For all your whimsical and sentimental needs (especially around the holidays, birthdays, weddings, new babies brought into the world), card and stationary creators have your back. They come with colorfulness, craftiness, wit, and beauty. I love walking into stores like Pink Olive or Greenwich Letterpress to see what new cards they have. In my travels, recently, to Seattle and Portland, and a few months ago to Nashville, I stumbled upon so many brilliant cards. As I took them all in, I thought, "this card would be perfect for this friend" or "this card would be perfect for Mom." Of course, I spent a pretty penny to have these amazing cards. This list is an ode to the exceptional artist and talent for their ability to capture gratitude, kindness, love, friendship, and how people feel.

1. Emily McDowell

Honest, colorful, genuine, and empowering cards especially for empathetic events. It's easy to read this cards and think, "funny and totally relatable."

2. Tiramisu Paperie

Inspired by the Italian word for "pick me up" or "lift me up", Tiramisu does a fabulous job of making uplifting and encouraging paper goods.

3. Joanna Baker

I wish I could draw like Joanna Baker. Her Sweet Treats Alphabet and Fruits and Vegetables Alphabet stationaries are impeccable. She draws confident ladies, fun foods, sunglasses, and flowers with pizzaz and color!

4. E. Frances Paper

(Culturally) relevant, soft, and thoughtful are how I describe the cards of E. Frances Paper. When I saw their card that was a tribute to TV shows Gilmore Girls and Friends, I knew I had to get it for my older sister because she loves both shows and the card was endearing.

5. Ilee Papergoods

Using a 1902 Chandler & Price Press, these cards are crafty and creative. I like the slight detail and color pairings of these cards. They are unique.

6. Bench Pressed

Jane and Andy Shannon, the founders of Bench Pressed, like to describe their works as, "tongue-in-cheek with a little sweet." Their cards are sassy and their fonts varied and fantastic. I love the personality infected into each card.

7. Mishka Marie

These cards are filled with love and kindness through watercolor and ink illustrations.

8. Graphic Anthology

Graphic Anthology brings joy through clean and clear cards with bright colors.

9. Tay Ham

All your pop culture references can be found on cards here. They are pretty punny.

10. Banquet Atelier & Workshop Ltd.

So much more than stationary here, but sentimentality lives here.

11. Marika Paz

No one draws flowers and nature quite like Marika Paz.

12. Christa Pierce

Empowering, insightful, and beautiful cards by illustrator Christa Pierce.

13. Stasia Burrington

Cute, endearing, and imaginative cards.

13. Antiquaria

Colorful designs and patterns.

14. Wild Ink Press

Straight-forward and to-the-point, with a little bit of gold and shine.

15. Moglea

These cards look like miniature paintings that you might see at a modern art museum.

16. Knot & Bow

The sentiment of the cards is reflected easily and simply in the design of the card.

17. Lucky Horse Press

Many of these cards remind me of art from another time -- maybe the 60s, 70s or 80s. I think of all the time I spent drawing with the big and scented Mr. Sketch markers.

18. The Great Lakes Goods

Hippy-dippy, funny, intimate -- just the way I like it.

19. Gemma Correll

Gemma creates great characters (like pugs and ladies) to feature on her cards that show the genuine human experience.

Now go out and start writing letters. Tap into that creativity and you just might make someone's day.