How Important Are Cards?

[stargrazer]

Taking off the new baby/should I get a card thread...how important do you think it is to send cards for birthdays/holidays?

(Poll to follow)

 

[stargrazer]

The reason I ask is this comes up a lot in our family. We always send out holiday cards but when it comes to birthdays, unless we are going to a party, we just call and say happy birthday. Evidently this bothers some people; hoping to get some insight!

 

[pfishgirl]

Thanks for using My baby gift post.

I have ALWAYS been a card person. DH is soooo Not a card person. I remind him for 2 weeks before my Birthday that I WANT a card. I still don't always get one.

I send about 75 Christmas cards out each year. I also send just the close family cards for birthdays. In Laws, Parents, Grandparents and 1 of DH's Unlce & Aunt for their anniversary.

I send my friends Birthday cards so they know even though we don't talk every day, I am still thinking about them.

 

[shirleyb]

I hate cards, and think they're a huge waste of money. My MIL used to send my kids Halloween cards, and St. Patrick's Day cards, Valentine Cards, Thanksgiving Cards. She's easily spend $10-15 per holiday on cards, and to me that could be so much better spent. But, it was her money, so I never said anything.

 

[azgal81]

I make birthday cards for a few of my close family members like my parents, brother, grandparents and one of my aunts. That is generally it though. I figure that's what 7 cards a year and everyone likes getting stuff in the mail that isn't junk!

 

[Soubrette]

I hate cards, and think they're a huge waste of money. My MIL used to send my kids Halloween cards, and St. Patrick's Day cards, Valentine Cards, Thanksgiving Cards. She's easily spend $10-15 per holiday on cards, and to me that could be so much better spent. But, it was her money, so I never said anything.

I'm with you. Cards are totally wasted on me. The sentiment is nice (how about a phone call or email?), but cards just clutter up the house and make me feel guilty when I inevitably throw them away 2 weeks later.

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

I've never been a big card person but DH's family is. I've spent more on cards the last 13 years than I would have in my whole life X 2. He really gets his feelings hurt if I don't get one for him for all occasions even if I've gotten him a killer gift... he wants that card. Me... bring on the presents!

 

[stargrazer]

I'm so relieved to see these responses...I was thinking maybe there was something wrong with me! I'm just not into cards. I used to work for American Greetings and feel most all of that stuff is made up by corporate america anyway.

 

[pittypat]

Well, here's a different perspective. Both of my parents died of cancer. When each was sick, they received many cards from friends. Some were "homemade" and some store bought. Those cards brought such pleasure to my parents!! Many days for each of them, they were not up to chatting on the phone or even reading e-mail. But a quick note in a card was really uplifting for each of them. I say, a card is always a nice gesture.

 

[TheGoofster]

Neither my wife and I are into giving cards (although I think a part of it is because we are so cheap). Although sometimes around birthdays or holidays what we might do is go into a card shop, find a great card for each other, give it to each other in the shop, and then put it back. Saves a lot of money that way.

 

[DISUNC]

I do give cards to family/friends for Birthdays, babies...and special occasions. It was always a "part of tradition' thing in my family.

I do have friends/family who just call or email on Birthdays and that is just fine by me.

I have some friends who send cards for EVERYTHING (one whom I call Hallmark Hattie!!! ) St paddy's day I get a card. My nephew gets a good report card...He gets a card...etc.

I must say there is something Very Special about recieving a card in the mail! It does brighten my day! It is the thought that counts!!!!!

 

[stargrazer]

Well, here's a different perspective. Both of my parents died of cancer. When each was sick, they received many cards from friends. Some were "homemade" and some store bought. Those cards brought such pleasure to my parents!! Many days for each of them, they were not up to chatting on the phone or even reading e-mail. But a quick note in a card was really uplifting for each of them. I say, a card is always a nice gesture.

In the case of illness...especially terminal illness, I can see where a card makes a difference. I'm talking more about why do I need to send my 29 year old sister one for her birthday if I can call her?

Sorry for your loss. I lost both my parents early too and it sucks.

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

Neither my wife and I are into giving cards (although I think a part of it is because we are so cheap). Although sometimes around birthdays or holidays what we might do is go into a card shop, find a great card for each other, give it to each other in the shop, and then put it back. Saves a lot of money that way.

My mom and I do that too when we are in card shops around a holiday. We have more fun doing that and laughing about how cheap WE are!

 

[mookie]

There is a really good website called www.birthdayalarm.com. You send it to everyone that you would normally send cards to, and they input their bday on a calendar. Then, on the day of their bday, it sends you an email reminder to send them an ecard. Saves some money, but the thought is still there!

 

[Kath2003]

I give cards if I'm not going to see that person, or it's a close friend or family.

I don't send holiday cards, only special event cards (birthday, new baby etc.), and sympathy/get well soon cards.

If I'm giving a gift, I don't bother with a card.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

I hate cards and we are a Hallmark retailer! Shhhhhh don't tell!

What a waste of money. Actually we don't call on birthdays either.... just another day around here. We try to treat each other "special" all the time... not just on birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

 

[Ilovefozzie]

I used to buy cards for every birthday, christmas, event there was. But I only sent them once out of 15 times. Seriously! I would just waste that money.

I will make a card for the kids on their birthday. I have a Hallmark card making program. And sometimes I will buy the DH a card, sometimes as in once a year. I bought him one the other day that had mickey and minnie on it and the message was something about love. LOL Yep, can't remember now.

Now, I call, email or send a hallmark e-card. Much easier and it WILL be delivered.