As we ring in the New Year, now the perfect time to show your team how much you value their contributions. Celebrating employees isn’t just about boosting morale; it’s about fostering a culture of appreciation that drives engagement and teamwork throughout the year. Here are three simple but impactful ways to celebrate your employees as you start the New Year.
1. Write Handwritten Notes
In a world dominated by emails and instant messages, the personal touch of a handwritten note stands out. A few heartfelt sentences acknowledging an employee’s unique contributions or personal growth can make a lasting impression.
Handwritten notes are a thoughtful, low-cost way to express gratitude, and show employees you took the time to genuinely appreciate their hard work. Leave these notes on their desks, mail them to remote workers, or present them at a team meeting to make the moment extra special. Check out PaperDirect’s collection of beautiful thank-you cards!
2. Hold a Kickoff Event
Start the year with energy and excitement by organizing a kickoff event. This could be as simple as an in-office breakfast or as elaborate as a team-building retreat. Use the event to celebrate the team’s achievements from the previous year while setting a positive tone for the months ahead.
Kickoff events are also an excellent opportunity to outline company goals and inspire employees by sharing the bigger picture. Incorporating fun activities, awards, or even a motivational speaker can make the event memorable and meaningful. The goal is to create an environment where employees feel valued and energized for the year ahead.
3. Create a Recognition Board in a Common Space
A recognition board in a shared area is a simple yet effective way to celebrate employees all year round. Dedicate a physical board in the office, or a digital space for remote teams, where coworkers can post shout outs, thank-you notes, and highlight accomplishments.
Supply a nearby cabinet with fun letter paper, thank-you cards, and invitations so your employees will never run out of something positive to put on the board. Visible and interactive recognition keeps the spirit of appreciation alive daily, and creates a culture where everyone feels seen and valued.
Final Thoughts
Celebrating your employees in the New Year doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Thoughtful gestures like handwritten notes, a fun kickoff event, or an ongoing recognition board can make a significant impact. By prioritizing employee appreciation, you’ll build a stronger, more motivated team ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead.
PaperDirect has the products you need for employee recognition, and so much more! With the best selection of employee recognition supplies, to high-quality and cost-effective stationery solutions, it’s no wonder why businesses across America choose us for their employee celebrations year after year.
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Filed under: Uncategorized — Kristine Richards @ 10:39 am
Did you know that the scrapbooking trend started in the 19th century? Back then, scrapbooking consisted of collecting and recording information about a family or individual in a decorative album. Scrapbooking is still around, but it has greatly evolved over two centuries, and in the mid-2000s Junk Journaling gained popularity. Check out PaperDirect’s junk journaling page for even more ideas!
What is “junk journaling?” The definition can vary, but the essence of it is to collect and record memories, thoughts, ideas, and inspiration using found and recycled materials (e.g., old books, papers, maps, sheet music, etc.) into a handmade book. Since no two junk journals are the same, the purpose of a junk journal can also vary. These are just a few examples of the different purposes:
Use “recycled” graduation programs for your junk journal pages!
Types of Junk Journals
Everyday Journal — this is a scrapbook version of a diary; it tells the story of your day using materials and quick notes instead of long paragraphs
Planner — a unique, more creative way to stay organized than “dry” spiral-bound planners
Memory Book — a more tangible and visual way to remember a special event instead of paraphernalia tucked away in a box
Personalized Gift — use the junk journal as a gift idea for the holidays, graduations, weddings, and/or anniversaries
Theme Book — use an overall theme to bring your junk journal to life; popular themes are flowers and vintage
Art Journal — this is a fun way to present your own artwork and bring lots of mixed media together
Use the different layers of old invites for your journal!
If you’re a creative and/or crafty person, or just like the idea of junk journaling, we can help you get started! Use the following steps and ideas to draw inspiration from and create your first junk journal.
1. Choose a subject or purpose.
Create a junk journal for yourself using any of the above ideas or create one as a gift for a friend or relative. The subject (aka theme) can be very general (flowers, food) or be more specific, like modeling it after your favorite book (e.g., Alice in Wonderland, Twilight).
2. Choose a book binding method.
Bindings can range from basic (three-ring binders, notebooks, hardcover journals) to handmade (fabrics, cereal boxes, thread or yarn).
3. Collect tools, supplies, and materials.
Tools include hole punchers, scissors, glue sticks, tape, ink stamps, and other “hardware.” Materials for the inside can vary widely depending on your own style, but some ideas are: paper ephemera, ribbons, laces, flat charms, photos, tabs, paperclips, bookmarks, playing cards, etc. Paper “ephemera” can be themed stationery papers, ticket stubs, postcards, envelopes, wrapping paper, printed quotes, magazine clippings, brochures, maps, et al. NOTE: If you find yourself really liking junk journaling, you may want to invest in some storage containers or bins to organize your tools and materials.
4. Assemble and prepare the base.
If you chose a three-ring binder or notebook, this step may not apply to you, although you can certainly embellish those to make them more personable. Handmade bindings involve gathering materials, like a cereal box, yarn, and fabrics, to create the cover for your inside pages.
5. Fill your junk journal.
This is the fun part, where your style and your voice come to life on the pages. Arrange your materials however you like, whether it’s in layers, collages, or grids. For more in-depth ideas and instruction, there is a wealth of articles, blogs, and videos on the internet to help you. One of our favorite articles is here.
If you’ve read this far, you know that the bulleted lists above are mostly informative and referential. When it comes to junk journaling, please note that there are NO rules! Every junk journal is unique to the creater and/or recipient. The most important thing when it comes junk journaling is to have fun.
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If you need ideas for rewarding employees without spending a great deal of money, you have come to the right place. Sure, you can take the easy way out and shoot off an email telling your employee he/she has done a great job, but there are more creative, personal, and meaningful ways to convey to your team that they are doing a fantastic job and that you appreciate their hard work.
Raises and bonuses are usually the most appreciated way of rewarding employee performance, dedication, and creativity, but company budgets don’t always allow for this type of recognition. Tell your employees you appreciate their great work with these creative, inexpensive means of employee recognition.
Praise is free, meaningful, personal. If you’re looking for a more tangible way to recognize a job well done, there are creative ways of rewarding employees.
Never underestimate the power of recognition. It boosts morale, motivates, inspires, creates feelings of self-worth and value, increases productivity, and fosters loyalty and dedication.
If you haven’t told your employees they’re doing a good job, they may have low morale, lack motivation, or do just enough to get the job done. While employees may appear to not need a pat on the back, everyone truly likes to hear they’re doing a good job every now and then. And with so many creative, inexpensive ways of rewarding employees, there’s no reason to put this off any longer.
If you need another excuse to blow off a Friday and spoil your staff, this is it! Host a company picnic to recognize your top employees and thank the entire crew for their hard work throughout the past year. And you know, a party isn’t a party unless it has a theme. Here are 12 unique company picnic themes and ideas that will make your celebration a blast.
The Classic Cookout
One of our favorite company picnic themes is the all-American BBQ. Fire up the grills, cook some hot dogs and hamburgers, and keep the event simple. Host the cookout on the lawn out back or at a nearby park. Or, go classic tailgating style and deck out the parking lot for a party.
Watermelon Eating Contest
Why not focus your company picnic around a ridiculous event, like a watermelon eating contest? You get to see who’s a competitive eater at heart and cheer on your co-workers. Bonus: Host a watermelon seed spitting contest for those with smaller appetites.
Country Dress Up
Encourage everyone to channel their inner cowgirls and cowboys for a western theme picnic. Bib overall, boots, flannel, and jeans are required attire at the casual Friday gathering.
Red, White, and Blue
Are you planning a company recognition party in July? Pair it up with Independence Day so you can flaunt the stars and stripes. Tell everyone to don red, white, and blue so you can look fabulous in a company team photo. Don’t forget the sparklers!
Chili Cookoff
Bring on a challenge! Inspire your staff to break into small teams and dig into their spice racks. Host a chili cookoff to pass a Friday afternoon. Require each team to assemble their chili in a slower cooker at the start of the day so you get to smell the entries cooking until it’s time for the afternoon picnic.
Ants in Your Pants
If the weather is unpredictable, convert the boardroom into picnic central. Red and white check tablecloths and plastic ants will transform the space into a park setting instantly. Supply a few kid’s games like Ants in Your Pants, Checkers or Jacks to play during lunch.
Potluck Party
Does your staff love bringing treats to work? Let them show off their culinary skills with a potluck picnic. Have each employee draw a card from a hat letting them know what to bring: salad, dessert, fruit, or entree.
Halloween Revival
Why wait until October to wear a goofy costume to work? Encourage your employees to raid their closets for past Halloween costumes and flaunt them at the picnic. If families are invited to the company event, encourage kids and spouses to dress up too.
The Royal Court
When it’s time to name the king and queen of the office, go royal. Prepare paper crowns for the top employees and treat everyone like royalty by putting on a medieval spread complete with giant grilled turkey legs and flutes filled with grape juice (or wine)!
Throwback Picnic
Pick an era and encourage everyone to dress the part. Neon clothes and big hair are perfect for a 1990s party. Or, get groovy by wearing bellbottoms and peace symbols for a 1960s theme.
Family Fun Day
Invite the employees and their families to the recognition picnic. Host the event at a park that allows pets, and encourage four-legged family members to attend. Kick off the day with a best tail wag and pet costume contest to break the ice!
Playtime Theme
Take a company field trip to the local roller rink, bowling alley, or climbing wall. Let the staff channel their inner kids with some playtime antics before the picnic lunch and announcements.
After you get the picnic catering scheduled and location booked, whip up some cute invites. Paper Direct has decorative paper featuring several company picnic themes ready and waiting for you to order online. Shop now!
Most years, these words typically have mixed emotions across the board—teachers might jokingly groan, parents are excited to send kids back to class, and the kids themselves aren’t so happy. This year, back to school has more emotions than ever before.
To help teachers and schools prepare for an uncertain 2020-2021 school year we have a few ideas for you to use to keep your students, teachers, and staff safe. Plus, they’re perfect for any school— from elementary school to middle school to high school.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
1. Stock up on health and safety supplies.
In addition to the typical bandages and ointments, Masks, Sanitizer, and hand wipes are must-haves for every classroom for the upcoming school year. Having these supplies in every office and classroom will go a long way toward easing teachers’ and parents’ worries. And some Masks and Sanitizer options can be customized to match your school name and/or mascot.
2. Stock up on antimicrobial pens.
Pens are another must-have for any elementary, middle, or high school. Anti-microbial Pens eliminate pen sharing and the transfer of germs. Having these special pens around (or Anti-microbial Lanyards) is just one more way to make your school a little safer for everyone.
3. Set up Sanitizer Stations in common areas of your school.
Sanitizing stations can be as informal or elaborate as you want. You can set up a Sanitizer Pump on a hallway table or shelf and post a sign above the sanitizer, or purchase a special Sanitizer Station. Set up Sanitizer Stations in various common areas of your school, like entrances, cafeteria, gymnasium, by locker rooms, and offices.
4. Raise teacher morale with a Gift Set for each of them.
With all of the uncertainties teachers are facing, it’s the perfect time let them know how grateful you are for everything they do. Welcome teachers back to school with a Gift Set that is full of fun and functional gifts that will be used on a daily basis.
5. Brighten up your school and grounds with Signs and Banners.
It’s more important than ever to raise everyone’s spirits and keep morale up. There’s no better way to do that than with a colorful “Welcome Back” Yard Sign, poster, decals, and Banners. Whether they are displayed on your school’s front lawn, by school entrances or sidewalks, or inside on walls, bulletin boards, doors, or windows give everybody a warm welcome.
6. Post decals on walls and/or floors to encourage social distancing and hand washing.
Floor Decals are easy ways to create a one-way flow of traffic through school hallways. They are also essential for offices; they can be spaced 6′ apart to encourage visitors to maintain social distance in your school. Wall Decals are also must-have supplies. Secure a hand washing decal in every school bathroom.
In addition to the six above ideas, you can maintain a safe and healthy school environment with extra cleaning and disinfecting supplies. Use these supplies every day and try to schedule a deep cleaning once a week. No matter which ideas you choose to use in your elementary school, middle school, or high school, everyone will be a little safer for it.
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Having and maintaining a safe, healthy, and welcoming work environment is more important than ever before. As many businesses slowly reopen their doors, you may be wondering what you can do to ensure the safety of all your employees–and boost company morale during these times, too.
While there are many facets to reopening your business including daily health screenings, addressing mental health, et al., we will concentrate on what you can do in your physical place of business and/or building. Try one or more of the following ideas to prepare for your employees to come back to work.
Stock up on plenty of Masks for all of your employees.
Even though most of your employees may have their own disposable or home-made masks, a customized Mask with your company name and/or logo is a great way to build teamwork and morale.
Another item on your back-to-work checklist should be Hand Sanitizer.
Stock up on sanitizer for offices, cafeterias, conference rooms, workspaces, and cubicles. Like Masks, some employees may have their own; that may help your back-to-work budget.
Establish physical distancing measures.
Keeping and maintaining physical distance during the workday is important for everyone. There are several ways you can accomplish this including staggered work shifts, lunch, and rest breaks; and rotating weeks for working onsite. Physical ideas include moving work stations and/or implementing one-way traffic patterns by using Floor Decals to direct foot traffic and or provide 6′ of distance.
Define customer and/or visitor contact rules.
No matter how many visitors, customers, or clients your business has on a daily basis, establishing some rules will help keep everyone safe and give them peace of mind. Ideas include using Floor Decals (see above), limiting the number of people in any one area (reception, waiting, etc.), no handshake greetings, and using contactless pickup.
Establish deep cleaning procedures.
It’s always good to remind employees to keep their work stations, desks, and offices clean, but deep cleaning procedures will make your workplace even safer. First use soap and water to clean surfaces, then sanitize all frequently touched surfaces with antibacterial spray or wipes, disinfect restrooms every night, vacuum every day, and encourage employees to leave personal items at home or bring as few as possible every day.
Post signs in the bathroom to encourage people to continue hand washing.
This is something so routine, but it’s just as important now as it was when this started. Glossy Wall Decals are must-haves for every bathroom. They can include the 20-second rule or have a simple reminder to “always wash your hands” or “suds up.”
Set up partitions between workspaces and/or use them for reception desks.
Acrylic Partitions of various sizes and shapes are available to fit any area. These products are designed for all parties involved–they keep employees safe and healthy AND your customers, clients, and visitors, too.
Welcome back your employees with a motivational Gift Set.
Gift Sets not only show employees how much you appreciate them and welcome them back to the building, but each employee will receive valuable, quality products they can use every day.
Celebrate the big day when your doors officially open again with Signs and Banners.
Signs can range from bright and colorful outdoor Yard Signs to printed paper signs that you can post on doors, walls, and bulletin boards. Banners are always a welcome addition to any business; Banners can be as professional or whimsical as you want them to be!
Utilizing a combination of these nine tips will make your place of business much safer and welcoming when you are ready to reopen your doors. Your employees, customers, clients, vendors, and visitors will thank you for everything you’re doing to keep everyone safe.
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You have probably heard these words used in abundance to describe these current times, but we can think of a better one:
Thankful!
Given the current climate we are living in, it’s more important than ever to show and express your gratitude to all of your employees. We have five ideas that you can implement right away to let your employees know how much you truly appreciate them and all of their hard work–no matter if it’s onsite or at home.
Continue to recognize milestones like tenure and Employee of the Month.
Recognition of your teachers and employees does not have to stop just because most of them are working from home or remotely. If you are holding meetings through conference calls and/or websites and programs, take the time to spotlight these special employees with a presentation. Then, mail them a “recognition package” that includes quality awards, like Certificates, Jackets, and Lapel Pins. And don’t forget to include a Greeting Card or NoteCard with handwritten words of gratitude.
Send a “Thank You” note to your employees and consider a gift card.
When you think of thank you notes, you may think of weddings, birthdays, or graduation parties, but they can be used for employees, too! Whether you use a NoteCard, Greeting Card, or LetterTop Certificate, this is a great way to put those appreciative thoughts to paper. You can even personalize them with a unique message for each employee. If your budget allows, you can also include a gift card (printed or plastic) as a token of thanks.
Send or give a Gift Set.
Our Direct Ship program is the perfect way to send Gift Sets to all of your teachers and employees as a show of support whether they are working from home or onsite. Gift Sets are not only budget-friendly options for you, they offer fun and functional items that everybody can use. Sending Gift Sets directly to each employee’s home lets everyone know they are still an important and valued part of your team.
Send a Kit to help employees work from home.
Unique work-from-home kits are great ways to keep employees organized, “plugged in,” and even stress a little less. Most kits include some electronic accessories with a mix of standard desk supplies, so everyone is sure to a get a lot of use out of them. Kits are affordable ways to show your appreciation for everyone’s hard work and dedication.
Words of appreciation go a long way.
We understand you may have a tight budget to work with; sometimes a simple note of thanks goes a long way. Thank You NoteCards are always much appreciated–and if you mail them they will be attention grabbers because of their size! If you take a few minutes to write your own “thank you” message with a personal twist for each employee those notes will mean a lot more. Thank You Certificates are also a fun, motivational idea; employees can proudly display them at home. Even a simple Lapel Pin with a thank you message on it can say a lot.
We hope you can use at least one of these five ideas to say “thank you” to your employees. It’s so important right now to hear encouraging or motivational messages. No matter which idea you choose, the results will be much appreciated by your employees, teachers, volunteers, and more.
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A diploma reflects your academic achievements and personal growth, but what happens once the ceremony is over? If your diploma is gathering dust on a shelf or languishing in a drawer, it’s time to give it the honor it deserves.
Framing your high school or college diploma is not just about display; it’s a way to preserve it, enhance your space, and celebrate your accomplishments. Whether you are searching for professional, creative, or handcrafted ideas, we’ve got you covered. This guide will inspire you with creative options to proudly showcase your diploma at home or in your workspace.
Why Frame Your Diploma?
Before exploring the variety of diploma framing ideas, let’s understand why framing truly matters.
Celebrate a Milestone: Mark your academic and personal achievements with a fitting display.
Motivational Decor: A well-framed diploma in your office or home serves as a constant reminder of what perseverance can achieve.
Professional Aesthetic: Create a polished look for your office or library, leaving a lasting impression on clients, coworkers, or guests.
Preservation: Protect your diploma from wear and tear, moisture, and fading over time with a high-quality frame.
Showcase Your Diploma in a Shadowbox
For a display-worthy keepsake, consider showcasing your diploma in a shadowbox. Shadowboxes add depth and dimension, allowing you to incorporate other meaningful items alongside your diploma. They are ideal for graduates who want an eye-catching display that captures their academic journey.
Include award ribbons, honor cords, medals, or lapel pins from your graduation ceremonies.
Customize the backing with school colors or opt for a timeless black felt background.
Add a small engraved plaque with your graduation date for a personalized touch.
Decorate a Custom Frame Yourself
Feeling crafty? Take a plain wooden frame and transform it into a personalized masterpiece. Decorating a frame lets you add a touch of creativity and make it uniquely yours.
Paint it in your school colors or incorporate your high school’s or college’s mascot/logo and graduating class year.
Glue on seashells, ribbons, charms, or medals to create a themed frame—for instance, coastal decor for seaside universities.
Add 3D elements inspired by your academic field (e.g., small globes for geography majors).
Display Your Diploma with a Leatherette Award Board
For a sleek and classic option, consider a leatherette award boardfor personal and professional settings. This traditional frame style slips your diploma into an acetate overlay while exuding sophistication and professionalism. Pair them with diplomas, certificate awards, or graduation photos for a cohesive display.
They suit office shelves or professional settings due to their timeless and minimalistic look; they also take up less space!
Available in multiple color options to match your interior decor.
Mount Multiple Diplomas on Engraved Plaques
For graduates with multiple degrees under their belt, coordinating engraved plaques offer an impressive way to display them together. This setup is perfect for academic offices or home study spaces, creating a showcase that celebrates your lifelong learning.
Arrange your associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate diplomas side by side.
Add engraved plates beneath each diploma to note the degree type and graduation year.
Choose a wooden plaque kit for a substantial and cohesive display of each diplomas.
Mat and Frame Your Diploma Professionally
A traditional, professional framing style is always a trusted choice for showcasing diplomas in formal environments. Professionally matted and framed diplomas are ideal for office spaces where a polished and authoritative tone is key.
Select Mat Colors: Black or cream mats are timeless and versatile, but incorporating school colors can add a personal touch.
Add a Protective Glass Cover: This ensures the diploma is safeguarded from dust and smudges.
Coordinate with Decor: Match the frame and mat to your room’s aesthetic for a seamless look.
Create a Diploma Collage Frame
Celebrate more than just the diploma itself by creating a collage frame that captures the spirit of your entire graduation experience. This option allows you to combine sentimental memories alongside your achievement, making it a wonderful piece for your home or work office.
Center your diploma in the largest mat opening.
Surround it with graduation photos, ceremony invitations, or programs.
Add keepsakes like your tassel or a personalized thank-you note.
Choosing the Right Frame Style for Your Diploma
When selecting the perfect frame, consider the wide variety of styles and materials available to match your personal preferences and budget. The right frame style can elevate your diploma into an integral part of your home or office decor.
Traditional vs. Modern: Traditional wooden frames evoke warmth, while sleek metal frames offer a contemporary feel.
Acrylic Frames: Lightweight and casual, acrylic frames are ideal for informal settings like dorm rooms or apartments.
Custom vs. Pre-Made: Pre-made frame options save time, while custom frames allow for unique, tailored designs.
DIY Diploma Framing Tips
Want to try your hand at framing your diploma yourself? Here are some tips to ensure a successful DIY framing project:
Use Acid-Free Materials: Prevent yellowing and damage by choosing acid-free backing and mats.
Measure Carefully: Precision is key to avoid gaps or uneven mounting.
Get Creative: Incorporate embellishments like stickers, small keepsakes, or personalized messages.
Save on Costs: Explore budget-friendly DIY kits or repurpose existing frames from thrift stores.
Where to Shop for Diploma Frames
Whether you’re looking for a custom frame or a simple DIY option, there are plenty of places to shop for quality diploma frames:
Online Stores: Browse e-commerce sites like PaperDirect.com that are known for their wide range of certificate frames and recognition products.
Local Frame Shops: Visit brick-and-mortar stores to compare materials and get guidance from experts.
Custom Framing Services: Ideal for unique diplomas or personalized designs that require professional care.
Display Your Diploma with Pride
Your diploma is more than just a document; it’s a testament to your perseverance, dedication, and growth. By framing it thoughtfully, you’re giving your accomplishment the recognition it deserves while protecting it for years to come.
Whether you prefer a sleek leatherette award board or a sentimental collage frame, there’s a perfect option to match your style. Explore creative ideas, experiment with DIY options, or go for professional matting and framing to showcase your success.
Are you ready to make your diploma stand out? Browse the diploma frames at PaperDirect and turn your achievement into a keepsake that inspires pride and admiration every day!
A diploma is a symbol of perseverance, hard work, and achievement that is meant to be cherished for a lifetime. The wording on a diploma plays a vital role in making it feel official, personal, and meaningful. Whether you’re crafting diplomas for high schools, universities, specialty programs, or training courses, this guide provides ready-to-use and customizable templates for diplomas that reflect both formality and creativity.
Understanding Diploma Wording
Diploma wording refers to the formal phrasing used to commemorate and honor a student’s accomplishment. It’s not just a technicality but an expression of the institution’s pride in the graduate’s hard work and success.
The tone of diploma wording should strike a balance between respect for the accomplishment and personalization. Whether the style is formal, straightforward, or creative, thoughtful language elevates the diploma into a lasting keepsake.
Essential Info Every Diploma Should Include
Before creating a diploma, ensure you’ve included the standard elements that appear on every professional certificate. These include:
Diploma Title: Examples include “Diploma of Graduation,” “Certificate of Achievement,” or “Certificate of Completion.”
School or Institution Name: Keep this prominently displayed to reflect the authority issuing the diploma.
Full Name of the Student: Ensure the name is accurate and properly formatted.
Statement of Certification: A statement that verifies the accomplishment (e.g., “successfully completed the required course of study”).
Date of Issue: The official completion or conferral date.
Signature Lines and Titles: Include space for one or more official signatures with their associated titles.
School Seal Placement: Typically placed at the bottom left, right, or center to authenticate the diploma.
Pro Tip: Make your school name and student name stand out by using large or bolded fonts. This visually emphasizes both the issuing institution’s prestige and the recipient’s achievement.
Ready-to-Use Straightforward Diploma Wording
Straightforward wording works well for high schools, training programs, or informal institutions. This style shines in settings where the diploma serves its primary purpose without excess flair. These examples are simple and concise while maintaining professionalism:
“This certifies that [Student Name] has met all the prerequisites to graduate from [School Name] on [Date].”
“This Diploma certifies [Student Name] has hereby graduated from [School Name] on [Date].”
“[Student Name] has completed the course of study required to graduate from [School Name].”
Pro Tip: Choose diploma paper that comes with a header already printed on it, like the example above (“Certificate of Training”). This options give you more time to focus on the “fun” part of customizing your diplomas.
Ready-to-Use Strait-laced Diploma Wording
For universities, private schools, or schools with a formal or classic ethos, strait-laced wording offers a sense of gravitas and tradition. This style enhances the official tone of degrees and diplomas for distinguished institutions, making them ideal for formal presentations.
“This [Document Name] is hereby bestowed upon [Student Name] in recognition of the fulfillment of the requirements for graduation from [School Name] on this [Date].”
“[Student Name] is in receipt of this official [Document Name] hereby granted by [School Name] for the successful and dedicated completion of the required course of study.”
“This certifies that [Student Name] has satisfactorily undertaken and completed the prescribed course of study for graduation from [School Name].”
Choose a more creative diploma graphic for specialty clubs or programs.
Unique and Creative Diploma Wording
For specialty programs, clubs, or alternative schools, you can take a more fun and unique approach that reflects the program’s personality.
“This certifies [Student Name] has officially graduated from [Program Name] and is now fully prepared to tackle the world (or at least the coffee table).”
“Congratulations to [Student Name] for earning the title of Solar Superstar during their time at the Sunshine School of Solar Energy!”
“Mama’s Motorcycle School proudly certifies that [Student Name] is now equipped with the expert knowledge to apply brake pressure evenly, work the clutch like a pro, and always wear a helmet!”
Mini List Idea:
Create a bulleted section related to quirky tips or lessons learned in the program, such as:
For Hiking School:
Pack snacks.
Don’t trust the weather.
The trail never looks as flat as the map shows.
For Film School:
Lighting is everything.
Care for your gear or lose your footage.
Coffee makes editing better.
Humor and personality create lasting memories for students while making the diploma a conversation piece.
Customizing Your Diploma Wording
Tailoring the wording of a diploma ensures it reflects your institution’s unique tone, mission, and culture. Here are some customization tips:
School Mottos or Crests: Incorporate mottos or logos to create a sense of identity. For example, “Through Effort, Excellence” could highlight the program’s core values.
Acknowledgements: Mention honors or program distinctions that set the student apart.
Tone and Branding: Use formatting, fonts, and language that align with the institution’s brand (e.g., playful vs. official).
Reflect the Accomplishment: Match the significance of the diploma to the student’s achievement. An advanced degree may warrant more formal language, while a yoga instructor certification could lean toward fun and uplifting phrasing.
Example of a PaperDirect certificate template.
Exploring Diploma Templates
Using editable templates is one of the easiest ways to create polished and professional diplomas. They save time while offering a high-quality appearance.
Benefits of Diploma Templates:
Customizable designs allow you to tweak fonts, seals, and layouts to suit your school’s aesthetic.
Templates help avoid common formatting errors like inconsistent font sizes or misplaced signatures.
Resources like PaperDirect provide templates for everything from certificates of participation to graduation diplomas.
What to Look For:
Make sure templates offer features like:
Adjustable layouts for seal placements.
Flexible designs to align with formal or unofficial tone preferences.
Options to include institution logos or crests.
Common Diploma Wording Mistakes to Avoid
Even small errors on diplomas can diminish their professional impact. Watch out for these common issues:
Misspellings: Double-check the names of students and the school. Typos are costly fixes post-printing.
Incorrect Dates or Titles: Verify degree titles, conferral dates, and any referenced details for accuracy.
Layout Mishaps: Ignore imbalanced designs or unconventional formatting styles that could detract from the diploma’s aesthetic.
Missing Details: Ensure every diploma includes signatures, seals, and any additional authentication features.
Final Quality Check: Always proofread carefully and enlist others to review printed drafts before completing the final batch.
Craft a Memorable Symbol of Achievement
Diplomas are enduring symbols of the milestones your students have worked so hard to achieve. Thoughtful, well-crafted wording doesn’t just make a diploma look better; it adds emotional weight and a sense of pride that stays with the recipient every time they revisit their accomplishment.
Whether you choose a straightforward approach, a formal style, or add a creative flourish, there’s room for personalization that fits any setting.
If you like the sitcom “The Office,” you may remember “The Dundies” that Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) awarded to his Dunder Mifflin employees during a ceremony at the local Chili’s restaurant.
Remember Pam’s “Whitest Sneakers” award? While Carell’s character did not use the best judgment when it came time to present goofy awards to his employees, you can make a goofy award ceremony for employees an annual occurrence to boost morale and have a little fun during (or after) the workday.
Why Host an Event?
Hosting some type of fun event during the workday is a great way to keep employees motivated, show them you appreciate their hard work, and maintain a light, enjoyable work environment.
You know the old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy…” All work and no play in the workplace will create an atmosphere of drudgery, unhappiness, and lack of enthusiasm. One great way to motivate employees and create a light, fun atmosphere in the office is to give goofy awards in a company- or department-wide awards ceremony.
Recognition Certificates
PaperDirect has recognition certificates for all occasions and in all different types of styles, so there’s definitely something for all types of tastes. PaperDirect certificate templates assist you in designing and printing certificate layouts.
Our free desktop printable templates format your certificate automatically, with preset margins, borders, and tabs. Recognition certificates from PaperDirect make quick and easy goofy awards for team building efforts.
Goofy Award Ideas
Due to the sensitive nature of the workplace, you’ll want to avoid references to appearance or character traits that could potentially embarrass recipients. For office party settings, create funny awards that focus on humorous situations common to the workplace. Here are some examples of goofy awards that you can give to employees to motivate, inspire, and build a sense of camaraderie:
The Trivial Pursuit Award (for the employee with useless facts to share)
The office is where many people spend almost a quarter of their time during a given week, and for some, it’s even more. Working in an office environment can be stressful and tedious at times. That’s where funny office awards come in handy!
These awards were created to provide office humor and entertainment by recognizing office workers for their entertaining gifts. These funny awards are perfect for company events and parties and are great for everyday office humor and jokes. Shop for the perfect certificates and other quick gifts, like Lapel Pins and Trophies, to showcase your goofy awards on PaperDirect today!
