Greeting Cards 101

It’s that time of year when many of us purchase Valentine’s Day cards for our friends, children, boyfriends or spouses. I cannot head to a card section without thinking about the lessons I learned in greeting cards 25 years ago. So, today you get greeting card advice from Karin Conlee…When Chris and I were dating, we exchanged lots of cards. The summer we met, I was working in the floral department of a Kroger grocery store. Frequently, I would get to work and find a card left on the desk in the floral shop. More times than not, it was a Garfield card.Of course, I loved getting the cards. Who doesn't? And I picked up on the cue and would often reciprocate. However, after a while I noticed a pattern. I would usually return the Garfield card with a sappy, long-winded one, generally one from the series Between You and Me. You know the ones I'm talking about? They write an eloquent book on the front of them. Eventually, we both had an “aha” moment: We were each buying the types of cards that we preferred to receive! But then I discovered something else…Yes, Chris is more fun than me and had a greater appreciation for Garfield humor… but more than that, what he valued most in the cards he received from me was the words I had written. He could’ve cared less what Hallmark had to say. So, before you head to the card aisle, here are a few things to ponder…[bctt tweet="Don't rely on Hallmark to tell someone how you feel about them."]

1. What type of card does the person you’re buying for like to receive?Similar to love languages, we usually give what we want. So, think back to what kind of cards they typically buy for others.

2. Spend more time writing inside the card than you spend picking it out.You obviously care for this person or you wouldn't be buying a card for them. So, take the opportunity to tell them how much they mean to you. Yes, say it in person… but there’s power in the written word. Think about how you can be encouraged simply by re-reading a card that someone took the time to be vulnerable and encouraging in when they wrote it. And if you're not so good on your verbal feet, this is the opportunity to be able to choose your words and be intentional about building someone up.

[bctt tweet="Spend more time writing inside the card than you spend picking it out. "]

3. Whatever you do, don't just buy a card and sign it.I guess it’s better than nothing, but barely. And certainly not worth the $2-$6 they want for a greeting card these days!

4. Save some money…Some of the best cards I’ve received haven’t been cards at all. They’ve been letters. Upgrade to nice paper if you desire, but you can even skip the expenditure and make a greater impact taking the time to be specific and encouraging to those you love. Remind them why you love them.

Anyone else learned any lessons when it comes to buying greeting cards?