By Kathy Krassner, editor-in-chief, Greetings etc.
To "inspire," according to Webster's dictionary, is to "cause, guide, communicate or motivate...." Appropriately, the newest inspirational stationery and gift products are designed to motivate customers to purchase them.
In difficult times -- whether economic or emotional, personal or nationwide -- people often turn to inspirational products to provide encouragement, comfort and support, buying them for themselves for personal use as well as for others as gift items.
Numerous card collections specialize in inspirational messages to send to others. Never the Rock Photography, for instance, has just introduced "Encouragement" cards that offer supportive versing, accompanied by colorful photographs of nature scenes. The card shown at right, for example, features floral imagery with the words, "Morning by morning new mercies I see." "The verses are just a small way to encourage people who may be going through a difficult time," says Never the Rock's president, Sarina Roth. "Sometimes even a small note of encouragement can be a great help." These cards are blank inside and retail for $1.99 each, or $12.99 for a boxed set of eight.
Updated styling is also helping to attract a younger demographic to buy inspirational products. The simple design and contemporary color treatment of the "Serenity Journal" from Barbour Publishing, Inc., shown at left, is sure to attract customers of all ages. This 6" x 8", padded hardback journal ($12.97) contains 224 pages with relevant prompts, lines for journaling personal thoughts, and dozens of related quotations and scriptures. Other titles in this new journal series include "Inspirations," "Celebration" and "Memories."
Inspirational items are often impulse items, as well. Perfect for placing at the counter near the store's register are these "Inspiration Stones" from the "Worry Stone" line of AngelStar Inspirational Products, Inc. Retailing at $4.50 each, designs available include Fairy, Wand, Butterfly, Dream, Buddha and Reach for the Stars, shown at right. A free display comes with either three dozen or six dozen assorted Inspiration Stones. The display includes cards that read: "Believe in yourself, In all that you do..., With Faith, Hope & Love, Your wish can come true. Wishes accompanied by unwavering Faith & Integrity given first priority."
Be sure to make inspirational stationery and gift products a priority in your store.
Numerous card collections specialize in inspirational messages to send to others. 
Updated styling is also helping to attract a younger demographic to buy inspirational products. The simple design and contemporary color treatment of the "Serenity Journal" from 
Inspirational items are often impulse items, as well. Perfect for placing at the counter near the store's register are these "Inspiration Stones" from the "Worry Stone" line of 
