Getting started on new student & grad season

Ask the parent of a high school upperclassman and they’ll tell you: the college hunting process means getting free trinkets, T-shirts, and tchotchkes — all in an attempt by schools to capture attention (and business). Prospective students are inundated with so much stuff they’ll hardly look at, let alone save, once they make their final decision.

What they really want are things that represent their institutions of choice — things they’ll keep long after commencement as a symbol of their accomplishment.

Help schools in your area rise above the rest with branded crystal awards and gifts. Crystal is a timeless symbol of excellence, as well as a reminder of the priceless investment made in education. A beautiful crystal piece that sports a school’s name, logo, or mascot is a striking and permanent way to express school spirit and student pride. No matter where it’s displayed, it will be a conversation starter for years to come.

The versatility of crystal makes it perfect for customizing and personalizing, and there is a mind-boggling array of imprint options and combinations to consider, depending on the piece. The only limitation is your imagination! Whether you choose a design with a classic deep etch, a color-filled deep etch, an image, or a 3D subsurface laser engraving, each gift is crafted to be as unique as its recipient.

There are many different kinds of crystal awards and gifts perfect for school-related purposes (and at a wide variety of price points)! We gave it the old college try in showing off some of our favorites. These ideas can be helpful to share with local schools, event planners, professional photographers, and, of course, parents.

Gifts for new students

When a student has decided where they want to attend, it’s cause for celebration! These designs and more can stand alone or be included as a part of welcome kits mailed out to incoming students. Each piece can be emblazoned with school name, logo and/or mascots, and even personalized with students’ names. Tip: As this is a welcome gift, it’s OK to leave off the projected graduation year and area of study (in case students make any changes along the way).

Contact each school’s admissions office to get the ball rolling on having welcome gifts ready to ship out as soon as a student commits to it — or even waiting to greet them on move-in day.

• Cellphone holder: As handy as it is unique, you can etch the school logo or mascot on the back, and the student’s or school’s name on the front.
• Lighted key chain: Keep it simple with the school’s logo laser-engraved in 2D or 3D subsurface.
• Achiever award: Creatively customize it with deep etch, color fill, Illumachrome direct-print, and subsurface options.
• Cut corner cube: Perfect for a 2D subsurface image.

Gifts for graduates

Each person’s alma mater is a part of their identity and each student is part of their school’s legacy. That’s why the perfect complement to that new framed diploma is something that reflects the time and place where the student earned their degree. Help graduates celebrate their achievements and showcase their pride with a crystal gift that will last for decades to come.

Contact the school’s events or ceremony-planning department several months ahead of commencement (which may occur more than one time a year, such as in the winter as well as the spring). Ensure they know how simple customization can be, even in large numbers, and that these gifts can be shipped to be handed out in person or mailed directly to homes.

• Clock: A crystal clock reminds them of what they’re capable of! Accent with a deep etch of a logo or special sentiment.
• IllumaPix crystal print: Capture a beautiful image of a campus, building, or other special moment. The print comes ready to hang on a wall or be placed on a table or desk.
• Camby rectangle: Simple yet stunning, use a deep etch or laser engrave a 3D image to commemorate their graduation year and school.
• Pen holder: Add a deep etch to this desktop item, and they’ll not only never lose their favorite writing utensil, they’ll also never forget the education that got them to the present.

Gifts for families

In addition to gifts for new students and recent grads, there’s a big market you may not have tapped into yet (and you’ll want to). We’re talking about current students and their families! If you’re not selling to college and university bookstores, make this the year you start.

These shops sell a lot of things other than books and supplies. They’re high-traffic areas and often a must-stop destination for students and parents when doing campus tours and visits, or when they want themed swag for family and friends. Many schools also have online stores where items can be shipped anywhere, anytime.

Contact the store’s manager about including school-branded crystal gifts in their assortment. You can supply them with ready-made pieces with the college or university’s name, logo, and mascot. In addition, you can provide samples of other gifts that stores can display and work with you to customize with additional information like student name, area of study, or special achievements.

• IllumaPix refrigerator magnet: Display a full-color image or sentiment on this small magnet.
• Carmel square: Level-up an ordinary photo with a subsurface image of the graduate done in 2D or relief. Make it come to life even more with a lighted base.
• Summit bookends: These provide a stunning way to organize books and periodicals on desktops, shelves, or mantels.
• Flame award: The flame of knowledge and the school’s branding will “burn” brightly for all time.
• Wine stopper: Easy and elegant, this pairs well with a celebratory bottle of red or white.

Crystal awards and gifts make a statement unlike any other. Stand out today by offering these customized items to schools near you and working with your favorite supplier to bring that school spirit to life!