We exchanged cards this year as well but I bought a few packages and had the kids "sign them" during daycare and we handed them out yesterday at our party. This was for a few reasons, I saw this as an opportunity for the older kids to practice writing their names, it gave us something to do and also so everyone had something to give/receive. I never mentioned to the families that we were making cards for each other but they knew about the party. One boy brought cards to the party so with the exception of my girls and dcb, none of the other parents thought to do this. As a parent I don't know if I would think to do this as the kids are so little but who knows.