How to Buy Greeting Cards

Tips on Buying Greeting Cards

1. Make sure you choose a card that both matches the occasion and personality of the receiver. Some people like to get humorous cards, especially for their birthday. There are many levels of humorous cards you can send, from light wit to bawdy jokes. Make sure you know the sense of humor of the card recipient before you make your choice.
2. Paper cards range from the simple to the elaborate. You can buy a two-panel card, with a front and a back page, or you can find cards that expand to many panels, like an accordion. Cards are available that play music, and there are cards that have all sorts of sparkles and shiny objects on them. The simple cards, of course, will cost less than the elaborate ones.
3. Blank paper cards are another option. A blank card usually has a design, photo or illustration on the front that can be somber, beautiful or humorous. The fact that there is not a saying or words inside allows you to tailor a blank card to say exactly what you want to say, in your own words.
4. Of course, if you buy a greeting card, make sure you also pick the right envelope. Envelopes of different sizes often become mixed together, so match your card to the right envelope.
5. Electronic cards also come in many variations. You can send electronic cards with brief greetings and sayings. You can also send animated electronic greeting cards and cards that included sustained music and singing. Chose one that you think best suits the occasion, as well as the recipient’s personality.

Caution

If you send an electronic card that is loud or bawdy, it is best not to send it to someone’s office. The recipient’s co-workers make not appreciate having their workday disrupted.

Where to Get Cards

You can buy greeting cards at many places, including card stores, specialty gift retailers, department stores and supermarkets. A great selection can also be found online. Try one of these greeting card retailers:

Hallmark has been in the greeting card business for a century. The company has a reputation for quality and selection, offering cards for birthdays, all sorts of holidays, illness and special occasions. Order your paper greeting cards online, and Hallmark will even put your personalized message inside.

American Greetings offers the whole gamut of electronic greeting cards. Besides cards for events and occasions, for love and for sympathy, American Greetings offers electronic greeting cards for teenagers, in Spanish and that can even have photographs added to them. You also have the option of creating and printing your own cards.

One of the first retailers of electronic greeting cards was Blue Mountain. The company continues to offer great greeting cards with animations and music. You can also pick a Blue Mountain greeting card that announces your personalized message when opened.