Business-card swapping usually happens in the boardroom, not at the playground. But savvy parents realize their kids make connections while digging in the sandbox and whizzing down the slide. So, they figure, it helps to have business cards available on the little ones’ behalf. In a lighthearted spirit, “mom cards” and “play-date cards” were born. Here are a few favorites.
Baby iDesign is an extension of the New York-based graphic design firm iDesign, launched by former New York Magazine art director Ilene Segal. Its customized Calling Cards come printed with the child’s name, parents’ phone number, and a choice of sunny graphics.
Given that Baby iDesign also creates birth announcements and baby shower invitations, “people are always surprised to hear that I am not a mom,” Segal says. The cost is $60 per 50 cards, $75 for 75 cards, $90 for 100 cards, $120 for 125 cards, $135 for 150 cards and $20 for each additional 25 cards, over 150. Available at Papyrus, 835 N. Michigan Ave., 312-266-9945, and babyidesign.com.
Momics cards show off mom’s personality–and make the case that motherhood is a bona fide career. Creator Nancy Klein of Santa Monica, Calif., makes an online cartoon strip for moms (momics.com) and puts pictures of the strip’s well-heeled, retro-looking characters on the cards. You choose which character will adorn your cards, and you also pick your title (selections have ranged from “Queen of the Castle” to “Buyer of the Orange Juice”). “People can have fun with it, and it says that what they do is important,” says Klein. The cost is $35.95 per 60 cards. Available at momics.com.
Mommybiz.net does yet another take on play-date cards, embellishing them with bold images that appeal to kids–ladybugs, footballs, firetrucks and more. Creator Elaine Milnes promises to find images that fit kids’ personalities. Cards can be printed with the name of mom, dad, caretaker or child. Milnes, a Grand Rapids, Mich., mom, doesn’t leave home without hers. “I was in sales, [I] was used to [passing out business cards] all day long,” she says. The cost is $19.50 (plus shipping) for 50. Available at mommybiz.net.
