From Cards to Gifts: How Thoughtful Surprises Strengthen Our Relationship
I’ve already flipped my perpetual calendar to October so I can spot all the birthdays coming up this month (and November too!).
Let’s be honest—I’m not always super organized, but I do make it a point to send thoughtful gifts, cards, and sweet notes whenever I can. Whether it’s for a birthday or just celebrating life, I’ve got a stash of cute, practical, and thoughtful gifts ready to go. Honestly, I can’t even remember the last time I had to run to the store or panic-order something from Amazon, all thanks to my little system!
At the start of each month, I sit down with my family, and we pick out cards and gifts for the people we love. It’s something we’ve done for years, and now my kids are the ones telling me when they want to send a card—usually just because!
Gift-giving and card-sending hurdles:
Busy Schedules: Life can get hectic, and with work, kids, and daily responsibilities, it’s easy to forget or run out of time to pick out and send cards or gifts.
Lack of Organization: Not having a system in place to remember birthdays or special occasions can make it hard to keep track of when to send something thoughtful.
Cost Concerns: Sending cards and gifts regularly can add up, and some people may worry about the expense, especially if they have a lot of people to celebrate.
Digital Overload: In a world of instant communication (texts, emails, social media), people might feel that sending physical cards or gifts is less necessary or relevant, even though it can be more meaningful.
Rhythms to remedy the hurdles:
1. Busy Schedules try this: Set a monthly "card & gift prep" time where you carve out a dedicated time each month (like the beginning of the month) to sit down and prepare cards or gifts for upcoming birthdays and occasions. Make it a fun, family activity, and block the time on your calendar so it becomes a non-negotiable.
2. Lack of Organization try this: Use a perpetual calendar and/or digital reminder system to keep track of birthdays and special dates. You can even pre-purchase cards and gifts for the month in one go, so you’re ready when the date comes around.
3. Cost Concerns try this: Build a gift stash throughout the year by purchasing thoughtful, practical gifts during sales or when you come across something special. Keep them in a "gift box" so you always have something on hand. This way, you can spread out the cost and avoid last-minute expensive purchases.
4. Digital Overload try this: Set a goal to send at least one physical card or gift each month. Schedule "just because" moments to send a handwritten note or small gift in the mail, even for no special reason. These gestures stand out in a digital world and help maintain a personal connection.
I love curating gifts from other small businesses I admire, along with goodies from give with joy and some unique thrifted finds. By establishing these simple routines, sending cards and gifts becomes more intentional, enjoyable, and stress-free!
Never miss a birthday (or important date) again — and never rewrite them, either.
If you love paper and prefer not to keep everything on your phone, this perpetual calendar is for you. A simple, timeless design that fits right into your home and keeps all the important dates in one spot — so you can celebrate the people you love, year after year.
Why You’ll Love It:
No more rewriting dates — just add to it as life grows
Clean, modern design that works in any space
Printed on high-quality paper right here in Colorado
Comes with a sleek black clip for easy hanging
Simple. Beautiful. Practical.
I wanted to create something you could store all the information you may need to demonstrate more thoughtfulness and intention with the people in your life. A place where you could write down their likes and dislikes as you learn about them from your conversations and interactions. Maybe you send out a text asking these specifics questions so your gifts are intentional.
Basically, if you want to be more intentional and thoughtful, this little book is for you.
Cover printed on 110 pound white + recycled paper and comes with mulsin bag for storing
Interior pages include space for 12 people
You choose cover design
A kit for stationery lovers, senders and all who love to encourage others, this kit is for you!
You choose from the Starter Pack or the Deluxe
Starter Pack includes: A mini notebook, 4 cards, 2 vinyl stickers, 1 sticker sheet, two pens, washi tape ($55+ value)
Deluxe includes: Perpetual Calendar, Little Book of Thoughtfulness, 4 cards, one sticker sheet, 4 vinyl stickers, a pin, two pens, washi tape ($70+ value)
Cards and stickers pictured are not guaranteed to be in your kit. You will receive GWJ cards and stickers from the full line.