Greeting cards for prisoners

Among all the many greeting cards out there for birthdays, weddings, funerals and other occasions, few are appropriate for someone who’s behind bars. With that in mind, Three Squares Greetings has developed a complete line of cards specifically focused on prisoners. Los Angeles-based Three Squares Greetings, which was launched about two years ago, sells a wide variety of cards designed for inmates to both send and receive. Some are centered around traditional occasions such as birthdays and Christmas, while others are prison-specific, such as “getting out” and “tough love.” Even cards for the traditional occasions, however, are targeted specifically at those in jail. One birthday card for incarcerated recipients, for example, reads, “Birthdays come and birthdays go. But you’re still not here. I miss you.” Some even use humour, such as the Christmas card that begins, “You had the choice to be ‘naughty or nice.’ And you chose…” In Three Squares’ “Inside/Out” category, meanwhile, are cards designed for prisoners to send to those outside, such as an “I’m Sorry” card that reads, “I’ve disappointed you too many times. For that, I apologize. I’m trying to get myself together in here.” Company founder and CEO attorney Terrye L. Cheathem explains: “We know there are few words to express thoughts and feelings when a family member, close friend, or the child of a close friend is arrested. Our mission at Three Squares Greetings is to make it easier for you to communicate with those loved ones. Three Squares Greetings does not ignore the reality of those facing the criminal justice system. We recognize that when our loved ones are locked away, we still love them, miss them, and think about them.” Three Squares’ cards are available online for USD 3.99 as well as in select California stores. Retailers: There are some 2.3 million prisoners in the US alone—one to add to your own offerings? Alternatively, localize the concept with translations for other parts of the world? (Related: Hot sauce made and marketed by prisoners.) Spotted by: Susanna Haynie