** From the pages of Junction’s notebook: Read about the experiences, perspectives, and ideas of Junction team members.
During the holiday season, we get to take a bit of a break from the fast pace of business and spend some time with the people that we care about most. The exchange of gifts is a tradition with great meaning for us. Whether the gift is big or small, we love to see the joy on the faces of our family, friends, and coworkers when we hand them something thoughtful, useful, or just plain fun.
Whether you are looking for inspiration, a last minute gift, or just want to treat yourself, these are a few of our Favorite Things:
Chocolate – The sweet stuff is a perfect gift, not just for the holidays, but any time of year. Don’t ever hesitate to indulge in one of life’s most simple pleasures. Earlier this year, we conducted a taste test. Click here to see some of our favorite brands!
Starbucks Mobile App/Gold Card – The nation’s leading coffee retailer revamped its loyalty program in 2012 to give customers some pretty fantastic rewards for their business. We love enjoying a good, warm holiday-themed beverage while earning Gold-level rewards. The mobile app makes it simple to pay at the register and keep track of your perks!
KeyRing Mobile App – This simple but innovative app has kept all of our loyalty cards and coupons in check. No longer do we carry key chains weighed down with clunky cards. Now they are all at the touch of a finger.
AirTran A+ Rewards – We are often flying for business or pleasure, and living in Atlanta, no other airline has made it as easy to rack up rewards points, so we can fly to see friends and family more often. Staying connected is important to us, and this rewards program helps us get where we need to go.
iPhone 5 – Although nearly every employee of our company is an iPhone user, we were cautious not to jump on the bandwagon too soon with the launch of Apple’s latest iteration. We were pleasantly surprised to find the updated hardware very cool – there might just be a few upgrades under the tree this year.
Electric Start Fireplaces – Do you have a fireplace in your home? Are you sick of having to buy wood, build a fire, and constantly deal with ventilation problems and clean up? Upgrading to a simple electric-starting gas fireplace means flicking a switch on and off for cozy comfort. Sure, you might miss the smell, but you won’t miss the hassle.
Scoutmob – This Atlanta-based startup made a big splash in 2012, offering excellent deals directly to our mobile devices in a plethora of cities across the US. Scoutmob differentiates itself from other deal sites by being instantly redeemable, instead of forcing customers to purchase certificates in advance. It is the epitome of local-focused deal advertising, and we love saving at some of our favorite restaurants and shops around town!
Uber – Uber is a mobile-app based car service that is changing access to transportation. Available in a few major cities, users can use their phone to order pickup by a sleek towncar and be taxied wherever they need to go. The cost is reasonable, and payment is made entirely online, perfect for a hassle-free ride anywhere in style!
DVR – With all of our favorite shows seemingly scheduled at the same time, or at an inconvenient time, we have now been spoiled to the point where it is difficult to watch live television since getting accustomed to the luxury of DVR. Well worth the small cost from your cable provider, DVR makes television work for our busy lives.
Zumba – Staying fit on a busy schedule isn’t easy, but we have found that Zumba classes, offered at gyms across the country, are a fun and efficient way to get in a workout after a long day at the office. It is a growing phenomenon in fitness, and it’s easy to see why.
Pedicures – The season calls for luxury, and there are few better ways to pamper oneself than getting a pedicure at a great salon. This opulent experience isn’t just for women – it is a relaxing practice that can literally inject some spring into your step. We dedicate a great deal of time and energy to others, and this is a wonderful way to receive it in return.
Polyvore – Pinterest may be the biggest name in visual social media, but when it comes to fashion, Polyvore is the most useful community for the latest trends, tips, and thoughtful conversation amongst peers. The site is another step forward in social engagement, and we love the tie-ins to eCommerce. Brilliant and fun for any fashionista.
Goop – This customizable weekly publication delivered straight to your email inbox has a plethora of information on deals, recipes, travel notes, shopping ideas, wellness tips and more. It is a huge timesaver, putting plenty of great ideas in one place, and is a great source of inspiration for anyone’s lifestyle.
Kickstarter – This website, which provides a platform for funding for creative projects, has used crowdsourcing and social media to open the door for thousands of new and innovative ideas to enter the marketplace. It is one of the biggest revolutions in business we have ever seen, and we are excited to see innovation flourishing as a result. Log on and browse categories that interest you – you may find one of your own new favorite things.
Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping from everyone at Junction!