The numbers are in: we have our top-ten sellers for 2009. Around the holidays, we get a lot of publicity on our My First Stock program – including Chicago Sun-Times, BusinessWeek, ABC News (plus expired articles in the Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Forbes Magazine, and local evening news programs across the country) – and with good reason. A single share of stock in the tangible (and often colorful) form of a framed stock certificate is a great way to introduce kids to the idea of smart investing.
But, “stock for kids” just doesn’t capture the full picture. OneShare is about a lot more than that. From the outset, OneShare stakeholders have been a breed apart. These aren’t investors looking for a quick buck. These are people invested in the culture and the success of the brand itself. Time and time again, customers report back to us that their OneShare stock certificate – whether received as a gift or purchased for themselves – has been the best piece in their one-of-kind collection, or the crowning showpiece for their lifetime dedication to a particular workplace. But don’t take my word for it. Find out what past customers have said about 2009’s Top Ten:
- Disney: “My granddaughter recognized the Disney characters on the beautifully framed stock and said, ‘Go to Mickey’s house?’ It melted my heart to know that Disney means as much to her as it did for my children.” – Brenda, California
- Harley-Davidson: “On our tenth wedding anniversary my husband thrilled me with a beautifully framed share of Harley Davidson. We both have bikes and love to ride. He really impressed me with a simple and touching message engraved on the plaque: ‘Ten years ago we made the best investment of our lives.’ I’m very pleased!” – Pat, Virginia
- Krispy Kreme: “My sister gave me a share of Krispy Kreme stock several years ago as a gift. She knows I love their donuts more than any other in the world. The stock, resting in its beautiful frame, is a wonderful message to me. I will cherish it always.” – Lauren, California
- DreamWorks: “I’ve always, always been a huge fan of DreamWorks films. I used to joke to my now wife that we should have a Shrek themed wedding. Much to my surprise, I got a share in DreamWorks for our first anniversary instead (the paper anniversary)!” – Michael South Carolina
- Tiffany & Co: “My sister and I went together on a framed Tiffany share for my mom’s 50th birthday. She was so impressed. She’s never owned stock and now she has this stock in Tiffany. It’s just awesome.” – Tara, Maryland
- Ford: “Dad got me a Mustang fixer-upper when I was in auto shop class in high school. I remember nursing that car back to health, revving its engine, cruising around town with the girlfriend. For me, Ford means great memories and great times. So I made myself a shareholder and look forward to many years of Ford cars and trucks!” – Mitch, Alabama
- Microsoft: “My Uncle and his family purchased a share of Microsoft for my son’s baptism. Not only were we impressed with the thoughtfulness of the gift, but it was decoratively showcased in a custom frame. We really loved this gift and now we know what to get our nephews in the future. You never know how this kind of gift can help a child in their future!” – Joan, Louisiana
- Playboy: “As the Best Man in my friend’s upcoming wedding, the other guys and I wanted to get something a little classy but still in the Bachelor Party vein. A share in Playboy was just the thing! Even his fiancée thought it was a pretty awesome gift. It’s now hanging in the “boy’s den” downstairs.” – Evan, Connecticut
- Coca-Cola: “My friend Vicki is an avid Coke collector. Over the years, friends and family have given her Coke related items for birthdays, Christmas, any celebration. […] I stumbled across your website and spotted Coca-Cola stock. I was elated! I purchased it right away and gave it to her for Christmas: the best Coke gift she said she’s ever received! Now, Vicki not only is a Coca-Cola collector, she is a shareholder as well!” – Maija, South Dakota
- Starbucks: “Odds are someone you love is a Starbucks fan. My boyfriend is a trader on Wall Street and practically lives on the stuff. He’s a veteran trader and has seen it all, but even he was touched by my gift of Starbucks stock. Thanks for making this all possible!” – Renee, New York
Last month, Scott, our developer, added a feature that allows you to browse all of our stocks by popularity at any time. The top performers have remained fairly consistent, but if you compare this year’s top ten to our all-time highs, there are a few deviations. Absent from this year’s list are Apple and McDonald’s. Newcomers include Ford (previously number 11) and Playboy (up a whopping 8 slots from number 16).
What about you? Is there a brand or company you just can’t get enough of?
Tags: coca-cola, disney, dreamworks, ford, harley, krispy kreme, media, microsoft, news, playboy, pr, starbucks, tiffany & co, top ten 2009