I like Papyrus but hate spending $7 for a card. There is an artist in the area where we have our vacation place who sells beautiful letter press cards using Crane paper. They are simple and elegant–she sells them in sets of 10 and they are $2-3 each. I use those all the time except for Christmas cards.
$10 is a lot to pay for “just a card,” especially when folks can fairly easily make cards with their home printers or buy photo cards of just send free ecards or emails.
I rarely buy individual cards but do buy some sets of cards that are multi-purpose.
Hallmark all the way.
(They pay my check…)
Most stores that carry Hallmark will have some 99 cent or 2 dollar cards. But they are the more simple cards. People will pick up cards that have cut outs, pop ups, glitter and feathers and then complain how much it costs.
I tend towards funny cards. If I pick up a card and it’s got a ton of sappy writing, I put it right back.
2 for the most part, with the thoughtful comments. I also buy pretty "just a note" cards that have 10 in a bunch that are empty inside. The only time I spring for more expensive cards are for a few girlfriends and the card itself is hilarious!
I hate that sappy stuff, too. Makes me shudder reading it, or gag.
I love greeting cards – buy them regularly, often in advance if I come across one that is particularly appropriate for someone in my life. I already have my daughter-in-law’s birthday card for next year.
I resist paying more than $4/card, though, unless it is truly special for someone in particular. I also buy numerous cards at Trader Joe’s, agree they are nice and an excellent price. I have a “stationary drawer” that functions as a home card shop, with cards grouped by category.
I trained my kids that a card is only worth giving if it includes a nice personal, hand-written message. I don’t go for gushing, but really like sincerity.
I also have a “keeper” drawer filled with cards of special meaning to me. Every now and then I go through the drawer and relish reading them again.
We no longer do birthday gifts in our family. A special dinner and a personal card are all I would want.
I am diligent re remembering birthdays of significant people in my life – transfer birthdates onto my new calendar each year. I remember many birthdays of people who don’t remember mine, but it gives me pleasure, is “my thing.” It is a minor luxury that I enjoy doing.
(My grandmother was the same way; family members used to joke that she kept the card stores in business.)
Across from my office, is a card/gift shop/post office/candy store… I’ve been buying there for 27 years. The owner is a nice, youngish man. I can ask for a specific type of card, I.e., 2 men marrying, and he or his employee will take me right to the choices. I never spend more than $4 for a card. I hope I am a loyal customer. Such shops should never go out of business, I love been no able to purchase unique and wonderful, funny cards.
@JEM You sound just like me. If I am at a mall most likely you will find me in card shop because that is my escape from mall madness. I enjoy card shopping and remembering other peoples birthdays. They may not remember mine but sending out cards is a slice of joy. Maybe I enjoy sending the card more than the person may enjoy receiving it. I too have a stationary drawer and buy cards before the occasion arrives.
I also like Trader Joe’s selection of cards. My dream job would be to design cards for different occasions.
So interesting! I can tell that many of you truly love cards and the sentiment behind them.
Funny how we are all different. I respect your love - I just can’t reflect it myself! Then again, I also haven’t done Christmas cards for YEARS. Always hated that task.
Now, I DO appreciate pretty note cards. No front or inside message - just pretty art on the outside and my words to whoever about whatever inside.
That said, another great place to buy cards or notecards that are deluxe in looks, but not deluxe in price is TJMaxx or HomeGoods. Most of the cards are $1.99 and are high quality.
- Become a paper crafter and make all your greeting cards. It only takes one or two dollar's worth of consumable supplies to make a beautiful card.
(We won’t talk about the thousands of dollars that have been spent on tools, stamps, inks, etc. Ask me how I know - lol).
Abasket: I had a good laugh when I read your post. I have ranted for years about family members who send are low on funds but send a $5 - $6 Hallmark card (plus price of stamp) to every member of the family for even the smallest occasion. I truly don’t appreciate them and wish they would save their money.
I do like 1) Christmas photo cards 2) cards with real meaning - like a unique pick -me-up 3) more artistic cards with a heart-felt note.
Glad to know I’m not alone !
I never realized Trader Joe’s had reasonably priced cards. Will check them out (though just bought some at the dollar store). DH bought me an $8 valentines card! It really fit our life, and apparently many others (to become an $8 card!)
I used to only buy from Hallmark, years ago, but I feel it’s just a waste of money. Dollar store has great choices, but I probably mostly buy cards at my local CVS - I buy a lot of things there for the convenience even though they are overpriced.
I feel like for a card not to be a waste, I try to write something meaningful in each card I give and conversely, I like when I receive a personally written note in the cards I receive. That card probably wont get thrown out, but will go in my ‘save’ box.
I scanned through responses, but did anyone mention ecards?! I do send these now to family members and some of them are really cute and fun to open. Or www.jibjab.com are fun too!
I’m not much of a greeting card person but H and oldest D are into giving cards. My D loves Paper Source and picks her cards with great care.She also will make homemade cards. My H used to buy his cards at CVS but now he goes to Paper Source. S and his fiancé are Papyrus fans. I think Trader Joe’s is the best price and has a great selection of cards.
I like to buy boxes of assorted cards from our independent bookstore. I can usually find something in my boxes for most occasions. I keep a bag of multi colored sharpies on hand to personalize the inside.
I may not be a card person but I love gift wrap. I like Caspari brand and also like the selection from the Container store. another great spot for gift wrap and gift bags is World Market.
Edited to add- I am so not a Dollar store person. I dont even know where the Dollar store is located in my city. I have terrible memories of my Mom and Step dad buying our bread and cookies for lunches from the Dollar store or the .99 cent store as it was called in those days.