Receiving cards in the mail is always puts a bright spot in someone's day, but getting showered with them can be even better. I hosted one a few years ago for my mom and it brought her a bundle of joy and smiles. I've also sent cards to some of the showers that I've seen in the news or on social media. I especially try to send a card when a veteran has requested cards for a birthday.
Tips for a Successful Card Shower:
- Once you've selected a recipient, you'll need to decide on a date for the cards to arrive by. There is no exact science to this, a few cards will be early and some might be a little late, but the goal is to have a target date for cards to arrive by.
- Make a list of participants. Who are you inviting to send a card? Do you have contact info for all of the participants?
- Decide how you will let the participants know all the shower details. Will you send a postcard, an email, a text or post it on social media?
- If you plan to make this a community or public event, consider posting it on social media.
- Communicate with the participants letting them know the expectations of the card shower. Is the gift the card? Or does the participant need to include a gift card for something like a baby shower or a bridal shower?
- If the card shower is being done as a surprise to the recipient make that clear to those participating as well.
Card Showers really can be done for anything. Do you know someone going through a rough patch? Maybe you know a parent that is struggling? Have they just purchased their first home? Has someone in your life been a volunteer in your community that needs a little extra recognition? Is there an amazing person retiring out of a public position that will be dearly missed? Or someone who's completed a big milestone? Gotten a degree after years of hard work? Celebrating 50 years of marriage? Celebrating being clean and sober? The list really is endless.
Of course, I'm going to encourage you to send a handmade card, but it really doesn't matter where the card comes from. Send the happy mail and make someone's day by organizing a card shower for them.
