Handwritten Always Prevails

There is no doubt that technology has made life easier. Between email, online shopping, accessing information and in general getting things done worldwide in mere seconds – technology has proven to be our friend.

However, with this, we have lost the personal touch. Remember the day when you opened your mailbox to more than just bills and junk mail? When a handwritten letter sent by a friend was returned with another?

When did we start believing that an evite or a thank you email for a gift is appropriate or enough?

Simple etiquette still applies in life. We say thank you when someone passes the salt and the door is held open for the person behind you – but we seem to now overlook the appreciative thank you note when receiving a gift.

Basically said, if Aunt Millie sets out in her Buick, through snow and slush, to battle the Christmas crowds and traffic to buy you the ugliest sweater you’ve ever seen (you  know the one – the bright red reindeer with a blinking nose), she deserves a short note that says you love it. You don’t really, but dear Aunt Millie deserves it. What’s more, this does not only apply to Christmas but, of course, all year round.

Here are five things you can do stay close and personal – even when you don’t “have to”.
1. Just as you would for Aunt Millie, a warm thank you note follows any gift. A wide variety of thank you cards can be found. From personalized to standard to a simple piece of white paper.

2. Sure evites are easy and quick but, if you’ve ever seen a child’s face when an invitation arrives in the post, you will most definitely understand why this personal touch will be fondly anticipated.
For my son’s third birthday, we had a Thomas Tank party. I designed birthday invites that looked like train tickets. In the long rectangle shape with the semi-circles cut out, departure times and destination were all in print. I got phone calls from nearly all the parents saying how much the children were not only excited for the upcoming party but also wanted to keep the ticket close at hand.

3. In the same vain, an electronic birthday card that dances about is cute and all- but (to me) only shows that your computer’s calendar reminded you. Today. Hurry. Hit ‘Send’.
But – when a card comes in the mail with even the shortest of handwritten notes saying “Happy Birthday”. Well, it says that YOU are remembered.

4. I have even received news of beloved new additions to families via email. Birth announcements should be shared in old world traditions. There is nothing about this glorious event that says email. A stamp is needed.

5. Missing someone; Sorry about being a fool; Message to the teacher; Condolences. With personalized stationery, you can write the perfect message that fits absolutely any feeling.

Basically, when it comes down to it, as long as your note is hand-written, your message will be remembered and truly treasured. 

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Jennifer Wilke owns and runs Print Picture Perfect – an online store with a large selection of invitations, birth announcements and stationery available, along with adorable designs of unique and fun birthday cards. http://www.printpictureperfect.com