Gifts are an expression of your affinity for the receiver. That relationship could be romantic, platonic, friendly, cordial but gifts are meant to make people smile and feel appreciated. And OUR gift sets really make people feel special.

Each of our somewhat customizable gift sets come with 10 pocos cards/envelopes, 10 machos cards/envelopes and a chic acrylic box to house them. This box is a custom square shape created to hold our cards and anything worth keeping safe. That means when you run out of the cards, you can place your nice keepsakes for display since it's acrylic. Or you can just get more cards to replace them.

Now, what we mean by "somewhat customizable" is that you can pick which cards go in your gift set. THANKS, YOU is always a great option because you always need a good thank you card. Or maybe you're someone who is doling out YOUR TUSH IS THE ONLY ONE I WANNA SQUISH like they're free pamphlets on the street. Whatever floats your boat. We won't judge, because you obviously have good taste since you're on our site.

Who we think deserves a gift set from you:

Hostess Gift  • Graduation Gift • Thank You Gift • Gift for your Boss • Birthday Gift • Gift for your Mom • Gift for your Sister • Wedding Gift • Surprise Gift • Gift for You

Yep, lots of things happen year-round so you should just have one ready at any time. Aka order a gift set today!

So, happy shopping! Tag us on IG @lowe_co and on Twitter @loweco_ or with #loweco when you get them to show us how you use them. We love to see where our babies ended up :)

Houston, you were good to us. Despite the traffic in, the road trip was flawless. And the event?! Goodness gracious, talent was IN THE HOUSE. Owner and calligraphy extraordinaire Dionne Christiansen led twenty-five women to design envelopes in a fun way (and taught how to butter up the postal workers to let you ship them fancy thangs) while being fed sweet treats and equally sweet drinks. 

Each participant received a personalized acrylic clipboard and drinking glass, a package of vintage stamps for practice postage, envelopes of varying sizes, calligraphy pens, and four macho cards from LoweCo. 

LoweCo.'s Catherine Lowe and Nib and Pixel's Dionne Christiansen at the Pimp My Mail Workshop

Nib and Pixel gave insight into the design priorities of creating a mail experience and making the aesthetic very "you". Dionne encouraged participants to explore different ways to relay the emotion to the recipient of these fabulous envelopes being crafted.

A model envelope by Nib and Pixel (top left) and a participant's version (right) for LoweCo.'s HIGH FIVE macho card.

Hosted in Post Studio Projects in downtown Houston, the location was perfectly intimate and had inspiring character. For more workshops and events, keep following LoweCo.'s social media and this very blog.

Big ups to the hosts and helpers of this event!

Envelope Design Tutorial: Nib and Pixel @nibandpixel

Studio Space: Post Studio @poststudiohou

Cake: Buttercup Bakery @buttercuphouston

Flowers: Mibellarosa Designs @mibellarosa

Ghost Chairs: Glo Events & Decor @gloeventsanddecor

Photography: Dana Fernandez Photography @danafernandezphoto

It's graduation season and those grads need some gifts! Whether they're at the top of their class or they barely graduated, reward them for the last 12 to 20 years they had to sit through classes and group assignments and midnight study breaks. They all deserve a little something for surviving that teacher who put them through hell and it shouldn't just be in the form of a lesson to handle their upcoming professors or bosses. Let's just give them the last nice thing they'll own in a while. Here are our picks for what they'll want and need in the coming reality-check months:

1 Nordstrom Gift Card Whether the grad is a young man, woman or they're stylish or not, Nordstrom always has it all. They'll be interviewing for jobs, wanting to feel more grown-up or trying to outfit their new apartments (or parent's house) so a gift card is ideal for that kind of range. They could pick up some staples, business go-tos and a throw blanket all from your super awesome gift.

2 The Container Store Gift Card Your grad is going to need some serious organizing, that's for sure. Even if their new place is a loft, they'll have areas for an office (table doubling as a desk), bed (crash pad doubling as a sofa) and bathroom (sink doubling as a shower). Storage will be tricky and The Container has so many solutions for that and more.

3 Paper, Paper, Money, Money Old school, classic, never-a-disappointment gifting.

4 LoweCo.'s CONGRADS Cards A perfect accent to any of these gift ideas, our machos and pocos will also shine on their own. Our flat (and heavy stock) 5x5 machos would sit wonderfully atop an Apple iPad or Mophie box or some cash would make a statement through our glama (semi-translucent) envelopes. The folded 3x3 pocos could make a portfolio bag pop even more and continue the chic nature of that type of gift. All you have to do is give them a little unsolicited advice, sign your name and voila! They'll forget the debt they're probably swimming in and the internship they're waiting to hear back from. Yes, our cards are that magical.

LoweCo.'s CONGRADS flat 5x5 macho card.

5 Apple iPad Mini 4 This sleek little device is for the grad who loves to get noticed, even if it happens to be while working. They'll probably just be taking killer pics of their new pad, new job or their new view from a coffee shop, but it'll all be in style. You love them and they'll feel that with this versatile graduation present.

6 Mophie Juice Pack Ultra for iPhone 6s/6 in Gloss White Another gadget that stuns. This easy attachment to their unnatural extremity will make it even more attached to their hand. It provides 150% extra battery life and even though they'd probably rather get stabbed than drop or break their phone, if a freak accident (or gravity) happens, this case has a hard exterior shell that refuses to quit.

7 Amazon Fire TV Stick These days, we know people are opting for streaming instead of cable for their TV needs. Since your grad will make wifi a priority, solve the problem of having them choose between food and cable. Between job interviews, during a college gap year or just to destress for the summer before reality sets in, all graduates deserve some down time with a little (or a lot) of binge watching.

8 Paul Smith Leather Portfolio Bag in Red For the most stylish of male ex-students heading into the world of professionalism, this bag will be a conversation starter in interviews and meetings alike. This gift is for a guy who really took the investment into their studies seriously and give them a reason to take their next chapter in the same manner.

9 Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Tote in Damier Azur Canvas Capacious but not bulky, structured yet supple, this designer bag is for the grad on the Dean's List or a valedictorian headed for a CEO spot. It's practical and chic for any meeting and to get to and fro their apartment to the office. She can stash her laptop, wallet and even her work heels in this spacious tote. You obviously love this lady so remind her by hiding a LoweCo. poco in one of the pockets so she finds it when she's packing it for her first day in the real world!

Our CONGRADS folded 3x3 poco card

Happy Giving!

The art of letter-writing is making a comeback, but it ain't your grandma's snail mail.  Notes don't have to be just for special occasions, who says they can't be "just because"?

Nib and Pixel and LoweCo. are hosting a class that is great for calligraphers, non-calligraphers, penpals, and card-senders alike. Along with making pretty envelopes, you'll be receiving some of the cutest cards in town to fill those envelopes. LoweCo. cards are just the witty, fun, chic cards that anyone would be excited to receive in the mail. You'll be using brush markers, so no calligraphy experience is necessary.

The workshop will take place in Houston's Post Studio so for all you out there in or around the area, put it in your calendar! Our own Catherine Lowe will be present (for her last trip sans baby!) to talk about the art of note-writing and then Dionne from Nib and Pixel will teach you creative ways to letter and lay out your envelopes.

When Nib and Pixel "does envelopes" :)

Definitely a fun workshop not to be missed! Click here to make sure you're on the list.

Duration: 2 hours
Class Size: 24 attendees
Materials: included
Cost: $135

Catherine Lowe, the owner of Lowe Co., stole America's hearts when she won The Bachelor's heart on the hit ABC TV show. Part of her charm was passing little quirky notes that told him she was thinking about him, so she is an expert on cultivating the perfect message.  Catherine has a background in design and a love for punny captions that both marry up nicely to make the cutest note cards you'll find.

Dionne Christiansen is the owner of Nib and Pixel, a Houston-based calligraphy and graphic design studio. She has been teaching calligraphy since 2013 and has a double bachelors degree in Graphic Design and Marketing. When she isn't creating for her clients, Dionne likes going on foodie adventures with her husband and two kidlets, collecting vintage plates and throwing dinner parties for friends and family.

To save your spot, click here.

LoweCo. and The Divine Addiction bring you a very special piece with 20% of the proceeds going to the charity of your choice. Elegant, blind-embossed LoweCo. cards with the message "THANK YOU DARLING" on each of our two sizes (folded 3x3s and flat 5x5s) will be offered solely through this exclusive collaboration available at The Charity Market.

The front of our blind-embossed macho DARLING card and the back of our silver-foiled poco DARLING card.

Now when you order these limited edition pieces, you can feel good about it. You don't have a choice about feeling good. It'll just happen. But you do have a choice when it comes to which charity you'll be supporting with your purchase. Pandora and The Divine Addiction have vetted many charities and partnered with American Humane Association, National CASA Association, Kind Campaign, Susan G. Komen LA and The Trevor Project for The Charity Market. So when you place a LoweCo. gift set, a card pack or an individual card in your cart and you're ready to check out, you will have a dropdown list of those five charities. No additional cost, 20% of your cart will already be designated for the charity of your choice. The feelgoods are already starting, aren't they? :)

Now, let's elaborate on these charities and what they stand for so you can really get jazzed about this partnership...

American Humane Association: The mission of American Humane Association is to ensure the welfare, wellness and well-being of children and animals, and to unleash the full potential of the bond between humans and animals to the mutual benefit of both.

National CASA Association: The National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, together with its state and local member programs, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every abused or neglected child in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.

Kind Campaign: An internationally recognized movement, documentary and school program based upon the powerful belief in KINDness, that brings awareness and healing to the negative and lasting effects of girl-against-girl "crime."

Susan G. Komen LA: Komen LA County is fighting breast cancer by funding programs that support those in the fight to save lives and educating individuals about breast cancer risk factors, the importance of early detection and the resources that are available to them.

The Trevor Project: Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.

You get to choose which of those charities 20% of your order benefits. The Charity Market curated this list of diverse charities so you could decide which you feel most compelled to support.

Catherine Lowe holding both sizes of our THANK YOU DARLING cards.

You can only get these sweet and stylish cards on The Charity Market site for a limited time. Not only are we offering these cards individually, but also in packs of five and...in gift sets! Yep, packs and gift sets are a new thang for us.

Our custom square acrylic boxes house ten of each size card and their corresponding glama (semi-translucent) envelopes. These luxury boxes are the perfect gift for a new homeowner who will need a chic way to adorn her desktop or a present for someone who has excelled at calligraphy and just loves to share the gratitude. Thank You cards should always be readily available and with this premier offer, you get much more than a simple thank you card. You get twenty chic LoweCo. cards and a box to display them in. Once they've used the cards, they can replace them with other LoweCo. cards OR the acrylic box is a graceful fixture to encase your most beautiful belongings. The box is special, the cards are special, heck this entire collaboration is special.

The "Thank You Darling" cards, packs and gift sets will be available on The Charity Market for a limited time. Charity, exclusive pieces, sent straight to you. Can't beat that.

Father's Day is exactly a month away (June 19) and we have the perfect gift ideas for him. Every dad is different, but most dads would be more than content with what we're suggesting. Heck, Dad would probably love a beer and some peace and quiet but we all know he deserves more than that. So, gift him any of these and walk away.

1  The Carnivore Club. At $85, your meat lovin' pop can enjoy a premium edition box just for Father's Day that includes handcrafted cured meats ranging from Spanish chorizo to South African biltong and hand-rolled cigars.

2  UFC Fight Pass. A personal request of the soon-to-be Daddy Lowe, this subscription box is a front row ticket to MMA Worldwide. Hardcore UFC fans will appreciate the fierce action from five continents through the convenience of Dad's TV, laptop or mobile device.

3  Bitters + Bottles. B+B provides subscribers with cocktail ingredients that are neither too basic nor too complex. If daddio likes his drinks, this box builds a complete home bar month by month by shipping full-sized bottles and providing classic recipes, as well as tips and tricks, for the each cocktail.

4  Happy Socks Stripe and Dot Boxed Sock Set. For only $45 on amazon.com, you can snag your papa this fun twist on a classic essential. In colors that aren't too far out of their comfort zone but in patterns that pack a punch, your dad will love this unique detail to his wardrobe.

5  Tie Bar Silk Knit Ties. At only $15 each, these trendy ties will wow your pops and if you're still on his CC, make him smile knowing you didn't spend too much of his money on his gift. Plus, what is Father's Day without a tie?

Our DAD YOU RAD macho card ($8).

6  LoweCo. DAD YOU RAD Cards. Our crisp, clean cards make the perfect canvas to show father dearest how much you love him. Definitely more sophisticated than the goofy Hallmarks you've given in years past, he'll keep those words in his keepsake drawer so make them count. You can even give him a DAD YOU RAD Gift Set to remind him of his radness for far longer than just Father's Day.

7 Mark and Graham iPhone Case With complimentary monogramming and gift wrap, this gift couldn't be easier for your stylish, functional faja. This case embodies classic masculine sophistication and is made from soft yet durable brown leather, which will patina over time, becoming a deep, rich saddle color. And just like your dad, it'll get even better with age.

Photo by Chris Plavidal, DHome Magazine May June 2016 Issue

LoweCo. is entirely created, sourced and developed in Dallas and we truly feel the love back from Big D. The May/June issue of D Home Magazine featured our pocos and machos in the SHOP TALK section and it felt like seeing our child's picture in the pages of the exquisite publication. We are blushing with pride.

"I wanted to marry my love of creating fun captions with my personal design aesthetic," Lowe says.

Our chic cards are cozily placed next to such brands as Bungalow 5 and Akola Home on the SHOP TALK page and sit at the same issue table as renowned Dallas-based interior designer Jan Showers and D Home's picks for The Top 25 Building Trends for 2016. This issue is perfect for Dallasites who love home furnishings and beautiful things--like our cards :)

 

"Her collection of irreverent high-quality cards is sourced in Dallas and includes embossed expressions that let the simple white notes speak for themselves." - D Home Magazine

Apparently the metaphorical picture of our child isn't the only thing making us beam with pride. Caitlin Clark and D Home Magazine's sweet words about our cards make us want to scream from a mountaintop. Good thing this blog exists, a mountaintop doesn't get nearly enough exposure these days. Get your issue of D Home Magazine on stands now to read the rest of our little feature and drool over all things home and garden.

 

It's Polish's biggest fundraiser of the year, and you're invited! Polish is about professional women, networking and the Gospel. It's about spreading the Good News and connecting with likeminded ladies. And the Annual Dallas Fashion Show :)

Your favorite DFW bloggers will be on the runway, rocking local designers and boutiques' garments. Besides the fashion, there will be light bites, drinks, treats and shopping! There will also be a raffle for items by Kendra Scott, Abi Ferrin, Salon Code, tangerine salon and more.

Catherine Lowe and Kat Armstrong hosting 2015's Polish Fashion Show at Lofty Spaces.

Catherine has been a Polish member, supporter and was even last year's Fashion Show co-host so it only makes sense that LoweCo. would have a place at the runway this year. LoweCo. will have a pop-up shop at Lofty Spaces for the Annual Polish Fashion Show and of course Catherine wouldn't miss it. And neither should you.

To get personal, all of Catherine Lowe's community of wonderful women stemmed from the Polish ministries and she started making lifelong, solid friends at the Polish Fashion Show three years ago. If you feel disconnected in Dallas, Polish is the place to start. We promise.

Front row at last year's Polish Fashion Show stunned as equally as the runway looks themselves.

Because Polish and LoweCo. want to do anything and everything to make sure you're there, we're giving you a discount. But only if you buy now here! Use promo code BLOGREADER for 25% off tickets through Friday May 6th. 25% off! Honestly, it's worth every penny you spend there and every minute you spend getting ready.

Hilary Kennedy, Chivvistyles, Melissa Benge Collection, Kendra Scott, Events by Kristin, Silver Lining Events, LoweCo., Posh Floral, Dyan Kethley Photography, Paige Anderson, Anastasia, We are Unveiled will be there. Will you? :)

Read more about why Kat Armstrong started Polish and all about Polish Ministries.

This week at LoweCo. we are celebrating teachers.

Yes, this week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Or what we like to call Teach Appreach.

We want to recognize the teachers that were patient with us, the ones that made learning fun and even the ones that were tough but made you better. We wanna hear about them.

Teachers are near and dear to Catherine's heart. Her mom has been an interpreter for the deaf/hard of hearing and special education teacher since Catherine can remember; following her daughters to each school they attended just to be closer. Her sister Monica is also a teacher, previously working in San Francisco and currently Barcelona teaching middle school to bilingual students. Although Catherine doesn't personally have the patience to be a teacher, she appreciates them so very much that this giveaway really comes from her heart.

SO HOW DO YOU ENTER TO WIN? Comment below with your favorite teacher's name and the reason why they are the coolest and they could win one of our elegant THANKS, YOU Gift Sets and you will get a little something for submitting the winning teacher. Because we're cool like that ;)

Our THANKS, YOU gift set

WHAT DO THEY/YOU WIN? Our THANKS, YOU Gift Sets include 10 macho cards/envelopes, 10 poco cards/envelopes and a special acrylic box your teacher can use for many years to come. For submitting the winning teacher, you get a pack of three pocos of your choosing and the honor of handing over a gift valued at $150 to your favorite teacher. Sounds good, right?

We will announce the winner Monday May 9th in the comments below so enter before Monday and keep coming back to check if you won!

Our cards are cooler than Mom tattoos...but I guess that doesn't say much. This upcoming Sunday, we all get to celebrate moms so here's how we're making it easy to get her something beautiful that she deserves. Heck, we even created a special card here at LoweCo. because we'd be nothing without our mothers. (Truth.) We love our mothers, mothers-in-law and anyone who's been like a mother to us so let's give em something good.

Here's what's happening with LoweCo. and moms this week:

KATE WEISER CHOCOLATES

Kate Weiser Artist Collection Boxes at their Trinity Grove location in Dallas.

All week LoweCo. LOVELY cards will be available for purchase alongside the most beautiful, creative and flavorful chocolates you've ever laid your eyes on. You can snag a macho to go with their 35-piece Artist Collection box or a poco with a handcrafted candy bar. It's as though you're gifting your mom edible art. Kate Weiser also has a Liquor Truffle Collection (Grand Marnier and Moet are among the flavors) for those moms who enjoy a fancy cocktail or two. Don't get just get your mom chocolates and a card. Get her Kate Weiser Chocolates and a LoweCo. card.

A beauty shot of Kate Weiser's handcrafted Passion Praline candy bar.

Also, Catherine Lowe will be at their Trinity Grove location on Thursday May 5th for an hour or two so follow @lowe_co to find out exactly when she'll be there!

Trinity Groves - 3011 Gulden Ln, Suite 115 - Dallas, TX 75212 - 469.619.4929 www.kateweiserchocolate.com

ORDER ONLINE

Tomorrow is the latest you can order LOVELY cards and gift sets to ensure you (and she) get them in time. So grab a macho and write a lot, a poco and add it to your already well-thought-out gift, or a gift set to make the ultimate impression. Head to the SHOP page now so you don't miss out.

GRŌ DESIGNS

One of GRŌ Designs unique and artful arrangements.

ICYMI, LoweCo. was at GRŌ Designs' Spring Floral class yesterday creating gorgeous bouquets at the instruction of their gifted florists so we oughta know that their blooms were more than special enough for Mom. They'll be assembling floral arrangements for Mother's Day this week and LoweCo. cards will be there to join in on the girly fun. Order your unique arrangement now and when you pick it up, don't forget to grab a LoweCo. card for her too.

Catherine Giudici Lowe of LoweCo. and Krisi Johnson of GRŌ designs at the Spring Floral Class on May 1, 2015.

A GRŌ-quet by Catherine Lowe with a LOVELY poco perfectly placed.

GRŌ Designs - 3500 Commerce St Dallas, TX 75226 - 214.370.9846 - info@grodesigns.com www.grodesigns.com

Moms love chocolate, flowers and your sweet words so we're giving them all to you on a silver platter this week. Happy Mother's Day/Week/Year!