Paperweights may sound like a last resort gift. But when your customer sees the large variety of beautiful, individualized paperweights that your gift shop has to offer, they may be inspired to make a statement with their next present. Or, when your office workers see that you care enough to seek out a more personal cubicle decoration, it will boost morale, which usually boosts productivity. Typically, if you are looking for paperweights, you are in one of three categories:

1. You are buying paperweight items to sell in your office supply or novelty store.
2. You want to give office-themed gifts or awards to your office.
3. You want to print your logo on something.

Antique paper weights, glass paper weights, beautiful diamond paper weights or even crystal paper weights can tell a coworker or loved one who seems to have everything that you notice and care about them and their accomplishments.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find paperweights you haven't considered before

Before you order another shipment of plain acrylic paper weights with the name of your office stamped across them, consider some alternatives. When you give out something with your name on it, you want it to be something useful, attractive and versatile. Mainly, you want to give out (or sell, or gift) something that a person will want because it means your name will be recognized in yet another place.

I recommend: James Pirie of St Andrews has some classy glass paperweights. Crane & Co. not only has glass paper weights, but they also sell bronze, shell and magnifying dome paper weights. They also have some that double as card or pen holders. Gifts for Professionals provides lovely crystal paper weights and more. Portia Paperweights sells not only antique paper weights, but also many contemporary designs from different regions.

Get personal paper weights

Custom paper weights, which can be personalized as thoughtful gifts or useful merit awards (like plaques or trophies, but with a purpose), might be your best choice. As the boss or manager, you may be expected to show each worker that you care about what they do for you. That display of gratitude should be as specific to the person as possible in order to create a lasting impression and be a real morale raiser.

I recommend: PhotoWeights, Inc. allows you, your customer or your coworker to place photos inside paper weights, combining two desk ornaments (and saving space!). PlaqueMaker.com has crystal paper weights with personalized engravings, which might be used as awards or just as smart gifts. Successories makes executive paper weights for office workers that could be used as either awards or motivational devices.

Save money by purchasing paper weights in bulk

If you need a large quantity of paperweights to give or sell, you should consider buying custom paper weights wholesale. Your best choice is to order paper weights online and to buy in bulk. However, if you are buying paperweights as gifts for the office, this may not work for you. Customizing a bulk load is difficult, but possible. Many websites offer free shipping as a price break (a good one if you're shipping something as heavy as glass paperweights).

I recommend: IncredibleGifts.com gives a bulk discount, and each crystal paperweight comes in its own gift box. Vat19 gives you free shipping on orders $99 and up, and Phoenix Orion ships for free on orders as small as $50 and up.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The true value of a paper weight is not just in weighing down paper. This mini-advertisement can be as far-reaching as any other portable logo holder, as long as you make it attractive enough to make a demand for it.
• •  Why not lighten the mood of the office by getting paperweights that look like other things, like crumpled paper or a spill? Or increase functionality of your custom paperweights by asking for holes for pencils, or a slot that holds cards?