Why Gender-Neutral Cards Are Important
Whether it is celebrating a birthday, welcoming a new baby into the world, or attending a wedding, giving greeting cards is a traditional sentiment. They have a special place in our hearts, being at the forefront of many wonderful occasions.
These occasions shouldn’t be dampened by alack of inclusivity. With more people expressing their self-identity and finding comfort in themselves, it is important that their loved ones have the option to honour this with a card that suits them.
Here, we will explore why gender-neutral cards are so important to stock and display.
Gender-neutral parenting
One reason to invest in gender-neutral cards is gender-neutral parenting. This can start as early as pregnancy, with some couples not wanting to know the gender of their baby – so there is increased requirement to stock gender-neutral baby shower and pregnancy congratulation cards. After this, gender-neutral parents won’t want to perpetuate gendered stereotypes on their child but rather allow them to explore their own likes and interests – avoiding discussing the child’s gender with them at all.
Therefore, gender-neutral cards are the perfect way to respect this parenting style. Offering these cards in your store would mean that parents, friends, family, and other loved ones are able to celebrate a child’s birthday without needing to open a gender discussion.
Inclusivity
During the 2021 UK census, 262,000 people identified as a different gender than the one they were assigned at birth, with 30,000 specifying non-binary and 118,000 not specifying. In this way, companies should be able to represent this portion of the UK population, from a clothing manufacturer to a greeting card supplier. Offering gender-neutral cards means representing all identities, making everyone feel welcome and seen, especially during life events such as birthdays, graduations, and more.
Diversity in the workplace
As the world is evolving to encapsulate different identities and self-expressions, it is important that businesses mirror this. Companies and businesses make social commentaries with the stock they pick, their actions, and company values. In fact, 71% of consumers would rather buy from a company whose values mirror theirs, and so, by widening your range for inclusivity, you can be gaining loyalty.
Clothing brands, such as Kirrin Finch and Olderbrother, specialise in genderless fashion. And some big brands, such as H&M, have unisex lines for the inclusivity of everyone. More businesses across sectors are realising the necessity for inclusive representation across their brands, and cards are no different.
Many business sectors are acknowledging the need for unisex lines, and cards stock should be the same. Not only are cards traditionally given during important moments of our lives, but they also represent the love from one person to another. As the world changes and evolves, companies should too.