Celebrating someone's career success---whether it is a first job, a promotion, or a new venture---is a great way to show your care and support. Here are some ideas for turning business cards into unique gifts your friend, relative or colleague will remember.
Frame that Card
A business card looks great in a simple frame with a mat, which can be done professionally for maximum effect. Or get creative, and make a collage that includes the card in the center. Choose words and pictures that relate to the person's career or personality or even the accomplishments that led up to the promotion or new job.
This Mug's for You
Giftmugs.com will take a business card and put it on a mug. According to the company's online instructions, you will need to scan the card using a flatbed scanner at a minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch). If scanning a card seems like a daunting task, a local printer or Fedex/Kinko's can provide scanning services.
Turn it into Art
Business Card Sculptures (Businesscardsculptures.com) and Engravables Plus (Engravablesplus.com) are two Web-based companies that offer business card sculptures---from a deer and eagle to a hot air balloon, golf cart or house---made from 25-40 business cards. These range in price from about $80 to $100 and require up to 3-4 weeks after the company receives the card. Because they're created to order, they are not returnable.
Other Ideas
While these are not as unique as a hot air balloon made from business cards, a simple card carrying case, desktop card holder or leather luggage tag will provide a way for your successful friend or relative to display and use her business cards.
Tags: business card, business cards, friend relative