Ever forget to send a birthday card? I recently did. I thought about it each week for about a month prior to the big day. And then when the time came to send the card...I forgot.
I have some ideas to share about conquering the forgetfulness we sometime encounter.
Set Up E-Reminders for Birthdays
I added family and friends' birthdays to my Google Calendar and set up reminders to be emailed to me a week in advance.
Write Out Birthday Cards Ahead of Time
Okay, so this might be lame, but I'm saying it. Have cards ready to go at the beginning of each month. Get everyone to sign the card, write a note inside, and address/stamp the envelope ahead of time. I'm more likely to remember to do this on the first of each month and have them all ready to go than to remember to do it a week before, even with a reminder.
Write in Birthdays/Events in Your Planner ... Right Now
At the beginning of each year, I'm going to go through my planner and write in all of the birthdays and events right off the bat. But for now, I can at least fill in the rest of the year.
Add Reminder Pages to Your Home Management Binder
Keep track of everyone in your HMB with this free printable. How do you remember birthdays and special events? If you have any tips or tricks, please share!
I made a slightly different, but similar printable for the same exact reason...I forgot a birthday, too! You can see mine (actually there are two) at http://www.thissimplehome.com/2012/02/household-binder-project-printables.html
ReplyDeleteI actually use www.birthday-reminders.com and it is absolutely fabulous! It is free and so easy to use! I unput all of the birthdays that I know. I put in the email address of everyone else, the website sends them an email asking for their birthday, the input their info, and it automatically puts in the system for me! It then emails me 7 days before their birthday to remind me! I love it!
ReplyDeleteHow kind of you to share! :) I linked on my 'Operation Organization - MN FB pg. :)
ReplyDeleteCheers!
~H
operationorganization-mn.com
I use www.sendoutcards.com. Not only do they have birthday reminders, but the site actually mails out a card for you, I think it about $2 plus postage. You can even pre-fill out cards and have them set to auto mail out :-) If you really want to go all out, you can pay an additional feel to get your own handwriting on the cards. It's a really genius idea!
ReplyDeleteThis is great I always forget people's b-days. Great tips thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletePeople think I'm so thoughtful, but the reality is that if I didn't set my electronic calendar for birthdays, I'd forget. As soon as I learn someone's birthday, I put it in as an annual event the week before the actual date. That gives me enough time to get a card if I don't already have one and mail it out.
ReplyDeleteIf you use an electronic calendar on your phone or computer, it's a lifesaver.
We have everything written in our family calendar, which hangs in the kitchen. I still cut it close with getting cards actually sent though! We have a box of mixed cards for different occasions so I don't have to run out to buy one, and lately our 24 month old has been getting creative making cards for her grandparents.
ReplyDeleteYou have such wonderful ideas. I'm really enjoying your site. Thanks for all the great tips and tricks. I love the birthday info! I used to be so great at sending cards, but after having kids I've fallen behind. I really think all your ideas are great and will help!
ReplyDelete