Best Christmas Card Ideas, The Dog's DooDahs, a Review
Happy Christmas And a Prosperous 2019 to All
Over 1 billion Christmas Cards Sent Throughout the UK Last Year. The Trend is Set to continue in 2018.
One of the Very First Christmas Card, Sold for £22,500 in a Recent Auction.
Finding That Special Card
Greeting cards are evolving and changing, and there will be losers and winners. Businesses that can better adapt to this change will reap the rewards. Finding the ideal Christmas message for friends and family members can be tedious and time-consuming. However, I love giving and receiving Christmas cards and still place them around the house as part of my Christmas decoration every year. This tradition has been an integral part of my Christmas celebration for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, the practice is in danger of becoming a thing of the past.
Finding the right card isn't always possible, I love giving traditional Christmas cards, but I don't necessarily want to be overly sentimental with every card I send. Occasionally, I like cards that are funny, cards containing a message or image that will elicit a smile and get folks laughing. The right card can help to lighten our moods; it can even break the ice where relationships had become a bit chilly.
I was about to give up on my search for that particular card when.....surprise, surprise! Before I could throw my hands in the air in despair, I found the Dog's DooDahs.
Sales of Christmas cards are on the decline, according to some leading charities. Many others believe that within a decade the traditional Christmas or greeting cards will all but disappear.
Increasing costs of sending cards via the post in these times of austerity are deterring many from buying and sending traditional cards, but the reason for the decline in sales is more than just economical; technology and social changes also play a part in the tumbling of sales heralding the decline in the greeting card Industry.
Our society is changing, youngsters in this computer-driven age have been brought up on emails and ecards. We now sent greetings to friends and families alike via social media sites such as Facebook. Recently, a company known for helping youngsters to gain vital work experience found that some teenagers barely knew how to address an envelope. But why would they? Almost all of their communication needs are met online through social platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Well, I don't know about you, but a digital Christmas card doesn't do it for me. What's next? A digital sympathy, anniversary or Mother's Day cards?
I guess some of us will continue the tradition, even if we must deliver the cards in person. While I'm aware that change is inevitable, I still believe that we need to preserve some traditions. I guess the answer is often a compromise between old and new. We need something that is innovative but can still retain a few of the old values.
The tradition of sending commercially printed Christmas cards is a relatively new phenomenon; it began in London in 1843. Before this time, handwritten holiday greetings were exchanged first by hand from person to person, then later through the post. By 1822, the U.S. postal system was buckling under the massive weight of Christmas cards. That year, the Superintendent of Mails in Washington D.C., complained that he needed to take on an extra sixteen mailmen to cope with the high volume of Christmas mail.
The superintendent's problem worsened with the marketing of beautiful commercial cards. The first Christmas card specifically designed for sale was by the London artist John Calcott Horsley. Horsley was commissioned to create the greeting card by the wealthy British businessman, Sir Henry Cole, who wanted something special that he could send to his friends and business acquaintances to wish them a 'Merry Christmas.' Sir Henry Cole was the chief organiser of the Great Exhibition, pioneer of the penny post and founder of the Victoria and Albert Museum. One of Sir Henry's first Christmas card, which he sent to his grandmother recently sold at auction for £22,500.
As sales of traditional Christmas cards continue to fall, those of us who still relish giving and receiving greetings card are looking for something special this year, and I think I've found just the right site. The Dog's DooDahs is refreshingly different, and a lot of fun.
Pull a Prank on Friends and Family Members With a Spoof Card
Have Fun With The Dog's DooDahs
Design Your Own Christmas Card
Wading through a mountain of tedious, mind-numbing sentimental drivel, year after year can be exhausting. A beautiful traditional Christmas card can evoke some lovely memories. However, those that are a touch risqué, a bit cute, or cards that make us laugh out loud, can add the fun factor to Christmas.
I had an idea to design my own greeting cards instead of wasting valuable time at the local card shop yet again. I decided to write my own poems and create my very own cards for friends and family, how cool is that?
However, before I could put pen to paper, I found an online card shop that promises to make my life much easier. The site is “The dog's doodahs,” yeah real cute, just seeing the name made me smile...I thought to myself, this I've got to see. And so I proceeded to the cheeky website to take a look.
I wondered if the cute name might be a little tail wagging by those friendly folks at the Dog's DooDahs or whether there would be some real substance to the claim of “Easy-Peasy, Frightfully Funny Cards.”
The site provides both personalised and non-personalised cards with a large variety of options. If you are of a nervous disposition and are easily offended, this site will still have something for you; I love the naughtiness. If like me, you have a wicked sense of humour, you will enjoy the dog's doodahs' personalised gifts and their vast choice of cards.
I was pleasantly surprised and giggled all the way through the large assortment of Christmas cards. I was able to design unique cards with poems. I found the whole process to be painless and relatively fast.
Use Pets and Family Photos For Special And Unique Cards
Christmas Cards can be boring.
Would you ever consider giving a prank or rude Christmas Card
Be Naughty or nice
What To Write In Your Christmas Cards
The Dog's Doodahs allow you to create your ideal cards on which you may write almost whatever you wish. Within reason of course. The cards are unique, and can be further personalised by adding ideas and images.
Why not cheer up the postie on a miserable December morning by taking up the option of adding a message to the outside of the envelope? How about, 'Happy birthday you miserable old git.' Or, 'Keep your pecker up old fart.' Maybe something a tad more creative, but you get the idea.
However, before sending someone a naughty card here's a word of warning. Be sure that the person to whom you send the gift or card, also shares your sense of fun, and remember; nothing too offensive on the envelope either. But don't fret, those awfully nice people at the dog's doodahs also do some lovely family friendly cards and gifts. You can include cute pets and family photos for those special occasions; what's more, you can also personalise your cards and gifts by adding your message or poems. You can choose to make it sweet and affectionate, romantic and sexy, funny or close to the bone and naughty or nice; the possibility is endless.
I was surprised to find a Christmas card from Buckingham Palace in my post box a few days before Christmas. I just had to smile as the penny dropped. Yep.. it was a sample card from those nice people at the dog's doodahs. Nice one guys.
If your family loves to play pranks on each other, this is the site for you. How about a Christmas card from the Palace, Buckingham Palace, no less. Or maybe something from the White House. How about getting your own back on the family prankster? Send an invite to a spoof Christmas event from the Trumps.
About the Dog's DooDahs
I found the dog's doodahs to be user-friendly. The cards are imaginative and hilariously funny. There are cards for all occasions. You will find unique cards and gifts for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries and weddings. You can easily personalise your cards and Gifts with a name and a photo at TheDogsDooDahs.com.
According to those nice people at the Dog's Doo Dahs, you can make a special occasion more 'spiffing,' with personalised gifts and High Street gift vouchers.
To all those lovely people at the 'Mutt's butt,' I love your style, thanks for providing a great product.
Personalised Gifts For Special Occasions
The tradition of giving and receiving Christmas cards is in danger of disappearing
Do you still give and receive Christmas Cards?
Comments
AUTHORAnn, we must strive to make this Christmas extra special, don't let the b******* get you down. Have fun with the grandkids and thank you for the visit, it's a pleasure, my best always.
Have just come back to this and it's made me feel a lot better reading some of your examples. We need some good Christmas cheer after all the sorrow lately. I'm just starting to think about sorting out my cards; first, there's a busy weekend with the grandchildren! Happy Christmas to you!
Ann
- AUTHOR
Hi, KoffeeKlatch Gals, yes, do take a look at the Dog's Doo Dahs, it's fun and easy to use. I'll be heading there myself very soon. :)
Thank you so much for stopping by, always a pleasure. I must apologise for taking so long to reply, unfortunately, I don't visit as much as I would like to, but I do stop by now and again. Take care and my best to you.
@tobusiness I will definitely check them out. I do love to make my own cards but I do like occasionally buy a special (funny) card for someone.
- AUTHOR
Flourish, every year I promise I won't bother sending so many cards, but once I get going, there's no stopping. I love using the Dogs DooDahs, you can't help but chuckle. Once again, a real pleasure.
I completely dropped the ball on sending cards this year for Christmas, but I enjoyed this hub. I like the idea of funny cards and humorous Christmas letters, and you provide what looks like a great resource.
- AUTHOR
Hi Peggy, the Dog's DooDahs do a good selection of greeting cards, but I love the funny ones. I hope they'll continue to do well. Shopping after Christmas is a good way to save money, sending cards, especially to friends and families abroad can soon add up to a small fortune, but this is a wonderful tradition! I'd hate see it go. Thank you for reading this, my very best to you.
We still love sending and receiving Christmas cards. We often shop after Christmas for the discounted ones and this year we found so many that we should not have to worry about buying any for the next couple of years. Thanks for telling us about this Dogs Doo Dahs site. It looks cute! Up votes and giving it a tweet.
- AUTHOR
Hi Vellur, I totally agree with you, greeting cards are a wonderful way to reach out and touch someone. I like the Dog's doodahs, they always manages to make me smile. Take care and a Happy New Year to you.
Sending cards is the best way to wish someone and it adds a personal touch. TheDogsDooDahs seem to be a great place to get funny cards. Thank you for sharing.
- AUTHOR
Hi John, yes, the greetings card industry is certainly in need of a wake-up call, hopefully, the competition with the new kids on the block will help to improve standards. Nice to see you, have a Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2015.
Hi Jo, we still end and hand out traditional Cristmas cards but it it's sometimes hard to find any that are unique and not the same old stuff. The Dog's Doo Dahs sound like a great place to check out for something a little more fun. Thanks for sharing.
- AUTHOR
Hi Genna, nice to see you, I hope all is well. E-cards seem to be gaining popularity, but sadly the more traditional cards are losing ground. I think there is room for both, sales of greeting cards are falling worldwide but oddly they are still doing well in the UK. With the growth of the all singing, all dancing e-cards with their LED lighting, comes a growing appreciation for handmade cards. I totally agree with you about the lack of imagination in designing cards, I guess the more effort that goes into producing them, the more expensive the product. The dog's DooDahs seem to be doing well, you'll have fun with them. I've done a couple of cards using my own poems and I'll be going back. Thank you so much for stopping by, it's always a pleasure. I wish you a Merry Christmas and the very best for 2015.
I love Christmas cards, but I like e-cards with music as well. Sometimes, I send a little poem along with the e-card. But -- I’m fussy about e-cards and am disappointed at how so many of them do not carry a beautiful scene and music. Equally so, the commercial cards we purchase at the store can be disappointing. I like the idea of composing our own poems and designing the cards, ourselves. Thanks so much for the heads up on “Dog’s doo-dahs.” I will definitely give this a try.
- AUTHOR
ChitrangadaSharan, thank you for stopping by, it's always good to see you. Although we know that change is inevitable, some traditions are hard to let go. I'm glad that you enjoyed the hub. Take care and a Happy Christmas to you and your family.
A wonderful review and just in time for Christmas!
Times have changed and so has the way people send Christmas cards. Personally I like paper greeting cards but e-cards are just so convenient in comparison.
I loved going through your hub as I came to know so much about Christmas. Christmas is widely celebrated in India and my children just love this festival.
Thanks for sharing this interesting hub and Merry Christmas to you!
- AUTHOR
Pawpawwrites, so nice to see you! Yes, sad but true. I do wish more people would try to hang on to this wonderful tradition of giving and receiving Christmas cards, I guess only time will tell. Thank you for reading this and for the thoughtful comment, much appreciated. A Merry Christ to you and yours.
Sending cards is a tradition that is fading away in some families. Making this article can inspire people.
- AUTHOR
Hi mdscoggins, I usually find that once I've written the first few cards, I begin to feel more motivated, however, this may well be due to the large glass of of red . ;)
While I love the traditional Christmas cards, I do believe that the ecards are here to stay. Take care now, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.
- AUTHOR
Hi Thelma, a Merry Christmas to you also. Thank you for stopping by, and for the lovely comment, much appreciated.
Giving and receiving cards at Christmas is a lovely way of saying we care, long may the tradition continue. Take care and my best to you.
- AUTHOR
Hi Theresa, nice to see you! Christmas just wouldn't be the same without rows of Christmas cards about the house, but they are becoming quite expensive. Buying your cards at discount price after Christmas is a super idea, recycling old cards is also a good way to save money and help the environment.
We do get the odd Christmas letters, ideal for catching up with friends we don't see much throughout the year. I'm so glad you enjoyed the hub, take care and a Merry Christmas to you and your family.
- AUTHOR
Hi Ruby, you are way ahead of me, I've managed to send a few cards abroad, but the rest will have to wait, maybe in the next day or two. I'm working on the night shift at the moment but after tomorrow I'll be getting into the swing of Christmas. Sending someone a birthday ecard can be nice, but there are times when something a little more solid is needed. I hope there will be room for both in the future.
I just know you'll have fun with the Dog's DooDahs.;)
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours.
- AUTHOR
Hi Devika, lovely to see you, thanks for taking a look. Yes, not everyone like to send cards, but for many, it is a family tradition. My family would never forgive me if I did not send them a Christmas card. Take care and A very Merry Christmas to you and your family.
- AUTHOR
Hi peachpurple, I love writing poems, but I'm not so good at the artistic bits. I do admire people like you who can make your own, So the Dog's DooDahs is right up my street. Trees are just fine. :)
Thank you so much for stopping by, a very Happy Christmas to you and yours.
Jo I have been really unmotivated this year with Christmas cards. I will definitely look up some ecards as they seem a bit easier.
What beautiful Christmas cards you have mentioned here! I still love receiving Christmas cards. Thanks for sharing this well written hub. Merry Christmas in advance.
Hi Jo! What a fun and informative hub about Christmas Cards. I love sending and receiving cards every year. I buy my cards each year right after Christmas for the following year when they are 50 to 70% off. I usually buy four or five different styles so I can personalize a little. I also write a Christmas letter every year. This was a great Hub. Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas! Theresa
I just got my cards mailed yesterday. I love getting and sending Christmas cards. I do send cards via email too. I received a card yesterday with the family picture, I love those too. I like the idea of making your own. I keep all my cards on the mantle above the fireplace. I do believe emailing cards will take over soon. I also like funny cards, so Doo Dahs is something to look for...
Sending Christmas cards is fun if one enjoys it. I enjoyed your helpful review. A beautiful time of the year and very happy time too. I don't send Christmas cards. Voted up!
interesting. Now i made my own christmas cards, no dogs or cats, just trees
- AUTHOR
Hi Faith, your sister-in-law sound like a warm and lovely lady. It is so good to make someone smile, especially when you know that the card was chosen especially with you in mind. Sending a card is a great way to reach out and touch someone, even more so, for the people we don't really get to see very often. I found the Dog's DooDahs refreshingly funny, you will love the cards and of course, you can write your own special message if you prefer. It's always a pleasure to see you, I hope you and the family are all well and looking forward to this special time. Have a very happy Christmas and my best always.
- AUTHOR
Hi Ann, yes, I saw that when I did the research. According to the Greeting Card Association (GCA), the UK card industry is acknowledged to be ten years ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to buying and sending cards.
Apparently, the tradition of sending and displaying cards in the home is predominantly British. There is something special about reaching out at special times to say we care. Choosing a card specifically for someone, signing it and sending it on, still means a lot. I hope we manage to hang on to this tradition. While large companies like Clinton are going under, the small businesses seem to be doing well. There are more occasions these days to send a card, and this can only help the industry. There's pregnancy announcement cards, we now send Halloween cards, congratulations for all sorts of occasions, even divorce cards. Where would we be without our Valentine's Day card? The industry is changing but hopefully, this wonderful tradition is here to stay.
Just seen on the news that Brits send the most cards than any other nation in the world! Apparently it's to do not only with the personal aspect but also with the fact that they're handwritten. We feel more loved and more special if we receive a hand-written, 'concrete' card which takes its place in our home.
Thought you might like that bit of trivia!
Ann
Hi Jo,
Oh, I love sending and receiving traditional Christmas cards. Thank you for sharing all about this fun and creative site here ... Christmas should be fun and full of joy no doubt!
I love the history of Christmas cards you have shared here too, so fascinating. The artwork is beautiful.
My dear sister-in-law (my husband's brother's wife), just seems to always find the funniest and perfect cards. I can never find any to compare with those she seems to have a knack for finding. They always make me laugh out loud, which is a good thing.
Like, Ann, I love to display my Christmas cards in some manner as part of the decorations.
I will have to check out this site.
Merry Christmas, dear Jo!
Up +++++ tweeting, pinning, G+ and sharing
- AUTHOR
Hi Maj, how lovely to see you! Yes, technology can be a blessing as well as a curse. I guess the decline in sales of traditional cards was inevitable, but all the same, it is sad. I'm so glad you took a look at The Dogs DooDahs, I should have known you'd be up for a little fun, hats off.
The price of posting cards is enough to make anyone grumpy. :) It's not so bad if you're sending the odd card, but it can become rather expensive when you're posting to friends and families abroad. Take care now, and a Happy Christmas to you and yours.
Hi Jo - I just quickly dropped into Dog's DooDahs site - what fun. Thank you for the info. I'll be back there.
Yes, sadly, the christmas card tradition seems to be evolving to technology. In some ways understandable, I sent cards overseas this year and the postage cost left me snarling. Such a grump!
Season's greeting to you and yours, Maj
- AUTHOR
Alicia, yes, they do a range of cards and you can practically design your own.
However, I do appreciate the rather lewd sense of humour, although choosing who to send them to could be interesting.
Thank you so much for stopping by, always a pleasure, my best to you.
- AUTHOR
MsDora, I hate to lose those wonderful traditional cards, but when you add the cost of postage to the price of a card, many people just can't afford them anymore. Ecards seem so impersonal and inadequate but I guess it's the signs of the times. Lovely to see see, I hope all is well.
This is an interesting and amusing hub, Jo! I love the tradition of sending and receiving Christmas cards. The cards that you've shown from The Dog's Doodahs are very funny. I don't think I would have the courage to send them to most of my acquaintances, though, so I was glad to hear that the company makes other styles of cards as well!
Traditional Christmas cards are so expensive. I haven't bought one in a while but the Doo Dahs sound like fun to try, Thanks for the very helpful review.
- AUTHOR
Ann, okey dokey, be seeing you then. :)
You're welcome to drop in, Jo! I know, scoffing, scuffing, they still taste good!
- AUTHOR
Ann, spot the deliberate error, I'm too busy scoffing my pies as I write. :)
- AUTHOR
Frank, oddly, all the things you've mentioned are now prized by collectors for their rare value. I gave all my vinyl records to my nephew when I moved abroad, a few of them must be worth a pretty penny now. Such is life. Always good to see you.
- AUTHOR
Bill, now I know how you came by those pouting lips. :)
It's all these little things that create such potent and lasting childhood memories.
Thank you my friend for taking a look, you are much appreciated. I hope you're having a lovely day.
- AUTHOR
Ann, I love your ideas of recycling old cards and buying cheap in the post Christmas sales, a brilliant way to save money. I wish I'd kept some of the old beautiful cards from years ago. I don't deliver in person anymore, except at work, but I can still remember going out on Christmas eve delivering cards to all the neighbours and suffering the consequences later, because I'd scuffed too many mince pies. We'll be going to my sister's down in Kent this year, but Christmas sound like good fun over at yours, I may just drop in. :) Take care and my best to you.
toobusiness this was a fantastic hub.. I might agree with your research that cards might go by the wayside like phone booths.. and record albums.. the last card doctor asking for a kiss was funny as hell... love the hub once again...
I remember as a child helping mom get the cards ready.....over a hundred for sure. My job was licking the stamps. LOL Now we don't send any out, and I'm with you, the digital cards leave me limp with disappointment. :) Nice review, Jo! Thank you and blessings on this Tuesday.
Hi Jo! I had heard of this company though I've never used them. I tend to either make or carefully choose my cards. We do buy a lot in the sales after Christmas and you can find some of really good quality for less than half price. I also recycle cards to use for tags the following year, just by crimping the edges.
I didn't answer your poll because I still send cards but I also hand-deliver quite a few. Depends who's around, apart from the neighbours; as long as I'm well-prepared I can usually get quite a few cards to people well before Christmas.
Like you, I love the tradition of 'proper' cards as they provide endless possibilities. The grandchildren love making them too. We also use them as an integral part of our decorations, hung on a couple of looped strings from the ceiling (the cards, not the grandchildren).
Great hub, useful for many I'm sure. I hope you have a great Christmas, Jo. It sounds like it's great fun in your house!
Ann
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