The joy of a handwritten card

In an increasingly digital age, it seems like sending cards and letters are on the decline…and of course, not to forget both the cost and variable reliability with the post! There is more and more in place that means that we no longer sit and write like we used to. It is so easy now to ping across a message of congratulations, or a quick phone call to relay well wishes, rather than write a card or note. Such messages come at the quick tap of the keys that they almost feel a little like we’re on auto-pilot.

But there are times where sending a message doesn’t quite feel like the right thing to do. Especially in times of sorrow and grief, sending a digital message can sometimes feel lacking of the care you wish to convey, or that it seems a little impersonal and brisk. Sometimes, events and experiences both lovely and sad are deserving of a card - whether that be one that is beautiful, heartfelt or funny - and choosing the right one is of paramount importance.

Here at Harriet and Rose, we are all about cards. Birthday cards, thank you cards, new baby cards, sympathy cards, sea swimming cards, rude cards, pretty cards…you get the gist. In fact, we’d say that we have a card for practically every eventuality. In part, this is because as the ‘home of thoughtful gifting’, cards are the perfect way to round out and complete your carefully selected gift.

However, within their own right cards are thoughtful gifts. Being able to sit and write with pen to paper imbues so much meaning, intention and care to the recipient. A card shows that you’ve taken both the time and effort out of your day to send your wishes to someone, and that you care about the recipient so much that you wish for them to have a tangible reminder for them of how much they mean to you. From giving a card to a colleague leaving for a new job who you have shared much laughter (and stress!) with, to perhaps a young cousin, that you remember as a child, but who is now turning eighteen and out in the wide world. The lasting effect that comes with the permanence of a card is truly special.

Writing a card is also not only keeping the dying art of handwriting alive, but it can also be a mindfulness practice in itself. Taking a moment to sit, work out what you would like to write, even down to the pen you use and the way you seal the envelope, the entire ritual of writing a card can be highly therapeutic. Even writing a card to yourself as a memento counts!

Of course it goes without saying that there is nothing wrong with sending a digital message to those you love. It is indeed quick, and easy, and in lifestyles that are often busy and hectic, you are still sending love and wishes no matter how they arrived - penned or typed! And of course, it cannot be ignored that there is a cost element too of both the card and subsequent postal fee to consider.

When you buy a card from us, you are not only supporting a local small business, but also many beautiful and unique other small business up and down the UK that we stock. We choose cards that we love (and think that you’ll love) but also from businesses that reflect our sustainability ethos, and way of production. Our cards are fairly priced to support these businesses, but also designed not to break the bank, so you can choose a card that fits your ideal - ornate and unique, bold and funny, heartfelt and kind - without feeling that you need to sell an organ to pay for them. Whilst we can’t help with the cost of postage, we can suggest hand delivering (which is not always as easy said than done, we know) as a way to factor out that extra fee. This could be dropping in someone’s postbox, giving it to a friend to deliver on their travels, or handing it to the recipient over a coffee meet up.

If you have a very specific card in mind, always ask a member of the Team. Not only do we have an excellent memory of where all our cards are as well as our stock, often we have plenty of cards behind the till or in our stockroom that may be perfect for you. No matter how particular, we often have a solution or the right card!

Our philosophy of the gifts you-never-knew-you-needed extend to our cards too. Perhaps our best kept secret is our rude cards - if you know, you know - and if you have a sense of humour that is a little dirty, a little out there, a little bit terrible, there is also our extra-extra rude card draws. Home to some diabolical (but endlessly hilarious) cards, we recommend viewing at your own risk! Although once you’ve open that magic draw once, it seems that you become destined to open it again and again! We have many repeat customers who make a beeline for our rude cards every time they visit the shop.

So if you fancy your laughter fix for the week, or there is a particular card you’re after, pop in and see us! We have plenty of cards to see (and have a giggle over), and plenty of cards to convey your heartfelt feels.