Tag: name plates

Name Day: What It Is & How to Celebrate

Happy Name Day and Happy Birthday

The moniker we received from our parents the day we are born may be our most valuable possession. It distinguishes us from others, and it shapes our personalities and individuality. Many cultures and countries celebrate a person yearly on a special ‘Name Day.’

The best thing about name days is that you don’t need to know your friend’s birth date to send them a greeting; you only need their name. And, while birthdays are the most popular reason to celebrate and party, why limit our celebration of each person’s uniqueness to a single day?

Is this day the same as my birthday?

In short, the answer is no. However, there is much more to the answer than a simple “yes or no.” Birthdays are just that, the day you were born. However, your name day extends beyond and into more meaning than a birth date. In many traditions, cultures and religions, your name day is more important than your birthday.

What are name days, and where do people celebrate them?

Variety of name tags showing variations of the name John.

Many European and Latin American countries celebrate name days each year. The tradition of celebrating this day goes back to the Middle Ages, especially in Catholic and Orthodox countries and continues today. Celebrations of each name day may commemorate saints and martyrs of the Catholic church. For example, Sweden celebrates the name Karl on January 28, the anniversary of Charlemagne’s (whose given moniker is Karolus or Karl) death. 

A saint’s day celebration will include all the possible variations of that moniker. For example, St. Johns Day (January 7) is the name day of anyone named John, Giovanni, Ivan, Jeanine, Joann, Juan, and any of the 119 variations used worldwide.

Name days may be associated with a season or time of the year. One example is Palm Sunday, the name day for people with names related to flowers, herbs and plants to celebrate.

Many different traditions are associated with name days. However, no matter the customs, this is a time to celebrate the individual with congratulations and even small gifts.

How can I find my name day?

We know how important names are for building and maintaining relationships. And we believe in celebrating individual names every chance we can. So, search for official lists to find out when your moniker is celebrated. Many counties worldwide maintain lists of name days. For example, Sweden and Finland have kept lists that date to the 18th century and earlier. Today, It is simple to find a name day for yourself, your family and your friends by using the power of the internet. We recommend visiting www.mynameday.com to find yours!

Why are these days suddenly so popular?

In the book and television series, Game of Thrones, author George R.R. Martin refers to namedays. While he does not clearly define their significance, he mentions that they coincide with birthdays.

Westeros nameday card

The nameday is a custom in the society of the Seven Kingdoms. It is an annual celebration commemorating the naming of a person and serves to calculate his or her age. Babies are named the same day they are born. People receive presents from friends and family on their nameday. It is essentially what we now call a birthday.

— Game of Thrones Wiki

So the tradition of namedays in Game of Thrones differs from the European tradition of celebrating one’s name day.

In conclusion

While each culture, fictional or not, may have different traditions surrounding name days, they all have one thing in common: the purpose.

Names are more than a label; our names help define us, they assist in building and maintaining relationships, and they are part of the continuity of society and a culture’s history. They are a part of our uniqueness and individuality and are always worth celebrating.

So, whether you respond to Michelle or Karl, Rebekah or Yuri or any other moniker, you have two days a year that are special to only you: your birthday and your name day.

We are all about celebrating names! 

Check out these products that share you with the world—showing your pride at work, in the community and at home.

Name Tags
Acrylic Desk Blocks
Reusable Badges

3 Sets of Products That Work Better Together

From the simplest of pairs to the most personalized sets, here’s a list of all of our products that work better when paired together.

Badge Holders & Lanyards

Let’s get started with the most basic and well-known personalized product: badge holders. They are so underrated, and we think that’s a shame. Badge holders are great for so many things. From identification needs at conventions to at-home DIY projects, these unique products are downright perfect.

And, with printable inserts, badge holders are products that are only limited by your imagination, and maybe your printer. Add graphics, logos and any text you need for any event or craft. They come in several sizes and either a horizontal or vertical orientation. From lightweight to heavy duty, these vinyl badges are perfect for any need.

Don’t limit a badge holder to an event staple at your next conference, convention or trade show. They are so versatile that they will last through any meeting. And, they are an excellent benefit for schools to use as visitor passes. Retail environments also get significant reuse from these identification products when using them for seasonal employees.

Now, let’s pair these badge holders with the power of a lanyard!

Whether it’s a chain or full-color printed ribbon, lanyards have a power all to themselves. They are perfect for branding for any company or event. Keep essential items close at hand with a lanyard. And, you can find these tools anywhere you find badge holders. After all, badge holders come with a slot at the top specifically designed to go hand-in-hand with a lanyard.

And, with the variety of available lanyard styles, materials and colors, they provide an excellent source of advertising. Design your lanyards with logos, graphics and text to make them stand out. Even more important, make sure that your design flows with your badge holders. When used together, these two identification products provide multiple functions for a variety of events and situations.

Badge Holders & Badge Ribbons

badge holders and badge ribbons are two identification products that pair well together

We’re beginning to sense a theme here. Badge holders are making another appearance.

Badge holders and badge ribbons, it’s all in the name! They really do go hand-in-hand with each other. But, this time they are being paired with badge ribbons. These ribbon products are a fantastic tool at any conference. They help identify different participants and vendors. Badge ribbons are available with stock or custom titles so no one will be left out.

Badge ribbons are often used to promote brand recognition, events, sales and to market services or products. Add a ribbon to the bottom of a badge holder to make someone stand out in a crowd. Or use them for DIYs and home crafts. But, no matter what you use them for, remember to grab a badge holder to go with them.

Name Tags & Name Plates

Yes, you may not think that these two identification products work better together, but we beg to differ.

pair a name tag and a name plate together and make all of your identification products work well together with matching colors and logos

No matter how big your company is, using your brand is what makes you stand out. Your logo represents not only you and your company but also your brand and overall commitment to your clients and customers. And, in the name tag world, using your logo consistently on all personal identification products helps to define and identify you and your company.

From colors to logos, consistency matters. So, finding the right consistency with logos, colors and fonts helps to solidify your message. By defining what your brand is up front, you help establish your company as an industry leader. Find a way to keep your logo and text the same on all name tags and name plates. A company who ensures that their brand is well developed will retain and obtain connections with their clients and customers.

So, lesson learned. Never underestimate the power of combined identification products. Let them work for you, and your job will be even easier.

New Name Plates As Unique As You

Creating new name plates for your office doesn’t have to be boring. Get creative using these ideas.

Everyone seems to have one, a boring name plate sitting on the edge of their desk. How does it read? Your first and last name? Your generic title? Boring, right? Well, why not lighten up the mood in your office and share a laugh with your coworkers with new name plates. So, let’s get creative and get rid of the boring!

Your name is unique so it should stay put on your new name plates.

Custom Design Plastic Name Plates (No Logo) from Coller Industries

But, let’s put some class into it. Whether your name is short like Jim Shu or long like Vernon Ringo Fyre don’t underestimate the importance of font. Yes, you should remember to keep your name plate consistent with your company brand, but have a little bit of fun. With more than 15 different font choices, you can class up your name plate easily by changing the font.

And, what about that generic title.

Even if you are the CEO of your company, there are still better ways to say it on your new name plates. Use creative phrasing like “Master of Everything” or “The Man Who Signs Your Paycheck” to get the laughter going. Or are you the office clerk? Use a title such as “Magical Paper Transferrer” or “Organizer of Random Thoughts and Erratic Activity” to redefine a job that may seem boring. This can be done with any job title! Check out these other examples:

  • Human Resources becomes Timeline Overlord!
  • Social Media Manager becomes Entertainment Seer!
  • Customer Service Manager becomes Head Unicorn Wrangler!
  • IT or Computer Specialist becomes Warlord of Ingenuity!
  • Content Writer or Blogger becomes Ink Magician!

Who said it had to be a logo?

Okay, so we have your name covered and your title, but what about that logo? Why not go for something a bit more unique. Yes, if you are ordering in bulk, it will have to be the same for every name plate. But, you can still be creative. Instead of your company logo, make up a graphic that is just as fitting. Do you have a mascot? Or, try a unique icon that is suitable for your business.

Funny name plates also make great gifts!

From Father’s Day to Christmas and everything in between, everyone will love your creative side when you present them with a thoughtful gift of a new name plate. And, they don’t just have to be names and titles. Add a quote, personal thought or nickname to your new name plates. If the text can be engraved, put it on an Acrylic Desk Block or an Executive Desk Wedge to make it even classier.

get new name plates as Acrylic Desk Blocks and give them as gifts with a special and unique quote

If you are ordering for yourself, the sky may be the limit on this! And, with UV color printing available as well as engraving, you can include colors and images. Pick your favorite animal or other unusual and defining hobby. Do you like quilting? Provide an image of a quilt block. Are turtles or owls your absolute favorite? Well, you get the idea.

No matter what you decide for your new name plates, make sure you are representative of who you are and get that creativity flowing.

Influencing Identity: A Better Way to Blog

Influencing Identity is here to help you figure out how to use name tags and identification products.

Plastic engraved sign with an explanation of Coller Industries Incorporated's personal identification blog Influencing Identity

From name tags for your business to badge holders for your next conference, we have it all. Get all your identification needs in one place and find out how to use them at work, while networking and at any event you are planning. Use our how-to articles to get your ideas flowing for working with all of your personal identification.

From Name Tag Experience to an All-Inclusive Influencing Identity

We started as “Name Tag Experience,” but over the years we’ve branched out to so much more than name tags. And to keep up to date with that expansion, we have changed our name to Influencing Identity. We have thrived as Coller Industries Incorporated over the past 20 or so years, as our focus and mission have always remained the same “To Serve Our Customers.” We accomplish this mission by providing fast and friendly service with only the highest-quality personal identification products.

It isn’t just the name tags!

Coller Industries Incorporated's personal identification blog Influencing Identity

Yes, we sell name tags, reusable badges, name plates, badge holders, lanyards and signs. But, we’re so much more. Influencing Identity has a wealth of information with product highlights and how-to articles to get your creative ideas flowing. This blog (by Coller Industries Incorporated) has helped customers like you learn how to best utilize name tags and other products for their specific needs. From tutorials to strategies, discover how custom identification will help you grow your business and promote your brand.

Coller Industries Incorporated broadens the blogosphere with a new long-form content platform and renames two product and idea based blogs.

Coller Industries Incorporated's event planning and informational blog The Learning Center

The Learning Center is full of articles about learning how to host the best event ever, networking with colleagues and so much more. We guarantee that the information you find here will help you and your business. With a wide range of products such as ribbon rolls, rosettes, name tags, lanyards and award plaques, we want to make sure that you know how and where to use them. Whether you’re planning the best conference anyone will ever attend or hosting a simple dinner party, The Learning Center is here to make sure you are using these tools in the best possible ways.

Coller Industries Incorporated's personalized ribbons blog Ribbon Impressions

Ribbon Impressions provides information about everything from custom ribbon roll ideas for your wedding to badge ribbons for a conference or convention. And don’t forget about rosette ribbons for your award needs, such as fair or festival prizes. Find all your ribbon needs in one place and learn how to best use them at events, during promotions and for your corporate gifting. Discover inspiration for using personalized ribbons and find useful how-to articles.