My Favorite Things: Creative, Personalized Cards

Just recently, I've gotten into the "poor college kid" mode and I'm saving literally every penny I can. My family has always been card junkies. My stepmom saves every card she's ever gotten because apparently, a piece of paper folded in half is a huge deal. This is a blog showing how to save some money on the easiest gift of all - Cards.

This can work with any type of card - birthday cards, Father's/Mother's day cards, Christmas cards .. etc.

At first it seems like a lot more money than just going out to buy a $5 card at Hallmark, but I've found that in the end, these cards are much more appreciated because you can personalize them to the person that you're giving them to AND you won't have to make a trip to the store next time you forgot someone's birthday because you have all of your supplies to make a quick card.

I started out by going to Michael's Arts and Crafts and buying a box of "Brights - Solid Box of Cards" (40 A2 Printed Textured Cards & Envelopes, Acid and Lignin Free). These are great for making your own cards, and they have other colors too! These are about $10 - But think about it, you'll be paying $.25 per card instead of $5 for a card that says something crappy and generic like -

"Dad,

Happy Birthday, Best Wishes!

Love,

Your little girl"

....Oh yeah, thats original.

Next, I bought Mono Multi, Liquid Glue for $3. This glue pen is acid-free so you can be sure that your personalized card won't fall apart on Gramma before she even opens it. Mine also has two different tips - A pen tip for precise glueing and a broad tip for projects a little bigger.

Getting bored? Almost done, this is the fun part.

Decorate!!

Maybe your Gramma loves to gamble like mine ... Go to the scrapbooking section and buy a little Slot Machine or some Poker cards. Does your Dad like to fish? How about Hunting? I swear, theres a scrapbooking sticker for EVERYTHING. Be careful though, it could be tempting to buy for everyone at once. Then you'll be pissed because I didn't actually save you money on these cards. You'll just have to resist the cute little faux fishing rods for dad's card and the princess outfit for your niece until their birthdays come around!

Just some examples of random leftovers that I can use for other cards

The great part about this idea is that even if you don't know what cousin Gertrude likes and can't personalize her card, the scrapbooking isle has tons of "Happy Birthday" stickers. I have some cards lying around just waiting for an event. :)

Trust me, everyone loves getting personalized cards. Check out some of mine!