It’s my mom’s birthday tomorrow.
Postcards from a 2014 Calendar by Albertine Press
An extra special Birthday gift idea
I’m very late on getting my Mom a gift for her Birthday. Spoiler alert Mom.
I have no excuses as this is an idea I’ve had in the back of my mind for some time.
It was inspired by two gals, Teri-Lynne and Laurie, who are great friends and neighbors. Laurie orchestrated a family and friend letter writing campaign for the 40 days leading up to Teri-Lynne’s 40th birthday.
7 tips on how to organize a Birthday letter campaign
Laurie had all the letters mailed (or hand delivered) to her home and she gave one to Teri-Lynne each day leading up to the big birthday.
As you can imagine, this is no small feat. So to help you be way more organized than I was, here are Laurie’s tips:
1) Email friends and family at least 2 months in advance of actual birth date.
2) If you are wanting 40 letters then ask at least 60 people, as not everyone will put pen to paper.
3) Make it easy for the letter writers. Make an email letter an option.
4) Or use postcards as I did. It’s not necessary to write a four page letter.
5) Definitely involve any kids. They can draw pictures or doodle depending on age. Envelopes are also a great place to get creative for any age.
6) Be clear in your communication that it is a secret project (if this is your goal).
7) Give a deadline as to when the letters need to be submitted.
5 suggestions on what to write to the Birthday person
As for me, because I didn’t start early enough, I’m only involving my family, my two sisters and all the grand kids. Here are some suggestions that seemed to work in our house:
1) Think snippets not volumes.
2) Put the cards out on the supper table and have everyone write something each night for a week (makes for good dinner time conversation too).
3) You can start off with “I appreciate this … about you ” or ” I love you because…” or “Thank you for…” maybe “It was fun when we ….”
4) Look at photos for things you have done together to trigger good memories and write about them.
5) We found that once one story was remembered, it often led to more.
What would you write to your mom on her birthday?
P.S. Happy 70th Mom!! Love you lots. xoxo
This is kind of a timely post for me as yesterday was my mom’s birthday and I of course am late with her gift. I think the best gift is a hand written note or letter, and I’ll be writing a letter to my mom and tell her (like the postcard in your post) that now that I am a mom myself, I have so much more respect, understanding, and love for her and all that she did for me and my brother while we were growing up.
No doubt your Mom will love your handwritten note for her Birthday! Talk about excellent timing indeed. Funny, how it takes us daughters until we become moms to appreciate our mothers more deeply. Cycle of life I guess. Thanks for sharing.
Hello, my lovely daughter!
Here I am, reading your blog on the eve of my 70th birthday, and what a VERY pleasant surprise that you have mentioned me in today’s blog!!! I have to admit that tears of gratitude welled up as I was reading. (You know me & how I respond when I feel strongly about something – the tears arrive!)
Yes, tomorrow I’ll be 70 & I feel so grateful to God that I’ve reached this plateau & that I have good health (feel like 39) & love life. I am very blessed to have such a WONDERFUL family (my excellent husband, two other sweet daughters & 7 grandkids) – what more could a person ask for?
Thanks, Barb, for the parcel that arrived today!
Much love, Mom
I love that my Mom is my biggest fan! Glad you liked the post Mom, sorry if it spoiled the surprise. Call you later. xoxo.