How to Make More Out of Every Greeting Card You Send
If you’re anything like me, you have boxes and scrapbooks in your home full of meaningful mementos you’ve collected over the years.
As a lover of all things paper, I’m prone to holding onto things like cards, concert ticket stubs, maps of parks I have visited, and more. Every once in a while, I pull out the box of favorite cards I’ve received and read encouraging words from my parents, congratulations from friends, and other little reminders of important moments from my life and all the people who have been a part of my journey.
If this practice has taught me something, it’s that there’s something extra special about receiving a card from someone you care about at just the right moment.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make the most out of every greeting card you send. Get ready to learn my top tips for choosing and personalizing a card so that it makes it into the recipient’s special box of memories!
All the Reasons Sending a Card is So Meaningful
In a single week, you might receive close to one hundred emails, texts, and DMs.
But how many snail mail cards do you get?
There’s something particularly special about the time, energy, and thought that goes into selecting, writing, and mailing a physical card.
And when a friend or family member is going through something hard, has something big to celebrate, or wants to feel connected to you, a card can go a long way!
When I was little, my best friend, who lived a block away, was sick. We weren’t allowed to see each other, but I wanted to let her know that I was thinking about her. I pulled out my box of markers and a stack of computer paper and wrote her my own get-well notes. I would leave them on her front steps. She, in turn, would write me a thank you note that I would pick up. We did this back and forth until she felt better. It was a powerful way to connect with one another even though we couldn’t see each other.
I didn’t write a lot, and I know my handwriting certainly wasn’t perfect. But it was the message and the act of reaching out that made all the difference.
If you’re hoping to show up for loved ones when it matters most, becoming an expert card-sender can go a long way.
Let’s explore how to choose the right card and personalize it for a bigger impact!
Things to Look for When Choosing a Greeting Card
When you walk into your local Target or CVS, you are immediately faced with a wall of cards for almost any occasion. It’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Here are some keys to choosing the right card:
Look for Blank Space
You may be tempted to grab a card with a pre-printed message, but I urge you not to. Here’s why:
These cards may seem appealing, but they are surprisingly impersonal. Chances are they use words you’d never say yourself. Instead, the messages are often cliche sentiments that don’t come close to capturing the uniqueness of your loved one or the relationship you share.
While it may seem intimidating at first, a card that is blank on the inside is the key to card-sending success. The blank space gives you the opportunity to personalize it with your heartfelt message.
Remember, it’s okay if you don’t have perfect handwriting or don’t consider yourself an amazing writer. You don’t have to say a lot (there is a lot of power in the phrase “short and sweet”!), and it doesn’t have to be award-winning poetry. Your loved one is not going to be analyzing every word and will appreciate the effort and thought behind your message.
Think About Design and Tone
When choosing a card, consider the relationship you have with the recipient, the occasion you are acknowledging, the message you want to convey, and the recipient’s personal style.
Choose a card that has images, colors, and fonts that fit the person and the moment.
Embellishments
Over the past years, more card designers have added embellishments to their cards to stand out in that crowded aisle of options. There is no right or wrong when it comes to these styles, but I encourage you to consider that these cards may not fare as well in the mail and may require extra postage. Also, consider whether things like glitter might be more trouble than they are worth, especially for recipients with little kids and pets or those in a hospital setting.
Once you’ve selected your card, it’s time to make it your own.
How to Personalize a Blank Greeting Card
When writing a note, imagine your friend reading it. What memory would make her smile? What words of encouragement would inspire him to keep going? What quote would best mark their celebration?
If the idea of opening a blank card to write scares you, here are some ideas to make it easier:
• Write out your message on a piece of scrap paper first so that you can figure out what you want to say before putting a single pen mark on the card itself.
• Start the message with the recipient’s name to make it more intimate.
• Share a memory or shared experience.
• Express gratitude by letting them know how much you appreciate their friendship and support.
• Mention their unique qualities, including things you admire and how they make you feel.
• Include a personalized wish that fits the occasion.
Here are some phrases to get you started:
Birthday
• Wishing you a year filled with
• Hope your day is full of
• Cheers to another year
• Celebrating you today and always
• Here’s to another year of
Sympathy
• Sending you love and heartfelt sympathy
• Wishing you moments of peace and comfort in the memories
• We are here for you
Just Because
• I hope this card brings a smile to you today
• This is a little reminder that I am thinking of you today
• I wanted to brighten your day
Thinking of You
• You are stronger than you think
• Keep shining bright
• Sending warm hugs and good thoughts your way
Get Well
• Sending healing thoughts
• Here for you every step of the way
• Stay positive and take it one day at a time
Thank You
• Thank you for always being there
• Your kindness and support has made a difference
• Your thoughtfulness means the world to me
Congratulations
For graduation: Congratulations! Your hardwork and dedication has paid off
For a new job: Wishing you success and fulfillment in your new job
For a promotion: Congratulations on your big achievement
For an engagement or marriage:
• Wishing you a lifetime of love, laughter, and beautiful memories
• So glad you found each other
• May your love story continue
For a baby:
• Welcome to the world little one
• Congratulations on becoming parents! Your journey of love, joy and celebration all the milestones begins now.
For other milestones: Best wishes for even more success in the future
As a final thought, writing a meaningful card is not just about putting words on paper; it’s about connecting with others in a heartfelt way. By taking the time to express your thoughts, feelings, and gratitude through handwritten notes, you can create lasting memories, strengthen relationships, and spread joy. So, the next time you reach for a card, remember the power of your words and the impact they can have. I encourage you to share kindness, friendship, and love one card at a time.
