However, these days with the internet at our fingertips it is far easier to send electronic birthday cards. Although electronic birthday cards are quick and easy to send I personally feel sending a card this way shows no sense of thought for the recipient.

There is nothing better than accepting a card that has been thoughtfully chosen, with words that mean something. Although time may be of the essence and electronic birthday cards seem like the easiest solution consider the sentiment and how much more grateful a person would be if they were to receive a handmade card rather than something they know has been put together in five minutes and with minimal effort.

Deciding to make a handmade card may seem like an endless task but there are ways and means to send something personal and unique in very little time. If the card is for a relative why not ask you children to draw a small picture each and simply add their pictures to a card base. You can then dress it up a little with an embellishment or two and hey presto you have a beautiful, personalised handmade card which the receiver will know the whole family have made an effort with.

Making a simple card using very few products will save time but the result will be personal. Spending a little time choosing the words will also show that you have thought about what you are sending.

Handmade cards do not have to be elaborate and take up all your time. Sometimes more is less and if you are pushed for time something I find very quick and easy to do is find a picture of the person in question, mat and layer it and simply attach it to the card. Simple, quick and easy but most importantly the card is personal.

If you have forgotten a birthday and have no other option but to use electronic birthday cards to ensure the card arrives on time, why not follow up by sending a belated handmade card to show how much you care and that you do have time to think about someone and spend some time creating something unique and personal to them.

Electronic birthday cards can be good fun if accompanied by a video or animated picture but I for one would much rather receive something through the post which I can physically open than to just open another email.