The Big Countdown

THE BIG COUNTDOWN

Susan Rose ~Gift Consultant

It's All About Counting Down!

Everyone loves looking forward to that special day...counting the days allows it to go by faster, creates excitement and brings joy.

This unique gift concept may be given by an individual or a group and can be as inexpensive or as extravagant as you wish.

Is there someone in your life looking forward to a special occasion such as a birthday, wedding, anniversary, new baby, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, retirement?

Any occasion can be customized.

Contact me to start on your special someone's

Big Countdown!

As a parent of two girls I wanted to create more excitement for their milestone events. It started when I bought an advent pocket calendar the day after Christmas. Each Christmas season I would fill the pockets daily with things like candy, money or just a little note from me. I loved seeing the excitement in their eyes each morning as we counted down to Christmas morning. When my sister-in-law was turning 50 I decided she needed a little pick me up for those days after her birthday so I gave her 50 cards in numbered envelopes to be opened each day for the 50 days following her birthday. "50 Ways to Forget You Are 50" started there and then I continued to give countless others the same gift. Then when my girls got older and so did my friend's daughters ~the bridal showers became the focus of The Big Countdown...a group of 7-8 of us moms would get together to give the bride-to-be a countdown of cards and gifts from the day her bridal shower until her wedding day.

I came to realize that this gift giving concept created so much happiness for both the giver and receiver that I decided to spread more happiness by becoming the owner and consultant of The Big Countdown.

Consulting Services

First things First

Together we will consider how many days you want to countdown to the big day. We will discuss your budget, and the amount of gifts you would like to include. Also we will go over personality traits of the person receiving the gift.

Buying the Gifts

First things First

As your consultant I offer shopping for the gifts and gift wrap but you may also have the option to do it yourself.

The Cards

First things First

The Cards

I will place numbers on the envelopes and this can be done many different ways. Also as seen in the "vessels" section there are other ways to give the 'cards' other than the traditional card and envelope.

The Wrap

On Display

The Cards

After choosing the color scheme for the gift wrap... paper and ribbon will be purchased and I will wrap and number the gifts.

Vessels

On Display

Many different vessels may be used to

contain the "cards".

On Display

If you are giving The Big Countdown gift at a party I will arrive at least one hour prior to the party time to display the gifts and cards with a sign that explains the gift.

Kind Comments

"This gift kept me smiling, anticipating and feeling loved for the 50 days after I turned 50. It is a great 'bang' in a box" Annie M.

"There is something special about the anticipation before your baby arrives. This gift kept that joyful anticipation going even after our baby girl joined us!

It was about more than just the individual gifts-it was so special taking a moment to pause each day to open a sweet something and a heartfelt note during that first week together. We still read one of the books with our second baby and I smile when I remember the thoughtful gift and the experience that came with it. It was more than a gift, it became a memory." Melissa C.

"I so loved this gift idea...one of my favorites. Every day was exciting because you knew you were going to open something fun. It was well worth turning 50!! " Mary W.

"First thing in the morning I would pick a card, go get my coffee and start my day with a surprise. I couldn't wait to see what my friends had planned for me. A perfect way to start the day!" Gigi G.

My "40 Days Until You Say 'I DO'" gift was easily the most thoughtful one that I received leading up to our wedding! My husband and I loved the ritual of opening the cards each day. It reminded us of the support and happiness that surrounded us, even on the more stressful planning days! Valerie H.

Code of Ethics, Fees & FAQ

Client Relationship

First of all you will work with me and not an employee of mine. I respect my clients at all times.

All fees for services will be honestly represented and provided upfront. I will be prompt, courteous, respectful and attentive.

Confidentiality

Any and all client information will be confidential and therefore not shared with anyone. Client testimonials and/or photos will only be used with explicit written permission signed by the client.

Fees

$100 consultation fee due at the time of the consult. If the client decides to use my services the consultation fee will be applied to total cost.

My rates:

$50/hour for planning, writing the cards and wrapping the gifts

$25/hour shopping fee

Set up at event -no charge if within 25 miles of my place of business

26-60 miles $25 fuel charge

All fees must be paid 2 days prior to the Big Day.

I will give a 60 day notice to my client if there are any changes in my fee structure.

I accept cash, debit and credit cards using a Square Reader. Also Venmo & Zelle.

No checks please

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to hire a consultant to do The Big Countdown?

I am the creator of this gift concept, therefore I have a lot of experience , knowledge, and great ideas. Plus, because of my experience I can do everything quickly. Why not let me do all the work and you get to see the big smiles when you give The Big Countdown gift?

How do we get started?

At the consultation, together we will complete a questionnaire regarding the occasion, budget, number of people giving the gift, any themes and colors and more. During the consultation and after the agreement has been signed and payment received we can proceed immediately with the planning.

How many gifts should I include with the cards?

That is entirely up to you and your budget. Typically, I plan on about 10-15 gifts, plus some small filler-type gifts such as a lottery scratcher or their favorite candy. This amount of gifts would be for a The Big Countdown gift that is 40+ days. Some of the most treasured 'gifts' are letters from friends and loved ones.

Who will write out all the cards?

Once all the gifts and cards are purchased and gathered, the next step is writing out the cards.

Handwriting is a lost art but cards are appreciated more when it has that personal touch. I am more than happy to write each card or we can sit down together and do it.

Who will wrap the gifts?

I will wrap all the gifts with the wrapping paper, ribbon and adornments that you have purchased or given me permission to purchase.

Do you have suggestions for gift ideas?

Yes, because I have given this gift many times I have a list of gift ideas and different vessels to use for cards and/or gifts. I also make personalized wine bottles.

If I want to have loved ones write letters do I contact them or do you?

This is a part of my service. I will contact them directly most likely through email so they may respond to me and I will gather all the letters and present them in an attractive way.

How long will it take you to finish the The Big Countdown gift?

Typically 1 week, but if we are trying to obtain letters from loved ones it could take longer.