birthday card

There's something whimsically beautiful about this LookyLoo Letterpress Birthday Card ($3.50). I'm not sure if it's the conch shell broadcasting birthday wishes, the "my darling" epithet, the seaweed feathers in the lady's locks, her flowing dress, or the pretty pink waves shooting out of the sea. But regardless, despite aging anxiety, I wish my birthday were just around the corner, and this one came in with the tide of utility bills and dentist appointment reminders in my mailbox. Really, who can argue with "darling"?

No gimmicks, sappy quotes, or photos of beefy men, the Turtle Papers Happy Birthday Deer Card Set ($10 for 4) is simply sweet and elegant. Yes, it does have that reimagined hunting trophy trendiness going on, but not in the sense that it's soon heading for the discount bins. Pick a set up and you'll always be prepared for the impromptu friend-of-a-friend birthday party you have to go to. There are at least five birthdays on my March calendar, and I know of a baby girl on the way, so I might just have to pick up two packs.