Kindness… Pass it on!

Nationally Syndicated Columnist and Bestselling Author Catherine Galasso-Vigorito features Her New Product –Tokens of Kindness – in partnership with Gloria Duchin, Inc.

New Haven, CT (December 1, 2017) – Whether it’s correspondences from soldiers in Afghanistan, young mothers, teachers, teenagers, naval submarine officers, firemen, corrections officers, cancer survivors, nurses, the elderly, prominent businessmen or distinguished doctors, thousands of letters confirm that inspirational columnist and bestselling author, Catherine Galasso-Vigorito has the ability to encourage, inspire and comfort her readers.

Catherine’s inspiration is now reflected in her new product – Tokens of Kindness– manufactured and distributed by Gloria Duchin Inc.

Tokens of Kindness are debuting in select CVS stores nationwide this month, and on www.gloriaduchin.com through 2018.

“My mother was the epitome of kindness,” says Catherine, a mother herself now of three daughters. “Always be nice to everyone,” she would tell me, “Treat others with kindness,” Catherine recalled.

Catherine designed these Tokens of Kindness with a poem on the back of the token that reads: “I give you this token for your kindness to me. Now give it away and you will see how one act of kindness can change the world.”

Keep this token in your pocket and pass it on to someone who was kind to you.

Sneak Peek at our Thanksgiving Weekend Deals

We are so appreciative of our customers who share their stories of how they have been buying our ornaments for 30+ years. We love hearing how our ornaments have become a tradition in so many homes each holiday season. To show our appreciation and thanks to our loyal customers, we are offering some great deals this Thanksgiving Weekend.

Save 20% off everything on Black Friday by using the code TURKEY16 at checkout. (This discount does not apply to shipping charges)

Get FREE shipping on Cyber Monday on all orders by using the code GRAVY16 at checkout. (orders will ship via USPS)

Happy Thanksgiving from the whole team at Gloria Duchin!

Making a List and Checking it Twice: How to budget for a stress-free holiday season

November 1st unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday season. You have probably been getting emails already, promoting big sales, pre-holiday exclusives, and décor on clearance… Clearance! It’s not even Thanksgiving yet.

No matter how much the industry tries to hype-up and rush along the season, it’s important to keep the true spirit of the holidays in mind. One way to check in with yourself during this busy time of year, is to intentionally set some budgets, not only for your wallet, but for your time and energy. The holidays are a time to get together with friends and family and show your gratitude. Who wants to be worried about shopping when there are cookies to be made and carols to be sung?

Whether you are a planner or a last-minute shopper, here are some tips to get you through this holiday season as stress-free as possible:

Make a List, Make a Budget

Spend some time taking inventory of all the people you plan to buy presents for and write them down in a notebook, a spreadsheet, or even a napkin. Then, think about how much money you plan on spending on each person, and jot those down as well. Add up all of those amounts, plus any wrapping paper, Christmas cards, or décor and this is your holiday budget. If you notice that final number is way bigger than you had anticipated, see where you can make some cuts. Do you have left-over wrapping paper you can use from last year? Are you crafty? Consider making some DIY gifts or baking big batches of cookies for some of your loved ones. Do your best to stay within your budget so there are no surprises when the credit card statement comes in.

Do Your Research

If you have specific gifts in mind, planning ahead is very helpful in getting the best deal. Black Friday sales have extended to the whole weekend, and even into the following week in many cases. Keep an eye on the “spam” folder of your email for sales, coupons, and free shipping deals. Don't be afraid to shop around and check online retailers, or even ask if an item can be price-matched in the store. Also do your research on shipping during December. The United States Postal Service recommends shipping or placing an order by December 15 to ensure you get it by Christmas Eve. Avoiding rush delivery and overnight shipping charges will help you stay within your budget.

Set Aside Time

Think back on past holidays and remember what stands out to you the most. What are your favorite memories and traditions? Also, what tends to cause you the greatest amount of stress? Try to plan for these things by starting early, simplifying, and setting aside time to be with loved ones. If holiday baking is important to you, put a day on the calendar now to spend baking. Pencil in a Friday night to watch a Christmas movie with your family and drink hot chocolate. Get your tree up and decorated early so you can enjoy it for the whole month! Keep these warm fuzzy holiday memories in mind when you get stressed out, and remember what the most important things are this holiday season.

Angels of Gratitude

Gratitude is a word you hear a lot lately. From gratitude journals to daily #gratitude instagram posts, people are focusing their energy on being thankful for all the gifts they are already blessed with. This is why, for 2016, we thought Angels of Gratitude would be especially fitting. Each year, Gloria Duchin creates an exclusive line of Angel ornaments to be sold at CVS stores. Our Angels are collectible gifts, each with their own unique look and story on the back of their giftable boxes. Whether you are looking for a hint of inspiration for your tree, or a pick-me-up for a loved one who is going through a hard time, these ornaments make a great gift.

We present to you our 2016 Angels of Gratitude. You can find them at CVS stores nationwide.

Looking to 2017: Meadow Trend

Our Meadow trend can best be described as fancy, floral, and feminine. It is a lighthearted feeling with bright pops of color. Pinks and greens take the focus by accenting white and neutral backgrounds. Florals, birds, and butterflies adorn fabrics and accessories alike.

Sundresses, maxis, and kimonos are all sporting bright flowers and ferns. Otherwise understated jewelry showcases pops of pink and teal in tassels and beads. Pastel crystals are featured on a floral brooch, and flower crowns adorn the hair of festival goers everywhere.

The Meadow trend takes its place in the home by providing a neutral palette where bright florals can shine. White tablescapes are decorated with a mix of vibrantly colored dishes and vases. Air plants, succulents, and lilies are the bright additions to a white room. Antique botany prints adorn the halls and birds, and branches are spotted on the curtains.

Florals and birds remain the focus when decorating for the holidays. Hummingbirds and doves, with their glitter accents, adorn Christmas trees, while butterflies and wheelbarrow ornaments make great gifts for your garden-loving friends. Cherry blossoms and daisies can be worn year-round on earrings and bangles.


Click Here to view our full Trend Intelligence Guide for 2017

Looking to 2017: Desert Trend

Bright, vibrant, and full of life, Desert is a celebration of multiple cultures in some of the world’s warmer regions. With a color palette consisting of reds, fuchsias, mustards, and teals, Desert takes its cue from Mexico to Morocco. Metallic bronze and gold filigree are woven into the patterns seen in this trend.

In fashion, reds and golds are the focus, with playful pops of teal and mustard accents. There is a cultural melding of patterns and silhouettes with influences of Latin America, Spain, India, and Morocco. Gold filigree jewelry adorns mixed-pattern outfits of burgundy, and hand-woven bags make the perfect accessory.

Warm colors and playful patterns decorate homes in the Desert trend. Bright reds, oranges, and mustard yellows can be seen in bedspreads and drapes. Mixing and matching tiles decorate kitchens and patios. Crosses of gold filigree are encrusted in brightly colored crystals, and bulbs of burgundy and bronze decorate trees and mantles.

The same red and gold focus is seen in holiday décor, with an added focus on sparkle, shimmer, and crystals. Crosses, nativities, and angels are important icons to this Latin American inspired trend, and high heel and cocktail inspired ornaments have us feeling the Desert vibe.


Click Here to view our full Trend Intelligence Guide for 2017

Looking to 2017: Mountain Trend

A darker take on a neutral trend, Mountain is a focus on cool grays, taupes, subtle metallic, and accents of burgundy and midnight sky blue. Since the color palette is limited, this trend is all about texture, many coming from nature. Feathers and fur pair well with Nordic and Scandinavian patterns, and aged silver finish is the metallic of choice.

The mixing and matching of textures that make up the Mountain trend can be seen in upcoming fashion. Natural feathers pair well with sparkling crystals, and faux fur accents can be seen in all manner of accessories. Cable knit cowls and Nordic-inspired sweaters are accented with chunky silver jewelry.

The neutral color palette is carried over to home décor, with a focus on creamy whites, natural burlaps and linens, and pops of sparkling chrome and silver. The cable knit motif can be seen in pottery, and furs take their place in pillows and bed spreads. Mountain and cabin-inspired inspirations can be seen on throw pillows for a pop of whimsy.

For the holiday, think pewter, chrome, glittery silver and pearls. The texture of feathers is seen on ornaments and jewelry alike, and crystals and glitter chiffon ribbon accent trinkets and packages. Snowflakes will be a popular icon for the Mountain trend.


Click Here to view our full Trend Intelligence Guide for 2017

Looking to 2017: Forest Trend

Forest is a mystical, enchanted departure from the “going green” trend of the past. With a focus on lush emeralds, teals, fern greens, and hints of jewel tone berries and eggplants found in exotic natural elements, Forest has a very rich and lux vibe. Sparkle, velvet, and live-edge wood are some of the elements that make this trend bold and unique.

In fashion, there is a definite focus on deep greens and teals, with pops of moss, eggplant, or berry to accent. Velvets, beading, and laser cut fabrics can be seen on evening gowns, and natural wood takes the shape of wristwatches and jewelry. Accessories can be seen in similar color palettes, creating a monochromatic look of varying greens and teals.

The lux fabrics carry over to home décor, with velvets and natural woods taking the main stage. Deep jewel tones paint walls and exotic florals and agate accessories add a pop of femininity. Live-edge hardwood tables make a statement in a dining room when decorated with emerald hand-blown glass and copper drinkware.

Elements of the Forest trend can be seen in holiday décor as well. Deep green glitters accent pewter ornaments and jewel tone ribbons decorate trees. Moose, reindeer, and owls make whimsical forest-themed gifts, and antlers and pinecones bring elements of the outdoors inside.


Click Here to view our full Trend Intelligence Guide for 2017

Looking to 2017: Beach Trend

We compiled our Trend Intelligence for 2017 by taking an overview look at the moods and color stories coming off the runways, in pop culture, and in color reports. We look to sources like Swarovski and Pantone, as well as Vogue, and Elle Décor to name a few. For an idea to become a trend by our standards, it must be prevalent in fashion and home décor, with an eventual trickle into holiday décor. This is what we see to be up and coming in the next few years.

Taking a cue from Pantone’s colors of the year, rose quartz and serenity blue, our Beach trend is an airy mix of pastels and pearlescent finishes. Think cotton-candy clouds and a pink-ish purple sunset over white sands and calm waters. Beach is a subtle, understated nautical trend with a focus on the dreamy pastel color palette.

Textiles in fashion run the gamut of being neutral to candy-colored, and manicures are sporting the same color palette. Accessories are bright pops of color, and druzy crystals adorn jewelry. Clothing has large, playful patterns, and can be accented with crystals, beading, and sequins. Soft, feminine, and draping best describe the Beach fashion vibe. 

Home décor takes on a subtle, quiet nautical vibe. Natural crystals and sea glass live in harmony with moonstone and driftwood. Air plants and succulents accent tablescapes and hang from pods. Ombre and watercolor motifs can be seen on dishes and in upholstery.

Carry the Beach trend over to holiday, with pastel palettes and beach-themed ornaments. Flip flops and anchors adorn nautical Christmas trees, and margarita and cocktail themes ornaments make great gifts for your best gal. Wear this beach trend year round with a Swarovski crystal shell bangle.


Click Here to view our full Trend Intelligence Guide for 2017

Looking to 2016: Age of Aquarius Trend

Historically, all fashion trends make a comeback at some point and right now the Age of Aquarius is having a moment again, but with a modern twist. Whether it is a resurgence in flea and thrift shopping, or the desire for items that are made to last and manufactured in the United States, both vintage and new items that harken back to the 1970s are back en vogue.

Deep burgundy, orange, and brown are big players in fashion. Natural leathers and suedes are seen in long trench coats and accessories. Bold patterns of amorphous shapes and zig zags are stitched into purses or woven into sweaters. Macramé makes a guest appearance in a shrunken sweater-vest, and you can’t turn around without bumping into a pair of platform heels.

Homes are decorated with a mix of antique furniture from the 1970s and new items that reflect that time period. Textiles showcase bold geometric patterns in oranges, greens, and browns, and mixing and matching these patterns is encouraged. Dishware can be seen in warm colors with similar patterns.

Iconography from the decade carries over into holiday décor. Peace signs, daisies, and birds take their place on both jewelry and Christmas ornaments. Goldtone finishes make a comeback in stamped ornaments and Best Friend heart necklaces.

Looking to 2016: Armor Trend

Tactical and industrial, our Armor trend is a nod to soldiers of ancient and modern day, of fictional knights, and post-apocalyptic heroines. It is all about metal, leather, and new-age textiles made to be strong yet flexible. The color story is bold and dark, spanning from the deepest blacks to the creamiest oxblood red, with accents of sand and stone grey. Metallic finishes run the gamut from aged industrial steel to high gloss chrome.

Dresses and tops can be seen with metallic and crystal detail mimicking chest plates, while boots are chunky and highly adorned with sparkle and spikes. Harsh linear elements of leather and geometric cut-outs of new age fabrics add drama to clothing and accessories. Jewelry is bold; necklaces are layered with a mix of metal finishes, crystals, and pearls, and arm cuffs mimic those of ancient Rome.

Interiors are industrial and metal, leather, and suede play a big role. Furniture uses elements from the past that have been re-imagines into a new piece. Gears of unfinished steel and accents of rusty skeleton keys can be paired with refined matte gold and high gloss chrome accents. Textiles are deep, rich leathers and woven suedes in dark neutrals.

The mix of metallic finishes carry over into the holiday season. Dark gun metal blacks can be accented with clear crystals, and deep pewters and antique bronzes look fresh when paired on the same Christmas tree.