Valentine’s Day Alert: Will you pick the Right Gift this Year?

Every moment, it’s drawing closer…Valentine’s Day. On average, men spend about $168.74 on clothing, jewelry and other gifts for the big holiday, with women spending about half this amount, according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation.

How much will you spend this year? And, more importantly, will you select the right gift?

It’s a lot of pressure. Fortunately, there’s an easier way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without spending a lot of money, and hitting closer to your loved one’s heart: handwritten letters and cards.

Store Aisles, Loaded with Cheese…

And, it’s not the kind you eat. We’re talking about cookie cutter Valentine’s Day cards with messages like:

Stick with me Valentine

You light up my Life

Don’t ever change Valentine

You rock Valentine

Yet, 150 million Valentine’s Day cards were sent last year, according to the Greeting Card Association. And this doesn’t include the Valentine’s cards children pass out in school.

Hit Closer to the Heart

Parents keep Christmas, Valentine’s Day and other gifts children make for years, even though they cost very little.

That’s because they come from the heart.

Hand-made valentines were once very popular, starting in the early 1700s. But, in the 1840s mass produced valentines hit the market, and hand-made valentines waned in popularity.

This Year, be Different

Forgo the mass produced cookie cutter Valentine’s Day cards millions of Americans are sending, and stand out using quality paper to make your own personalized message or DIY Valentine's Day card, customized to your loved one.

For DIY card ideas,  click here.

Do you have great ideas for making personal cards or letters? If so, please share by leaving a comment below. Also, be sure to visit our website and sign up for our newsletters!

Valentine’s Day: Will you Sign XOXO this Year?

Have you signed a letter, email or text message with an XOXO lately? If so, you aren’t alone. Many of us do it. And, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, XOXO isn’t going out of style anytime soon.

Although, have you thought about where XOXO comes from – and how long we’ve been using it? The answer may surprise you.

Older than Dirt

Well, not literally. But, the symbolism originates in the Middle Ages…which is pretty old.  Letter senders drew a Christian cross on documents to show sincerity, faith and honestly. Then, the sender placed a kiss on the cross, as a display of their sworn oath.

Around 1765, the “X” came into play. The letter “X” which represents the Greek word for Christ was used to show the kiss of sincerity.

Why Not Just Spell it Out?

The answer is simple. The majority of common people couldn’t read. Regardless of reading ability, the X was something everyone could understand. The “O,” however, made its appearance much later than the “X” in North America.

U.S. Jewish immigrants used the “O” at the bottom of documents when signing – in place of the “X.” The “O” is said to represent arms encircling each other, like a big hug. And the “X” symbolizes the kiss.

Over time, people started using the XOXO together, like so many of us do today.

What about you? Will you be signing your letters or envelopes with an XOXO this year? Please share by leaving a comment below. Also, visit our website to sign up for emails which include great discounts and links to the latest blog posts!

This Valentine’s Day, Give More…By Spending Less

Are you still recovering from the holiday spending frenzy? If so, get ready, because there’s another holiday on the horizon: Valentine’s Day. Americans spend approximately $17.6 billion annually – or about $126 for each person receiving a gift, according to Visual Economics .

Wouldn’t it be nice to spend less and deliver a more meaningful message?

The Quest for the Perfect Card

If you visit any card aisle, you’ll see it: loved ones trying to find that “perfect” card. It’s a huge time suck. Plus, the card writer doesn’t really know your loved one, so how could they write a message that comes straight from the heart?


Make it personal with DIY cards.

Not only do they cost less, but your loved one will receive a personalized and meaningful message.

And, let’s face it, with all the birthdays, weddings and baby showers you’ll be attending this year, wouldn’t it be nice to save a little money?

DIY Card Tips for Any Occasion

DIY card options are endless. Purchase quality paper and a snazzy envelope, and you’re ready to create a personalized Valentine’s Day message. Here are a few ideas for making your card unique.

• Use fun shapes. Instead of creating a typical square shaped card, get creative. Make your card a circle, heart or even a star – whatever feels right for the occasion.
• Break out the shine. Fight “dull card syndrome” by adding shiny details, like adhering glitter to the front of a birthday card – or,  placing a shiny bow on the front of a baby shower card. 
• Use texture. Think of paper as your art canvas. Then, layer different textures on top. Use lace, beads or charms to make your card special. 
• Play with color. Use black and white for a wedding card, or use vibrant colors  for a birthday. The right shades of color will make your card stand out. 
• 3-D images. Your message will jump off the page with embossing, which creates a 3D effect. Simply use a rubber stamp to stamp your desired image, sprinkle embossing powder over the image and tap away excess powder. Then, use an embossing heat gun to harden the image.

Most importantly, let your DIY card be an expression created for you and your loved one. What’s your favorite DIY card idea? Leave your suggestions and comments below. Also, be sure to visit our website to view our product offerings and don’t forget to sign up for our emails to receive great deals and links to the latest blog posts!