Mommy Cards

How many times have you referred to another Mom as "so-and-so's Mom" instead of using their name? Guess what? The other moms don't know your name either.

Being a mom might be your full time job right now--or maybe it isn't your full time job right now but it sure feels like it is sometimes!

At work we have business cards so that people can remember our names and contact us when needed...so when at home or when you are connecting with other parents during your child's day-to-day activities you should also have a MOMMY CARD (or DADDY CARD or PARENTS CARD) for the same reason.

You can carry "Mommy Cards" with you in your diaper bag/stroller/purse/baby carrier etc...to hand out when you meet another cool mom. It's also a great way to keep track of other people's info if you exchange cards.

Your Mommy Card should include:
1) Your Kid's Name
2) Your Name
3) Your phone number/e-mail address

Can Include:
1) The other parent's name/the nanny's name/ caregiver's name
2) Your address
3) Your blog/website (Yes, my mommy card has my blog listed on it)

I kept mine pretty basic and did not include my last name or my address as I figured if I do want to meet with the other person at my house I can write my address on the back of the card or when we connect by email I can provide my address to them.

Of course I have scoped out some different ways you can do make your Mommy Card:

BEST DEAL
Vista Print
www.vistaprint.ca
there are always deals with vista print which is great. Right now you can get 250 premium business cards for $8.99. (one sided)
With shipping that works out to $19.09
Mommy Cards on Vista Print are $6.99 for 25 or $9.99 for 50.
Vista Print offers a selection of hundreds of designs and they are quite customizable. Search under "baby", "kids", "flowers", "feminine"--you get the idea. The template pops up when you have selected a design and you fill in the information.

They will try to sell you extra stuff or upgrade the shipping costs--and really there is no need to upgrade the shipping as every time I have used Vista Print for any product the delivery has taken under a week for REGULAR.

If you keep it basic (the prices as listed as above) you get a personalized card that works fine. If you upgrade to get nicer finishes (and make it look more professional) you will pay more.

TIP for VistaPrint: Before you shop, be sure to search for any additional promos because they always have promos and they are changing all the time.

GREAT PRODUCT
Mabel's Labels
www.mabel.ca
I love Mabel's Labels... really great stuff. They have a MAMA CARD in 5 designs that you can choose from. You type in all the info that goes onto the card. It's very easy to use and self-explanatory.
The cost is $29.00 for 100 cards and there is FREE shipping.
Her cards are very sweet and very mom-appropriate. This is a good product and the cards are good quality. The only drawback is that other moms might have the same design as you since there are only 5 to choose from.
Warning: You might spend more money than you intended if you browse through the website--there are lots of great organizational products for moms.

D.I.Y
So of course you can do this yourself. Pick up a pack of business cards at Staples or Grand and Toy or wherever--they usually cost anywhere between $7.99-$17 for 150-250 cards (all depending on the brand).
These cards are compatible with WORD and other programs. Because the package matches the template on Word it is pretty goof-proof.
On WORD:
Open a blank document
Click on Tools
Select Envelopes and Labels
Click on Options
Select the number that is on your business card package (most likely 5371-Business Card)
Click on OK
Click on New Document

You will notice 10 labels with 2 columns and 5 rows
Type the info you want on your card in one cell, add a picture if you want.
Preview your doc before you print and you should see your info in each cell.
Print.


GREAT IDEAS:
The Mommy Card
www.themommycard.com
Now these are designer cards and are incredible for ideas--but yes, they are significantly more money. But...they are amazing. If you are a super posh mom or you want some great ideas for making some nice cards yourself--check these out.

TIPS ON HOW TO USE MOMMY CARDS:

*Once you start exchanging mommy cards organize them by groups and keep the ones from the same groups together. So if you exchanged cards with 4 moms in music class, keep those together because this way if you want to get together the names of the others are all at your fingertips.
*Hand this card to your babysitter as long as it has your cell phone on it as well.
*If you have a nanny you might want some cards with both of your names since nannies network too!
*Have a stash in your kid's cubby at daycare for when you meet a cool parent at pick-up time.

So there you have it--no more writing information on your hand or on a scrap piece of paper when you meet another cool mom--all the info you need is on the card.

Happy Networking!