Announcing the birth

•   Cards

Every stationer stocks beautiful announcement cards these days but treat yourself to a browse online to find one of the many companies who make personalised announcement cards. You can bookmark your first choice of card maker before your baby arrives and then put in the order once the good news can be shared.

•   Stamps

The Royal Mail can create ‘Smilers’ stamps just for you. They come specially printed with a regular first class stamp alongside a stamp featuring the photograph of your choice. Upload a photograph of your new baby onto their stamp ordering page online and see how good it looks before ordering. A nice extra touch when sending out your cards. www.royalmail.com.smilers

•   Photocards

Make the most of your announcement cards by choosing a company who can make bespoke photocards with your baby on.

 •   Canvas

If you want to mark the announcement for grandparents, get a special photograph mounted onto canvas or choose a wall hanging with an inscription of what your baby’s name means.