Special Delivery

Adoptive moms and dads often find that traditional baby announcements don’t quite capture their joy in their new arrivals. AF readers review six customizable announcements designed with our families in mind.

Reviewed by Deborah and Jeff Green, parents of Zoe Edalynn (6 months, U.S.)

Customer service: The owner of the company offered creative advice during the design stage. We received proofs almost immediately, and were allowed to make revisions.

Design: We liked the bold colors and clean lines of all their designs, and loved that our baby’s photograph would be the main focus. Ultimately, it was hard to choose which design would be “The One.”

Customizability: In addition to customizing the wording on the front of the card, you can print text on the back. We selected a meaningful poem, and gave a big thanks to friends and family for their support.

Paper Words // adoptshoppe.com // $3 per announcement (based on minimum order of 15)

Reviewed by Debbie and Mike McGill, parents of Matthew Nicholas Beybut (11 months, Kazakhstan)

Customer service: The online ordering process was straightforward, and we received a clear, easy-to-view proof the next day.

Design: We liked the cut-out designs. The blue marbled paper is a tad grayer than the picture on the Web site, but we’re still very pleased.

Customizability: The inside accommodates up to eight lines of text. The cover designs aren’t changeable, but we couldn’t agree more with the sentiment.

Petit Pois Stationery // petitpoiscards@comcast.net // $2.60-3.15 per announcement (based on minimum order of 15)

Reviewed by Ellen Rice, mother of Adriana Jane (1 year, Guatemala)

Customer service: The owner helped me select a style and fine-tune the wording. It was clear that she’s worked with many adoptive families, including many single moms.

Design: I loved the simplicity of these cards. The paper and the printing are high quality, and the hand-painting makes them special.

Customizability: These cards were entirely customizable. I loved making my daughter’s announcement fit our situation, instead of having to make do with a traditional announcement.

Purple Stork // purplestork.com // $1.95 per photo-paper announcement; $2.55 per card-stock announcement (based on minimum order of 35)

Reviewed by Lisa and Michael Smith, parents of Maxim Alexander (18 months, Russia)

Customer service: Ordering from the Web site was easy and the company was fantastic at following up with us throughout the process.

Design: What better way to announce our son’s arrival than with his photo (especially for those friends and family members who live too far away to meet him in person right away)? I’ve since heard that our announcement is proudly displayed on many a refrigerator!

Customizability: The possibilities were endless, from several different designs to any desired wording.

Mandy’s Moon // mandysmoon.com // $1.10-1.30 per announcement (no minimum order)

Reviewed by Darlene and Dexter Watkins, parents of Anna Marie (7 months, Guatemala)

Customer service: The owner of the company was easy to work with. She’s also an adoptive mom, so she truly understands the desire for something beyond the traditional announcement.

Design: The company offers designs suitable for families adopting domestically or internationally (with the option to specify the country), babies or older children, or more than one child at a time. I was pleased with the quality of the card stock and the clarity of the printing.

Customizability: The wording is entirely up to you, but they offer helpful suggestions. And how many other card companies give you the option of putting the Guatemalan flag on your child’s announcement?

PiPo Press // pipopress.com // $3.10 per announcement (based on minimum order of 50)

Reviewed by Renée Olson, editor, Adoptive Families, and Jim Russell, parents of Daniel Alemu (6 years, Ethiopia)

Customer service: Quick. They e-mailed proofs the next day.

Design: While they offer many announcements designed for babies, the owner steered us to one that works for older kids. The company’s designs are flat-out gorgeous—simple and spare, with a dollop of whimsy.

Customizability: We followed PiPo’s template for text, but customized the wording. We also made two design changes, for which additional charges apply.

See more announcements from AF staffers and readers!

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