Birthday cards appear to be one of those things which are close to your heart but less used these days now that humans have myriad ways to communicate at the speed of light, whether through text messages or social media. So, a birthday card seems to be one of those dearly remembered traditions of another age. But indeed, there is depth in it. The core lies in human interaction, sentimentality, and art in the expression of self. At TheECards.com, we realize birthday cards never really go out of style; they only change medium. We offer the best of both worlds-a means to replicate the classic tradition of sending traditional, paper cards with the ease of using digital ones. We intend to keep the tradition of birthday greetings with no constraints on distance and occasion.
A Short History of Birthday Cards
As aforementioned, free birthday cards started as far back as ancient civilizations in gifting and making special notes to celebrate one’s birthday. Indeed, early forms of birthday greetings belong to the ancient Egyptians when they gave handmade gifts marking a child’s birthday. Likewise, birthdays by the Greeks were performed before their gods with the same reason: to emphasize importance on another year for this life.
A birthday card as we understand it today received momentum during the 19th century especially within Europe. Mass production through the printing press brought it down in price making it more affordable to ordinary folks. Apparently, by the 1900’s, birthday greeting cards became very common, elaborate designs and a beautiful message.
The Emotional Impact of Receiving Birthday Cards
Birth card emotive power is the capacity for a birthday card to stir feelings. A birthday card is far from being a paper document-it reminds one that somebody actually cares enough to take some of his or her schedule just to pick, write on, and mail it. There are several key emotional payoffs to getting birthday cards. Here are just a few of them:
- Respected and Cared For
It is a means of message delivery and shows care and respect whenever time is available to send it. It is an extremely shallow avenue by which the receiver may feel respected and thus improved sentiments regarding their belonging in a world of people. In such an information and technological society, where it generally turns to be an impersonal society, a message communicated in the form of a card creates a mammoth reaction to one’s emotional desires.
- Nostalgia and Reflecting
Most birthday cards evoke nostalgia. People would carry the cards from other birthdays; in one way or another, it would remind them of those great moments they spent in previous years with friends or family members. It also gives an opportunity to recollected memories upon seeing such cards, therefore creating continuity to one’s personal history.
- Motivation and Positivity
A great birthday card can uplift and inspire. Whether it be a heartfelt note, an inspiring quote, or even just the simple words “Happy Birthday,” these greetings can become great sources of encouragement and positivity for the recipient in such downtrodden moments. They remind the recipient that they are loved and supported and that the person sending the birthday card is cheering for their happiness and success.
How to Choose a Birthday Card
Choosing the right virtual birthday card is an art in its own right. It requires an awful lot of insight into what the personality and preference of the recipient are relative to that of the sender. Here are some tips on how you can best choose a birthday card with resonance:
- Mind the Interests of the Recipient
Consider what he may appreciate. Does he laugh at funny stuff, admire grand pieces of art, or get fired up by grand words? A card representing your friend’s taste will be a better meaningful and personal gift. Example: a funny card given to a buddy with whom you can exchange; a classy, exquisite card just may be required for your sister or brother.Â
- What is Your Relationship with This Person?
The nature of your relationship with the recipient will dictate your decision. A casual acquaintance will most likely like a more light-hearted card while a close friend or family member will expect a closer and warmer message. What is in the card should personalise the feeling even further.
- Coordinate the card with the occasion
While birthdays are a happy moment, each year might be different for the receiver. Major milestone birthdays include 18, 21, 30, and 50 years of age, so it would be excellent to pick a Happy birthday cards that mirrors the gravity of the day. Most special cards for the above-mentioned milestones have different designs and messages that commemorate one’s journey in life.
Benefits of Sending Birthday Cards
Giving birthday cards has advantages to both the giver and receiver. Some of the greatest benefits that birthdays offer to human beings and other primates in the sending of cards with increased age are discussed below:
- Strengthening Relationships
You can prove that you care by sending a birthday card. It shows that you actually care enough to remember them and celebrate the day that is yours on earth. While most personal interactions are made online, a physical card can be sent to fill in the gap as relations of friendship and family are reinforced.
- Lasting Memories
The cards then turn out to be mementos. People can never forget the inspiring messages and great designs in them. Many times, people get reminded of those wonderful moments and love expressed because the depth of the relationships goes with the passage of time. Such a culture of retaining the cards forms yet another part of personal history.
- Creates mindfulness
It enlists mindfulness in the process of choosing and composing a birthday card. There is reflection about the recipient and reflection on what to write. Composing the birthday card will be an intentional act to make the sender feel closer to the recipient, increasing good feelings and appreciation in the relationship.
- A Moment to Be Creative
On another hand, the other related aspect of the birthday card is creativity expression. Such creative expression may be through one choosing a card with perfect design qualities. It could also be on sending a very personal message with it. In the sense making it from scratch is involved that encourages personal expression and processes. This is a space to share your personality through something special that you exclusively share with each other.
While traditional birthday cards have a special place in the hearts of most people, digital cards have become one of the prime alternatives for people in the contemporary world.Â
Here are some reasons when deciding between sending the former and the latter:
- Convenience and Speed
E-cards are sent immediately. With just a few clicks, you can easily send a sweet message; you will no longer be tied down by the delays of the postal. This is really helpful for last minute senders or those who have a loved one far away from them.
- Digital cards are environment-friendly as they also reduce paper work and carbon footprint from post mail. For a concerned citizen about his environment, this is important.
- Personalisation Features
Most of these digital card websites, just like TheECards.com, allow users to personalized birthday cards, such as adding photos or videos, and customise messages. This makes a recipient’s experience feel better and more special.
- Nostalgia of Traditional Cards
While the digital options seem so convenient, traditional birthday cards carry a nostalgic weight that most people are fond of. The physical experience of carrying a card, reading your handwritten message, and proudly displaying it in your house cannot be replaced by digital mediums. For some people, the experience of receiving a physical birthday card outweighs a digital option.
The Future of Birthday Cards
As we delve deeper into the digital age, it is going to be the turn of the birthday card to take on the path of being an old new media. Since e-cards are sure to draw the crowd in through convenience, near impossible is it that the physical cards may ever be out of fashion since they carry a personal touch in them and happen to be full of sentiments.
More innovational stuff within the world of cards will even make this activity more entertaining. These would include things such as augmented reality wherein, through scanning a card by a device at a recipient’s end, there will be some unique video message from an issuer to a recipient.
The mixing of traditional and technology would be able to rebirth a birthday card to touch a new generation who, still, needs to send those old school cards.
In fact, it is lovely to remember with whom we share affinities by signing birthday cards. Traditional paper-form cards and newly implemented digital formats both help signifying love, appreciation, and good wishes to others.Â
At TheEcards.com, we keep trying this going on; a range of birthday cards exists to suit tastes and preferences, making whatever it would be for your birthday day special, no matter the distance or proximity from one another. And the more you go celebrating your dear ones’ birthdays, a card is not just a gesture; it’s a time-old tradition that builds on relationships and long-term memories.
