Category: Celebrations

Take Your Kids To Work Day- Tips to Make the Day A Success

4/23/2018

Does your child ask about where you work and what you do? This Thursday is your chance to show off your workplace and make your child proud during Take Your Child to Work Day! The whole idea behind this day is to get your kids to start thinking about career possibilities for themselves and to give your child a taste of your job. To ensure that both you, your child and your co-workers have an enjoyable day, see below for some great tips/tricks! Planning ensures that your kids don’t become bored because bored kids=kids that get in trouble.

Questions to Ask Yourself if You are the Company/Person Hosting the Event:

Will you host it as an “official event?” As a business, this shows your dedication to your employees and recognizes that they have lives outside the office. This is an opportunity to increase engagement and motivation (and see some adorable kids in the process).
What ages will be invited to attend? Some companies have a minimum age of 6 or 7 but others include all children. The activities planned will be dependent on the ages of the kids attending.
Will the day be all day or ½ day?
Are there any hazards or sensitive areas the kids need to stay away from? (For instance, if you work on a construction site, laboratory or area with toxic chemicals.)
Are there specific activities you will do (see ideas below) or a certain schedule you want everyone to follow?
Will you provide lunch or should the parents go out with their child for lunch on their own?

Questions to ask yourself if you are the Parent:

Have you gotten approval from your manager?
Does it make sense for your child to stay for the entire workday?
Where should your child sit?
Are there any hazards or sensitive areas you need to be mindful of and keep your kid(s) away from?
Is it okay to take a longer-than-usual lunch break with your child?
What is the plan for the day? Does your office have activities planned or do you need to come up with your own schedule?
Did you call your child’s school to check them out and ask about any make-up work they may have?

Fun Activities/Ideas
All Ages

Workplace Tour - Lead the kids on a tour of the office. Have them stop at each different department and ask them what they think it is responsible for. Try to connect each department with something the kids have learned in school. The finance department, for example, can be connected to math. The R&D department can be connected to science.
Chocolate Challenge – make sure you have TONS of chocolate candy bars on hand (Hershey bars work great since you can break them into different sizes). Break the kids into groups, and have them build a structure with the candy bars. Once everyone is done (set a time limit), walk around and discuss them—which is the safest? Tallest? Most unique? Then, let the kids eat the candy!! This let’s the kids think creatively and learn how to work in a team setting.

Elementary School Age (and below)
Kids LOVE arts and crafts. Arrange art stations around the office (or in your area if it isn’t the whole company participating). Fun ideas to get them started:

Imagine and draw a new logo for the company.
Draw a picture of their parents doing their job (great for preschoolers too!)
Write and illustrate a story about what they envision for the future of office supplies, computers, food, construction or whatever the main focus of your business is.
Building projects such as making a house out of cereal boxes or even friendship bracelets—it doesn’t HAVE to be related to your job/company.

Middle School Age
This age is starting to grasp more of what is going on and are beginning to think about what type of career they want to pursue. You can get a bit more technical with them. Fun ideas to get started:

Mathematics – give them a story problem related to your company. Twist’s favorite is:

If Customer Wonderful ordered 5 boxes of BSN pens at $5.29 each, 2 Lorell Chairs at $172 each and 10 reams of paper at $35.00 each, how much did they spend on this order? If they would have spent 10% more at Staples, how much did they save by ordering from Twist?

Budgeting – About 50% of Americans would be unable to write a $500 check to cover an emergency. That being the case, it’s never too early to get your kids to start thinking about managing a budget. Use this budget worksheet as an activity to teach them a little bit about finances.
Interviews – let the kids interview a few people from various departments. Before they do, have them prepare questions for the interview based one what they think is important for that job. Alternatively, you can have employees interview the kids. Be sure to film it as I’m sure it could turn in to an episode of “Kids Say The Darnest Things!”
Marketing – have them look at your company’s current website and see what ideas they have for an advertisement. You never know what they may come back with for you!

High School Age
You might not have as many at this age, as they may be TOO COOL to come. However, tell them they are TOO COOL…FOR SCHOOL that day and bring them anyways! Here are some ideas for this age:

Job Shadowing – have your kid shadow someone at your office that does a job they find interesting. It will give them a realistic view of the actual job and if it is something they really want to pursue.
Interviews – similar to above, but step it up a notch and help the high school kids prepare for their future. Who knows, maybe this will help them prepare to land that summer job they really want!
Marketing – again, have them look at your company’s current website, email blasts, ads, etc and offer their ideas for it. You could also arrange a case study to show them how to analyze marketing analytics or build the website.
Mathematics – if your job is heavy on excel, maybe introduce them to EXCEL 101 to get them started. This will give them a leg up as they look for a job!

Just remember, HAVE FUN on Take your Kid to Work Day. Spending time with your children and having fun is what really matters!

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Horror Movie Trivia

10/20/2016

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Holiday Shipping 201: Shipping Goodies

12/14/2015

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There are a few things you should consider when shipping perishable goods to make sure they arrive intact.

Tip 1: Choose recipes that will withstand shipping conditions including loading and unloading, vibration and temperature changes. Biscotti, sugar cookies, shortbread cookies and bar cookies are generally good choices. Candies, such as caramel popcorn, peanut brittle and truffles, can also ship well.
Tip 2: Pack goodies snugly in plastic wrap, foil or decorative tins to prevent jostling. Place cakes in a tin or rigid plastic container. Secure bundles and seal containers with Scotch® Expressions Tapes to keep them closed tightly and looking festive.

Tip 3: Wrap bundles with cushioning material, such as Scotch™ Cushion Wrap. Pack them in a sturdy shipping carton, such as a Scotch™ Mailing Box, which offers strong protection. Fill in empty spaces in the box with crumpled newspaper, additional Scotch™ Cushion Wrap or plain air-popped popcorn so goodies don’t shift and crumble during shipping.
Tip 4: Make sure that liquids, such as oils and vinegars, are tightly capped. Reinforce caps with a strong tape, such as Scotch® Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape. Seal bottles in a plastic bag before packing and cushion them well.

Tip 5: Perishable foods should be packed with cold packs designed for cool shipping and sent via next-day service.

We would like to thank our good friends at 3M, Scotch Brand for sharing these tips with us on their blog
http://www.scotchbrand.com/3M/en_US/scotch-brand/tips-uses/holiday-shipping/

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Festive Food & Why Americans are Weird

7/2/2015

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Are you looking for a way to celebrate Independence Day around the office but are not quite sure how? Food. The answer is always food. Here's a quick--and one of my favorite family--recipes for success from Kraft Foods:

American Flag Cake

4 cups fresh strawberries
1 pkg. (12 oz.) frozen prepared pound cake, thawed, cut into 14 slices
1-1/3 cups blueberries, divided
1 tub (12 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

Here's what you do:

Slice 1 cup strawberries; halve remaining strawberries.
Cover bottom of 13x9-inch dish with cake slices; top with sliced strawberries and 1 cup blueberries.
Spread COOL WHIP over berries.
Arrange strawberry halves and remaining blueberries on COOL WHIP to resemble a US flag. Keep refrigerated.

It's great because it's easy to make (takes only about 15 minutes) and share with coworkers without too much hassle, but is obviously very festive. You'll be a huge hit! Happy Independence Day!

Why Americans Are Weird

I recently read an article about a list of things that are strangely--and solely American. Here are a few of my favorites from "93 Weird Things About The U.S. That Americans Don’t Realize Are Weird":

#35-Obsession with coffee.
#84-The lack of annual leave from work.
#89-Talking about work and asking what people do for a living in great detail at a social function.

If that tickled your fancy, you can check out the other 90 ways Americans are weird.

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Birthday Breakfast

6/23/2015

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Do you dread it? The obligatory card sneakily passed around in a file folder for the team to sign. The small team gathering in the kitchen with a last minute cake from the bakery down the street, everyone stealing glances at their watches. And the most awkward thing--what gift, if anything, do you give to a coworker you're not close to or don't even really like?

Everyone has had some type of similar awkward birthday experience, so here's a fun twist on how to jazz up office birthday parties: birthday breakfast.

Once a month, have your team (or party planning committee) pool their resources and set a designated day for birthday breakfast. Everyone contributes something-donuts, coffee, homemade breakfast casserole or the cutlery. That way, your coworkers are not bogged down by multitudinous birthdays and the stressors that ensue. This monthly event is anticipated, welcomed and helps your coworkers feel truly celebrated. Happy Birthday Breakfast!

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8 Gifts for the Office-Type Dad

6/5/2015

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Dad--and his office will be smiling

While another tie or World’s Best Dad t-shirt would do the trick, why not celebrate him in unique way this year? After all, he probably gave you some solid life advice, taught you how to shoot a freethrow, changed your oil and helped you build your middle school science projects. Make his day special by ordering one of these Father’s Day gifts:

1. Shredders

Shredders help get rid of unneeded paperwork and help prevent identity theft. Get a small office/home office model that can fit right under Dad’s desk. See the home office shredder options available from Fellowes.

2. Air Purifiers

Improve your indoor home and office air quality with Fellowes® Air Purifiers which safely remove 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns!

3. Weego Jump Starter

This jump starter battery pack charges your phone, jump starts your car and fits in your pocket. And don’t worry if Dad is getting more forgetful these days--the Weego automatically turns off to save energy when forgotten.

4. Solo Backpack

Help Dad stay organized and efficient with this Solo backpack. It has a padded compartment to protect laptops up to 17.3", a dedicated interior pocket for iPad, tablet or eReader, and padded backpack straps for extreme comfort. Because let’s be honest, Dad’s back isn’t getting any younger.

5. Lorell Desk Lamp with USB Charger

Your dad needs this desk-mountable Lorell lamp so he can read the book you got him last Father’s Day. It’s dimmable, flexible and will light up his office space--and life--for 50,000 hours.

6. Golf Club Dispenser

You’ll hit a ‘hole in one’ with this golf-inspired Post-it holder from 3M--because even the nerdiest dads can dispense Post-its with style.

7. Garmin Vivofit Bands

A Garmin Vivofit Band learns your current activity level and assigns an attainable daily goal. It even tracks your progress and reminds you when it's time to move, keeping Dad happy, healthy and on-the-go.

8. Personal Keurig

Doesn’t Dad deserve great coffee? The K145 Office Pro has a small footprint makes it a perfect fit for personal offices whether at the office or at home. Pair with his favorite k-cups and you’ll be his favorite.

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Twist's 8 Tips to Throw the Perfect Office Party

5/24/2015

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Land that big account? New employee join the team? Just want to motivate the crew? Celebrate with an office party!

Depending on whether your idea of an office party is hosting your company’s version of Michael Scott’s Dundies, a company BBQ Picnic, or simply relaxing with a can of beer and a slice of pizza, here are the Twist team’s tips to throw the perfect office party.

Who’s Invited

Get your guest list together. Deciding whether you will be inviting just employees or including spouses or entire families is an important factor in planning your event.

Pick A Theme

Adding a theme will make your party more memorable while boasting the excitement and adding a fun TWIST. Focus your theme on the food, activities, decorations, and invitations. Luau, Fiesta, Patriotic – 4th of July, or Sports themes are all very popular.

Location, Location, Location

Is this an office lunch, a company picnic or an awards dinner? Depending on the occasion and the budget, you will need to pick a location for your party. At the office or an outside venue, location plays an important part in setting the stage for your get together. In the summer, it is easy to throw an office BBQ - just pull a grill out to the parking lot and set up some tables. Lorell ultra-light portable banquet tables work perfect inside or out, and don’t forget to have enough seating with Lorell folding chairs.

Invites

Don’t just assume that the entire office knows about the upcoming party. An announcement at your weekly meeting may be helpful, but you want to excite people, and when were you last jazzed about a meeting? Right? Use invites either electric or paper and mention food, door prizes -- whatever sets the mood, says Party Planning Secrets author Charlie Scola. Astrobrights color cardstock make it easy, quick, and inexpensive to have paper invitations or posters getting the word out about your get together.

Create a Festive Atmosphere
And we don’t mean "confetti" from the paper shredder. Even if you're limited to the conference room, decorate until it feels like a new space, one you'd actually want to hang out in. Don't be afraid of using a theme for inspiration. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to set the mood. Pick up some inexpensive decorations from your local Dollar Store or OreintalTrading.com. Twist has all of the essentials from plastic table covers, napkins and of course red solo cups! We even have balloons!

Serve Fabulous Food
The two most essential factors for having a great work place party is the right type of food and entertainment. Without those two, your get together will fall short of being fun Office eating is synonymous with brownbag lunches, so turning up the culinary volume is key. If you have a theme, serve eats that suit it. For a potluck, organize who’s bringing what. And nix messy foods -- no one wants to shake the boss’ hand while eating ribs!

Here are a few of the TWIST team’s favorite easy recipes:

Remember you can never go wrong with Chex mix and Pretzels!

Quench Their Thirst
Beer and wine? Frozen drinks? Water and soda? It is all up to you. Just keep in mind that alcohol can bring its own set of troubles – but we’ll leave that for another post!

Twist offers a variety of beverages from bottled water to sodas and more. Our favorite summertime party beverage is the Nestle’ Exotics Sparkling Water. With 4 tropical flavors; Mango Peach Pineapple, Strawberry Dragonfuit, Key Lime, and Tangerine you can bring the taste of the tropics which would be perfect for a Luau Themed party.

Entertainment or Activities
When selecting entertainment, take in consideration whether or not there will be kids at the party. If kids are present, you will need the usual set up; a face painter and balloon artist. Both entertainers will keep children occupied and bring color to the party. Other forms of entertainment include magic shows, jugglers, DJ’s Bands. For theme parties you can bring in entertainment to support the theme – Fiesta – Mariachis Band, or if you are having a luau, hula dancers are always a hit. Chip says he would add fire dancers for even a greater impact! Make sure to Plan activities that everyone can participate in without feeling embarrassed, like company- or holiday-themed trivia. What fun is a game if it doesn’t feature a prize for the winner? Your prize could range from something simple, like food, to a special privilege, like an extra day off. If your budget can handle it, feel free to offer something more extensive, such as a gift card or even a weekend getaway. (Note: Pens stamped with the company logo are not prizes but something from our My Pretty Office Collection is always appreciated!)

Need some additional ideas for activities? Check out these 2 TWIST approved websites

http://www.partycurrent.com/office-party-games.html

http://hrpeople.monster.com/news/articles/3075-25-hr-approved-office-party-ideas

Whether it is an impromptu company lunch or a fancy awards dinner, don’t turn your office party into a boring, awkward obligation; with the right supplies and, more importantly, an optimistic attitude, you’ll have no problem throwing an exciting celebration that will be talked about until the next one!

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