Opening a beautifully wrapped gift is a universally satisfying experience. The anticipation builds as you carefully untie the ribbon or peel back the tape, just waiting to reveal the surprise inside. The time and effort put into the package reflects the thoughtfulness of the gift-giver, making the gift all the more special. The idiomatic “cherry on top” of your gift is your card. The addition of a high-quality greeting card will take your gift to new levels.
According to the Greeting Card Association, Americans purchase approximately 6.5 billion greeting cards each year. I allocate $150 each month for gifts into a sinking fund, as birthdays, baby showers, weddings, and holidays are costly. A nice card is one of the ways I stretch this budget. Life is too short to settle for a $6.99 card from the drugstore, especially when they knowingly gouge you during your last-minute rush to a birthday party.
Here are some of my top tips for using cards to make a gift feel more special, while also saving money:
- Keep a storage box. Having a dedicated place for your card collection makes it easier to track your inventory.
- Create your own cards. When the urge to be crafty strikes, seize the opportunity. Make personalized cards that you can use all year round. Here’s a YouTube video for inspiration. Everything on her page is gorgeous.
- Buy in bulk. If you buy a pack of assorted cards, it will likely be cheaper per card than buying individual ones.
- Plan ahead. If you buy cards right after a holiday when they’re on sale, you can save them for the next year.
- Choose homemade. Etsy offers thousands of unique card options. Recently, I bought a pack of coloring cards. Not only do I get to enjoy coloring them, but my recipients also receive something personalized. Here are my favorite Etsy greeting cards to inspire you!
- Make your own custom cards. Skip the store and unleash your creativity. With online greeting card creation, you’re the artist. Add your personalized text, photos, and even doodles! Services like Ink Cards simplify this process, allowing you to do it all from your phone. Additionally, they maintain your contact list and remind you when it’s time to send a new card next year.
- Shop vintage. I enjoy searching for greeting cards while vintage shopping. They’re often beautifully crafted and add a personal touch to your gift. Plus, they satisfy my shopping cravings while only costing a few dollars.