Hmmmm....Calling Cards?

This history of calling cards is buried deep in the social rules and etiquette of the upper class.  To "Call" on one's friends, or come for a social visit.  The card itself spoke volumes of your social identity.  The texture, engraving, fonts, color - all were an important indication of your status amond the social elite.  A lady, or more likely at the time - a gentleman, always had his/her card on their persons to streamline the introductory process.  They would present their calling card to the greeting servants to give to the masters of the home. If the person wasn't home, the servant would leave the card to indicate whom had come to call.

OK - so, us modern folk ain't so sophisticated....or better yet, the majority of us can't afford servants.  (oh-to only have a butler.....)  So the calling card takes on a different meaning and usage in 2010.  Especially since we have SO much information to give.  Most of us have business cards, but on the business card you only have your business information.  Your calling card would have all of your pertinenant personal info.  Your personal webpage or blog, personal cell phone, email, mailing address and maybe even your very on qoute to live by.  The nice thing about calling cards are that they are so personal.  As in the early 19th and 20th century, the card itself was a material indication of one's status, these days the card can represent your personality.  You can have a cute card, plain no nonsense card, funny card, pictures, no pictures, etc.  The other nice thing about calling cards are that when you're giving someone your email address, there is no room for error.  (was that an underscore 12354 at .net or .com?)  Total confussion and error elimination.

What about calling cards as a gift?  What a wonderful gift to a new graduate.  They can simply give out their 'card' when they are meeting new people.  How many times have we given out email addresses or phone numbers in college (on campus, of course....not at the bars)  OR, I'm sure the new bride would love a card with her new information on it, since Lord knows she'll be changing most of that info (ok,ok-fairness, not all brides change their names and info)  I'm know from experience the new mom will need a quick give out to give for playdates and babysitters.  Especially since she won't have the hands available to stop and write down her info.

With all that said.....yes you can get calling cards at Mally's Cottage.  We can help you choose a design that fits your personality and print them for you.  OR, there is, actually, a really cool line that we carry if you just don't want to commit to a large quantity of a card because you're not sure what style you like, or what mood you'll be in.  You can order a stamp that has all your information on it (and the ink comes in many different colors, and the stamp in many different styles)  Simply stamp your stamp on the many different styles of pre-printed calling cards, all designed to fit the stamp.  If you have the stamp, it dosen't stop at calling cards, you can stamp the stock fold-over note cards, thank you cards, list pads, note pads, wine bottle toppers, etc.  If you get a stamp for someone as a gift, you always have another gift to give by replenishing their pre-printed products.  So, next time you have a graduation, wedding or baby gift to give, think outside the box and let your receipient know you really thought ahead and thought about something they could really use, rather than just another trinket.