I really like the looks of these Trifold Baby Announcements by In A Baby Carriage. This design is Sweet Baby-Boy. Each trifold announcement measures 5″ x 5″ 3 panel folding cardstock, and comes with envelopes. I like the antique look of this design as well. You can view all of the beautiful announcements available at InABabyCarriage.com, where these tri-fold announcements sell for prices starting at $95 for the first 25 announcements.

Sometimes it can be hard to plan a baby shower when you don’t know the sex of the upcoming baby. Paper Culture makes some beautiful gender-neutral baby shower invitations, like this one called “Parental Love,” featuring modern birds and an Asian influence. All Paper Culture cards are printed on recycled paper and have rounded corners. Paper Culture also offers a “mail & message” service in which they print envelopes with recipient and return addresses, stuff them, stamp them, and mail them. This could be a great time-saver for new parents. You can view the array of options available at PaperCulture.com, where these Parental Love cards sell for $2.29 each for the first 20 cards (each card costs less the more you buy).

I come across a lot of different birth announcements while writing for the blog. I have to admit that after a while, they all start to look the same, so much so that I dread looking at them at times. So, when I see something that looks fresh and fun, I am always quite pleased. Such is the case with these sweet announcements from Kite Notes. There are many to choose from, and they have a unique aesthetic. You provide the photos and birth information, pick the style, and Kite Notes does the rest. This Star Tree design retails for $2.85 each and can be ordered in increments of 25, with a minimum order of 50. While I’ve never needed quite so many announcements, many people do. You can shop the entire collection at kitenotes.com.

I’ve always loved stationery and am especially fond of blank cards like these that allow you to use them for multiple occasions. Made by Binth, these unique Giraffe Eco Notes are screen-printed with inks on 100% recycled stock, so you don’t have to feel as wasteful about using paper instead of sending an e-card. They would be perfect to use as invitations for a baby shower, as a birth announcement, or even thank you notes. I really like the giraffe design on front; I think the only downside is that each set only comes with 6 cards and envelopes, which means you would have to purchase quite a few sets if you’re planning on sending them to a large group of people.

You can purchase this Binth stationery set of 6 cards and envelopes for $14.95 at NewBornMom.com.

There are lots of great kits available for making your own baby announcements.  I always love the idea of these, but I never seem to have the time or the patience to upload and print photos, weave little ribbons through paper, etc.  If you are like me and you want your announcements to actually make it into the mailbox, you might want to visit Custom Card Cafe.

The company offers a number of announcement designs for boys, girls, and twins.  You provide a picture and all of the birth information, and they do the rest. You approve an online proof before the announcements print, so there won’t be any surprises.  best of all, the order will ship within 24 hours.  All you have to do is get them in the mail to friends and family when they arrive.

Most announcements retail for $1.69 each–a very reasonable price to ensure that you actually get them sent.  You can check out the selection and order announcements at customcardcafe.com.