Seven reasons to write a handwritten card for Mother's Day

There’s nothing quite like a handwritten card for Mother’s Day! A survey of 1600 mums by Pilot Pen Australia showed 88 per cent said they appreciated a loved one taking the time to put pen to paper, with 68 per cent saying a handwritten card is much more personal than an email or text.

“In this age of texts and emails, giving mum a handwritten note or card for Mother’s Day is a way of cutting through the digital clutter and expressing how much we care about them,” said Barbara Oliver, marketing manager, Pilot Pen Australia.

Experts say penning a heartfelt note can bring joy both to the receiver and the writer.

“Writing a card by hand takes more thought and effort than sending an email or text, so it’s a great way of showing mum you really care. Also, research shows that taking the time to pen a letter or card can make the writer happier and improve their overall well-being,” says positive psychology coach, Debra Close.

Still not sure about why you should take the time to write a handwritten card or letter this Mother’s Day?  Here, Ms Close lists her top reasons why.

It has stronger emotional value

Writing something by hand takes longer than typing an email or text, and we also tend to spend time selecting the perfect stationery and posting the card or letter. Because we put more personal effort, attention and thought to a handwritten card, it has a stronger emotional value for both the sender and receiver.

It helps you express your feelings

Composing a card or letter allows you to spend more time thinking about exactly what it is that you want to say. When you handwrite, your hands can only move as fast as you can form your letters, which allows you to really think about the sentiment you want to get across.  Expressing positive emotions such as gratitude or love to your mum enriches your relationship and improves both her and your wellbeing.

It will spark your creativity

Research suggests that handwriting can boost your creativity, and spending time choosing or making a pretty card, a colourful pen, looking for an interesting stamp and maybe even an intricate wax seal for the envelope, will really get your creative juices flowing. Research shows creative exercises are great for your brain, and can boost your lateral thinking (and your mum will of course be overjoyed at receiving such a work of art!).

It will be a daily reminder to your mum

We don’t tend to print emails or texts, no matter how heartfelt they may be. However, a handwritten note or a card is a tangible thing that will frequently remind your mum she has family who care about her deeply. And placing the card on display around the house can even increase her everyday feelings of happiness and gratitude.

It can pick your mum up on a rainy day

Whereas emails and texts disappear into our inboxes, handwritten letters are memories that can last a lifetime. If your mum is feeling down one day, picking up a box full of handwritten letters and cards can provide her an instant pick-me-up and evoke positive memories from the great times she has shared with her loved ones.