Handwritten Cards, Inexpensive & Impactful

GUEST BLOGGER: CALLIE WARD, USU EXTENSION ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

When was the last time you wrote a letter? Or Thank You? Even a nice Post it? I remember the excitement of a pen pal letter coming to our mailbox or seeing the colorful envelop with Grandma’s handwriting on it, and I am not that old! Have we truly lost the art of the handwritten note? With May comes graduations, end of year teacher gifts, Mother’s Day, the final arrival of Spring for most of us in Utah, it is a time of new life and sometimes the never-ending gift list. So why can’t we go back and save this valuable custom of a handwritten card?
 
I turned 33 in April, and birthdays stopped being cool after 16, (anyone else?) but every year I receive two things. A card from my mom - this one usually has a sheep or cowboy of some sort on it and one from my little sister. This year specifically, it was the one from my sister that made my day and was one of the best gifts I have every received. She took the time to write something special and included some great memories. She spent less then $5 and had me rolling for the whole day, adding more joy for my birthday.
 
How can something so cheap be so impactful? Especially in our busy world, taking the time to send a handwritten card means more than a dollar store gift or that random gift card. An article I read from Forbes magazine shared three benefits of a handwritten thank you note that can easily be benefits of a handwritten card: 

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1. Handwritten Cards Can Wow: The recipient of a handwritten card may be amazed that you took the time to express your gratitude, joy, celebration in this way. It can be so simple!
2. You will Remain Top of Mind: Just like my little sister’s card, a handwritten card is more than likely saved, ensuring that you will be remembered for a long time.
3. Monotasking Is Mindfulness In Action: How easy is it to multi-task and send a quick email or text all while you are scanning social media and tracking your UPS package? When writing a handwritten note, you are forcing your concentration on one task. That is the essence of mindfulness: focus or presence.

 
As you were reading this post, you may have thought Callie is losing it or this is to old fashioned, BUT I want to challenge you to send 3 handwritten cards in May to really see how it makes you feel, how the recipient reacts, and how cheap but impactful handwritten cards really are!
 
Resources:
Forbes: How to Reclaim the Lost Art of Handwritten Thank You Notes

​Callie is an Extension Assistant Professor who would do about anything for chocolate or a free t-shirt. She can be found either in the kitchen pretending to be on the Great British Baking Show or in the mountains herding cows, mountain biking, or trying to keep track of her two kids.