Things You'll Need:
- List of birthdays
- Reminder system
- Stash of cards and cash
- Stamps
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Step 1
Make the list. Call, email or grab your siblings or their spouses at the next family gathering and nail down their children's birthdays.
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Step 2
Include the birth year. That way, your greetings will be more specific: "Happy 9th Birthday" instead of a more generic message.
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Step 3
Note these birthdays in your email reminders or other system or put them on your calendar. If it's a physical calendar, be sure it's one you check frequently. For birthdays that fall in the first few days of a month, note them near the end of the previous month, so you won't miss getting a card into the mail.
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Step 4
Stock up on cards. Buy ahead a variety of cards for different ages and interests.
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Step 5
Stash the cash. Get a wad of $5 and $10 bills. Those under 5 will be thrilled with $5. Increase the amount to $10 for older kids and $15 for teens if your budget allows it.
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Step 6
Get your cards ready. Each month, pull out the cards for that month's birthdays. Address, enclose cash, and note in pencil on the envelope the must-mail-by date. Erase it before putting it in the mailbox.
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Step 7
Bask in the gratitude. Enjoy the thank-yous you'll get and the satisfaction of remembering each of these very special people on their special day.
