Why Virtual is Better

We all enjoy sending and receiving greeting cards from friends, family and loved ones. But sometimes our lives are so busy that we don’t think about little things like greeting cards and remembering to buy stamps. Sending a greeting card requires going to the post office, and buying the card from a store, then getting stamps and mailing it off. These things may seem simple, but many people don’t send greeting cards as often as they would like for these simple reasons.

That is where virtual greeting cards come in. Virtual greeting cards are easy to find, easy to send, and cost next to nothing, or sometimes are even free. Whenever you think about sending someone a greeting card, you simply go online, create a virtual greeting card, and send it off via email.

There are many different types of virtual greeting cards. Some virtual greeting cards are free to create and send. These are the best type of virtual greeting card, because it only takes minutes to create and email off, there is no travel required, and best of all it doesn’t cost you anything!

Other virtual greeting cards cost a minimal amount, such as ten or twenty-five cents each, or you can purchase memberships to virtual greeting card sites for a few dollars a month. The price is so low it might as well be free, and it is certainly cheaper than a stamp! Signup is usually quick and painless as well as secure, and within minutes you’re ready to send virtual greeting cards to everyone on your list! A few minutes of personalization, and you’re ready to go!

Virtual greeting cards are great not only because of the minimal cost, but because they are more personalized than a greeting card you buy in the stores. Virtual greeting cards can be personalized with a special message, names, music, graphics, animations, and many other features that lets your special someone know that you know what they like. Personalize a virtual valentine’s card with a poem you wrote yourself, and accent it with “your song.”

Virtual greeting cards are also great for birthdays and anniversaries, because you can choose the subject matter, the message, and customize the virtual card to show the age or number of the birthday or anniversary. Virtual greeting cards are also good for Christmas card lists, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Thanksgiving.

One of the best features of a virtual greeting card is that they can often be saved to your computer or on disk. This way, even if something were to happen such as a fire, tornado, or other disaster, the cherished memory of celebration and caring is still there in your virtual greeting card. Nothing can take away that precious and personalized virtual greeting card because it’s not on paper that can be easily lost or destroyed.

With the ability to personalize, the flexibility of time and effort, and the low cost, there is no doubt that virtual greeting cards are much better than paper.

November 30, 2008 · Filed Under Greeting Cards

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All About Postcards

Not many people think about or discuss postcards anymore. Postcards are usually associated with travel. When someone takes a trip, they may say, “I’ll send a postcard.” Postcards are sold in most convenience stores and travel stops and are the lowest cost greeting card one can find.

The low rate on a postcard certainly makes it user friendly for even the lowest budget. Although the postal rates have risen, the postcard is still a mere twenty-four cents a stamp to send. Not a bad price to send a greeting to someone to keep in touch.

Postcards were not created for long, windy letter writers, but for the short notes that get to the point. Whereas you can have room to write quite a bit inside a regular greeting card, the postcard allows for very little, but sometimes a little says a lot!

A normal postcard size is 3-1/2 inches tall by 5 inches long. The card is divided usually on one side, with room for a note on the left and a space for the stamp and address on the other side of the line. The “front” of the card is usually a picture of some sort, such as the state to which the person has traveled. Although cards can be made from several different materials, I’ve even bought a postcard made of what appeared to be copper, with the picture as a 3-D type molded into the card.

Postcards were patented in 1861 by a gentleman in Philadelphia. However, the first in the United States was created in 1893. Printers published this type of greeting card for a penny.

There were eras in which the type of postcards changed. There was a linen era, a photochrome era, and in France, erotic postcards appeared in 1910. The British created cartoon postcards, also known as “saucy” for their humor.
Who knew something as simple as a postcard could be so complex!? There are at least 22 defined postcard terms. There are postcard collectors, postcard publishing houses, postcard books, postcard pals, postcard associations, exchange sites, and web sites all about postcards. You can even create an online postcard, which actually look cute and appealing. There is a company that creates something similar to a postcard, but it has unusual shapes. The company had to get permission to allow these type postcards to go through the mail without an envelope.

There are postcards that include facts, which can be quite impressive. I once bought a postcard with an Indian alphabet listed, which involved pictures with interpretations. Postcards can show miniature maps of an area, which could be helpful.

Postcards are used also to enter contests. Many contests will state that you may enter by putting your name and address and phone number on a postcard to mail to their company, no purchase needed to enter. Of course, you do have to buy your own postcard and stamp! Although, if you enter a contest with a postcard, I would think that would take the “greeting card” definition away from the card. After all, a contest entry isn’t a greeting.

November 29, 2008 · Filed Under Greeting Cards

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How to Celebrate An Anniversary

Whether it is your two week, two month, two year, or twenty year anniversary, you should celebrate your time together with your loved one in a very special way. It should be a day (or night) to remember for ever. Many people seek advice on how to celebrate an anniversary in a way that will be special for both themselves and that special loved one. Whether you are in your first relationship, or just out of ideas, it is still easy to celebrate your anniversary in class and style.

Many women in a newer relationship expect a lot of their significant other’s when it comes to celebrating an anniversary. The best way to please these women is to arrive at the door (or home from work, if you’re married) with a dozen roses or other flowers, a nice box of chocolates, and a sentimental anniversary card that really shows her how much you care, then whisk her away to a romantic dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Those in older relationships tend to celebrate an anniversary in a different way. Especially those with children cannot get out as often as they would like. In this case, a dozen roses or some other flowers, a nice box of chocolates, and a sentimental anniversary card to let her know that she is still the love of your life, is definitely the way to go.

Women should not ignore the anniversary celebration either. It has become increasingly popular for women to give their significant other a gift and an anniversary card on these occasions. Some women go so far as to buy their man flowers as well, but many men will likely take this as too much, and unmanly, even for an anniversary. However, it is important to keep in mind that an anniversary celebration is not just for the woman of the relationship any longer. It is important to make your man feel special as well by giving him a sentimental, or even humorous, anniversary card.

There are many funny anniversary cards out there that fit many relationships. Some relationships are not built on sentiment so much as having fun times together and being good humored through bad times. Funny anniversary cards give these relationships a way to express themselves completely, without the restraints and tears of a sentimental anniversary card.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when planning your anniversary celebration is what your significant other enjoys. If you know that he or she enjoys a good joke and fun times at the bar, give them a funny anniversary card and a gift certificate. If you know that he or she enjoys chocolate and romance, give them a sentimental anniversary card and a box of chocolates from an exotic location. If you aren’t sure what he or she likes, then it’s time to find out. Drop subtle hints prior to your anniversary celebration and ask questions so that you know what will please your significant other on this special anniversary. Then, follow through by getting the special, perfect anniversary card and gift.

Regardless of how you celebrate, an anniversary celebration is one of love and togetherness. Make your anniversary special in any way you can, and a long lasting relationship will be your reward.

November 28, 2008 · Filed Under Greeting Cards