The Best Characters for Baby Cards

With the current birth rate in the UK indicating that around 11.171 babies are born per 1000 people, baby cards to celebrate the birth of a little one have never been more popular. Nostalgia marketing is a popular way of ensuring products sell, which is why so many gift-givers are likely to seek out cards that remind them of their fond childhood memories.

The characters that can evoke these emotions are unique to everyone, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some that carry a strong crossover among shoppers from all walks of life. When it comes to characters that card suppliers choose to adorn the front of their baby cards, here are some of the most popular that retailers can stock.

The innocence of Peter Rabbit

Created by Beatrix Potter, Peter Rabbit first appeared in ‘The Tales of Peter Rabbit’ in 1902 and has since become an iconic character in British literary canon. Known for his mischief and the innocence of his tales, his exploration of Mr. McGregor’s Garden, illustrated in watercolour, provides a nostalgic charm that can tug at the heartstrings of readers of all ages.

The soft visuals that reflect the vision of Potter in the original stories offer a whimsical sophistication for cards with her titular bunny — making cards that feature the character a warm, heartfelt selection to match the joy of welcoming a new life into the world.

Mickey Mouse – Joy and Magic

No brand is as closely associated with joy and magic as Disney. While they’ve created many iconic characters that would make for a perfect card-giving occasion, the House of Mouse has its colloquial name for a reason. Mickey Mouse is one of the most recognisable characters in the world with his timeless design, making him a perfect choice for any card for parents and families.

Mickey has seen several character redesigns over the years, stemming all the way back to his origins in the 1928 film ‘Steamboat Willie’, which interestingly entered the public domain in 2023. This means companies aren’t required to obtain express permission from the Walt Disney Corporation to license the original design for commercial purposes. Greeting card publishers could take advantage of this and create new and unique ways of displaying classic characters in interesting designs for baby cards.

Winnie the Pooh – The Sweetest Golden Bear

Winnie the Pooh was created by A.A. Milne in 1926 and has been cemented in pop culture as a character that offers warmth and wisdom to audiences, both young and old. The ‘silly old bear’ and the other beloved characters in The Hundred Acre Wood are timeless examples of sweetness that are perfect for the face of cards for babies.

Disney currently licenses the character and properties; however, pastel illustrations from Milne’s original became public domain in January 2022. So, while the brighter colours and his now iconic red shirt may not be free to use commercially, the classic illustrations are still just as recognisable, with a soft and comforting visual for parents and card senders.

The old and the new – nostalgia for newborns

Finding the right characters for baby cards can help connect generations by using nostalgia and new beginnings to create memories. These characters can create a special bond between newborns and their parents as they grow up. Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and Peter Rabbit all have timeless charm that can be enjoyed for generations.

It’s something retailers should always be considerate of, especially as nostalgia marketing continues to prove such a key tool to drive sales. One area that retailers could take note of going forward is the characters who are emerging as incredibly popular among children and adults, such as Bluey or Paw Patrol, as many years on, you could use the characters to better establish a connection with card-buying adults.