Great Greeting Trends

National Stationery Show Trends
The 67th National Stationery Show in New York City was a smorgasbord of delights featuring trends and innovations for connecting with family, friends, colleagues and clients. The show is a dazzlement of color and style, with solutions for everyone and every purpose. It truly promotes the art of correspondence. In our age of ubiquitous email and instant messaging, handwritten greetings are special, and outstanding greetings deliver what we've coined "theatre in the mail."

Relationships are key
Whether you send a single thank-you note or a bundle of holiday greetings, when you put pen to paper ensure you deliver a brand-positive experience. The challenge is to find the style that supports your brand. This is where we can help. We can source options from independent designers and artists, and personalize or custom-create irresistible greetings that will thrill your recipient, be kept and shared. We know precisely how to create impact with your customers, clients, referral sources or stakeholders. Let us help you cement a powerful relationship, because relationships are key.

At the show, we visited 800 exhibitors from around the world to find that elusive corporate card, one that can be sent from business to client or from one business to another. If you’ve looked, you know it is rare to find corporate-friendly cards. Armed with 25 years’ experience and a discerning eye, we scour the world for your perfect Great Greeting™.

	Clever messaging I love a great play on words and clever messaging creates engagement. Here’s an example of a greeting that takes social media to the next level. This handwritten ink and paper card states, “I liked you on Facebook, I followed you on Twitter, I connected with you on Linkedin.”
	Humour It can be challenging to incorporate humor into a card that won’t be misinterpreted; here's an example that is both trendy and nostalgic.
	Classic yet distinctive Gold is the standard for excellence and represents the highest honor. And this year, gold and black are the trendy luxe colors. What better way to make someone feel special than to tell them “You’re as good as gold”!
	Made by hand Handmade cards from contemporary to nostalgic can make an exceptional statement with unique craftsmanship and design. They are tactile and dimensional, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for the recipient. Examples range from letterpress thank-you cards on a botanical theme to a witty, coaster-shaped holiday greeting that doubles as a money holder on the always amusing “Christmas Sweater” theme.
	Detailed die-cutting This Valentines’ card takes die-cutting to a new level. The lacey type is laser-cut creating space around each letter and leaving an eye-catching hole inside the heart shape. The clever use of outstretched arms as an iconic hug makes a simple yet bold statement.
	Holiday celebrating Here are a couple of clever, fun-loving holiday greetings that have broad appeal!
	Personalization Embellishment and gift wrapping take on a new dimension. 3M launched Scotch Expressions tape, pre-printed in tons of colors and patterns for personalizing and decorating any package. Watch for it coming to retailers soon.