A lot of people believe that Sweetest Day is merely an invention by greeting card companies to try and capitalize on those poor schnooks whose girlfriends can’t make it until next February. And this of course comes before the barrage of end of year holidays in which we become so bogged down by goodwill and cheer that it becomes less, well, cheerful a time. Luckily, the brunt of minor holiday worries are over, and you are left unscathed. That doesn’t, however, mean the rest of the year is a snap. On the contrary, there’s inevitably that one gal in the office that insists on getting everyone a card for every minute holiday, from Arbor Day to National Talk Like a Pirate Day. So should you feel like a schmuck for not returning the gesture? Not necessarily. But with the plethora of greeting card options available from purveyors like Hallmark, there’s not always an easy way to tell when to card, when to send an email blast with some holiday-specific witticisms, and when to do nothing at all.

Joan Schnee, owner of Short North stationery and gift store On Paper, expounds,“A card should be from the heart and given whenever the spirit moves you, no occasion necessary. The old saying– it is better to give than to receive– is never more true. Who wouldn’t love to receive a handwritten note (not to mention envelope!) in their mailbox?”

And On Paper is just the place to pick up a beautifully crafted, handmade card that expresses how you feel without relying on a cheesy, stock “Roses are red” type poem. Schnee explains, “Unlike many cards that are suited to very specific events, our selection is more open to interpretation and to the message the sender opts to write inside. That’s exactly why the majority of our cards are blank inside– the perfect page to say exactly what YOU want to say, not what a card writer has to say.” That means not only can you flex your creative muscles on an elegant backdrop, but you can also celebrate any occasion with someone, even if it’s not a recognized holiday. Give one to a friend just to say “thinking of you” or share some laughs: Dear Neighbor, Thanks for unclogging my sink for the millionth time.Think outside the card stock.

And what to do about the aforementioned cubicle mate, the one who introduced you to National Play Doh Day (Sept. 16)? “If someone gives you a card, and you do not have one for them, a gracious thank you and hug is a perfect response,” muses Schnee. “One day, if you are out and about and you come across a token gift or card that they would appreciate, return the sentiment with abandon! Random acts of thoughtfulness are always in style!”

Even if you’re no seasoned wordsmith, the thought is what counts in the end. But if you’re still in the market for something a little more permanent, a thoughtful gift or personal trinket can really go the distance without your having to spend a lot of money. For now, it’s not too early to start getting into the holiday spirit, and On Paper features some lovely vintage-inspired ornaments as part of their seasonal collection. At the same time, there’s no wrong time to give or receive. Don’t feel confined to the designated days, and give your Hallmark frequent buyer card a rest. Still want to wish someone a Happy Halloween? The secret is in the sentiment. But in this case, a Snickers bar does the trick, too.

On Paper
737 North High St.
614.424.6617
www.onpaper.com

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