A business card ship in a bottle is a totally unique, personalized gift.

In 1985, when Tom Haller was looking for personalized corporate gifts for retiring employees, he discovered ships in a bottle constructed from an award recipient’s business cards. These amazing mementos were so unique that they touched the honorees more than anything he had seen before or since. These one-of-a-kind gifts were such a special hit with both the recipient and the people sharing in the employee’s moment that he ordered countless customized ships over the last 25 years.

These customized creations make great:

  • Personalized corporate gifts to say "We appreciate your business!"
  • Corporate thank you gifts to commemorate a dedicated and committed employee's retirement
  • Creative wedding gifts for loving couples ready to set sail on their new life together
  • Cool birthday gifts for men and women with a love for life on the seven seas

Cast Off Ships sets sail to produce innovative ships in a bottle.

In 2008, Tom learned that the long-time supplier of ships in a bottle that he had relied on for so many years had retired from the ship building business. Disappointed, Tom knew there was no other gift that could convey "Thank you for your years of service to our company" or "Warmest wishes for a long, happy, and blessed life together" as poetically and meaningfully as a business card ship in a bottle.



Inspired by his love for this intricate art form and his fond memories of receiving such a specialized gift, Tom embarked on a journey that would continue making these original gift ideas available so that others could enjoy them for many more years to come.



Cast Off Ships is a family business that gives back to the community.

Cast Off Ships is a family owned and managed business that is committed to giving back to the local community. Through a partnership with Humanim – a Columbia, Maryland based organization that supports individuals with disabilities – every customized, unique gift purchased also helps the people served by Humanim to develop and strengthen valuable life skills. Not only do our ships in a bottle make unforgettable gifts for friends and loved ones, but they also are a gift back to people in need who build the bases used in our products, prepare the bottles, and assemble the shipping materials.

Read more about our involvement with Humanim and our commitment to serving our community.