Create a Greeting Card and Stationery System

These days, people are sending most of their messages by email, text, and e-cards.

I know there are advantages to this: we save time and money, which we all like to do. We don’t have to go to the store, purchase it (or make it), write a thoughtful message, address the envelope, find a stamp, and mail it. It definitely takes some work! However, there is something a bit less personal about getting a “happy birthday!” greeting from someone through Facebook or an e-card link in an email. Most of us understand how little effort that takes, so how much meaning does it really have? 

Although a digital message is better than nothing, a hand written note or card is much more meaningful. Why? Think about it. Isn’t it really fun to open the mailbox and see something that is clearly not just an advertisement? Plus, a traditional card or note can be held and felt, producing an emotional impact. Digital messages lack this tactile dimension, since all we get is a mouse click. We also love to get a card because it can be displayed in the home or kept as a keepsake (Note: see my next blog about how NOT to save every card you get). Finally, I think we all can agree: when we get a hand-written card, we understand that the sender did put that extra time, care, and thought into the process, just to please us. It’s also more personal because each person’s handwriting is unique, which adds something special to the sentiment. Don’t you just love to see your grandmother’s handwriting on an old letter?

Given that there are many people in our lives who deserve to know how much we care, let’s all consider sending more personal cards and letters. I know it takes a little organization, so let’s talk about how to handle this.

I suggest making a kit. My kit consists of two labeled rectangular translucent plastic storage bins with lids. I chose these because they are the right size to fit in my office closet, they stack well with each other and with my other bins, and they hold the right amount of cards to be useful (11”x15”x7”). You can find lots of similar storage solutions in varying colors at office supply stores, the Container Store, Target, etc.

One of my bins is labeled “Greeting Cards” and the other is labeled “Stationery”. 

Inside the Greeting Cards bin, I have added dividers to help me find the cards quickly. Mine include: Blank/Friendship, Birthday, Congratulations, Care and Concern, Thank You, Wedding, and Other. You can make yours say whatever fits your collection or helps you find what you need. When you’re out shopping, keep an eye out for special deals on good-looking greeting cards with sentiments that match your style or personality.

I keep a book of stamps and a pen inside the front of the bin. You could keep an address book there, too, and a list of birthdays and other recurring celebrations by month, but I use my computer for those things. 

My second bin holds stationery, envelopes, and post cards.

There are a few reasons for using a system like this. One is that by creating this kit, you’ve made a home for these items. You’ll always know where to find a card or a piece of nice stationery when you need it, rather than searching through drawers and cupboards in different rooms of the house. Secondly, by creating the kit you’re designating an amount of space for this collection. Do NOT buy more cards or stationery or envelopes than what fits in the space you designated. Yes, you should buy lovely cards and stationery when you see them on sale, but sales happen all the time and if you buy too many, you’ll end up with overcrowding and confusion and too many items to deal with. Finally, having this kit and maintaining it saves you time and money when you need a card fast. You don’t have to make a special trip to the store and spend too much for one card. If you have what you need on hand, you’ll be more likely to send a personal hand-written card or letter to more people on more occasions. And that’s what we’re shootin’ for.