People just don't get tired of the traditional method of paying by check - after all it's simple, safe and efficient. It's not just about giving though; we all love knowing there's a check on its way.

Why not make your check more of a statement? Traditional bank checks aren't exactly inspiring are they?

There are so many designs both for personal checks designs and business checks that you can afford to let your checks say something about you.

Let me give you an example. If you own a business and need to send checks out regularly, why not get some personalized checks which reflect the nature of your business?

What a way to raise your corporate identity, and tie in everything together. Imagine receiving a check like that from a company - wouldn't that be a little more noteworthy than a regular check?

There are many predesigned checks to choose from, but some companies also allow you to upload your own photo or artwork and create the check from that.

Many online vendors have the facility for you to submit your own photo online. How brilliant would that be for designers and those who make their living from photography?

If you don't have a business, but you also use checks, a personal check design can be fun too.

It's also a fantastic idea for a gift - maybe your sister is a trainee nurse - what about giving some nurse-themed checks?

Every time she flips open that checkbook her mind will cast past to the day you gave it to her.

Imagine getting a set of checks with a family photo on, or an image from your favorite part of the country - that's the great thing about life in the 21st century - you really have so much choice about what you want.

It's an area of our lives where we have more or less total freedom.

Don't worry that you won't be able to find something you like either - whether it's baseball or bonsai, you will be able to find something you like.

Don't worry about having to go to the bank either - a few screens on a website and voila! it's done, and it's fantastically cheap!

If that's your last check in your checkbook, maybe it's time for a new look - it used to be your car, but now it's what do your checks say about you?