For my daughter’s birthday invitations this year, we went a bit of a different route than usual. Rather than spend hours custom designing a card in photoshop, she and I created a caricature of her using PosePrints and we were both thrilled with the results. For just two bucks a card and fifteen fun minutes of your time, you too can have some awesome & unique personalized stationery.

PosePrints is comprised of a mother-daughter team. Denise (mother & business guru) and Jen (daughter and creative genius) have worked together to create this unique business. There’s a large selection of products, designs & poses available on the site now, but if you don’t see what you want Jen can do custom art work as well.

PosePrints offer everything from invitations for any occasion to baby stationery to magnets, notepads and even personalized recipe cards. (Ooh, I want some!)

I’m one of those mom’s who sends thank you cards for everything – the children help me choose the image and we make them in Photoshop since they’re too young to print, but they get the gist of it and the meaning behind it. This year, though, my 3 year old son scribbled his thanks to a few people in his new Bugaboo Notes. Personalized with his name and adorned with a cute little alien dude, they’re just cute enough to be special to him without being over the top barfy. As somewhat of a self-proclaimed an early literacy specialist (I teach it daily, but have no specific specialty on my degrees) I am very big on children writing daily & with a purpose. With these notes and many other products from Bugaboo Announcements writing is much more fun than it is in a scribbler. After all, what child doesn’t love anything with their name on it? Even better if their special name is hanging on someone else’s fridge.

Save 10% on your Bugaboo Announcements order until Feb 28, 2010 with the code opinionated.

Win it! Bugaboo Announcements is giving away a 12 pack of personalized note cards to one lucky T.O.P. reader. To enter, comment below with your choice of notecard before noon mst on January 25, 2009. The winner will be contacted for specifics via email.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

I love Christmas.

I love Christmas cards.

I love sending them and I love receiving them.

Growing up with a military Daddy, I have friends from all over the world and receive some pretty spectacular cards. I’ve always thought my cards were pretty nice too, until I got my order from Blue Whale Invitations this year. They’re in a completely different league than anything I’ve ever bought, made for myself or reviewed in the past.

Owner & artist Melissa Aird leaves no stone left unturned when she’s working with you to custom design your card. She has a great selection of pre-designed Christmas greetings on her site ranging from $2.25 – $2.75 per card, but if you don’t see exactly what you want she will literally do anything to ensure you get what’s perfect for you at no extra cost. The process begins with Melissa asking some simple questions about your style & preferences. From there, she designs several cards and mails you a completed sample of each one complete with envelopes and a price for each one should you choose to order some. You make your choice(s), let her know of any editing you’d like and WHAM. Gorgeous, custom-designed and hand made cards appear in your mailbox.

Pictured at right are one of the two sets she designed for our family – a gorgeous double figure skate with our picture attached. They feature shining silver grommets and quality satin ribbon, and look truly stunning . We also got some of the negative film strip cards that are listed on her website, and just had her change the text and font for us and include our pictures.

The single figure skate on the Blue Whale Invitations website sells for $3.75, and our custom designed double ones sell for close to $8 each. Steep? Yes. I don’t recommend you order 100 of those, but they’re just perfect for the extra special people in your life. That dude you haven’t seen since high school can have the one you had printed at Costco.

Blue Whale Invitations isn’t just Christmas cards. In fact, that’s the least of what Melissa does. If you need a mailed greeting, she can make it. And make it well. I’d highly recommend her for any occasion, but you’ve still got time to order your Christmas cards!

Win it! Blue Whale Invitations is giving away a set of 20 mailed greetings – custom or not – it’s up to you! To enter, simply comment on this post with your favourite item from her site or email theopinionatedparent at gmail dot com with BLUE WHALE in the subject line & put your fave in the body of the email before noon mst on Monday, November 23, 2009.

This summer, Hallmark is focused on helping people spread encouragement to both moms and to children. I don’t know about you, but there are many days when receiving one of these cards from a friend would have the ability to change my day. Maybe even week.

As mothers, we experience many moments that can only be fully appreciated by other moms. To help encourage moms through the day-to-day challenges of motherhood – and give a few laughs along the way – Hallmark has introduced a new line of humor cards called “Edge of Motherhood.” These new, edgy humor cards can help moms share a laugh, connect with one another and celebrate motherhood — and they start at just 99 cents. Some styles of the “Edge of Motherhood” cards are available online at hallmark.com, but the full collection is only in stores.

For kids, Hallmark’s new collection of encouragement cards are designed to help parents provide an extra boost of confidence for kids as they experience “everyday” moments – whether it’s the first day of school, trying out for a team or even just because they’re loved. They’re cute & funny and include heartfelt messages to help adults show support and pride, and give a special child a boost of confidence. Some of the cards include originally recorded sound clips too, which play when a child opens the card. These cards also start at 99 cents, and the ones with sound are $2.99.

Both collections of cards are available at select Hallmark Gold Crown stores and other retailers where Hallmark cards are sold.

Win it! FIVE winners will receive five of the Edge of Motherhood cards and five of the kid encouragement cards (with sound). To enter, just leave a comment on this post before noon mst on September 1, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

I love greeting cards. I’m one of those people who saves them in a special box to look though as the years pass (provided someone has actually written something in them, but that’s a whole ‘nother post) or scrapbooks them for special occasions. When is a card even better than a card? When you can record a personal message in it! Hallmark’s recordable cards with music, which we’ve told you about before, continue to be our favourite cards to give to those extra special people, and now they’re available for Mother’s Day & Father’s Day too. Watch this video to see the cards in action. All you have to do is press and hold a button inside the card, record your message (and you can try as many times as you need to get it just right) and mail it. When the card is opened by your special someone, your message will introduce the song. I would absolutely love to have one of these from my kids. Do you think it would be a clear enough hint for me to buy the card & leave it on my husband’s night table, or would I need to add instructions on a post it note?

Big news! Hallmark has recently released a new 99 cent line of cards and, honestly, I have no idea why they’re only 99 cents. You know the cheap crap cards that you get at the dollar store, right? The ones you can almost see through with cheesy flowers and grotesque poetry? Well, these have them beat by a penny and are the same great quality as your standard $2-$5 dollar card. Maybe a little smaller, but totally not a dollar store card. I’ll admit to buying cheapies, since most people toss them straight from the envelope into the recycling bin, but from now on I’ll be heading over to the Hallmark store for these babies. Who knew frugal didn’t have to look cheap?

Hallmark cards are available almost everywhere – Click the link to find a store in your area.

Win it! We’ve got a selection of Hallmark recordable cards (mother’s day, father’s day and more) and also a huge random selection from the 99 cent line to send to one randomly selected reader. Leave a comment on this post before noon mst on May 11, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

If you’ve been to a card store in the last month, you likely noticed the super cool Hallmark recordable cards. They’re available for all occasions and were a huge hit around here for Valentine’s Day.

What Grandmother wouldn’t melt into a big puddle of goo upon opening a card that says “I love you Gamma! Happy Berfday!” and then launches into a special song?

Watch this video to see the cards in action. All you have to do is press and hold a button inside the card, record your message (and you can try as many times as you need to get it just right) and mail it. When the card is opened by your special someone, your message will introduce the song.

Hallmark recordable cards are available almost everywhere – find a store in your area.

Win it! We’ve got a selection of Hallmark recordable cards to send to one randomly selected reader. Sure, they’re for Valaentine’s Day but that means you don’t have to brave the mall next February! Leave a comment on this post before noon mst on February 25, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Back in November, one of our writers reviewed a great stationery shop called Paper Shouts. We loved them, and so did you – and now we’re giving you another opportunity to win some great cards of your own from Paper Shouts.

While we’re a little late for Valentine’s Day cards, there are umpteen bazillion reasons to send cards (Easter’s on the way – anyone having a baby? – moving?). No matter what the occasion, or lack thereof, we’re giving one of you a $25 gift certificate that can be used toward the purchase of any Paper Shout products, all printed on 100% recycled paper.

Remember, why whisper when you can shout!

Win it! To enter to win the $25, simply visit Paper Shouts and let us know what you’d spend it on before noon mst this Friday, February 13, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

“Let your loved ones share your excitement with hip custom announcements and invitations that are as fabulous as your occasions!”

Judging from the Christmas music already playing on the radio, the holidays must be just around the corner.

I know, I know, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet! But if you are going to be sending out Holiday cards, you might want to start thinking about choosing where you are going to get them. May I suggest, PaperShouts for all your Holiday (and beyond!) card needs {anyone else just start thinking “to infinity and beyond!” just now? no? just me? moving on…}

PaperShouts offers: “Traditional, Vintage and Modern designs to choose from – your news should reflect your style. A simple process to personalize and preview your invitations and announcements. High quality cards printed on heavy uncoated paper – your friends and family will love your PaperShouts! ”

And just look at all the “Shouting you can do:”

Holiday Shouts
Christmas Cards Feliz Navidad Cards Holiday Party Hanukkah Cards Valentines Halloween

Baby Shouts
Boy Birth Announcements Girl Birth Announcements Baby Shower Invites First Birthday Party Thank You Cards Baptism

Kids Shouts
Girl Birthday Party Boy Birthday Party Thank You Cards Promotion/Graduation

Teen Shouts
Graduation Announcements Sweet Sixteen Party Bar/Bat Mitzvah Quincinera Thank You Cards
Bridal Shouts
Engagement Party Bridal Shower Save the Date Wedding Invitation Sets Reply Cards Reception Cards Direction Cards Thank You Cards Enclosures

More Shouts
Moving/Housewarming Pet Announcements Adult Birthday Party College Graduation Party Invitations Valentines Thank You Cards Note/Thank You Cards

Envelopes

Address Labels

To try out Paper Shouts, I went to their website to order some Christmas Cards. We had just had our family pictures made so I knew I wanted photo cards this year.

From their enormous selection (seriously, even more designs have been added since my order), I chose the Christmas Cherry Snow Fall card.

“Shout out your holiday news with your own style, personalize your message and include photos of your family. Your cards will be printed on white, high quality, heavyweight matte finish recycled paper.

Card Specification: Flat, one sided printed
5″ x 7″ (width by height)
Cherry background with White type
Blank white envelopes included
15-49 ($1.99 ea)
50-99 ($1.89 ea)
100+ ($1.79 ea)”

Well, let me tell you, the process could not be simpler. You chose the card you want, you upload the photos you want (and get to move the pictures around the card yourself until you get the look you want), choose the verbiage and PaperShouts gives you an almost instantaneous proof! I felt like an editor myself! And at the end of the process (which took 20 minutes, tops) my cards arrived about 5 days later. And they are gorgeous! I cannot wait to mail them out to my family this year. I highly recommend PaperShouts for your Holiday cards.

Bonus: PaperShouts prints on 100% recycled, high-quality, uncoated paper.

– By CPA Mom

Win it! We’re giving away a $50 gift certificate to Paper Shouts! To enter, visit the PaperShouts site to choose your fave(s) and come back to comment letting us know what you’d spend your $50 on. Contest closes at noon mst on December 1, 2008.

CONTEST CLOSED AND WINNER EMAILED (Congrats to #30, Pam!)

Life is defined by distinct moments pieced together to create a collage of memories. With my son’s first birthday rapidly approaching, my husband and I have reflected on how we want to commemorate the joy he has brought to us over the last year. Even before those closest to us arrive at the historic railroad car where we’ll celebrate, they’ll get a glimpse of how our little boy has developed over the last year thanks to Myra at Moon and Back Studios. She custom designed our son’s birthday invitations, and to say I’m impressed is an understatement. Her flair for the elegant and modern is prominent in her stylish designs.

From trendy to classic, hip to retro, you’ll find a motif to match your every mood at Moon and Back Studios. Myra’s attention to detail and style is evident every step of the way. We chose the “silly animals riding a birthday train” design for our son’s birthday invitations. They were printed on UV gloss card stock (which I highly suggest!). With this option your design is continued on the back and you have the freedom to include additional pictures. What made our son’s invitations so special was a personal note we included on the back highlighting our son’s first year. The finished product is truly a high-quality, artistic, professional piece that we will archive in our son’s scrapbook.

front

back

Of note, Myra’s custom photo enhancement process sets her apart from other design companies. She will digitally enhance, crop, and even change the color schematic on your photograph. The best part is that it is included in your package. Check out what she did with our son’s photo.

Prices vary and depend on your choice of paper for printing. You’ll receive a gift-boxed set of 25 announcements, invitations, or holiday cards for $45 – $57. Ordering is easy and usually takes about 2-3 days for a proof and 4-6 days to print and arrive in hand. How do you share your most memorable moments? Check out Moon and Back Studios for distinct, inspired creations! -Caryn

Win it! Myra is giving one lucky TOP reader a set of UV coated (premium) photo cards valued at $57. To enter, visit Moon and Back Studios to choose your favourite(s) and let us know what you’d order if you win. Closes June 23/08.

Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED – WINNER EMAILED

My baby is now three months and I am just getting around to sending out thank you cards. We received so many fabulous gifts, I just haven’t gotten around to the thank you cards yet. It’ tough to find time with four little ones. Besides the lack of time, I have a hard time with thank you cards, my hand usually goes numb before I’m finished writing all of them. That is one of the many reasons I was thrilled to order my cards online this time.

Announcements Galore offers a huge selection of themes and designs for you to create your own personalized photo card. They are beautiful ~ like a little 4×6 scrapbook page. I would have loved to do a birth announcement, but thought I may have missed the boat on that one, and opted for a Thank You card instead. The process was so simple. I sent in a picture of my darling Aisha, chose the wording for the card, approved the proof, and voila! It’s that easy. A short while later, the small package of 20 cards arrived in my mailbox and I am sending them out as soon as I finish typing this. I’ll be sure to keep one for Aisha’s baby box though, it will make a great keepsake.

The online shop for Announcements Galore is very user-friendly. I really enjoyed looking at all the different designs, fonts, and colors to choose from. The customer service I received was great, and the prices are fantastic too! The price is definitely right for such a professional looking photo card. - Andrea

Win it! We’re giving away a $30 gift certificate to Announcements Galore. To enter, leave a comment on this post telling us what specific item(s) you’d spend it on! Contest closes on May 10/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congrats to winner Jean!

As a momma of prime breeding age (heh), my friends are popping out kids like there’s no tomorrow and I love buying baby gifts. I refuse to buy gifts at the local big box store so am always looking for new & unique parent-made items to have on hand in case of a new baby emergency.

My newest find? Reader recommended Tiny Tales. Developed by par.entrepreneur Lara Frankovitch, Tiny Tales are a set of specialized cards on which to record both the large and not so large milestones and the every day occurrences that we think we’ll always remember but soon realize that, sadly, that’s not the case.

It comes with two 4X6 notepads (more are available for a small cost) and themed dividers to keep the memories organized. It’s a baby book alternative for the mom who wants to record everything in style but doesn’t have the time or perhaps the inclination to scrapbook for hours on end. The sets come in a sturdy transparent box beautifully packaged and ready for gift giving.

Tiny Tales come in baby, toddler, personalized and expecting themes and start at $32.

Use the code OPINION for 20% off until April 15, 2008.

I love baby showers. I love everything about them, whether the baby has made it’s appearance yet or not.

And let me tell you – if I received a shower invitation on a Couture Keepsake from Keepsake Concepts, there’s no way I’d be missing it. When you receive an invitation as gorgeous as these, you can be assured of a beautiful experience.

Each handmade Couture Keepsake comes on a petite wooden hanger and is stuffed with pre-packaged (delicious!) kosher candy covered Jordan almonds. Your personalized message is attached with an adorable little wooden clothespin. Designer Donna Benavides-Diaz has left no detail untouched. Everything about these keepsakes is absolutely precious!

Most styles are $5.50 each. Admittedly, this is an investment and you might not want to send one to the masses, but for a new mother and her nearest and dearest Couture Keepsakes are a beautiful addition to the beautiful memories that babies create just by being.

Get free shipping until September 10, 2007 with the code OP07.