Some input on coach's gifts

Ok, I searched and found a couple posts regarding coach's gifts. While there were some composites done, I wanted to see what others do. As a coach, I've gotten a 5x7 plaque w/ a team pic on it. I've gotten the photo etched into metal and placed on a plaque. I've gotten a few other things.

I was considering offering 5x7 plaques for head coaches only and an alternative for asst coaches. I'm trying to come up with something different.

I usually try to give a commemorative print or poster of an event. Such as State Championship title or undefeated season. How about commemorating the coach's xxxth win. For football this year, my team had a new head coach. The print I'm giving him is of his first win (water dumped on him)
and I'll do it with text . I might also put it on a mug for him.

It's difficult to come up with new ideas. Being team photographers, it's logical that the gift would have some type of game shot but over the years they get so many that you want to give them something that won't just get put in a closet.

Think about other things your lab offeres such as mugs,coasters or a clock.

I've been considering getting one of these engraved to see how they look.

http://midohiolasereng​rave.com/awards.aspx

I ordered some mugs, flasks and glasses from that company for my wedding and the quality/service is top-notch.

Mike and Dereck,
Thanks for the ideas. I'll have to look into different ideas.

DDCSD wrote in post #9233313
I've been considering getting one of these engraved to see how they look.

http://midohiolasereng​rave.com/awards.aspx

I ordered some mugs, flasks and glasses from that company for my wedding and the quality/service is top-notch.

Thanks for posting this link. I just checked out the site and now my dilemma is whether to order an engraved travel mug, coffee mug or an engraved award to commemorate a "first win" for a new head coach.

I guess I was thinking that it had to be a 5x7 wood plaque, because that's what's been done for years. Thanks for giving me options and ideas.

asysin2leads wrote in post #9235231
I guess I was thinking that it had to be a 5x7 wood plaque, because that's what's been done for years. Thanks for giving me options and ideas.

When I told a team that I was not going to offer regular memory mates and only digital ones, some parents said "But we always had them"

Fresh ideas, which may be met with hesitation, ultimately lead to more business so KEEP IT FRESH

Mike R wrote in post #9235265
When I told a team that I was not going to offer regular memory mates and only digital ones, some parents said "But we always had them"

Fresh ideas, which may be met with hesitation, ultimately lead to more business so KEEP IT FRESH

Our daughter's soccer league offered regular memory mates. Some of the girls had missed picture day, so I re-shot the entire team, both T&I. I did digital memory mates for those who missed, and my daughter of course, and the parents were excited about the digital ones. I ended up doing digitals for the entire team. Most of the parents didn't even know something like digital memory mates were even possible.

asysin2leads wrote in post #9235430
Our daughter's soccer league offered regular memory mates. Some of the girls had missed picture day, so I re-shot the entire team, both T&I. I did digital memory mates for those who missed, and my daughter of course, and the parents were excited about the digital ones. I ended up doing digitals for the entire team. Most of the parents didn't even know something like digital memory mates were even possible.

My parents really like that the DMM has the team and player name on them.

Mike R wrote in post #9235456
My parents really like that the DMM has the team and player name on them.

They were very happy w/ the final product. I think I will make a few tweaks to them next time, but I liked them, too. You're right, the parents really liked the customization w/ the name and # on them.

What do you mean by digital memory mate? I am not sure I know what that is.

Big K wrote in post #9238018
What do you mean by digital memory mate? I am not sure I know what that is.

The standard memory mate is a cardboard frame w/ cutouts for an individual picture and a team picture. A digital memory mate is an 8x10 composite of the team and individual shot and is usually customized w/ team colors and logos.

Kevin, you have some great photos on your site.

Here is one I did for the football team... they ended up giving each coach one 11x14 framed print. something new for them
http://www.pbase.com/j​larocca/image/11952904​0.jpg

asysin2leads wrote in post #9238330
The standard memory mate is a cardboard frame w/ cutouts for an individual picture and a team picture. A digital memory mate is an 8x10 composite of the team and individual shot and is usually customized w/ team colors and logos.

Thanks. I have always referred to what you call a digital memory mate as just a memory mate and thought digital was some form of display on a disk. I was thinking, "Great, now I have to start offering yet another option."

asysin2leads wrote in post #9238394
Kevin, you have some great photos on your site.

Thanks for taking the time to check it out. I appreciate it.