Birthday cards are the most frequently sent of all greeting cards. After all, everyone has a birthday -and most of us love to have our birthdays acknowledged by family, friends, co-workers, and other people in our lives. You probably can't buy a gift for every birthday celebrant you know, but cards are always a welcome way to recognise someone's birthday.
Fortunately, Hallmark offers birthday cards for almost every type of recipient you can imagine, from long-lost friends to new family members, from co-workers to clergy, from newborns to 100-year-olds -and even cards from the family pet. So you can be sure that you'll find the right birthday card no matter who you're sending it to -and that they'll be delighted that you remembered their special day. To make birthday cards even more memorable, try a few of these simple tips from Hallmark's greeting card experts.
For Family and Friends
Personalise Greeting Cards with a little note, and always sign the card!
Keep your signature informal - no courtesy titles and no last names.
Traditionally, family signatures begin with the father's name, then the mother's and finally the children, or simply John, Mary and family.
If a card is from more than one person, the person who signs it should write his or her name last.
When sending a card to a couple with two different last names, address the card to Mary Smith and John Jones.
For Business / Work Relationships
Mail cards for business associates to the office, or hand-deliver them. However, if you have a social relationship that goes beyond the workplace, it's more appropriate to send cards to the home.
Business greeting cards should be more tailored and formal.
Sign only your name to a card for a business associate unless your spouse has met the recipient.
Humorous cards are often well-suited to co-worker's birthdays; you may want to use more discretion before sending funny cards to supervisors or managers
Special Situations
Avoid sending religious-themed cards unless you're sure of the recipient's beliefs.
Take special care when sending a birthday card to someone who has recently been bereaved. A simple, thoughtful birthday wish will let the recipient know you're thinking of them, even if they're not in a celebratory mood.
Be sensitive when sending age-themed cards. Not everyone ages gracefully, and those who don't may not want to be reminded that they're getting older!