Top 10 Occasions for Using Stationery

Even though many interpersonal communications are conducted via computer and cell phone, paper stationery is still an important tool in the communications arsenal of the information age. Do you love the stationery you've seen in the store or online, but can't think of a single reason you would need it? Here are the top 10 occasions for using personalized stationery -- pick one or use them all!

#10. We've moved / keep in touch

Mailing an announcement on paper stationery is the best way to notify friends and loved ones when you move or buy a new home. First, they are sure to read it, as no one gets much real mail other than bills and advertisements. Second, if you use high quality stationery, they are likely to keep it somewhere prominent such as displayed on their refrigerator. No one likes to throw away pretty cards or stationery! Even if you haven't moved recently, you can use personalized stationery just to keep in touch, even with people you email on a regular basis. The gesture of sending a personalized note tells your friend or loved one that you were thinking about them in a special way, and making a effort to make that extra personal connection.

#9. Sympathy

No one looks forward to having the occasion to write sympathy cards, but this gesture is extremely important to the bereaved. Expressing your condolences helps them to feel they are not alone, and the sentiments are often a comfort over time as they re-read messages to remember and celebrate the life of the deceased. Consider using personalized stationery rather than a greeting card from a big box store. The personal touch of custom stationery makes a statement that you really care, and enhances the keepsake value of the memory you are creating for the bereaved.

#8. Get well / support a friend in time of need

Similar to sympathy notes, "get well" messages are much more than symbolic to the ill person. A personal note can have important psychological benefits which will help aid in their recovery. Taking the time to choose personalized stationery adds more weight to your sentiments than a regular card. And you don't have to reserve this gesture for major surgeries and hospitalizations -- use stationery to express your support when you know a friend is in crisis, or even if they've just had the flu and are feeling under the weather.

#7. Congratulations

You say congratulations all the time in person, or often in email, but how often do you really go out of your way to acknowledge a friend or colleague's accomplishment or say "job well done"? Congratulations are appropriate for more than high school graduation or getting a new job, although those are both worthy events that often get overlooked or under-recognized. Give kudos on personalized stationery for a difficult task completed. Another nice occasion for congratulations is when a child has performed well on an important test or academic milestone. Use personalized stationery to enhance your reward and motivation relationship, and chances are your child will cherish those notes of encouragement for many years to come.

#6. Dinner/houseguest

Another often looked occasion to use stationery is when you have been hosted at someone's house for dinner or overnight stay. You say thank you when you're there, but it isn't necessarily good enough to stop there. Good manners dictate a handwritten thank you note when a host has gone out of their way to extend you hospitality. Your thank you on quality personalized stationery expresses your true appreciation, graciousness, and helps to ensure a return invitation in the future.

#5. Business

Never underestimate the power of a handwritten note or letter to enhance your business relationships. Whether you are saying thank you for lunch, the opportunity to introduce yourself or following up on a previous contact, personalized stationery gives you an added edge simply because most people don't take the time to use it. Anyone can send an email, and email still has its place in business, but you can really stand out in their memory by handwriting communications on high quality professional stationery.

#4. Friend did you a favor

Isn't it great to have someone in your life you can rely on? Let your friends and loved ones know how much you appreciate them when they help out with last minute babysitting or pick up a cake for you. A thank you on personalized stationery says that you noticed, and you don't take them for granted. You can even practice this custom when a co-worker gives you a ride to the auto shop -- remember, they didn't have to do it!

#3. Birthday or other party hosted in your honor

Acknowledging gifts is not the only time to say thank you. Thank friends, family or coworkers for any luncheon or party hosted in your honor, whether for your birthday, anniversary, promotion, or service award. As important as it is to recognize gifts, it is even more important to recognize those who have put in a lot of effort to make this event happen for you. Tell them how much you appreciate it with a handwritten letter on personalized stationery.

#2. Life events: weddings, births, and religious celebrations

The most common occasion for using stationery is for life's major events: weddings, births, and religious celebrations such as baptisms or bat mitzvahs. And for each event there are multiple needs for stationery: save the date announcements, invitations, RSVP cards, programs, table cards, and, of course, thank you notes. You will want to use personalized stationery on par with the occasion. After all, most of these events occur only one time in a person's life. Celebrate and memorialize it with personalized stationery.

#1. Express love to your partner

And finally, the number one occasion to use stationery is to express love to your partner. Write a letter about a special day you shared and how you will always remember it. Thank him or her for being there when you need it. Share your hopes for your future together. Handwritten notes express love now and create mementos for years to come. Don't wait until it's too late or you regret you never said how much you care. And for a lighter take on this, use stationery instead of text messaging to 'make a date' with your spouse or flirt during the day. Tuck a note in your partner's lunch bag when they're not looking -- this is a sure way to brighten their day and spice up your nights together!