“Congrats on the birth of your niece” card...

[tinyvulture]

My lovely and v supportive friend has just become an Aunty for the first time. This is a HUGE deal for her - she is close to her DB, the dad (who I don’t know because of logistical reasons - he has lived abroad for a long time).
I feel like I would like to mark this for my friend with something more than congratulatory texts and hugs (already given, obvs). “Congratulations on becoming and aunty” cards DO exist (managed to source one tonight). But is it weird and unnecessary? I only ask because I am very shit at judging these things - my friend is usually my go-to about issues like this - should I give this to so-and-so, how is this for a gift, etc..... And she gives me honest (though kind) answers. 🤣 Which I always appreciate. But can’t ask her this time for obvious reasons......
Is it worth getting her a card like this? Or not? Usually I’d send something to the parents, obvs, but can’t in this case because I don’t know them....Not worried that my friend will think I am being too full on (she won’t mind - she knows me too well! 🤣). More, just, is this something people would appreciate???? Thank you. X

Nah. I wouldn’t bother tbh.

Do it. No one ever feels annoyed at getting a good news card.

You'll get people saying it's stupid, not necessary, OTT etc but you want to do it and it would make your friend happy so do it.

I think it’s a nice thing to do.
My parents, mum in particular, loved getting grandparent cards when their first gc was born.

Well I think it's pretty weird... though I am not a fan of personalised cards generally.

The sentiment is nice, but I'd be more inclined to get a lovely plain card and write my own note.

Go for it! My parents also loved getting cards for their grandchildren's births and I'm very close to my siblings and nieces and would have been delighted to receive one.

It's a bit strange, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt.

I remember when my cousin was born, someone gave my grandma a "congratulations on becoming a grandparent!" card. I pointed out that she had already been a grandparent (to me) for 18 years.

I looked for exactly one of these cards earlier this year! I couldn't find one. It was for my friend who was extremely excited to be an aunt (and unlikely to have her own children). I would absolutely send it.

Thanks so much for your replies! Seems pretty split. I’m thinking now it can’t hurt - she knows I can be a bit emotional, and doesn’t mind me, so I think, at the worst, she’ll just think “oh there goes Tiny Vulture again, being a bit weird!” At best she’ll really like it......
It’s a funny situation, as with most close friends, you know their siblings, so can give congratulations/gifts directly.....
Really interested and grateful to hear opinions, anyway. Thanks so much to all for posting (and for not telling me I’m a total weirdo or anything - that’s what I always worry about! 😱). Any other opinions gratefully received!

with most close friends, you know their siblings, so can give congratulations/gifts directly.....

Wait. What? Do you live in a tiny village or summat?

OP, you sound so lovely I can't imagine anyone could ever be offended by you

I'd love it if someone did that for me, I'd be really touched.

Haha I have one friend I did this for. And the rest of my friends I didn't.

My friend can't have kids, she loves kids. And she was so so excited about being an auntie.

I didn't question giving the card, and she loved to receive it. But I wouldn't normally do it.

You know your friend

If 100% send this to anyone that I cared about! It matters to them - so it matters to you!

Send it! I think between close friends it’s lovely. I wouldn’t want it to become common place though that aunts get cards for becoming aunts!

I have a few friends I would do this for. I know myself how special being an auntie is and I'd be excited for friends who were going to share that special relationship.

A good friend of mine (happily single with no children) dotes on all children (she still gets my 20 yo cards and gifts) adores her nieces and is always thrilled when another child joins her family. She'd be really touched that I recognised that.

You sound lovely OP.

Of course it's something people would appreciate/wouldn't have a problem with, unless they're a bit weird.

To be friendly or whatever is obviously your personality- express it. You wouldn't be doing anything wrong. xxx

You could just send a general Congratulations card and write in it something like 'you're going to be an auntie!'

Would that be less weird than a specific card congratulating you on something you had absolutely no input into whatsoever?

That's why I think it's weird Even the congrats on your grandchild - well, you put effort into raising its parent. But Auntie? That's a bit like giving cards congratulating you on your sister's promotion isn't it?

As a happily childless person who is a doting aunt to two lovely boys, I would have been delighted to receive one.

I overhead a conversation between two women once, where one was getting really arsey about the fact that her friend had only texted her about becoming a grandmother twice on the same day but had not bothered to send a card. I was gobsmacked at the expectation that anyone might send a card to a grandmother. My social skills must be lacking.

I think it's a lovely idea.

I agree with @TheBlueStocking . If your friend is happy at being an auntie, then sending her a card congratulating her on it is a nice gesture.

I think it's lovely. I know it's different but I've still got a card that says happy birthday auntie on the front that my niece gave me when she was about a month old.

It's an act of love and warmth towards your friend, of course you should do it. Wtf is wrong with people who think that would be weird?

I would. It's a big moment for her and you're her good friend. I think she will be delighted and touched u recognise how special this is for her.

I think it’s a lovely thought. X