It is that time of year in my house, when I chase the kids around with my camera in order to get a decent photo of the two of them. As many parents know, it is not easy to get a photo for a holiday card of two reluctant kids who have no interest in looking at the camera or smiling, let alone at the same time. Holiday cards in our house are more than just a greeting for a happy holiday season. To my husband and me, each year we send out a photo of our growing kids is a reminder of so much that we went through years ago to bring them into this world.
A couple of months ago I was browsing online for a gift idea, when I came across the personalized journals from Minted.com. Then, lucky me, the folks at Minted offered me a gift card to the site if I wanted to write online about a few of my favorite Minted products.
If you have not heard of Minted yet, it has a really cool concept with products such as stationery, wall art, cards and home décor. Minted crowd-sources design ideas from independent designers around the world by engaging them in a variety of design challenges. Both the consumers and designers help curate the site’s product line by voting on the entries to each challenge. Minted produces and sells the winning designs, paying the designer a commission on every sale.
And, it is a woman owned business. Woot!
So the one item that first drew me in to the site is the Chalkboard Dreams Journal designed by Jennifer Pace. It retails for $16 and can be personalized as you choose. There is something about the design on this journal that I just love. (Anyone want to buy me a holiday present?) The Famous Doodles Journal by Avie Designs is a terrific gift idea for a kid of any age. It says, “One day these doodles will be worth a lot of money.” I love how it inspires creativity.
Did I mention that they carry washi tape? My washi-loving friends are going to be thrilled. (I am talking about you, Hillary, Leticia and Lisa.)
Since I do not know how our holiday photo adventure will end, it is somewhat difficult to choose a card just yet. However, I am loving the Simple Flourish Holiday photo cards by Lisa Woodard, the Bold Cheers New Years photo cards by Kristen Smith, and the Headline Banner New Year’s photo cards by Kimberly Morgan. There are so many great designs to choose from. Not only is Minted owned by a woman, all of my favorite cards were designed by women too!
By the way, not everything on the site is in these colors. I guess it’s just what I am in the mood for this year!
And if you have visited this site before, you know that I am all about brands that give back. If you are fundraising event for a school or a non-profit organization or event, click here for a gift certificate kit or a 50% discount applied to your organization’s order.
So now I am back to chasing my kids around the house while begging or bribing them to smile and look at the camera. Because for us, a holiday card will always be more than just a holiday card.
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