A Shutterfly, Inc. consumer survey revealed what 8 out of 10 moms surveyed (83%) hoped to receive a personalized Valentine cards featuring a favorite family photo instead of a store bought greeting. When asked about their "best gift ever received on Valentine's Day," the top response was a photo keepsake (25%).

Eighty-three percent of moms surveyed said that personalized cards and photo keepsakes are their favorite gifts to give to sweethearts; and nearly half also shop for Grandma (their own mom) on Valentine's Day (48%).

Ok, granted,  this survey was conducted of Shutterfly users so there is a predisposition to love photos. But don't all moms love something personalized with their kids' input?

The Shutterfly survey suggests opportunity for scrapbook retailers to promote photo cards and gifts for Mother’s Day, anniversaries and birthdays.

Some ideas...

• Create samples of Mother's Day cards and mini albums that incorporate photos of children and pets. Yes, pets! Lots of women out there refer to their children's dogs and cats as grandchildren.
• Sponsor a little contest after Mother's day where children can enter the cards they made. Break out entries by age group and if mom won't part with the card- color photocopies should be acceptable. Award the winner a Gift Certificate to your store as an added bonus gift for mom.
• In your downtime, create kits or "insert your photo here" almost done cards for sale.
• Highlight rub-ons, stamps and stickers that have great "I love you" and "thanks"-themed phrases.
  

And you KNOW I want to hear back from you to find out if you did any of these things!!

Have a great holiday weekend. Don't know about you but my CHA adrenalin is wearing off. Rest up!--Beth