Teen Milestone: Drive Like a Boss
In the United States and elsewhere, a teenager getting their driver’s license allows them to gain further independence from their parents. Once upon a time, this was considered an important rite of passage, another step toward adulthood.
More recently, however, the desire for the freedom of the road has changed for some teens. In the last 15 or so years, the number of high schoolers getting their driver’s licenses has dropped. Experts disagree on the cause of the decline.
According to a University of Michigan survey, some of the reasons cited for not getting a driver’s license include not having enough time or money, and the availability of alternate transportation such as a bike or a parent willing to give a ride. Putting off getting a driver’s license appears to be a developing trend.
When someone you love finally does take the test and pass, Greeting Card Universe makes the celebration even more special with one of a kind Congratulations – Passing Driving Test/Driver’s License cards. Choose from over 100 unique designs, order on-line, and we’ll put your hugs on the road the next business day.
Need a card in a hurry? Order on-line, get free in-store pick-up—usually in one hour—at most Target and Bartell Drug Stores.
What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Great service, I ordered 2 cards for my mother on the 17th of Feb and they hadn’t arrived by the 24th. I called and 2 more were promptly sent out. Thanks for the service.” – Carleton, March 1, 2014
Back to School
Summer’s almost at an and and children are returning to school to begin another year. Most will be starting a new grade, and some will be attending a brand new school. It can be an anxious time for both parents and their sons and daughters. Here are a few tips to help kids cope:
Be Positive: Don’t get stressed out thinking about things that could go wrong. Instead, think about all the things that will go right when you meet new teachers and other students, and see old friends.
Be Friendly: Smile often. Making new friends is a great way to start your school year. Don’t get down if things don’t go entirely to plan. Having a sense of humor makes school much more fun.
Be Attentive in Class: Listen during the orientation period or to teachers when they go over the rules. Pay attention on the first day of school – you don’t want to miss any information you’ll need later.
Be Prepared: Get yourself organized with the basic supplies you need and be sure your backpack is ready to go the night before the first day of school. That will prevent a lot of rushing around and stress in the morning. Get enough sleep and eat a good breakfast to ensure you’ve got the energy you need.
Be Smart: Try your best, use good work habits, do your homework, and ask if you don’t understand something. You’ll feel better about yourself and about school. And if you have a bad day, give yourself time to adjust to your routine.
Greeting Card Universe offers parents, relatives, and teachers the opportunity to welcome new students with unique Back to School cards and First Day of School cards for kids in grades Preschool to College.
What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I ordered several cards from your company. I love the variety you offer. I was able to find special and unique cards for my friend. Also, I saw an age specific Godson card I liked but I needed a card with a different age. I sent a request and the card was created. This is the type of service that will keep me and hopefully others coming back for additional orders. Thank you.”- Catherine – Newport News, Virginia, August 13, 2013
“Stay-cation” for Pets
Lots of folks take time off in summer to travel—just head out to a destination to enjoy relaxing, rewinding, and recharging a few days to a few weeks. But what about pets? Some owners place dogs or cats in a kennel, but others opt to give their pets a “stay-cation” at home by hiring a pet sitter.
What should you look for in a pet sitter?
References: Has the pet sitter been recommended to you by a trusted friend, family member, neighbor, veterinarian, or co-worker? If their references consist primarily of people you don’t know, be sure to call former clients on the list and ask about the potential sitter’s prior experience and conduct.
Qualifications: Does the sitter have the necessary experience and training to take good care of your pet? A professional pet sitter should have:
- An association with a vet providing after-hours medical care if necessary
- Proof of commercial liability insurance & bonded against theft
- Written contract spelling out all services, responsibilities, and costs
- An agreed-upon plan in place in case of emergency
- An appointment to come to your home and meet your pet before you leave
- Specialized training for the more exotic pets like snakes, lizards, etc.
Professionalism: Does the sitter take notes about your pet’s likes, dislikes, schedule, medication, medical conditions? What if they’re unable to fulfill their responsibilities while you’re still away—do they have a back-up plan? Do they offer other services like in-home grooming, playtime, walking the dog? If requested, will they contact you regularly and give updates on your pet’s condition?
To show a pet sitter your appreciation for helping provide you with a worry-free vacation, Greeting Card Universe offers unique Thank You Pet Sitter cards, including customizable Photo Cards.
What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“This is ABSOLUTELY the BEST place to purchase any type of card that you want/need! I have told bunches of friends/family to use! Thank you every much for everything! I will be ordering in the future just as I have been! Denise Tennessee” – Denise, June 18, 2013
5 Tips For New Grandparents
When a baby enters the family, everyone’s life changes — not just Mom and Dad, but new grandparents find themselves faced with unexpected challenges as well as joys. Here are 5 tips to help Grandma and Grandpa get off to a wonderful relationship with their grandchildren.
Stay Positive, Please: Telling sweet and/or funny stories about your own children will always be welcome. Horror stories, tales of woe, or heavy handed advice, won’t be.
Respect Parents’ Choices: If you expect to be a welcome part of the baby’s family, don’t be overly critical and keep your misgivings to yourself. You raised your children your way. Give the new parents the same respect. And don’t be offended if you aren’t invited to attend every little event or your suggestions for the baby’s name aren’t taken.
Stay Put: Don’t go overboard by immediately planning to move to be closer to your grandchild. Have an open discussion with the new parents. And don’t jump straight into offering full-time child care to working parents unless you’ve really put some thought into it and decided you’re capable physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Share the Love: In many families, there are at least two sets of grandparents. Prepare to share the time you get to spend with your grandchildren. Get to know the other Grandmother and Grandfather. Be diplomatic, offer compromises on visits or trips, and don’t try to one-up them with bigger and better gifts.
Shopping Sprees Not Required: Don’t go crazy and buy up half the store! Ask the parents what they need for the new baby, and especially what they don’t want. Have an honest discussion. Perhaps the parents would prefer financial assistance instead to help offset expenses. If you don’t know what would be welcome, ask.
Greeting Card Universe’s unique collection of Congratulations on Becoming Grandparents cards are a wonderful way to welcome a family member or friend to this new, exciting stage of their life.
What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Shipping was brilliantly quick, pricing was fantastic, and the quality of the cards is second to none. GCU is far and away the best place to find and purchase greeting cards for any occasion, and any recipient. Bravo!”- Ron Erhardt, May 13, 2013
Kindness Never Goes Out of Style
February 13th-19th is Random Acts of Kindness Week, when many people, groups, businesses, and communities around the globe try to make the world a better place by showing kindness to others.
“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.”
—William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
How can you practice kindness, not just during this special week, but every day of your life? Simple things, such as paying a stranger’s bill in a restaurant or saying “thank you” to a person you see all the time but tend to take for granted (like your teacher or the barista at your favorite coffee shop) can go a long way into bringing a little sunshine into someone else’s day.
You can take it further by volunteering your talents or gifts to benefit people in need in your local community.
Sending custom“Thinking of You” greeting cards is a great way to touch base anytime with anyone. Greeting Card Universe also offers fantastic custom Thank You greeting cards that let you express your appreciation – and share an act of kindness with someone else – in unique and colorful ways.
SPECIAL OFFER: Right now, order 10+ cards, pay $1.99 each – use code 2012FEB199 at checkout!
What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I discovered this site by accident. I got engaged on Christmas day (2011), and I wanted a unique way to invite my Maid of Honor and my bridemaids. GCU had a wide selection and I was able to customize every card individually with writing and a photo of each of them. The product was excellent and I got a lot of compliments for being thoughtful…..thank you.” Jackie – Feb 6, 2012
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“Women agonize… over cancer; we take as a personal threat the lump in every friend’s breast.”
—Martha Weinman Lear, Heartsounds
- More women die of breast cancer every year than any other cancer except lung cancer
- Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women
- Although a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer doubles if she has a close relative (mother, daughter, sister) who has had breast cancer herself, 70-80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no history of the disease in their families
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to educating and raising awareness of breast cancer, preventing cancer, and the importance of early detection that saves lives. The international symbol of breast cancer is a pink ribbon, first adopted by Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1991.
Each October, fundraising events are held in many communities in the U.S. and internationally, including the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, and the Komen Race for the Cure. This year (2011) is the 25th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can help by participating in events, volunteering, making a donation, or helping organize a fundraiser at your company or in your area.
Greeting Card Universe’s diverse artist community offers greeting cards for cancer survivors, cancer patients, and their families and supporters, as well as thank you cards for doctors and nurses so you can send a heartfelt message of encouragement and love, as well as a smile, to someone who needs it.
What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I ordered a very special card for my goddaughter’s bridal shower; never having used your site before, I received it yesterday which was only a few days after ordering it and to my surprise it was BEAUTIFUL! I will most definitely be a dedicated customer. I will be recommending you to all my friends, family and co-workers. Thank you for your impeccable service!” — Mrs. Wolfley, October 6, 2011
National Grandparents Day
On the first Sunday after Labor Day, Americans celebrate Grandparents Day, a holiday honoring grandparents and the elderly for their many important contributions to the family as well as society in general.
Who created Grandparents Day? In 1970, Marian McQuade – mother of 15 children, 40 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren, as well as a staunch advocate and activist for senior citizens – began campaigning for a day officially recognizing grandparents. Due to her work, in 1973, West Virginia became the first state to recognize Grandparents Day, and in 1978, U.S. President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the first Sunday after Labor Day to be National Grandparents Day.
Grandparents Day has become an important national holiday celebrated by millions, who not only treat their own grandmother and grandmother (and other elderly relatives) to a special lunch or dinner, greeting cards and gifts, but many also do something special for shut-ins and nursing home residents, who always welcome visits and cards.
This Grandparents Day, don’t forget to celebrate with the older members of your family. In addition, contact your local nursing home to find out how you can make a difference in someone’s life.
At Greeting Card Universe, you’ll find many unique ways to send your love at Grandparents Day to Mamaw and Papaw, or to say “I miss you” to someone who may be far away, but who’s still close to your heart.
What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I never thought, I’d find such a beautiful card for my grandsons Eagle Scout prsentation. It was perfect, and he thought it was really C-O-O-L!!!! everyone wanted to know where I got them, and I passed on your website to them. Thank you so much for providing such great cards, at such a reasonable price. ” Rebecca Snyder, Napoleon, Ohio – September 1, 2011
Just Because Day
JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN…
Every day of the week, we do things because we have to: we go to work, we do our chores, we fulfill our obligations and responsibilities. However, there is one day of the year, every year, when you can do things “just because,” and that day is August 27th – designated Just Because Day.
We’re not sure who dreamed up this holiday, but what a fun idea, and what a great way to be reminded to do something nice for someone for no other reason than “just because.”
So perform a random act of kindness. Take your kids to the zoo. Surprise your husband with a special little gift. Buy a cup of coffee for the person standing next to you in line at the coffee shop. Stay in touch with family and friends by sending them a smile with a “Just Because” greeting card from Greeting Card Universe.
And don’t forget to tell someone special “I love you” for no reason… just because you can.
What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I have loved every card I…from a 90th birthday card, to cancer cards for my sister to a specially created card for a dear friend’s 60th birthday. Keep up the good work. Anytime I need a special card, I turn to you. Thanks!!!” Carol – Aug 18, 2011
National Senior Citizens Day
In 1988, U.S. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 21st to be National Senior Citizens Day, a holiday celebrated annually to honor the elderly.
“For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older.”
—–President Ronald Reagan
On this day, everyone is encouraged to get in touch with their elderly relatives – aunts and uncles, grandmothers and grandfathers, great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers – or with older friends and neighbors, and show your appreciation for their valuable contributions to your family and your community.
You can also olunteer at a local senior center, visit a nursing home, or give to an organization that supports and serves the needs of America’s senior citizens. How about helping an elderly neighbor care for her pets? Or making time to help a senior citizen you know with chores like mowing the lawn and trimming hedges. There are many ways you can make a real difference in an older person’s life.
Whatever you do, giving a heartfelt thanks or saying “thinking of you” with a unique greeting card from Greeting Card Universe is a sure way to make someone’s day a lot brighter.
What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Greeting Card Universe is so convenient. You can order your personal cards for the entire year, and personalize them, if you want. Each time I have placed an order it has been delivered within a couple of days. They are accurate and efficient with my orders. Sure takes the guesswork out of wondering if I purchased a card for a loved one, or not. Thank you, Greeting Card Universe.” Sheryl – Aug 4, 2011
Pet Sitting Tips
Arranging a “Staycation” for the
Other Members of Your Family
For many people, at some point during the summer months, they’ll be taking a vacation. Chances are, they’ll be looking for fun in another state or even another country. And they’ll be taking the kids, too, and also other family members… but in most cases, the pets have to be left behind.
While Fluffy and Fido are considered part of the family, cats and dogs are not welcome at many hotels, attractions and resort destinations in the U.S., nor do most pets travel well, particularly if you’re going long distances. For them, staying at home is ideal, but who’s going to take care of your pets when you’re not there?
Two options spring to mind: boarding at a kennel (or if your pooch or kitty deserves even more pampering, a luxury pet resort) or finding a pet sitter.
Most people ask a neighbor or friend to baby-sit the fur kids while you’re away. However, some have to hire a professional pet sitter. If you don’t already have a pet sitter, the best way to find one is through a personal recommendation by a person you know and trust. However, if no one you know can recommend a sitter, how do you find someone you can trust with your spare house key, your valuables, and your pets’ well being?
You can check the National Association of Pet Sitters’ website, an organization for certified, professional pet sitters. There’s also Pet Sitters International, another professional organization. And Pet-Sitter.biz is a registry bringing owners and professional pet sitters together. There are other on-line options; choose the one that’s right for you. Or check your local listings such as newspaper advertisements or the Yellow Pages for pet sitters in your area.
Remember, before you hire a pet sitter, you must make time to conduct phone interviews, home meetings, and checking references, so plan ahead.
And don’t forget to thank your pet sitter – whether your pets have been cared for by a pro or a friend – with a “thank you” greeting card from Greeting Card Universe. Our selection of fun, funny or sincere cards will send your message of gratitude with a smile!
What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“After searching at two stores for a mutual birthdaycard, it occured to me…duh! I can order one from Greeting Card Universe. I came home, found exactly what I was looking for on-line immediately, and had the card delivered within days. So don’t knock yourself out spending time and gasoline going all over town for that special card. Sit back and order it right here.” Gayle – Jul 27, 2011