Gift Giving: Postcards from the Past Articles

Walk into any antique store and you are going to find hundreds of postcards from different eras. Granted, there is writing and correspondence on the cards; and at first you may feel a little intrusive looking at the former scroll, however these cards can’t be beaten as far as a unique and inexpensive gift.

Because there are always so many, you’ll never find that a mass purchase is going to break the bank. Surprisingly, postcards, many times, go unnoticed and sometimes almost untouched. This is probably because there are so many of them in circulation. However, you can reap the benefits of other individuals ignoring the fact that they are available. Also, due to the fact there are so many, this drives the price down considerably.

Once you pick out a handful, purchase some cheap frames and some material if you wish to place a border around the picture – no one will be the wiser. The pictures of cars and places from prior decades are often simply unique. And even though there is a mass of these gems available, if you have an eye for interesting imagery, and also have a fair idea of what the recipient likes, you’re sure to come up with a very nice framed print.

Before you nose-dive into the postcard bin, it is probably a wise idea to determine what time period you’d like to address when pulling up postcards from the past. Think of one or two eras you’d like to consider reviewing. Look for cards that fit your era expectations, with some backup ideas. Otherwise you may spend hours on end looking through the bins, not really knowing what it is you are searching for.

You want to find postcard pictures that fit the recipient’s overall personality; and a little print that will fit in nice in the person’s den, library or maybe even their office. If you aren’t sure at all, you can go to various antique stores on a postcard expedition and see what each of the stores have in the way of theme. Again, though, there are so many of these gems available, it’s probably a good idea to think about the time period it is you wish to address. Once you find your cards, purchase some three by five frames or five by seven frames with material for border (if necessary) and frame the cards. You’ll want to match the card to the frame. For example, if you have Victorian-themed cards then purchase a Victorian-style frame. You can pick up frames, as mentioned, at dollar store venues.

Also, just to make your gift extra special, try to wrap the framed postcard print in wrapping paper that matches the theme inside. Victorian cards should be wrapped in Victorian style wrapping paper. If you can’t find a wrap that matches the print then play it safe and wrap in black and white tissue and affix a gold or brown bow. Always, make your gift presentation as attractive as possible. In example, if you are wrapping the Victorian Print, you might add the touch of some small decorative pearls or beads: such items are found in the gift wrap area and are constructed, unlike a necklace, not to break or scatter about when you cut them. Whatever you do, always keep your print and packaging theme-based.