LONG BEACH, CA – As the holiday season looks to be unusual this year, to say the least, many are opting to shop online. Experts advise shoppers to start early on their gift buying since there may be delays in delivery just from the sheer volume. Greek-inspired gifts are always a great option, especially when they also give back during these difficult times.

Quilted mask. (Photo: Cartoules Press)

Julie Karatzis, owner of Cartoules Press – a letterpress and design studio based in Long Beach, CA, specializing in hand-printed event stationery, as well as Greek-inspired home goods, stickers, and art prints, spoke with The National Herald about gift options and how the business is doing during the pandemic.

Cartoules Press candle and mati phone case. (Photo: Cartoules Press)

She told TNH that new products will be launching in the next month or so, including Greek-inspired candles, tea towels, and cards, while charming options such as quilted masks for adults and kids, phone cases, pins, and ceramic coffee mugs with fun, Greek designs, are available right now on the Cartoules Press website:  https://www.cartoulespress.com/.

Cartoules Press tea towel. (Photo: Cartoules Press)

Cartoules Press is also helping give back following the rare hurricane in the Mediterranean that hit Kefalonia on September 17. Karatzis told TNH, “Immediately following hurricane Ianos, I donated proceeds from the sales of my online shop for two weeks to the Volunteer Environmental Protection Team of Pylaros in Kefalonia. They’re a great organization comprised of volunteers on the island who were first on the scene helping residents clean mud out their homes, remove fallen trees, clearing roads and the like, following Ianos. They’ve also been first responders following other earthquakes and fires that Kefalonia has experienced in the past.

Cartoules Press Greek musical instruments mug. (Photo: Cartoules Press)

“My father is from Kefalonia and we have a home there and spend every summer there with my family. So I wanted to help in any way that I could! Going forward, I’m donating 100% of the profits from all Kefalonia merchandise in my store to other organizations on the island as needed.”

When asked about how the business is coping with the pandemic, Karatzis told TNH, “Obviously everyone has been affected in one way or another during this pandemic. Sadly, all of my weddings were postponed to spring/summer 2021, and even that’s up in the air for many of my couples at this point. It’s heartbreaking, and I’ve been working with my couples in any way that I can to make things a bit easier on them – creating postponement cards, etc.

Cartoules Press mati phone case. (Photo: Cartoules Press)

“Business has been up, however, in my online shop – and I attribute this, especially during the months of the strict lockdowns during March, April, and May – to the fact that people were looking for some way to connect with their loved ones, even if they couldn’t physically be together during Pascha, Mother’s Day, or birthdays, etc.

“This year I created thoughtful care packages for Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day that customers could purchase from my shop and personalize with a handwritten note. I can’t tell you how many messages I received of customers so thankful that they were able to send a Greek-inspired, personalized gift to their Yiayia or parents who they haven’t been able to see in months. It was really moving to be able to connect families together during these unprecedented times.”

Cartoules Press stickers. (Photo: Cartoules Press)

More information about Cartoules Press is available online: https://www.cartoulespress.com/.