One of the reasons I started making my own cards a few years ago was that I love the idea of sending something handmade through the mail, and hopefully making the person on the receiving end smile when it arrives.  It’s a great way to stay connected with people and recent events have highlighted this even more than ever.  Read on to hear more on why I think sending greeting cards is still so important!

1. Stay in touch and keep connected 

This may sound pretty obvious, but in the modern world when everyone is so busy, popping a birthday or anniversary card in the post is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, especially if you don’t get to see each other very often.  These days we have a tendency to rely heavily on technology and whilst an email or text is great, you can’t beat some good old fashioned snail mail landing on the door mat, and a handwritten note is much more personable than reading something off a screen.  We can all appreciate how nice it is when you open your mail to find more than just bills and junk mail!

2. Let someone know you are thinking about them and make them smile

Receiving a card really can mean a lot to some people.  Not only does it show you care, but it shows you have made that little extra effort to take a few minutes out of your day to spend the time picking out something you know the recipient will really like.  You can get cards for all occasions and some of the best ones are those that you send ‘just because’.  It’s a great way to let someone know you are thinking about them, or if someone is going through a challenging time and you’re not quite sure what to say, a card can say it for you.  Thinking of You Week, run by The Greeting Card Association is taking place this year from 21-27 September, and it’s a great opportunity to get involved in sending some #happymail!

3. They make great memories and keepsakes

How many of you have a box hidden away somewhere full of old cards or postcards from friends and family, reminding you of special occasions?!  I know I certainly do, and cards are a great way of reminding you of important moments.  In fact when you think about it, for most of life’s big milestones, it’s the trusty old greeting card that we turn to, to mark the occasion!  Some cards are even perfect for framing and keeping out on display all year round!

4. Buying a card is an easy way to support a small business

If you are shopping on The British Craft House, you are probably already a fan of shopping small or supporting handmade businesses, but buying a greeting card is a great way of showing your support to small, independent retailers.  Not only card retailers but often museums, gift shops and art galleries have cards for sale – if you are able to, it’s a small purchase without having to spend a lot and it means the world to the seller!

5. It keeps tradition alive 

Not only is sending a card a great opportunity to flex those handwriting skills, but it also helps keep the long standing tradition of sending greeting cards alive!  The act of sending cards dates all the way back to the ancient Chinese who used to exchange messages of goodwill to celebrate New Year, but they really started coming into their own in the 1840-50’s….but I’ll save that for a whole other blog post…..!

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