Sending Birthday Cards Is Still Important For Business

Sending a birthday card to a business partner or even a competitor can be a delicate situation. Personal or professional? Comical or creative? Choosing the right card to send is as important as sending the card itself.

Know Your Audience – Someone who appreciates a humorous card that works at a law firm is the same person that appreciates a humorous card who teaches ‘comedy and tragedy’ at your local university. If you are sending a card to an individual, it is crucial to tailor that card to their personality.

Variety – There are cards for all emotions and all walks of life, so don’t be afraid to get personal. However, if the relationship is one of a strictly business or causal manor, sending a more generic card can work in your favor to still show you care, but are also someone of a professional ilk. This tactic will avoid sending the card with a tiny cat in a bowtie blowing out candles to someone who frankly, wouldn’t get it.

To Send or Not to Send in Bulk – That is the question. The answer varies depending on your company, and the company you are sending birthday cards to. Is it crucial to send a birthday card to every business contact you have? Probably not. But, sending a card to as many connections as possible can only help extend the good will and keep you and your business relationship fresh on their mind. Buying just one box of business cards can, in all likelihood, cover almost all of your business-related birthdays. This purchase can be beneficial financially for you, and also make you look savvy to your business partners for remembering their special day.

In our technological world, the personal touch of sending a greeting card is becoming a lost art form. There is definitely something to be said for opening and reading a physical card rather than an e-card with a cheesy popup message. Sending a birthday card to your colleagues and associates is a small but important touch to keep you on the forefront of your business relationships.

Die-Cut Birthday Cards vs Editable Text Birthday Cards

If you are a company or business that doesn’t already practice sending birthday cards, what are you waiting for? Sending birthday cards is a great practice that shows a lot of individual thought towards your clients and employees.

“But I already send out personalized holiday cards! Why do I have to send out cards on birthdays?”

Holiday cards are great during the holiday season to show your appreciation and care towards your clients and employees but people know they are sent in mass towards everyone on your mailing list. Birthday cards on the other hand, make individuals feel like you are remembering only them on their special day. This specific attention can make all the difference in securing a new client, increasing business or having your employees give 120% instead of 100% effort because they feel valued.

Remember, your main purpose is to have people associate good sentiment with your company. To do so, you need to personalize the front of your cards with your business name so people will always see your company name without having to open the card.

At the Gallery Collection, there are two types of front card personalization that you can choose. They are Die-Cut Birthday Cards and Editable Text Birthday Cards. We are going to highlight the differences between the two types of cards so you can choose the perfect card that will suit your company’s needs.

Die-Cut Birthday Cards
Special Features: A rectangular “window”-cut shows your custom imprint from the inside layer. Use Die-Cut Birthday Cards to prominently feature your company name on a maximum of two lines.
Example: Stars and Streamers

Stars and Streamers Birthday Card
Die-cut birthday cards are memorable because they use a rectangular box cut on the front flap so that the text underneath (your business name) displays through. The result is a cool effect that can look professional or fun, depending on the card design you choose.

If you decide upon on a die-cut birthday card for your company, we recommend choosing a “FOIL” color – gold or silver, for your imprint text so that your company name will stand out even more beautifully in the die-cut box.

 

Editable Text Birthday Cards
Special Features: Printed text personalization on the front: pick your own color, font, size, alignment.
Example: From All of Us Birthday Card

From All of Us Birthday Card

Editable text birthday cards are another kind of front card personalization that can make your company name stand out. Unlike the Die-Cut Birthday Cards, Editable Text Birthday Cards do not feature a cut-out box. However, Editable Text Birthday Cards are special because the font type, color, size, and text alignment are customizable on the front of the card. All of the editing can be done and previewed online when you choose an editable text birthday card from the Gallery Collection website.

In addition, you can also customize the inside imprint of editable text birthday cards. Therefore, editable text birthday cards give you a lot of flexibility into personalizing the card to fit you and your company’s image.

With this new information, hopefully you can find the card that fits exactly your company or business’ needs. Whether you choose a die-cut birthday card or an editable text birthday card, both types of cards will surely make a great professional impression.

Birthday Cards Never Go Out of Style

There is one timeless tradition that both families, friends, and businesses all across the globe share that will never go out of style. That is the giving and receiving of Birthday cards. These cards bring smiles to the faces of family members, friends and coworkers alike, no matter if they are young or old.

Cupcake Treat Birthday Card
Cupcake Treat Birthday Card – Design G1VAY

 

Both adults and children alike all enjoy reading a thoughtful Happy Birthday card! And what a special treat it is to be able to use that same card for a monetary gift holder as well! Birthday cards are the type of gift that you never have to second guess. Whether it is funny or inspirational, classic or unique, you can never go wrong with sending a card!

The best part of giving these cards is even when you don’t know quite how to wish someone a Happy Birthday, the special sentiments already supplied inside the card do all the work for you!

Birthday Decorations To Surprise A Co-Worker

Well, let’s get started! So you want to have a nice surprise celebration for a co-worker and make birthday decorations to hang around the office. That’s a great idea.

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The first place you should decorate is his or her desk or cubicle.

  1. One great decoration is Garland. Now you know you have a great deal of paper around the office so make that your primary object to use. You can begin with cutting an 8-1/2” x 11” sheet in half width wise and cut as many of those as needed to print Happy Birthday, one letter on each half sheet and the person’s name on the paper also. If you have any string or ribbon around the office use that for hanging the garland. Use a hole punch to make holes in the paper and thread the string or ribbon through the holes to hang the garland. If you do not have string or ribbon, you can make a paperclip chain and attach the paper to the paperclips to hang the garland. Find some markers and write Happy Birthday or other nice things about the person on the paper and use colored paper wherever possible. Makes it bright!
  2. Their Chair! Hang a Happy Birthday sign down the back of their chair in a vertical position. If you can get some netting or lightweight fabric, it is fun to make a large bow and put that on the back of the chair also.
  3. Necklace! Works for either a man or a woman. Make a chain necklace with paperclips and hang little paper “charms” on the paperclips. These could be pictures or drawings or something nice written about the birthday person. Then hang them around the paperclip necklace and after you all yell SURPRISE you can put this around the person’s neck.
  4. Make a banner with a birthday cake on it and happy birthday typed out from your computer. You can usually find some free clipart online to copy and blow up and print it tiled on your computer. Use a glue stick and glue the pages together to make the banner. Hang the banner on the table you will use to serve the cake or goodies everyone will be bring to eat!
  5. And last, the birthday card. Find some cardboard or more colored paper and make a great big birthday card!  Now if someone in the office is talented enough to draw the front of the card, Great!  If not, go back into that free clipart file on the computer and print something funny out and glue stick it to the paper or cardboard. Make sure everyone signs the card and stand it up in the birthday person’s cubicle.
  6. If there are gifts given to this person, pile them up nicely on their desk and make the cubicle look festive.

Walla!!!! You have made a great and bright and festive area to celebrate that co-worker’s birthday with everyone in the office. And the decorations didn’t you cost anything at all!

Hope it’s a great celebration!

What Should I Write In Employee Happy Birthday Cards?

As the owner of a small greeting card company with slightly less than one hundred employees, I like to acknowledge the birthday of each member of my staff by sending an employee happy birthday card.  As always, after my loyal assistant brings my attention to the date of each employee’s birthday as it comes up, I like to include a personal message from myself inside the card, in which I express my appreciation for their contribution to the success of my company.  My staff deals with our customers with compassion and genuine care.  As a result, profits increase annually, therefore allowing me to give a salary increase and/or bonus to each staff member.

birthday cards

The message I extend is one of gratitude and appreciation, such as “Thank you for your dedicated service,”  …..  “Thank you for your outstanding work” …..   “We strive to give our customers an exceptional product and superior customer service and you have helped deliver on these standards” ….  “I appreciate all the hard work you have done to help make this company what it is”.

This show of appreciation on my part, and, an employee Happy Birthday card to each member of my staff has brought much gratitude from all and, I’m happy to say, the comrade is felt and shared throughout my company.

Why You Should Be Sending Out Personalized Birthday Cards

With technology’s advances and the diversification of methods made easy by the ever-expanding and intricate internet, it’s easier than ever to find something relatable to nearly an niche and yet one thing remains constant—we still order gifts, have them shipped to the delight of the recipient who still has the honor of opening their cherished packages on their birthday while taking note of who was kind enough to have them in their remembrance at their special time of year.  Imagine the dismay that would be created if we sent them a picture of their gift instead?  It could have a cute little note at the bottom of the email or maybe on a social networking site with the caption underneath:  “Enjoy this image of your gift, I enjoyed sending you an example of what it would look like.”  I think if anything, this would be received as a joke at best and an insult at worst.

Personalized Birthday Cards

Seems ridiculous doesn’t it?  That’s how some people feel when they get an e-card as opposed to what they consider the real thing.  Sure, it’s easier to send it that way, faster and certainly less costly but what is the real value earmarked on that?  Not much by the real thing in comparison right? When it’s time to send out that birthday card this time around–keep it real and keep it right.   Send out something that can be remembered for a long time to come.

Top 10 Employee Birthday Gift Ideas

The proper way to acknowledge and celebrate employee birthdays can really vary from company to company. Sure, thoughtful employers will always remember the employee’s special day with a quality greeting card but in some companies you just have to give a little.

But let’s face it, finding a gift that is appreciated, appropriate and affordable can be challenging. I always like to shop by personality type so check out the list below for the one that suits your employee’s style and personality. You will not only make quick work of buying that birthday gift you will show your employee that you notice them!

1. For the Office Geek – This little mason jar speaker with amplifier offers a little techno fun for the office geek that will appreciated for its small size but big sound. http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/mason-jar-speaker-amplifier

jar

2. For the Foodie – What to get your favorite junk food lovin’ foodie? How about a way to make their very own Hostess Cupcakes? Sold on Amazon for just under $30 bucks. Sweeet!!! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FE8BOKS//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=duiwath-20

foodie

3. For the Funny, Social or Office Grouch – Whether your employee loves a good joke or love a reason to chew the fat or is the office grouch, they will sure to laugh with surprise when you drop this F Bomb Paperweight on them! http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/f-bomb-paperweight

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4. For the Retro Office Hipster – Do you have an employee who dares to be a little different and enjoys a blast from the past? This VW Van Toaster will bring back fond memories as he or she is munchin on a perfectly piece of toasted bread! http://www.dudeiwantthat.com/household/kitchen/vw-camper-van-toaster.asp

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5. For the Take No Prisoners Employee – Even the no nonsense employee enjoys a bit of whimsy and humor while secretly liking the idea of warning fellow co-workers that no excuses will be tolerated! The Ashes of Wimps and Whiners Jar – available in a variety of colors will be sure to the trick! http://mookiegifts.com/asofwiwhjar.html

whimps

6. For the Office Glam Queen – What else does your favorite glam gal enjoy doing the most besides taking selfies? Checking themselves out in the mirror of course! This stylish Brighton compact mirror will be a reflection of your good taste while keeping the queen happy. http://www.brighton.com/product/small-collectibles/36956-15833/-serendipity-compact-mirror.html

glam

7. For the Quirky Young Music Lover – Let her rock out like an animal and be cool like a kitty with this fun cat ear head set. You will officially be the coolest cat boss in the office with this gift. http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/black-cat-headphones

music

8. For the Eco Conscious Nature Lover – This unique teardrop terrarium made of recycled glass is not only really cool but eco friendly. A great gift that helps bring a little outside indoors that will sure to be appreciated for its uniqueness. http://www.bambeco.com/vases/bambeco-recycled-glass-teardrop-terrarium.asp?utm_source=bizrate&utm_medium=comparsionshopping&aff=5235

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9. For the Traveler – Your employees will no longer feel the pain of incurring extra baggage fees with this digital luggage scale. Anyone who loves to jet off on vacations will value this money saving, practical gift.

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10. For the Footfall Sports Fanatic – If you are willing to go the extra yard to show how much you value your favorite football fan, then this autographed helmet will be sure to score big!

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What to Bring to Your Office Birthday Party

If you work in an office that celebrates birthdays, you may find yourself wondering what to bring to the office birthday party if you have either just started working there or perhaps worked there so long you are looking for some fresh ideas. Look no further!

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Not much of a cook? Your specialty could be finding some really great paper party goods. Themes are always fun so you might want to brainstorm some with co-workers before making the purchase. Be sure to get coordinating cups, napkins and paper plates as a bare minimum. But if you really want to make an impression, you can find some great printable party kits on Etsy that includes banners, toothpick flags, and much more.

If you are into making food, some great birthday party food includes bite size appetizers that easily pop in the mouth without making a mess. Remember, you are in an office environment where people frequently stand chatting and eating and don’t want to spend the remainder of their day wearing what they ate at the office birthday party.

If you want to bring food, look over the food list, if one exists, and check out what others are bringing. This is a good idea for two reason, so you don’t duplicate someone else’s dish and it can also help you come up with an idea to compliment the selection. For example, if someone is bringing in pie, why not pick up some gourmet flavored ice cream?

If you have a recipe that is a fan favorite, bring that if you know it is a proven crowd pleaser. It’s a nice and thoughtful touch to put a little hand made sign using a toothpick fork stating what the dish is and from who’s kitchen. If your dish contains nuts etc, it is also a great idea to add a little sign stating that for those with nut allergies. You will be viewed of as a considerate and observant co-worker.

Beverages is another way you can shine without having to ever light the oven. Don’t just bring an ordinary bottle of soda though. Why not whip up a great batch of homemade lemonade or ice tea complete with adding some slices of lemon and bringing in a plastic pitcher to serve it once there.

You don’t have to spend a lot to make an impression at your office birthday party. You just have to give it a little thought!

What To Write In Your Managers Birthday Cards

Sending or giving someone a birthday card requires some thought or at least I think it should. I like to pick birthday cards that reflect the relationship I have with the person. Some are more light-hearted, others more heart felt and some are more on the professional level.

Birthday Card

I generally don’t find it difficult to pick a card for my co-workers or boss but what to say inside can be more of a challenge particularly when trying to figure out what to write in a the birthday cards I sign and give to the managers at my company.

With those I have a close relationship with, I tend to write something a little warmer like

“Mark, Have a really awesome birthday!” or “Amanda, I hope you have a great birthday, you deserve it!” but that what do you write when you don’t really know someone all that well?

Certainly, a more generic closing is always a safe way to go if you don’t have much of a relationship with that person such as writing something like “Best Wishes to you on your Birthday!” or “Tim, I hope you celebrate your birthday doing all the things you most enjoy”. But let’s face it, safe can be a bit boring.

So what I like to do is personalize it a bit without getting too personal if you know what I mean. Writing a note in your manager’s card can demonstrate you pay attention at the workplace. Think back to something you heard your manager say that he or she enjoys doing. Does your boss like to fish? How about something like “Jerry, I hope you find some time to fit in a little fishing on your special day!” Or acknowledge your hard working boss (yes, your boss is a person too who appreciates being appreciated just like we all do) by writing something like “Danielle, I hope you find a little time to relax and enjoy your Birthday. Have a very Happy Birthday!” You have to be careful you don’t sound like you are just trying to suck up to the boss so I recommend keeping your birthday cards message to your manager positive and subtle.

Birthday Cards For Business And For Pleasure

Birthdays are a great time to show someone how much you care and appreciate them. And so, birthday cards are the perfect way to show you remembered their special day. There are many choices at The Gallery Collection for you to choose from. There are cards appropriate for the office, as well as cards more suitable for personal use. I once received a birthday card from the office I worked for, and it was such a pleasant surprise! I never thought my birthday would be so significant as to receive birthday cards. It sure did make me feel more appreciated for everything I did.

Birthday Cards

Birthdays are special since they only occur once a year. For business, you may opt for a birthday card with a “Happy Birthday” and presents on the cover. If you’d like to show some of the personalities in the office, you may like the card that features several characters on the cover. If you are looking for personal cards, my personal favorite would be cards that have the delicious birthday cakes on the cover. I also love the cards that have cupcakes sprinkled all over. Who knew birthday cards could be so much fun? Make sure to choose your favorite for the next special birthday in your life.