Loved ones are sure to enjoy receiving an online birthday card that has been created just for them.

Traditional cards and acknowledgments, such as newspaper announcements, are the usual ways of wishing friends and family well on their special day. Despite this, it is not always easy to find the time needed to dash to the shops to buy the desired goods or visit the offices of publications to arrange special messages. In addition, correspondence sent to far flung locations could take some time to reach their destinations and are at the mercy of several postal systems.

Although sending electronic cards is becoming increasingly popular, some surfers have yet to brighten up the days of their loved ones by directing the messages to the relevant inboxes. Greeting cards of this type have developed significantly in recent years and as suppliers of the correspondence get more competitive, the number of designs available is rocketing. In the early days of the internet, simple two-dimensional cards were sent bearing straightforward messages.

However, in order to become leaders in the field, internet firms have transformed these images into multi-media experiences that impress those who receive them. Choice is one area that has seen significant growth in regard to the products. Digital technology means that the businesses are able to offer a vast collection of pictures at great prices, as they have fewer overheads than traditional high street outlets.

As well as wide selections of images, hi-tech suppliers give shoppers the opportunity to order animations, which are well-produced and scripted. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional types are generally available, with the latter bringing screens alive with their movement and spoken words. There tend to be a range that appeals to varied tastes, from comedic fish delivering humorous dialogue, to cute sheep and expertly drawn flying pigs.

As there are a vast number of designs, there are more categories of celebration. This means that instead of just ordering the cards for conventional events, such as birthdays and anniversaries, internet surfers are free to get them for a host of other special days, such as holidays and graduations. The ease with which they can be ordered has also advanced, with shoppers simply travelling to sites and browsing the products available.

It takes little time to choose then send the desired image, which arrives promptly and reliably in the appropriate inbox. As technology improves, sites providing these cards are thinking up more ways to brighten up the days of those who receive the greeting cards. Usually they simply arrive in the inbox of the person concerned but to make sure they do not go ignored, companies have developed a system that alerts the receiver to their new mail.

Shoppers ordering the cards may like to see if the firm they are ordering from has an SMS or text service set up. When activated, this system sees a text message sent to the phone of the individual celebrating their special day. It encourages them to check their inbox where they will find their personalised message.