I work part-time as a Merchandiser for major greeting card company. I go around to several stores and make sure the greeting card section is organized and filled with cards. I love this job by the way.
One of the stores I service is the Dollar Tree. A few weeks ago as I was restocking and organizing cards, this elderly couple came in with tools in hand. He, a clipboard with a list of names and birthdates along with some sticky notes. She, the attitude of a "boss".
He began to rattle off names, and she began to search high and low.
She'd find the card, hand it to the Mr.
and he would write a name on a sticky note and stick it to the card.
Then, Mr. would put a "X" next to a name from the list.
And the search continued, until all of the names had an "X".
It took them about 45 minutes and I was just in awe!
When they were finished, I chatted with them about how I LOVE their system
and
how it MIGHT even work for someone like me
sans the husband to be the "sticky note/ 'X' guy".
It was kinda cute because the Mrs. was kind of bossy and the Mr. just did his assigned job.
She said they do this every Decemebr for the following year and they never miss a birthday.
I was impressed!
It got me thinking...they had a great idea and I wanted to try it.
On many days at work, I also noticed that peple really pick greeting cards with their HEART. They laugh, put it back, try another one, laugh some more, and finally walk away with a card.
I always wonder if the person on the recieving end
appreicates how much heart went into the card?
I'll never know.
So I came up with my own plan for making sure my important friends and relatives know I am thinking of them on their birthday.
It's a special day!
I modified MY ATTEMPT NOT TO FORGET BIRTHDAYS THIS YEAR but I'm hoping it works.
I really think the power of a greeting card and the written word are important.
My PLAN:
Make a list of special people and their birthday
Write their name and birthday on a sticky note.
I would do this before I go to the store
because I am NOT taking an assistant/hubby/child with me.
On my own!
Go to the Dollar Tree and start picking out the perfect card.
Did I mention they have a bazillion cards that are 2 for $1.00
and some that are $1.00---and they are stylish, and funny, and hip
Stick the sticky note on the card because if you're like me,
by the time you get home you'll forget which card goes with who!
PS-If you have a great MERCHANDISER at your Dollar Tree,
the cards will be organized and neat with NO BENT CARDS in sight
(I hate cards that have bends or creases)
AT home, fill out the envelope so it's ready to be mailed
I think I'm going write the personal message inside right before I actually send it out.
No reason, just me.
Put it in a place so you won't forget it.
Put the sticky note back on the outside of the envelope so you can see it.
I'm going to put them out at the beginning of each month for the entire month.
While they are not on the pegboard, they will be in a basket close by.
For me, that place is in my studio craft room.
I also have stamps hanging close by!
At the beginning of each month,
look at your cards and decide when it should be mailed out
so you give it enough time to arrive BEFORE the persons birthday!
My goal is for each person to get a card from me a FEW DAYS BEFORE their birthday.
I'll check back in sometime in June
to let you know how this system has worked for me.
Fingers crossed!
Happy card shopping!
