Snowflake Gift Company creates one of a kind, customized, three-dimensional pop-up cards for many occasions, including baby announcements, baby shower or birthday party invitations. You can choose to either have your card created from scratch, or to customize a pre-existing design. You provide personal images or artwork you want used in the card, and Snowflake creates a design around it. Proofs are emailed to you, and once a proof is approved, you’ll receive the cards in about 2 weeks. They also provide a mail service in which they’ll mail your cards for you if you provide them with a complete mailing list. These cards are perfect for a variety of occasions. Prices range from $12.20 for 20 1-layer small cards to $17 for 20 4-layer large cards. A complete price list can be found at SnowflakeGift.com.

If you want to encourage your child to write, why not make it fun by allowing him or her to compose and send letters to friends and family members? I know I have a lot of fond memories of letter writing as a child. Even when I was too young to really write well, I enjoyed drawing pictures on postcards to friends, and dictating words to my mom. Fun stationery, like these Animals on Parade cards from Sukie, makes the process even more exciting. This set includes 16 cards and envelopes that can be used for just about any purpose. I think most children will be drawn to the colorful animal images. You can purchase a set for $12.95 at ittikid.com, and let the (educational) fun begin! The set would also make a great gift for a slightly older child.

It is important to me that my kids learn to write thank you notes for gifts that they receive. At the same time, however, I don’t want the writing process to be overwhelming or a chore. When my oldest daughter was just learning to write, I discovered the beauty of fill-in thank yous. These cute cards allow children to send a thank you without having to struggle with a lot of writing. All they need to write is the name of the gift they are thankful for and their name. It is a great way to enocurage a life-long habit. I like these simple, all-purpose cards from PaperPrince Marami. You can purchase a pack of 10 for $5.95 at MyExpression.com. Sometimes I secretly wish I could get away with such simple thank yous!