I enjoy sending friends and family greeting cards. There’s just something about getting a card with a note in the mail that brightens a person’s day.
Unfortunately, sending those greeting cards can also lighten your wallet. From handcrafted cards to ones with music, a greeting card can run more than $8. And that doesn’t include the cost to mail it!
The next time you go to buy a pricey greeting card, consider these alternatives that can help you save money on greeting cards:
Shop the dollar stores.
You can all kinds of greeting cards from sentimental to hilarious, and some of them cost less than a buck.
Shop the thrift stores.
You can find some fun, eclectic greeting cards for just a little bit of spare change. You’ll also be able to pick up packs of note cards that you can personalize. You can sometimes find greeting cards at estate sales and garage sales, so keep your eyes out for other secondhand deals.
Check out eBay.
You can buy greeting cards in bulk and score a deal, or you can find affordable handmade options on eBay.
Make your own.
Get those creative juices flowing and make your own greeting cards. Draw some pictures or write a poem. A few rubber stamps picked up at garage sales and some leftover scrapbook paper can make dozens of thoughtful cards.
Send a photo card.
You can add a photo to a card you have made, or you can take advantage of the many deals at places like Snapfish, Walgreens, or Cardstore.com and get photo cards for free or super cheap. (Sometimes Cardstore.com even offers free postage to send it directly to your recipient!)
Send an e-card.
You can send an animated e-card through places like Hallmark’s eCards, JibJab, American Greetings, or Smilebox. While most options are not free, they still cost less than a paper card, especially if you send a lot of cards.
Send a postcard.
Postcards are cheaper and cost less to mail than traditional cards. Bonus points if you can send one from a place you and the recipient have been to together.
Send something unique.
Keep your eyes open for alternatives to cards. I once sent a friend a fun set of magnets for her fridge. They cost less than a greeting card and will last longer.
Send a gift card.
Rather than sending a $5 folded piece of paper, why not send a $5 Starbucks card? No, this idea isn’t a money-saver, but you are certainly getting more value for your money, and that’s worth something.
Send a candy bar.
You can find all kinds of candy bar wrapper templates to create a cute, personal message on your friend’s favorite treat.
Send a song.
Amazon gives you the option to send an MP3 download
Of course, you could save a bunch of money and just not send anything at all. But with a little creativity, you can send a greeting they’ll remember for a long time. Remember, it’s the thought that counts!
Your turn: How do you save money on greeting cards?
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For their grandparents, we always have our kids make cards. I think at their ages (6 and 4), that’s something that can be a lot more cherished than picking out a card at the store.
I love getting mail so I still send cards too! I buy the bulk multi-packs on Amazon. They have some really cute designs and you can get some great bargains, then they’re always on hand for any occasion!
My mom belongs to something like the Hallmark rewards program. She gets an offer for a free card once in awhile. Or they’re sent to her? Crap, I can’t remember. But the point is, she gets free cards from time to time.
I went to CVS before Christmas and noticed that it had a $1 card section. Not the greatest selection but perfectly fine. I was floored by the cost of the regular ones!