photo by Zvone Lavric, Slovenia

I’ve been on the hunt for social calling cards. Before you say that I can buy them at my local corner store, I’m not looking for those kind of cards. I’m looking for what is also known as a visiting card. In Victorian times, they were were used when making introductions and home visits. They had their own set of rules and etiquette. It’s actually quite fascinating.  You can read about them here and here.

Essentially, social calling cards are just like business cards except they don’t “state your business”. They simply have your name and contact information. I am interested in them because frankly I’m tired of scribbling my name and personal email address for people. I could use my business cards, but there are instances where I’d like to give people my personal contact information and keep my business separate. Social calling cards are also useful while traveling. You can meet some wonderful people during your journeys and they make it very easy to exchange personal information. For Newlyweds, they are a great way to share your new name (if you went that route) and/or your new address. Because there are no rules for today’s social calling cards, they are great avenues of self-expression. These can be less serious than your business card.

Most calling cards have some, but not all of the following information:

• Name
• Phone Number
• Address
• Email address
• Blog or website address
• Twitter username
• Facebook or Myspace name (if it’s different than the one on the card)
• Instant message name
• Blackberry PIN

Here are some examples of social calling cards.

from Etsy Seller Armato Design

From Etsy Seller Dingbat Press

From RedStamp.com

From RedStamp.com

From Moo Cards

From the Mandate Press

From the Mandate Press

From Crane Paper

Social calling cards have evolved to include Mommy and Daddy cards. These cards include child(ren)’s name(s). These are especially useful when parents meet at their children’s group activities. Having their child(ren)’s name(s) printed on the card helps give the recipient a frame of reference.

Here are some examples of Mommy and Daddy cards.

From Etsy Seller Oh Smile!

From Etsy Seller Oh Smile!

From Etsy Seller Deidamiah

I ordered Moo cards and love them. Have any EAD readers purchased social calling cards?If so, please feel free to share where you purchased your cards from.