PlaqueMaker Blog

So many kids play competitive sports in America that serious sports organizations like the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the Women’s Sports Foundation and others are studying the numbers. For instance, EPSN reports that just nine years ago, roughly 75% of boys and 69% of girls from ages eight to 17 take part in organized sports, playing at least one sport per year. And these totals don’t take into account the kids who start playing before age eight! A growing number of kids are playing sports even before they start going to school. The surprising find is that girls start an average of half a year later than boys, although kids who don’t exercise start later than those who do.

Our personalized for birthday gifts are lively for grandparents, parents, spouses, children and other relatives – perfect for anyone who’s celebrating a birthday … and that’s everyone, pretty much!

According to the Glass Paperweight Foundation however, (yes, there is such a thing), paperweights are one of the world’s best-kept secrets.

Traditionally speaking, a hostess gift is something a host or hostess would use while entertaining. Hostess gifts differ from birthday gifts, for instance – another something you could bring to a party- in that the birthday gift would be personal in nature, like jewelry, a book or a baseball hat. A hostess gift would be used for entertaining at a future party, like place cards, coasters, hand towels, a candy dish or serving tray – even board games or Christmas ornaments.

Pick your poison – whether it’s a cuppa joe or hot chocolate; lemon water, almond milk or apple cider; London Fog, Chai, Russian Tea or Dandelion Latte (there is such a thing, it’s true!) – enjoying a hot drink is just the recipe for comfort.

Studies show that playing chess provides impressive benefits to our brains. Like those of grandmaster chess players – they have more activity in areas of the brain that focus on problem-solving and recognition. Or the research that finds children have higher IQ scores after they complete an 18-week chess class. Studies, research and experiments have shown:

Ancestry sites are the second most visited category of websites, fueling what is now a billion-dollar industry complete with television shows, books, magazines, how-to’s and over-the-counter genetic test kits, all in support our obsession with DNA ancestry testing.

Throughout history, evidence has proven the popularity of drinking flasks. These durable containers capable of carrying beverages over long distances are first created by nomadic Norwegians, and have evolved along the way to include the hip flask – made for holding a distilled beverage, and many others. Also called canteens, drinking flasks are made of pewter, silver, glass and stainless steel, as well as leather or animal skins. Native Americans and early settlers use drinking flasks; soldiers preferred them in WWII. Silver and glass flasks gain popularity in the early 1800’s, especially as the kidney flask, which is usually contoured to match the curve of the hip or thigh for comfort and discrete placement. Some flasks include small cups to make sharing easier, although generally liquid is drunk directly from the flask.

Monopoly. Chess. Battleship. Poker. Cranium. Cribbage. Trivial Pursuit. Quiz Night. Candyland. Yes, that’s right – Candyland. From local bars and hotel lobbies to private living rooms and kitchen tables, Game Night is sweeping the nation as one way to make your gatherings more fun and meaningful. Some will argue that attending a local Game Night is a great way to meet people, too.

Stenciling is a decorating technique that uses cutouts to transfer patterns onto walls, ceilings, floors, furniture and just about any surface you can imagine. Do-it-yourselfers can buy pre-made stencil designs or you can make your own stencils. Either way, the result is a one-of-a-kind look for your home or office.

When people are looking for a little inspiration, many read motivational quotes, sayings, song lyrics, Bible verses – something that can sum up all of what they’re feeling or doing in just a few words. Many have become part of popular culture and society’s vernacular.

American families are all in, when it comes to organized youth sports. Recent statistics for that 75% of American families with school-aged children have at least one child participating in organized sports. That’s at least 45 million kids!

Today’s common meaning of “fame” is “celebrity,” although its original meaning is “renown.” And even today, a wall of fame harkens back to honoring individuals of great renown who, throughout their lives or careers, have exemplified greatness and glory.

Design it yourself with user-friendly online tools, or our expert designers will design it for you.

To create lasting change for the good, we often focus on what’s not working in our lives so we can change it, rather than recognizing what is working and celebrating that, for a change. Literally.

Here’s an idea that will not only fit but will feel special at the same time: a personalized address plaque.

What do you need to restore your well-being? A trip to the beach, the mountains, the desert or the plains? Kick boxing, yoga, a wine tasting or a good book? Researchers say it’s important to indulge in your favorite leisure activities to relieve stress, benefit your health and enjoy life more.

If you’re constantly asking, “Who am I?” and “Where do I come from?”, tracing your ancestry can be an exciting journey to finding the answers. This latest craze sweeping America is also an experience that sheds light on the history of many nations as well as genealogy, religion, politics and world events.