Thirty-One Gifts Wants to Help You Finish Shopping Early

Thursday, December 04, 2014

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

Sarah Colton

Thirty-One, a direct sales company, wants to help get Christmas shopping done soon for those people that need some extra help. Sarah Colton, from Worcester, is an Independent Director for Thirty-One.

Colton said, "Shopping for Thirty-One holiday gifts is so easy. All someone has to do is go to my site and click 'Shop Now' and then they can browse all the products we offer. Don't forget to click on 'Monthly Special' to check out what the deals are this month.'

Colton's website can be found here: Thirty-One. Thirty-One offers exclusive, stylish and functional purses, totes, fashion accessories and organizing solutions. All products are sold through indpendent sales Consultants who conduct home-based parties where products may be ordered. An opportunity such as attending a Thirty-One party at a friend's house, provides consumers with a fun girls' night out, social time with friends, or a chance to meet new people. It ends up being so much more than "just a bag party".

"I have been with the company for almost 5 years and cannot say enough good about it. Besides it being an extra source of income for my family, Thirty-One also allows me the opportunity to give back to my community. I am from Worcester and am married to an Active Duty Marine from Douglas, so our roots run deep in the Central MA area. One thing I do annually with my Thirty-One business is hold a Toys for Tots fundraiser. This organization is run by the Marine Corps every year during the holiday season. Being a Marine wife and a mom, it's a program that is near and dear to my heart. Customers purchase holidays gifts through me and I, in turn, donate my entire 25% commission off those sales toward new toys for children in our area who aren't fortunate enough to receive much for Christmas. It's a win-win," said Colton.

Thirty-One has a catalog full of products to choose from, ranging in prices from $3 to $90 with most products having the option of personalizing with a name, initials, or a phrase. Most of the products will be available for holiday delivery, if ordered no later than December 10. Thirty-One is also offering amazing December monthly specials with $5 and $10 deals with every $35 spent (see website under 'Monthly Special').

Colton said,"A few examples of products I feel Worcester residents would love are the Large or Deluxe Utility Totes, they are great for keeping by the back door to store hats, gloves, and snow pants or to keep as a 'catch-all' in the back of your car, or to use a a tote for delivering holiday gifts. The Perfect Party Set is great for carrying cold or hot dishes to share at a potluck event and any of our purses that can be worn cross-body style are great for being hands-free while you balance your way across an icy pathway."

This event will be closed out at on Monday, December 8. Customers have until Midnight to place order. All orders will be shipped directly to customer's doorstep.

Related Slideshow: 10 Tips For Holiday Tipping

Here are ten tips to help you determine who to tip and how much this holiday season...

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10. It's a gift

You are not obliged to tip at the holidays

While it may be customary, the “etiquette police” aren’t going to arrest you if you fail to give a tip or give less this year than last, because money is tight.

A holiday tip is intended to show appreciation for work and services provided throughout the year. In reality, a holiday tip is a gift, one that should leave you feeling the “joy of giving.” The most important aspect is being thoughtful of another person who you value.

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9. Who should get a tip?

Two holiday tipping categories

There are two main categories to consider.

Those service providers that you normally tip for their services – such as hairdressers, manicurists, etc.

Those service providers that are not normally tipped but upon whom you rely throughout the year – such as a babysitter, housekeeper or the newspaper carrier.

In both categories, someone who has provided regular service to you or your family throughout the year is someone you would want to consider tipping, especially in recognition for the times when they have gone above and beyond to meet your needs.Photo: The Plunge Project

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8. When tipping is not okay...

...and how to thank them anyway

In some situations, company or government policies may prohibit a service provider from accepting a tip in the form of money. For example, mail carriers working for the US Postal Service are prohibited from accepting cash or cash equivalents such as gift cards….but if you want to give a small box of chocolates, that might be very much appreciated (so long as the dollar value of the chocolates is under $20.)

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7. How much to tip?

Easy holiday tipping math

An easy rule of thumb to remember is that the tip should be equal to the cost of “one service” provided. From that starting point, the amount might be adjusted upwards for an extraordinary level of service or downward to fit within one’s personal budget.

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6. Home services tipping

They help your home run smoothly

Here are some specific tip ranges for those folks who provide services around your household:

* Housekeeper 1 week’s pay

* Nanny 1 week’s pay + a small gift from child

* Newspaper Carrier $15 to $30

* Package Carrier $15

* Home Caregiver 1 week’s pay

* Babysitter the equivalent of one evening’s pay

* Private Sanitation workers $5-$10 each

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5. Personal services tipping

The folks who make you (and your pet!) look and feel good

Don't forget the men and women who provide personal services throughout the year. Here are some good ranges for holiday tipping:

* Fitness Trainer Cost of one session

* Pet groomer 50% to the full cost of one service

* Hairstylist 50% to the full cost of one service

* Manicurist $10 - $15

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4. Don't forget the garage!

Parkers, pay attention!

Do you take advantage of a private lot or garage at work every day? Consider thanking the parking garage attendants with a $20 tip. That's a great thank you for taking care of your vehicle, day in and day out, year-round.

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3. Tipping on a budget (Part I)

Plan ahead

Money is tight, but you want to do the right thing.

Save a little each month. Perhaps the easiest to aspire too…but the hardest to actual follow through on, is to create a personal “Holiday Tip” fund and set aside some money each month toward end of the year tips. This approach lessens the sticker shock at the end of the year.

For this year, make a set-aside for the next 3 weeks and you'll feel the pinch less right before the holiday.

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2. Tipping on a budget (Part II)

Give as a group

When appropriate, give as a group. When tipping some like daycare providers or teachers, for example, consider collecting donations from all of the families, and then giving the tip on behalf of the group, with a nice card signed by everyone.

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1. Tipping on a budget (Part III)

Make it personal

If you do give less, include a note. Not of explanation of why you can’t be as generous, but rather a personal note, letting the service provider know how much you appreciate their efforts. It is always an option to include a small gift…but say no to the holiday junk…no one really wants a Santa Holiday Mug full of candy. Really.