tips for alternatives to greeting cards?

**Sara Noel** · 07-31-2007, 11:12 PM

What are some unique options instead of buying and giving greeting cards? (excluding a handwritten letter or e-card)

**leezza** · 07-31-2007, 11:35 PM

Sara,

I get the note cards, they have nice pictures or artwork on the outside and are blank on the inside. (make sure they say blank on the box or package) these cards usually come 10-12 to a package for about $3-5 at walmart and other places. I like these cards because you can use them for any occasion.

JMHO,
leezza

**bumplett** · 08-01-2007, 02:45 AM

I usually get blank cards also - or I use the great freebie cards that are sent from the Humane Society of the US or Wildlife Fund cards

I love those!

but wow - excluding handwritten? bummer - that's what the boys do for most birthday cards to other kids - they make them - and I'm a huge letter writter - so I don't know?

**Jskell911** · 08-01-2007, 06:25 AM

If you will be mailing these, then postcards are a much cheapeer to mail alternative. The postage is lower. They have blank ones that you can decorate yourself as well. I believe I have seen these at both Michael's and AC Moore craft stores.

**sunshine** · 08-01-2007, 09:28 AM

I generally print a card of some sort on my computer. I like to use the multitude of pictures I take with our digital camera (family pics, scenic pics, town pics)

**Cricket1** · 08-01-2007, 10:01 AM

I have my boys paint a picture of the recipient and use that. You could also just use a pice of stationery and decorate with rubber stamps.

**so68** · 08-05-2007, 07:53 PM

One thing I've done is give a photo that has the person in it, that I might have taken at a family get together, camping trip, whatever, with friends/family in it as well. I personalized the back with a note to the recipient. It's personal, and a cheap way to give a friend something personal, with some good memories included!

**babymakes5** · 08-05-2007, 08:51 PM

I make my own cards using scrapbook supplies. It's not cheaper, just more personal.

**Michelle** · 08-06-2007, 10:29 AM

I make cards using my stamping & scrapbooking supplies, or I make fabric cards.

**AmyMCGS** · 08-06-2007, 12:26 PM

Through ChemoAngels, I've seen a lot of creative "cards".... using a piece cut from a cereal box as a funny postcard, using photos and writing greetings on the back, using children's artwork for stationary, etc.

Another fun one I've seen done is to bake a big cookie (like the size of a meatloaf pan) and write your greeting on it instead of a card. It's a clutter-free gift and card all in one.

**Judi Dial** · 08-09-2007, 11:40 AM

makes really neat cards (these are for sale, but you can do it yourself) using dried flowers to make a picture. Another woman makes cards using potato prints.

Both are charming and use what is to hand. I believe they both also start with blank cards and envelopes.

If you're looking for a way to "spiff up" a blank card, buy some notary seals and put one on the back to seal the envelope. That's what I used to do with my store's gift certificates. Easy, cheap, and it looks good, esp. if you've got nice note paper.

jd

**AnitasArts** · 08-09-2007, 07:43 PM

I use cardstock and rubber stamps. I even save bits of wrapping paper and pretty colored junk mail to use with them.

**mommy4ever** · 08-09-2007, 09:14 PM

A fun one is embroidered toilet paper. Yes Toilet paper..lol

Embroidered cardstock, or embroidered fabric inset into a card.

Kids paintings, hand prints or foot prints. Even did my handprint to be a smart aleck on time. It was a hit with a funny poem.