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new baby card advice

(35 Posts)
supergirlsnan Mon 08-Dec-25 16:03:11

Hi,

A friend became a new gran on Saturday. She was widowed earlier this year. When I write out the Congrats card shall I mention her late husband? Anyone been in this position? Thanks all.

M0nica Wed 10-Dec-25 08:07:56

All people are doing is expressing surprise aat hearing about something they never knew anything about until this thread started. There is nothing snipey in that.

knspol Tue 09-Dec-25 22:09:34

BlueBelle

Why do I need a point I was just joining in the conversation
But thank you for your concern

I've never heard of it either, waste of a stamp!

Sadgrandma Tue 09-Dec-25 22:06:42

Why has this thread turned into a snipey argument over whether or not we should send cards? supergirlsnan just asked a simple question. I really don’t understand why people have to be so inflammatory.

Nannan2 Tue 09-Dec-25 22:00:44

Seems the card companies will encourage us to buy more cards for allsorts these days..Keeps them in business..I'm not saying its not a nice thing to offer congrats face to face to a friend, a sort of congrats to the whole family on baby's safe arrival.But a gp doesnt really need a card for it.

Nannan2 Tue 09-Dec-25 21:50:51

* grandparent cards😁

Nannan2 Tue 09-Dec-25 21:49:31

Louisa- our age has nothing to do with it, nor ages of gc, i have quite a few ranged from 26yrs down to just 3yrs and im only 62.But ive seen these 'geandparent' cards on moonpig etc and still dont see why we, as a new grandparent, would need congratulating for it in an actual card- maybe face to face if we bumped into a close friend, but even then i'd expect them to perhaps be offering those congrats to my own adult child via me, for the new arrival- i.e. "tell your daughter congratulations from me', but i myself havent done anything to produce the gc so would expect only cards for the parents.

Romola Tue 09-Dec-25 21:47:01

If someone messaged me about a new grandchild, I would of course reply and say how glad I was for them. But I wouldn't congratulate them, nor would I send a card. It must be a new thing, but then my GC are young adults and I'm old.

Nannan2 Tue 09-Dec-25 21:36:01

A card for the new parents & new baby yes but never heard of cards for new grandparents.The card industry is clearly cashing in on this.🙄

Nannan2 Tue 09-Dec-25 21:33:12

I am with Bluebelle& monica‐ giving cards to somone because theyve become new Grandparent(s) is not something i would have thought was a 'fashion', must be a new thing from the 'young uns' these days- i might expect the parents of the new baby to give the grandparent a card but i've never expected to receive a card from anyone else.

Eddieslass Tue 09-Dec-25 19:39:38

I'm 80 and have always sent cards to close friends when they become grandparents...or, these days, great grandparents.

Kats2 Tue 09-Dec-25 18:17:39

I have to say I agree with you .lt sounds an American thing..It wouldn't have occurred to even look for one..

SaxonGrace Tue 09-Dec-25 16:13:56

I’d mention her husband when you see her in person, my Nana journey began fifteen years after my husband died, he would have relished his nine grandchildren and loved them to bits.

win Tue 09-Dec-25 16:04:13

M0nica

supergirlsnan

BlueBelle

Its never entered my head to send cards to new grannies

and your point is........

Exactly what Bluebelle said, the surprise of something she (and I) have never heard of and from that the problem it can cause in some circumstances.

Neither have I, I might mention it face to face but would never send a card to congratulate a new Granny.

Etoile2701 Tue 09-Dec-25 15:58:31

I have never sent a card to New grandparents although a very old friend did send us a card when our latest great grandson was born earlier this year. I would however send congratulations online.

WelshPoppy Tue 09-Dec-25 14:25:58

Bluebelle: I've recently sent cards to the (our side) grandparents and great grandmother of new nieces but wouldn't send to friends who have new grandchildren. I only did it because I noticed the cards in the shop when looking for some for the parents.

Allira Mon 08-Dec-25 19:58:00

LOUISA1523

@oreo how old are your grandchildren?

Why ask that?

It's rather intrusive.

Allira Mon 08-Dec-25 19:56:35

Oldnproud

Allira

Oldnproud

BlueBelle

Its never entered my head to send cards to new grannies

Me neither.

It's probably the Hallmark effect.

Could be.

Though maybe my own lack of awareness in this area is because I simply don't have any friends!
Seriously though, if someone tells me they have just had a new grandchild, I am genuinely pleased for them and I think I make all the right noises, but it has never even crossed my mind to also send them a piece of cardboard saying the same thing.

Ditto.

LOUISA1523 Mon 08-Dec-25 19:55:08

@oreo how old are your grandchildren?

Oreo Mon 08-Dec-25 19:09:39

LOUISA1523

BlueBelle

Its never entered my head to send cards to new grannies

I don't know how old you are but guessing you are older....I'm 60...been a granny 10 years....I always send cards to my friends when babies are born....the shop are full of them....even for new twin grandchildren...there's loads of cards out there ....I got many cards when my 3 GC where born ....thinking its because I'm younger than you and all my friends are 50s and 60s? ....maybe it wasn't a thing back in the day....apologies if you are same age as me! Maybe your circle of friends just don't do it?

I’m not all that older than you but I’ve never heard of this custom either.
If I know the parents I send them a card but fail to see why the gran gets a card.
To the OP no don’t mention her late husband.

NotSpaghetti Mon 08-Dec-25 18:55:24

If the card is for the new parents and you are thinking of saying "how much x would have loved to celebrate the arrival of this little person." - then I think that's fine, and rather thoughtful.

I wouldn't want a card if one of my children had a baby though.
I do think that maybe that's what you are asking - but maybe the card is going to the new parents via your friend?

Oldnproud Mon 08-Dec-25 18:30:25

Allira

Oldnproud

BlueBelle

Its never entered my head to send cards to new grannies

Me neither.

It's probably the Hallmark effect.

Could be.

Though maybe my own lack of awareness in this area is because I simply don't have any friends!
Seriously though, if someone tells me they have just had a new grandchild, I am genuinely pleased for them and I think I make all the right noises, but it has never even crossed my mind to also send them a piece of cardboard saying the same thing.

Allira Mon 08-Dec-25 18:07:48

Oldnproud

BlueBelle

Its never entered my head to send cards to new grannies

Me neither.

It's probably the Hallmark effect.

Oldnproud Mon 08-Dec-25 18:05:18

BlueBelle

Its never entered my head to send cards to new grannies

Me neither.

LOUISA1523 Mon 08-Dec-25 17:59:32

BlueBelle

Its never entered my head to send cards to new grannies

I don't know how old you are but guessing you are older....I'm 60...been a granny 10 years....I always send cards to my friends when babies are born....the shop are full of them....even for new twin grandchildren...there's loads of cards out there ....I got many cards when my 3 GC where born ....thinking its because I'm younger than you and all my friends are 50s and 60s? ....maybe it wasn't a thing back in the day....apologies if you are same age as me! Maybe your circle of friends just don't do it?

LOUISA1523 Mon 08-Dec-25 17:55:06

Don't mention in card...new babies are good news...something to celebrate....but fine to mention when you see her in person