Every time this year, we receive millions of newsletters, social media updates on wonderful gift ideas for every person in your life.  It seems so frustrating deciding and trying to find that perfect gift.

Whether this gift is for family members, friends, co-workers or significant other in your life.  You want to choose the perfect gift that will bring a smile to each person's face.  

Even though we have so many options these days, it's hard to find that perfect gift. On top of that, you don't want to give a gift that everyone else is giving or has! 

From all our years in the happy gift giving business, personalization has been the best way to show how much thought you gave to each person.  A simple engraving of their initials can take even the smallest gift to the next level.  If you want to do more, you can also personalize a design, a short reminder that they are on your mind or an inside joke.  This way everytime that person looks at the gift, it'll remind you of them.

Here are a few great personalized gift ideas that we compiled for your reference this year:

1. iPhone XS Case

This is on our number one list because it's been the most popular item in our store during the holiday season.  Most everyone has an iPhone these days and they love switching their iPhone case designs like it is a fashion accessory.  When you personalize such a product that gets used every day, that person is sure to remember you everytime they pick up their iPhone.

We listed a few photos to spark some creative ideas:

Are they a positive person? Send them an engraved daily reminder.

This good night has more unique feature.  The Waitomo Ruby iPhone XS case actually glows in the dark at night! During the day, it looks like a nice red travertine, but at night, they sparkle like the stars!

Maybe it's a gift for your boss or someone that is a high executive?

Our turtle designs were meant to raise awareness for cleaner oceans and saving the habitat.  Is the person you are trying to gift a lover of the environment? 

Maybe they are getting over a breakup, job loss or downtime in their life. Words of motivation are very helpful in these situations. A constant reminder to habitually build a stronger mind.

2. Wireless Charging Pad

These wireless chargers have been flying off the shelf this year! Maybe because of all the new mobile phones have wireless capabilities now such as the iPhone XS, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, Samsung, and other android phones.

These wireless charging pads are made from 100% genuine marble which fits perfectly into your living space without being an eyesore.  A decorative tech accessory that is functional and stylish at the same time.

Again, you can engrave anything you like onto the marble with these wireless chargers.

At the end of the year, companies love to personalize these wireless chargers as gifts to customers and employees. The marble gives off a sense of luxury, but at the same time, it is a useful item that you don't just throw to the side.

3. Notebook Journals

Many people may think notebooks are outdated.  For the most part, it is true, MacBooks, or jotting down notes on your iPhone seems so much easier. BUT! There is still a special meaning and feel to having an actual notebook.  Something, where emotions come to life and memories, can be stored without being accidentally deleted.

These are the world's first real marble notebook journals. It comes in 180 pages split into lined, squared and blank for multi-functional use.  Again, the big feature aside from a big beautiful piece of marble is the personalization.  Names are always a great way to have a sense of personal belonging. But a creative design on the cover could really show how much heart and thought you put into this gift.

4. Marble Dog Tag Necklace

When you think dog tag necklaces, you probably assume someone who has served in the military or marines. But it has become quite the fashion item.  Big fashion houses such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Yurman all have popular dog tag necklaces they offer.  At MIKOL, we really try to retain as much as the natural marble look for our fans. We truly believe in having our design enhance natural beauty. 

Below we have a few examples of how our fans enjoy using the dog tags, whether it's just the marble or designing their own style. 

5. Marble Minimalist Wallets

Wallets are always terrific gifts because they actually get used! Minimalism is trending and it shows that it does improve our daily lives. Carrying a minimalist wallet does make a person more organized because you carry only the daily necessities such as ID cards, credit cards, travel cards, and cash.  It reduces the chances of losing your wallet.  It doesn't misalign your back when you sit on it as traditional wallets do.  And it's just so much more stylish! 

As the verge says " Apple has gone from being an iPhone company to being an iPhone X company".  This year Apple is introducing the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max as well as a midrange iPhone XR.

The two iPhone XS models are 5.8-inch XS and the new iPhone XS Max, which has a much larger 6.5-inch display.

Both iPhone XS models have a spec-bumped update to the iPhone X. They have a new main camera sensor, a new processor, and a bunch of small updates that add up to a much nicer device than the X. 

There is still a dual-camera set up with a 12MP telephoto sensor and a 12MP wide-angle sensor, but that wide-angle primary sensor is much larger than the iPhone X. Specifically, they’re bigger by 1.4µm pixels and deeper by 3.5µm pixels. There are twice as many focus pixels for better autofocus according to Apple.

Apple also improved the software powering of the camera on the iPhone XS. The company introduced a Smart HDR feature which uses the new A12 Bionic chip to enhance photos. The new iPhone XS takes multiple shots with different contrast levels and zero shutter lag to create the best possible shot.

And because of that, many compare it to Google's Pixel 2 with HDR+.

With Apple unveiling their new features and sizes, our team at MIKOL have also made some new updates.

Wellness Stones For The iPhone XS

We wanted to focus more on the wellness stones such as the Amethyst iPhone case above. 

Pink Rose quartz iPhone X case has been a super hot seller than we ran out!  This year, we will add a slight amount more to our production, but still in limited quantities.

Certainly, we can't leave out the chill laguna blue iPhone X case. Its mystical blue has been a great eye-catching feature for many of our customers.

In the recent years, there has been an upsurge in popularity of wellness stones or crystal healing methods from a spiritual standpoint.  Since mobile phones are items we carry around with us every day, we wanted to use this opportunity to create a wellness program. An iPhone case that infuses these crystal gems to balance out the negative energy in your life.

Leather Finish Marble iPhone XS Case

We wanted to spice up the marble features a little this year by introducing leathered finish marble pieces on the new iPhone XS cases. The touch is still smooth, but you will feel a 3D touch to it.  Every grain of the marble evolves and reacts differently, which gives off these unique textures that is one of a kind.

Are you ready for the new iPhone XS models? Which piece of stone would you match best with your personality?

Many people like to ask us, why did we decide to use marble as our signature feature for iPhone cases and other lifestyle products.  We often receive questions asking about what is so special about marble? The short version is if you're asking this question, then you are most likely not our target audience.  Our intention isn't to try and sell you a product, but build a community of people that appreciate natural stones.  We are looking for those that love the look of marble, understand there is the history behind, and the unique factor natural stones carry.

But since so many people ask, we thought to share 5 main factors of why we wanted to create fashionable lifestyle marble products.

1. Unique Factor

The general view of marble is that it is a luxury item.  Natural stones can be quite expensive such as the Laguna blue you see in the above photo, also known as Azul Bahia.  However, there are natural stones that are very affordable as well, especially materials like slate.  So why does marble have such a luxury image? It's because it's a unique and exclusive product. And for the affluent class, they don't want an item that everybody else has.  

You see plenty of iPhone cases on the market, even marble printed version phone cases.  And they are great products as well! The only thing is, every single piece is exactly the same because it is mass produced.  

Every real marble iPhone x case a customer purchases, that marble design will solely be theirs to own.  There are no two cases that are ever the same because of it's natural everchanging vein structure.  

If you're interested in finding out how to identify faux marble, we have another article here showing you the comparison here.

2. History

Most marble quarries have a super rich history!  Materials such as the Carrara white marble dates back further than the ancient Roman empire. Known artist such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci or even modern architects loves using this material. If you want to find out more history and fun facts about Carrara marble, we have another article about this stone in our blog. 

The history of the quarry/quarriers, artists, sculptors, architects, fabricators that all date back centuries are endless stories of this beautiful marble being applied.  Something a simple print or design can hardly compare to years and years of history. 

3. Experts

One main reason why we decided to use marble was that we were already experts in the field. And we had the technology to make ultra-thin marble pieces.  Originally, it was intended for the construction industry to help conserve material.  However, the business greed made it difficult to promote this new concept of marble sheets. Therefore we re-directed into an area where it would be appreciated.

4. Fashion

When we entered the market, it just happened the marble fashion trend was on the rise!  People were using printed marble on bags, clothes, shoes, wallets, iPhone cases and many more.  If people were happy with printed styles of marble designs, why wouldn't they accept the real thing?  Aside from designing lifestyle products combined with natural marble pieces, we knew exactly where to source the best quality stones with a variety of colors to make it even more fashionable! An example of a popular item for our female customer base is the amethyst iPhone case.  It's supposed to bring good luck and fortune. Also, the vibrant purple color is an eye catcher as well with crystalized structure.  

5. Awareness

Last, but not least, the mission of our company is to raise awareness through our products.  If you don't know our story, we originally developed the ultra-thin marble technology for the construction industry.  The marble was 90% thinner which reduced waste, faster installation, lessen the structural load on the building and reduced emissions from less transportation cost.  We could also use recycled materials such as the Terrazzo iPhone 8 case we have above.  However, there were too many middlemen in the distribution channel to convince.  Most wanted a quick sale, so the product was a harder sell.  Instead of giving up, the owner of our company decided to drastically change industries into fashion and lifestyle products.  The reason behind it was so we can educate the world that this thin marble technology was available.  We can use thinner marble and still maintain its quality.  Why lifestyle and fashion? MIKOL wanted to be in an area where people us and carry the product everyday with them to help raise awareness.  If you are carrying around a real marble iPhone case, without any explanation, most will realize the possibilities of thin marble.  

In a way, it was a success to us! Even though it's not widely used in the construction industry yet, but we do see more and more products utilize our thin marble technology.  When we first started, there was a lot of doubts.  Over time, as we grew and our customers help spread the word, it became more and more acceptable.  We rarely get the question if our products are made out of real marble now.  

But we still need to make a further push! The construction industry uses millions of tons of natural stones a year.  It is something we can easily help reduce.

Please help us share and educate others of this available technology in an traditional space.

Hello everyone!! Summer is here and we want to celebrate! Ok, so we like to find any excuse we can to celebrate and have fun!  But why not?!

So what's happening?!

We are are launching the world's first REAL marble minimalist wallets this summer!

But we need your help to spread the word and build up the hype with us!  In return, we are giving away free bracelets to anyone that likes and shares our page on facebook as well as Instagram. Only part is, we need you to cover our standard shipping cost.  

This little special will last until first week of June! Or the first 500 bracelets, whichever comes first!

Here is an example below:

You must be wondering, marble wallets?!?! Must be heavy and fragile.

The thickness is roughly the same as 3 credit cards stacked up together. 

The weight is roughly the same as 3 chase sapphire credit cards.

Next question is the durability of the marble. Well, we do live in an age where technology is thriving.  And using modern technology, we were able to create marble pieces that are shatterproof.

You can easily youtube our marble poker cards and see that they can be dropped.

We personally like to put up to 6 cards which seems to be optimal. Although you can stack up to 15 cards, that defeats the purpose of a minimalist wallet a little bit. 

But everyone has their own style.

We personally like to have just the important cards such as drivers license, debit card, one or two credit cards and maybe a Starbucks gift card as well, or those who ride the subway.  

Then maybe twenty to forty dollars worth of bills tucked away in the elastic band.

Slim, convenient to carry and use.  It can slip right in our front pocket, side pocket or even purse for women.

The geometric shapes were designed for aesthetic features. But they were also are designed for functionality as well.  The bottom cut allows your thumb to fit comfortably and slide up the credit cards. The top part, you can easily extract the cards or bend them open a little to see which ard you prefer.

And as mentioned, the magical elastic band holds cash very well and allows easy access when needed.

Lastly, why marble? For one, it's what we are really good at producing. Second, if you've been following us, you know we love marble because it's always different. Meaning every wallet produced will always have its own unique patterning. 

Mostly, we see a lot of the minimalist wallets that are very functional. But unlike regular wallets, we haven't really seen any fashionable minimalist wallets.  This is an area we wanted to fit into.  A minimalist wallet that is stylish, fashionable and also easy to use.

Now, I am saving the best for last!

After the promotion of the bracelet giveaway! Whoever has the most shares and likes will receive a FREE WALLET! 

Good luck to you all, and have fun while doing it! 

The great Nikola Tesla and his grand plan to deliver wireless energy to the world. Tesla certainly was the pioneer in this field.  However, due to the limitation of the technology in his era around the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was not practical back then to support this idea. 

But now, with almost everything wireless, especially the mobile phones that we cherish so dearly these days.  Wireless charging will slowly evolve into our daily lives.

We are still in the infancy stage of wireless charging.  Unlike Tesla's plans of delivering electricity by air, the devices being charged still must be in contact with the charging platform.  At the moment, the term "wireless" just means it's not charged through a plugged cord.

On the market, there are currently two major wireless power standards.  The most known one to consumers is called Qi.  

Qi is the product of a group of companies known as the Wireless Power Consortium. The other is the AirFuel Alliance, which makes an array of devices that generally carry the brand name PowerMat.

Even though these two are competitors, the technology used is essentially the same. And most devices will be compatible with one or the other.  

Most of the time, the wireless chargers are built with two coils such as the photo above.  To create an electrical connection, one coil acts as a transmitter and the other a receiver.  

The technical term is called "resonant inductive coupling".

SO.....HOW DOES IT WORK?

Resonant or inductive power transfer works by having a direct current (DC) supplied to the charging system by a power source.

The coils you see is transmitting energy into alternating current (AC) within the transmitter itself.

The AC energizes the transmitter coil to generate a magnetic field.  Once you have a receiving coil nearby, this triggers the AC within that receiving coil.  It also happens in reverse to charge your receiving device.

Think about electric stoves and how it heats up your pan.  The process works very similarly with the wireless charging. But instead of heating up a pan, it powers up your device's battery.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

There are several benefits to wireless charging.  But the most obvious one is to not have a bunch of tangled or messy cords.  Wireless charging pads allow producers to make beautiful aesthetically pleasing stands to easily find and charge your iPhone X.  

It also allows manufacturers to include more functions, such as cutting the power when your iPhone is overheating, or if the battery is fully charged.

The previous wireless charging pads you experienced at Starbucks or Ikea were really slow.  

Ever since manufacturers found out Apple was going to push for wireless charging in the iPhone 8 and iPhone X as well as their own charging standard. Everyone quickly improved the wireless charging technology speeds and stability.

As a design and production firm, our team at MIKOL wanted a high quality, fast charging wireless pad that was also beautiful enough to display in people's living spaces.  A charging pad that can blend in as a decorative item in your home, office, kitchen, etc. 

Are you ready for a Qi-compatible charging pad?  When it comes to nightstand charging, office charging or something on the side of the table in the living room, why not pick something that fits into your home decor?

Gift giving is an art. It's something that has been instilled in our culture and taught to us as kids. Think about the anticipation and excitement as a child for birthdays, Christmas, being rewarded for certain achievements and so on. Giving and receiving gifts has been an important part of the human experience. The simple gesture connects us and strengthens our bonds with friends and family by reinforcing our feelings towards the recipient.

We can elicit the same feelings and emotions with the right corporate gift as well as in business. However, corporate gifting is slightly different because the recipient is usually a stranger or someone of a work relation. This means you need to put a little more thought into the gift or the act is almost useless.

But when the right corporate gift is given, it becomes a tangible reminder of the relationship that exists between the giver and recipient.

Gifts chosen for a business associate or client should be creative, relevant, impersonal and most importantly, MEMORABLE.

So what gift should you prepare?

First, think about why you are sending a gift and its purpose.

Most often times it comes down to:

1. Strengthening your relationship with the business associate or co-work and showing you value them.
2. For them to remember you, your brand, your company, etc.

When MIKOL started their corporate gifting program, many people questioned the prices and why it was much higher than typical corporate gifts they buy.

The team would tell people it's handcrafted genuine marble products.

And for most of the response: They initially think....So what if it's marble? I just need a gift to give out showing our company logo. (You are forgetting the "purpose" of why we are giving out corporate gifts)

The main point is not that it's a nice luxurious marble notebook or marble iPhone case, but that it's different. Yes, you can easily go on Alibaba and find inexpensive corporate gifts with logo printing services like the items below. But so will your competitors and everyone else across all industries.

So the question is, what makes you special? What will allow you to be remembered by a customer, especially one you just met at a trade fair?

Is your brand/company name that strong, where they will remember you through a simple notebook gift with your brand on it? Maybe? Maybe not?

Now think....if someone handed you a REAL MARBLE Notebook, you're first going to be surprised that it's a real marble notebook because the product stands out.

Why?

Simply because not many people have seen a notebook made out of real marble before. Then they will go back and tell their colleagues, friends, and family about it.

These friends and colleagues will ask where they got it from. And the response will be from XYZ company from John Smith (which is you).

I'm not saying MIKOL products are the only way to go if you want to be remembered, but do something that will separate you from the crowd. If the purpose of giving these gifts is to be remembered, then give something that will actually help your client remember/notice you.

I'd rather buy 100 pieces of an item that has more value and leave a lasting impression than to buy 1000 inexpensive pieces that get tossed to the side.

How many free pens, USB cards, notebooks, tote bags and key chains have you received from businesses, networking events, trade shows, and restaurants? And how many of those companies do you remember?

If you have been following us at MIKOL, you know we love marble stone!  People often ask us where our marble is from and how we choose it for our designs.

Since we are a fashion accessory company, the design aspect is very important.  We first think about what color is in season and how it can fit our latest designs, whether it's an iPhone X case, notebook, wallet, clutch purse etc.

Then it's the emotional factor we seek for. Without meaning and a story behind the product, it's just another item.  We might as well just sell plastic marble printed products since it's so much cheaper to produce. 

But we don't, we appreciate natural stones.  Every piece of marble has a story behind it. And we look at where the stone comes from, the history behind it, the surroundings of the quarry location and if we enjoy going there of course! We don't want to have to travel somewhere that's not fun either! 

So why did we choose Taiwan?

Business insider mentioned Taiwan as a must visit!

It was initially the beautiful Emerald green stone with a deep green polish and lightening veins that attracted us.  Very similar to the country itself.  The island is incredibly green. No matter where you are, there is always a lush tropical forest around the corner.  Even the city has great green landscape beautifully planned.  

Crystal clear blue rivers that are so well maintained!  And since it's an island, the beaches are phenomenal! 

Aside from its beautiful surrounding landscape.  The people in Taiwan are amazing!  One of the friendliest people on the planet! And for the most part, you can easily get around Taiwan speaking English. Even if the elderly can't speak English, they make a tremendous effort to assist you with your needs.

You'll notice people properly line up, no rushing very organized similarly to what you would expect in Japan.

Culture

If you look into Taiwan's history, you will know that majority of the population immigrated from China. But because Taiwan was independent during the revolution in China, they retained the culture, artifacts, and traditions.  It's very festive during those lunar holidays such as lantern festivals, dragon boat festivals and so on.  And very similar to America, the newcomers bonded later on with the natives.

There are 16 different tribes that share their traditions amongst all the Taiwanese. 

Food

Taiwan is known for its food! I'm not talking about fine dining. Night markets, mom and pop restaurants, plenty of places you can walk into and finding something delicious to eat!

Taiwan dishes you should try:

Mango shaved ice: a pile of mango ice shavings that will make you experience a food orgasm. 

Stinky tofu: fermented snack that assaults the nose but pleases the palate. The smellier, the better. Ouch!

Beef Noodle: noodle soup made of stewed or red braised beef, beef broth, vegetables and Chinese noodles.

Braised pork rice: order “Lurou fan” and you get a bowl or rice with braised pork slices on the top. Humble but very traditional.

Flaky scallion pancakes: Chewy, flaky, and savory scallion pancakes are one of my favorite snacks in Taiwan. So addictive!

There is so much more we can share with you, but it's something you need to experience yourself.  

We find the Emerald green stone a great representation of Taiwan, the beauty, the green, and vibrancy that comes together.  

As you can see in the photo above.  This green iPhone X case really represents the image of Taiwan and carries a rich story for its users.

We hope to share a piece of Taiwan with the world, allowing like-minded people to take a piece of this green country with them. 

The marble fashion accessory firm Mikol has introduced a new set of luxury poker cards that will capture any poker players out there.  The cards are made from high-quality Spanish Nero Marquina marble.  Each playing card is the same thickness as a chase sapphire reserve credit card, so they are thicker than your average deck, but not obtrusive marble slabs.

A brand-new collection of luxury poker cards that is bound to captivate aficionados of the game. What sets these cards apart is the extraordinary material from which they are crafted – none other than the exquisite Spanish Nero Marquina marble. Yes, you read it correctly – real marble. This innovative choice of material not only adds a touch of sophistication to the playing cards but also ensures a unique and luxurious gaming experience.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each playing card in this extraordinary set boasts the same remarkable thickness as the prestigious Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. This distinctive feature not only makes them sturdier than your average deck but also elevates the tactile experience of handling each card. The thickness, though substantial, is precisely calibrated to avoid being obtrusive; these are not cumbersome marble slabs but rather a harmonious fusion of luxury and functionality.

Picture yourself holding a hand of poker cards, each one a sleek and polished piece of high-quality marble. The Spanish Nero Marquina marble lends an air of timeless elegance to the cards, creating a visual and tactile feast for players. As you shuffle, deal, and play, you'll not only be engaged in a game of skill and strategy but also immersed in the unique luxury that these marble poker cards bring to the table.

In the realm of gaming accessories, Mikol's innovative creation stands out as a symbol of refinement and exclusivity. Whether you're a seasoned poker player or someone who appreciates the finer things in life, these luxury marble poker cards from Mikol are a testament to the fusion of craftsmanship, creativity, and the enduring allure of genuine marble. Elevate your gaming experience with this extraordinary set that seamlessly marries the worlds of artistry and entertainment.

Although the marble poker cards from Mikol boast a remarkably slim profile, the company has successfully showcased their robust durability by subjecting them to the ultimate test – drops. Contrary to expectations, these cards prove resilient, adeptly absorbing the impact of each fall. The secret lies in Mikol's meticulous craftsmanship – every individual card undergoes a careful hand-sanding process before being precisely laser-etched to perfection, ensuring both resilience and aesthetic excellence.

The hand-sanding not only adds a smooth, tactile quality to each card but also contributes to their overall durability. This attention to detail speaks volumes about Mikol's commitment to delivering a playing experience that transcends the ordinary. The laser etching, executed with precision, ensures that each card is not only a resilient gaming tool but also a work of art in its own right.

Indeed, this set of marble poker cards goes beyond the realm of everyday playing accessories. It stands as a testament to the marriage of artistry and functionality, where each card is a carefully crafted masterpiece. The durability demonstrated through the drop test not only ensures the longevity of the cards but also speaks to Mikol's dedication to providing a product that exceeds expectations.

While these may not be the playing cards you use for your casual games, they undeniably make a statement when it comes to hosting a memorable poker night. The combination of slim elegance, handcrafted durability, and laser-etched precision sets Mikol's marble poker cards apart, making them a captivating addition to any gaming table. Elevate your poker nights with a touch of luxury that leaves a lasting impression on your guests, showcasing Mikol's commitment to quality and innovation in the world of gaming accessories.

Mikol has created a full deck which is priced at $775, but you can also purchase a collection of four aces for just $75. You may remember that just last year the San Francisco based company debuted their luxurious marble business cards as well.

Available at: Mikolmarmi.com

You can also follow them on Facebook & Instagram

Why did we choose this stone?

With the recent launch of Apple's iPhone 8 and the iPhone X release, MIKOL will be releasing a series of new cases for the iPhone 8 and iPhone X as well.

We will be maintaining most of our signature colors for the new iPhones which can already be selected on our website. 

Below is a list of new iPhone cases we are introducing:

1. Nero Gold  (Available only in iPhone 7/8 & X)

This will be an upgraded version of the Nero Marquina.  The Nero Gold has the same deep black background with similar vein movements. Instead of white veins, the Nero Gold has a nice golden wavey vein movement for the more luxurious seekers. 

2.  Terrazzo Collection (Available only in iPhone 7/8 & X)

Terrazzo is our eco-friendly collection, composed of recycled glass, marble, granite, quartz, and so on mixed together.  This one is a designer favorite for its vibrant colors and eco-friendly aspect.

We started with 3 main colors: Cloudy White, Mystic Black, and Misty Blue

3.  Waitomo Ruby (Available only for iPhone X)

This is our newest design for the year!  This red natural stone is mostly formed at the mouth of hot springs or in limestone caves, where it forms different speleothems.  What makes this particular piece more unique is the glow in the dark enhancements we added in.   At night, the stone surface shines bright like stars while collecting radiant energy during the day from sunlight.  The design inspiration came from a recent trip to the Waitomo caves in New Zealand.  Our creative director went cave exploring and discovered magical glowworms throughout these caves that just lit up a path out.  

The experience was so memorable, he wanted to re-create this into our product design and share with the world.