Baby Announcements

I love it when I receive a new photograph of one of my nieces or nephews. Even as they grow ever closer to teenagerhood, it’s still great to get their latest school picture or team portrait. I still have those first pictures from the day they were brought home from the hospital. Yes, pictures of your favorite people are things you will always treasure. But you know what I like best about those photos? They always come in a frame.

Whether it’s a paper frame or a wooden frame, the framed birth announcement is the first step in cataloging your child’s life for close friends and family. I’m certainly not recommending you go out and buy a frame for every single person on your mailing list (that would get pricey fast) but for all the grandparents, aunts and uncles out there beaming with new baby pride, it’s definitely the way to go.

I think the paper frames are better than no frame at all but a wooden frame still remains my personal favorite. It has a little more weight and permanence to it. Besides that the wood framed birth announcement can get hung straight onto the wall. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with plastic but it’s not how I would go for my child’s first official photograph.

When it comes to choosing the right frame for your child’s birth announcements you can go two ways: old or new. I’m a big fan of recycling, no matter what the occasion and you can always find photo frames at yard sales and thrift stores. This won’t only save money but will create a very individual and personal look for friends and family, especially if they are receiving them at the same time.

Even if you have already sent out your custom printed birth announcements, it doesn’t mean the framed option is out of the question. Buy a few shadow boxes and fill with a few baby trinkets (outfits worn the first weeks of life, a favorite rattle, a handprint on paper) and place a copy of the birth announcement in the center. This makes for the best holiday gift ever and you are bound to create a few tears of joy.

Filed under: baby shower, birth announcements, new parent life on August 17th, 2010