In 2009, we’ll all be looking for creative ways to express our individuality and to communicate in style while sticking to budgets that are tighter than ever before. In these times of economic uncertainty, we will all be relying on and encouraging our own family and friends to help get us through. We at American Stationery believe there’s no better way to pull together than with heart-felt, sentimental letters of love, support, and friendship.

As 2008 comes to a close, we are looking ahead at the trends, styles, and designs that will be big in the next twelve months and beyond. And, in order to help you stay in touch and stay in style in the coming year, over the next week, we'll show you the top stationery trends for 2009.

Luxe Details

Small, unexpected, and even understated elements all add up to create a polished feel and an interesting effect that’s all your own. In order to make a big statement, you don’t necessarily need an overpowering color, message, or print. Look for small, meaningful motifs, interesting personalization options, and even accessories like lined envelopes for major impact without a lot of effort or expense.

• Hand bordered correspondence cards in Chocolate and Aqua get a little extra embellishment with a whimsical Palm Tree design.
• Rounded corners, beveled edges, and a doubled thickness cardstock offer sumptuous luxury on these silver correspondence cards.

Complete Ensembles

As 2008 comes to a close and things start to feel a bit hectic, look for little ways to get organized and feel ready for anything. Complete, comprehensive stationery ensembles in creative, high-quality designs help you start off the year on the right foot. Look for packages that come complete with a variety of styles so you’ll be excited to reach for that trusty stationery set each and every time an opportunity arises. Use your unique stationery ensemble for everything from thank you notes to dinner invitations, and get the most of these sweet and sensible sets.

• For the perfect ensemble: select your favorite American Stationery pattern or color for lined envelopes, labels, and seals to be paired with our traditional correspondence cards for a totally unique stationery set.

Stationery is timeless and traditional, but that does not necessarily translate to stale. Explore these new styles of modern stationery gifts that are bold, beautiful, and anything but boring.

• Safari Memo Stack
  A "wild" collection of classy yet daring paper, all tied together with a bow and a coordinating pen.
   
• Chocolate Toile Gift Tower
  Classic stationery styles in a trendy palette of blue and brown, all tied together with a coordinating pen and tied up in a ribbon.

Even the most discerning environmentalist on your list will find plenty of uses for personalized stationery. Give them the gift of eco-friendly notes so they can communicate in style without sacrificing their environmentalist sentiments.

• Eco Foldnotes
  Made from 100% recycled paper, these eco-friendly Sedona foldnotes scream more "gorgeous!" than "green." The name is hand-lettered by our calligrapher and beautifully foil stamped across the front.
   
• Eco Chic Cards
  Giving an entirely new meaning to the term "go green," these Eco Chic Cards are made of completely recycled paper stock in chic colors, and printed with soybased ink.

See more of our Eco-Friendly Stationery

Single-panel correspondence cards are the ultimate in versatile stationery. They can be used for informal notes, thank you cards, invitations and so much more. When you give the gift of personalized correspondence cards, you give the gift of style. Here is just a sampling of the types of everyday and special events that the gift of correspondence cards can make even more memorable:

• Back to School Gifts
  Perfectly Preppy Correspondence Cards send your favorite students back to school in style.
   
• Housewarming Gifts
  Customized address labels make the perfect "welcome to your new home" gift. For an even more timeless present, try this stylish and reusable address stamp.
   
• Graduation Gifts
  Sumptuous silver hand-bordered cards are the ultimate in sophistication and effortless style. They make the perfect present for a recent graduate, or as a memento of any major accomplishment.
   
• Any Occasion Gifts. . . Literally
  Luxurious, plain white correspondence cards paired with your favorite pattern are both simple and chic for your loved ones of all ages and styles.
   
• Anniversary Gifts
  A simple, versatile set of stationery that works for both him and her is the perfect way to congratulate them on their years together. Consider our indulgent correspondence gift set.
   
• Hostess Gifts
  Next time you are invited to dinner or to a party, do not show up with the standard bottle of wine. Opt instead for a festive set of unforgettable stationery. 
   
• Teacher Gifts
  Trust us, your child’s favorite teacher doesn’t want an apple on her desk and she doesn’t need another mug. Teachers have endless reasons to write notes and letters and notices to parents. Make his or her daily tasks a bit more fun with professional yet pretty correspondence cards.

Calling Cards

For the modern businessperson, full-time student, or cool mom, personal calling cards are a great way to make new contacts and keep in touch with loved ones while making a personal style statement.

• Classic calling cards in pink or traditional colors make a great gift for your loved-ones on the go. Our newest style, these gorgeous calligraphy calling cards add an additional dose of style.