Why books are better than hallmark cards

Books are better than Hallmark cards- for any special event or occasion. This is my personal preference, but I firmly stand by it.

Why are books better than Hallmark cards?

You get to share more information with a book.
The price of a book is comparable- or even cheaper!
A more personal or intimate approach.
Recycling purposes- SAVE THE TREES!

You get to share more information with a book.

This is my favorite part of book shopping instead of card shopping. For my daughters, it’s an easy way to share a lesson about what they’re currently learning or experiencing- in a way that isn’t coming from me. My girls are still younger, so they trust me, but I know the time is coming that they will want any source that’s NOT MOM for their information. When that day comes, I hope that this birthday ritual will be an easy way for me to share nuggets of wisdom without being too preachy.

The price of a book is comparable- or even cheaper!

For children’s books in particular, you can find decent options for $5 or less.

When I’m searching for Hallmark cards I tend to search high and low.

I generally want to:

say as little as possible
share a particular vibe/sentiment
fit into the theme
commemorate a particular aspect (age, situation, etc.)

Whatever my goal is I tend to lean into those $10 cards.

They’re probably more specifically the cards that are gaudy and will be first to hit the trash can after the party.

Cheaper option: you can find a book for $10 or less fairly easily. Bonus points if you shop your existing bookshelf.

A more personal or intimate approach.

At first, I only applied this theory to my children. That’s typically how most awesome concepts go for me- I apply an idea that I think is genius in a way that only benefits them. This works for any occasion. For my baby shower, my youngest daughter received children’s books for babies and toddlers where loved ones shared their well wishes for her life in the cover. It’s one of our favorite parts of sifting through her bookshelf at bedtime when finding her night time story.

Looking back, I realize I would feel so spoiled if this concept was applied to MY birthday… as an adult that’s maybe even too old for a party! As a book lover, I think it’s just so great to give and receive books. As a party planner-turned-blogger I’ve learned to accept that life’s a party. If getting my loved one’s favorite books off their bookshelves to have a turn enjoying them becomes a staple of my birthday celebration- I’m winning!