Find answers about choosing Braille, personalising your card and delivery. If you need help, contact us.
Choosing Braille
What is Braille?
Braille is a system of reading and writing using raised dots. People read it by touch, moving from left to right. Combinations of dots represent letters, punctuation and other characters.
What is the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2?
Grade 1 spells out each letter. Grade 2 uses contractions for some letters and words, so the message takes up less space. For example, Grade 2 can represent the word “and” with one Braille symbol.
Which grade should I choose?
If you are unsure, choose Grade 1. Someone who reads Grade 2 can read Grade 1, but someone who reads Grade 1 may not know Grade 2 contractions. If possible, ask the recipient which grade they prefer.
Personalising your card
How do I add my message?
On the product page, choose your message format. If you choose Braille Grade 1, Braille Grade 2 or print only, a message box appears for your wording. You can also choose to leave the card blank.
Check the message format, spelling, required date and quantity in your basket before continuing. Your choices and message are also shown under “Your order” at checkout.
What does “Date Required” mean?
Enter the date you need your order to arrive by. This tells us when it is needed; it is not the dispatch date. Please allow enough time for preparation and delivery. Contact us before ordering if the date is close.
How many words will fit?
This depends on the size of the card and the Braille grade. Most cards fit up to 38 words in Grade 1 or 45 words in Grade 2. If you need a longer message, contact us about sending a Braille letter as well.
Can my card have print as well as Braille?
Yes. We print your Braille message too, usually on the back of the card.
How is the Braille added?
We normally add Braille using a clear plastic sheet. This is durable and allows sighted readers to see the card underneath. For some cards, particularly with Grade 1, we use a separate piece of card with Braille on one side and print on the other.
What is included with a card?
Your card comes with an envelope. If you choose a Braille message, we add your wording and include a printed version. You can request a separate Braille description of the images and wording on the card using the product options. Cards are sent in a large A4 envelope.
Delivery and postage
When will my card be dispatched?
If you order before 5pm, we aim to dispatch your card the next working day where possible. For example, an order placed before 5pm on Monday would normally be dispatched on Tuesday. Dispatch may take longer during busy periods.
How much does postage cost?
Cards have free worldwide postage.
Gift postage is charged separately and depends on the items in your basket and your delivery address. Enter your address at checkout to see the delivery charge before paying.
What is the difference between dispatch and delivery?
Dispatch is the day we post your order. Delivery is the day it arrives. Please allow time for the postal service as well as preparation.
How much time should I allow for overseas delivery?
Please order a few weeks ahead where possible. Delivery varies by country and the final destination. Our existing delivery guidance notes that cards sent to Australia or the USA can take 3–10 days to reach the destination country, with further time for local delivery. Some deliveries have taken around three weeks.
How long do gifts take?
Most gifts are handmade or personalised. Please allow 5–7 days for dispatch, plus time for delivery. We aim to dispatch sooner where possible.
Gifts and Braille descriptions
Can I request a Braille description of a gift?
Yes. We can provide a gift description in Grade 1 or Grade 2 Braille. Choose the description option and grade on the product page where available.
Will the description arrive with the gift?
Gift descriptions are posted separately, so they may arrive at a different time from the gift.
Still need help?
Contact us if you need help choosing a format, fitting your message or planning an order for a particular occasion.