sure everyone wins. I am always willing to hop in and work, and my team always has my back if something comes up. “Take care of your family” is a common statement in our department. 

    What’s the funniest thing one of your kids has done? 
    Calla figured out very early on that her dad likes to tease and tell jokes. Her first and favorite joke is, “What do you call a bear with no teeth?” The punch line, which she tells while folding her lips over her teeth, is “GUMMY BEAR!” 

    Her giggles make us laugh every time. Calla also quickly picked up on tones of voice, and one day when Weston was teasing me, she burst into the room and said, “Daddy, stop teasing Mommy!” This lil’ 4-year-old had my back! Now, she reminds us on a regular basis that “Mommy is the boss!” and that she is on my team! 

    Who do you hope to emulate as a mother? Who inspires you?  
    My mom was a third-grade teacher for 30 years and loved to interact with kids. She had some of the best “tricks” for helping kids learn and grow, and she taught me to “encourage the good” (behaviors), that tone is important, that follow-through is key — and to make things fun. One of my favorite “tricks” is giving kids options. 

    For example, if the kids are not listening, give them a choice: “Would you rather pick up the toys and stay up 15 more minutes (which is the normal routine), or go to bed now (the punishment for not listening)?” The goal is to allow them to make a good choice themselves and avoid escalation. 

    What would you like to say to other moms on Mother’s Day? 
    Take a moment to enjoy what you have – the kids, the family, the little moments, and the laughter. 

    Share
    Leave a comment

    Survey says: Customers recommend Crystal D to others

    What’s the first thing you do when you need something and aren’t sure where to go? Often, you ask friends or family for recommendations. This kind of word-of-mouth advice provides confidence and assurance that you’ll also have a positive experience. That’s why we are honored when people recommend us.   

    More than 200 of our customers participated in our most recent Voice of the Customer survey, and this was one of the reoccurring themes within their feedback. We take these endorsements — and our reputation for providing the highest quality customer service and awards — seriously.  

    Here are a few examples of what customers shared.  
     

    • “I always tell my coworkers to look at Crystal D first. From brainstorming ideas all the way to the client getting the items, the follow-through is truly better than any supplier I’ve ever dealt with.”
       
    • “Your customer service and attention to detail and product quality is why I would recommend Crystal D without hesitation.”     
       
    • “I would offer Crystal D as one of the first choices of where to look if [someone is] searching for awards for a client/customer. I would also remind them of their reliability if time or in-stock product is important.” 
       
    • “I would share [with others] that Crystal D is VERY personable yet professional! They are very efficient in EVERY aspect of their business, and I have NEVER been disappointed by the company or the personnel at Crystal D!” 
    • “Crystal D makes your job easier. From order processing, proactive communication and product quality, you can count on them.”

     

    We are grateful to earn these recommendations. For assistance with product selection, customization ideas, questions and quotes, contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@crystal-d.com.   

    Share
    Leave a comment