We have suggestions of ways you can save money on gift wrapping supplies. Wrapping paper and gift bags are getting expensive these days, especially considering that many people just rip off the paper, wad it up and throw it away (often it can be placed in your recycling bin, but that can still feel wasteful). Wrapping paper doesn't have to be costly though, and we can show you how to save money rather than overspending on gift wrap. Being a professional gift wrapper, I have discovered ways to repurpose wrapping supplies while also giving beautifully wrapped gifts.

Here are some quick tips for repurposing, upcycling, and finding discounts on wrapping paper, gift bags, gift bows, and other gift-wrapping supplies. 

• Shop at discount stores, not the places with rolls of wrapping paper that cost more than your gift. You won't always find the best quality paper at these inexpensive places, but if you decorate the gift creatively, it doesn't have to look cheap. (Add ribbons, decorative tags, etc.)
• Watch for sales at the more expensive stores, especially the items with clearance tags! There are certain stores that have high-end luxury papers which I love to use. But I wait for those clearance tags, checking that section in the store every time I'm there. When it goes on clearance, it's my time to stock up! 
• Save gift bags! Whenever you receive a gift in a gift bag, save it to reuse for the next time you have a gift to give. Most gift bags are reusable for several occasions. 
• Save wrapping paper from the gifts you receive. Then reuse it! My family has the long-time tradition of setting a huge basket out at Christmastime, and everyone throws their wrapping paper and gift bows in there from their opened gifts. After the celebration, the host sorts through the wrapping paper remnants and smooths them out to be reused. My grandmother actually would press the wrinkles out of the paper with a cool iron. Our wrapping paper gets used multiple times. And all of the bows get reused!
• Recycle other items you already have in your home to be used as gift-wrap. For my high school graduation, my aunt wrapped all of my gifts from her in the pages of comic strips from a newspaper. That clever idea has stuck with me. You could also use paper grocery bags as a substitute for gift wrap and decorate it with stickers or doodles. Another idea is to use clean and emptied cardboard boxes from food to put gifts in. It may look like a box of cereal, but it's actually a more exciting gift inside. 
• Give your gifts inside of another gift. Use a backpack, purse, reusable shopping bag, pillowcase, or basket to place the gifts in. The container then becomes part of their gift. It really minimizes waste because you don't need to wrap these gifts in paper, but the use of the bag or container still helps give it the element of surprise about what's inside. 
• Repurpose other items in your home to use in place of a gift bow. Decorate a gift with buttons, scraps of paper, twine, string, or yarn. If you know how to make a paper airplane or cool origami things, tape something like that on the top of your gift. Attach a real flower or a silk flower for a beautiful gift presentation. My grandmother would cut out images of flowers from magazines that she taped to our gifts as a decoration. It was always special. 
• Upcycle! Use an old t-shirt to make a reusable gift bag. Learn how to make a bag out of a t-shirt here: No-Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag DIY - Priceless Handmade Gifts
• Wrap gifts in fabric remnants or silk scarves! Instead of using tape though, try using safety pins, clothes pins, satin ribbon, or rubber bands. These gifts can turn out to look beautiful and can be decorated with flowers from your garden or a fancy ribbon tied into a bow.
• Rather than purchasing gift boxes, reuse packaging from product deliveries that have been shipped to you. Cardboard boxes can typically be reused several times for various uses.
• Either reuse tissue paper from previous gifts, or use alternative packing materials like bubble wrap, fabric, or crumpled paper that you'd normally recycle.
• Get good deals on wrapping paper at garage sales and thrift stores. Sometimes you can find some quality gift wrap and gift bags that other people are getting rid of. I usually look for metallic paper or the ones with a linen texture, and I get them when they are offered at a good price.
• Purchase durable wrapping supplies that are designed for years of use and reuse. You can find some great reusable gifting supplies here: Wrapping - Priceless Handmade Gifts

Have you ever struggled with knowing when it's better to send a greeting card, compared to when a text message is suitable? Today we are sharing some of our thoughts with you on this subject. There is no definitive answer, but we will share some guided questions that can help you choose when to send a card or send a text.

First, we have to say that communication in any form is important. While the decision of how you communicate is up to you, and depends on several factors, we have some tips and ideas to help you decide which route to take.

Some of the reasons or occasions for which you may need to decide on sending a greeting card or a text include, but are not limited to:

• Thanking someone for a gift or helping you out. (Yes, you always should!)
• Wishing someone a happy birthday.
• Congratulating an accomplishment. (graduation, baby, anniversary, wedding, retirement)
• Recognizing someone's importance to you. (friendship, thinking of you, miss you)
• Encouragement for tough times. (sympathy, illness, losses, hardships, etc.)
• Holidays (Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas)

If you are able to see the person and say the message in-person to them, consider that they may still additionally appreciate a card or text. But say it in-person as well. (Happy birthday... Sorry you are going through that... Thanks for the gift... Happy to hear that you're engaged!... So excited about your baby... Merry Christmas... etc.)

If you are concerned about something getting lost in the mail, or don't want to purchase a postage stamp, then maybe you are better off just sending a text and/or delivering a card yourself! Remember that a greeting card doesn't have to go through the mail. Actually, the recipient may appreciate your effort of hand-delivering it. They will get to see you, and isn't that the best?

Here are our guided questions to help you choose CARD or TEXT...

Think about the person who would receive your written message. If you can answer YES or PROBABLY to any of the following questions, consider sending a greeting card for the occasion you have in mind:

1. Does the person keep the greeting cards they receive? (It means a lot to them!)
2. Is the person sentimental? (They would likely prefer a physical card.)
3. Does that person send cards to you for special occasions?
4. Is your greeting for something that's a big deal or involves an extremely important event?
5. Has the person previously thanked you for any cards received?
6. Will you be seeing them soon and could easily hand-deliver a card?
7. Does the person get excited about getting personal mail?
8. Does the person need to feel seen and loved and appreciated in a tangible way?
9. Are you giving them a gift? (Include a card.)

Now think about the recipient of your intended message while reading the following questions. If you can answer YES or PROBABLY to any of them, you could consider sending a text (or even making a phone call to deliver your greetings):

1. Does the person usually call/text you for special occasions, rather than sending a card?
2. Is the person not really into stuff (or keeping things)?
3. Is the person not very close to you? (acquaintance)
4. Is the occasion not really that big of a deal?
5. Does it seem like it's usually the thought that counts for that person?
6. Does the person not seem to have specific expectations in their relationship with you?
7. Do you typically communicate with this person by text/phone anyway?
8. Do you have their number or a social media connection as a preferred communication?
9. Can you say it in a text and feel good about doing that?

We hope this blog post helped you to feel confident in the decision you made. Whether you send a card or a text, we hope the recipient finds your efforts meaningful and thoughtful.

If you need to purchase greeting cards for any occasion, check out the quality cards we have for sale on our website. Our cards are half-price every day! SHOP CARDS

For Father's Day, make sure you remember to honor your dad. Most importantly, spend quality time with him because that will mean the most. If possible, do something together that he especially enjoys. Maybe you could also have a nice meal together, sharing some great conversations and reflecting on memories. Perhaps you could also give him a memorable gift and a thoughtful greeting card. 

We have some great Father's Day cards available here: Father's Day

Even if you find the perfect card for him, the words you write inside will be the most meaningful part that he will treasure in his heart. If you are trying to find the right words to say, but you could use some suggestions - we can help! We have some great ideas below of things you could write in a Father's Day card for your dad (or any dad in your life). Choose a sentence or two that are most applicable to your dad.

• Thank you for being the best dad anyone could ask for.
• I appreciate everything you do for me.
• If I could choose any dad in the world, I would choose you.
• I am the most blessed person in the world to have you for a dad.
• I am so proud to have you as my dad.
• Best. Dad. Ever.
• Thank you for raising me to be a person of integrity.
• I had the best childhood because of you, and I am so grateful. 
• Thank you for all of the sacrifices you made to give me a good life.
• I love you so much, Dad!
• So many of my best memories were made with you!  [Share something specific.]
• Remember the time we ____________? [Share a memory.]
• Here are some ways I look up to you... [Describe his qualities or character.]
• You've always made me feel loved, and you have no idea how much I needed that.
• Thank you for _______________. [Mention a selfless action or attribute.]
• You are the best at _______________. [Give a compliment.]
• Knock, knock... [Share your favorite dad joke or pun.]
• Life is more fun when we __________ together. [Describe a hobby or activity.]
• I appreciate all of the ways you've supported me through the years.
• Of all the dads in the history of ever, I'm glad I got you!
• Thanks for always having time for me.
• I want you to know that you have always been everything I needed in a dad.
• I hope that I can be as good a parent to my kids as you have been to me.
• You have the best dad jokes. Please tell me another one!
• If there was a trophy for the world's greatest dad, it would definitely go to YOU!
• Thanks for always being there for me, even when I didn't deserve it.
• I hope you feel how loved you are today, and every day!

It's graduation season, and you've probably been invited to celebrate with some of your favorite graduates. You have likely been putting thought into giving a memorable gift. And because you want your gift to be meaningful, the card you select to accompany the gift should be filled with a heart-touching sentiment. But what exactly should you say in a graduation greeting card? We are about to explore some ideas of things to write to the graduate. We hope you can adapt these suggestions to your relationship with the person, so your written graduation message will be very personal, encouraging, and filled with words of hope for that person's future.

First of all, be sure to select a greeting card that has a great pre-printed message. You will add your own personal thoughts to the card, but having a high-quality card to start with is ideal. If you need to find a great graduation card, check out the ones that we have available for half-the-price of major retailers. Our large selection of greeting cards come from popular brands, yet we are able to offer you a better price than you will find at most other places.

Shop for discounted graduation cards here: Graduation Cards

As far as the main points that we suggest you include in your card message, you will focus on their past, present, and future. Here are our top tips for a great graduation sentiment:

• Make the message personal to the graduate! Clearly express their place in your life and how meaningful it has been to know them. Think of special memories you have with him or her and write about that. Did you attend any of their school events? Did you watch them grow up and observe their accomplishments along the way? Did they have any newsworthy successes during their school years that you could mention? Give them words of affirmation that will help them feel seen. Also compliment their character and personality, rather than only focusing on what they've achieved.
• Tell them that you are proud of them! Sure, school is something that's normal for a person to attend during their childhood and teen years, but graduation is a huge accomplishment that they've worked years towards achieving - pretty much their entire lives have been committed to education at this point. Be sure to write something like, "I am proud of you." Graduation is a really big deal to them, so let them know that it's a big deal to you, too. If there are any specific skills that they excel in, compliment them for that.
• Show a sense of excitement for what lies ahead for them in the future! Tell them you are looking forward to hearing about their future endeavors. Include words that describe you being supportive of their next steps. Tell them to update you with their next accomplishments. If they will attend college or grad school, let them know you'd like to stay in touch. If they are seeking a specific degree as their next step, describe your interest in what they will be working towards. If they are starting a new career, acknowledge how their contributions in the workplace will make the world better in that occupation. Include recognition of their capabilities along with motivation. Tell them, "I believe in you" or "you've got this!"

Here are some sample writing suggestions for a graduation card:

1. Dear Graduate, I've enjoyed watching you grow these past few years. I always looked forward to attending your sports events and felt a sense of pride when I'd hear your name mentioned on the news. I am so happy for you as you receive your diploma and cannot wait to see what's next in your life. I know you will go far in life, because I have noticed how you are a respectful young man who cares about others. Your achievements are admirable and I sure am lucky to know you.
2. Dear Graduate, I am so proud of you for graduating with high honors! It's no surprise to me though, because there is no one more deserving of that recognition than you. I've seen how hard you've worked towards your goals, and you always approached your education with a positive attitude and motivated your classmates to succeed, too. I will miss having you in the neighborhood when you go off to college. But I will be looking forward to you returning with stories of your new achievements, and hearing about the new relationships you make along the way. You are a person of many talents, and you have many great things ahead in your life to look forward to. I know I am excited to see what your future holds! Congratulations.
3. Dear Graduate... You did it! It's such an exciting time for you as you graduate from high school and begin a career in retail! I've always admired your winning personality and how you always make others feel better about themselves. Those attributes will help you go far in life and in your career. I wish you many more successes! Congratulations on your high school graduation.
4. Dear Graduate... I'm so proud of you for earning your bachelor's degree in education. I've observed how great you are at working with kids and know you will be a loved teacher in the classroom. May your teaching career be full of successes as you build great relationships with other teachers, students, and parents. Wishing you the best!

What should I write in a Mother's Day card? Well, we're glad you asked! We will give you some suggestions for writing a meaningful message in a Mother's Day card for your mom.

Before we offer our card writing tips, we want to make sure that you are aware of our half-price greeting cards. They are available on our website year-round, so you may stock up on cards for any occasion at any time of the year. We've included a couple of photos that are examples of the many quality cards we sell.

Mother's Day Card Writing Tips

Make sure you add something personal to your message, something that's specific to your relationship with the mom you are giving the card to.

• If it's your own mom, add in words of appreciation for how well she raised you and the sacrifices you noticed that she made to give you a great childhood.
• If the Mother's Day card is for your wife, use words that recognize how much you appreciate everything she does for your family. Mention how essential she is to your family's everyday life, and include some big gratitude words that show how deserving she is of being honored for her role as a mother. Don't forget to say how much she is loved, just for being HER.
• If it is a friend or another relative you are wishing a happy Mother's Day to, include words that express how she is seen as a great mom to her children. It will mean a lot to her that you notice her efforts to be a good example to her children and to other moms who can learn from watching her be a mom.

Here are some general message suggestions for writing in a Mother's Day card, which you could alter to make it specifically directed to the person. Make sure to include her name or title (Mom) and add in a memory or attribute she has that you admire.

1. Dear Mom, I know I don't always express how much you mean to me. I had the best experience any child could ask for when it comes to who raised them. Thank you for everything you gave up in order for me to thrive and grow into a responsible adult and great human being. I owe a lot of who I am to you, because I wouldn't be who I am today without your love and support through all of these years. I love you so much. Love, [your name]
2. Dear Mommy, You are the best and I love you. If I could pick any mom in the world, I would want it to be you. Love, [child's name]
3. Dearest [name of wife], I am counting my blessings today, thinking about how blessed I am to have you as the mother of my children. I never imagined parenthood could be this amazing, and I know that you play a huge part in making our family what it is. You are my dream come true, and I will never stop loving this life that we live, with this family that we have been blessed with. Thank you for all of your selfless acts that keep everything running smoothly in our house, and maintaining our busy schedule. I love you with all of my heart. Yours Truly, [your name]
4. Dear [name of friend or relative], I wanted you to know that you are seen. You are appreciated. You are loved. Being a mom can be a challenging role, but you are amazing at being a great mom. I look up to you because you seem to do everything with excellence, and are a great role model to your children and to other moms who notice...like me. You deserve a day being celebrated, so I'm wishing you a happy Mother's Day. Hugs, [your name]

Here are some additional simple phrases you could include in a Mother's Day card:

• Thanks for being a great mom.
• I appreciate you.
• You make life great for our family.
• Keep up the good work.
• Thanks for giving me a great life / childhood.
• Thank you for giving birth to me.
• Sorry for any time I caused trouble. You didn't deserve that.
• You deserve a day that's all about you!
• You are the best!
• If there is an award for the world's best mom, it should go to you!
• Thanks for everything you do.
• I will never be able to repay you, so please don't ask. (ha-ha)
• I will forever be grateful.

Shop for Mother's Day Cards:

How can I write a meaningful message in an Easter greeting card?

What should I write in an Easter card for my family?

What religious message can I include in an Easter card?

If you've ever asked any of those questions, we have some great ideas to help you write a message that will be meaningful and thoughtful.

First, we will give you some general card writing tips, followed by suggestions of things you can write in your Easter greeting cards.

• Always personalize a card with the names of the people who will receive it.
• Try not to repeat the pre-written message already printed in the card.
• Include a "point of connection" you have with the person receiving it.
• Sign the card with a closing statement of blessings.
• Add a Bible verse as a faith-based message (optional).
• Proof-read your card and the addressed envelope.
• Make the card more special with stickers or by using colorful ink.
• What would you say in a phone call with that person? Say that in a card!

Here are some message ideas for you to write in your Easter greeting cards.

Choose the message you find most applicable to your relationship with the recipients. Alter or combine any of these message ideas as necessary.

(FOR ANYONE)

Dear Emily and John,

May your Easter be joyous and full of special moments.

We appreciate our wonderful friendship with you both.

Looking forward to seeing you again soon!

Sincerely,

Monica and Travis

(FOR A CHILD)

Dear Andy,

I hope Easter is filled with lots of fun this year!

I loved seeing you in your school play and look forward to your soccer game.

Hugs,

Aunt Bonnie

(FOR A RELATIVE)

Dear Mandy,

Have a wonderful time celebrating Easter with your family.

I know your kids will be so excited about the Easter egg hunt!

I wish I could be there with you, but I will see you next month.

You are an amazing sister, and I am so happy that we share that bond.

Give my love to the whole family.

Love,

Angie

(FOR A FRIEND)

Dear June,

Wishing you a blessed Easter with your loved ones.

I will always cherish our lifelong friendship.

I think of you often and love our phone conversations.

Thank you for being an important part of my life.

Take care of yourself. I will talk to you again soon.

With Love,

Mary

(A RELIGIOUS EASTER CARD MESSAGE FOR CHRISTIANS)

Dearest Sarah and Tom,

Rejoice in God's goodness as you celebrate the resurrection with your family.

"As Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4"

May you be blessed with the hope and peace of our risen Savior in every area of your lives. Looking forward to seeing you this summer.

God bless you,

Tara and Aaron