Why Do People Buy Greeting Cards?

I like cards! Yes, I suppose I could make a card and buy an envelope to hold it, but when you can get cards at Hallmark for $1 (LOVE the $1 section), why would you? Why do people buy flowers as a gift--they die? It's because it is what people like to do. I love sending and receiving cards--especially when they are out of the blue:)

I like giving Hallmark cards. Although I don't give cards very often, when I do I will spend a lot of time reading each card and I do try to pick one that says what I really want to express to the recipient.

A card allows those of us who aren't as creative to send someone a nice greeting or sentiment. My uncle was the gruffest man...but picked out the most mushy and sappy cards he could find to show my aunt he loved her.

I have a friend who makes cards and her talent is amazing. But that's not me. I do like cards overall. I guess I have better luck? The only irritation I have is that stepfamily cards are either too old (for adults) or non-existent. I got Valentines cards this year for DD, DH and SD (SS is away and doesn't care). I printed off some cards from National Geographic for DD to send to the grands and her friends. We are making one from DD to DH.

The most pricey card was for DD, but that was because it was Nutbrown Hare and therefore they had to pay for use of the image vs creating one. But it's perfect for her. I try to pay less than $5 and they are usually special occasions only.

My grandmother recently sent DD a card with a cat on it. Sometimes it's just nice to get a card. I don't care if it's from the 99 cent section or not. I save them and look back year after year. Sometimes it's nice to see what someone wrote or just their name and know they thought of you, especially after they are gone. I choose carefully per recipient and if I see some funny ones on sale, I'll pick up a few because I know a couple of people who like funny cards.

It's called being nice.

I buy the dollar cards with nothing inside and just a picture on the front (usually something black and white, just my preference)... the blank one's are great, because in a pinch, you can say 'Congrats, I'm sorry, Good job, Happy Birthday, Thank you, I love you'... really, whatever you need :)

I often have a few in a drawer... whenever my kids or husband is going to have a tough day or has been having a bad week, I always stick cards in their lunch boxes to make them smile and know I'm thinking about them :)

I guess the same could be said for clothing, or hand bags, or shoes, or toys, or anything for that matter. In my opinion, they are way over-priced but I'm not creative enough to make my own. So, I purchase them pre-made. Do I think cards are way over-priced, yes, but it's the convenience of having it ready and pre-made when I need it.

I read a really good quote from another post and thought I'd share it with you: "If it makes you uptight then don't participate, no need to slam." - Kari F.

ETA: Hey, sounds to me like your slamming those who don't make their own cards...I only call it like I see it. You asked a question and I answered, no need to "slam" me if you don't like my response. I only quoted you because I had just read your response to Molly who jokingly didn't want to celebrate the holiday. Sorry that I don't want to make my own cards nor does your MIL and that seems to bother you, or at least make you laugh at her thoughtfulness regarding a card she picked for your husband telling her she's proud of him. HILARIOUS!

I buy cards and like to receive them because it's nice to open an envelope with a beautiful card with a poem or something written inside. Those people who write those make the big bucks for a reason! Some of them write some really beautiful things! So yes, I enjoy it. Along with what the giver has written in it as well.
I have a box of cards that I have been given and every so often I like to go through them and read the nice things people have written me over the years. It makes me feel good and special.

It's just NICE to get a card sometimes. Does it have to be a reason more than just that?

Today, Valentine's Day, is my son's 13th birthday. He is home sick from school, and I took off work to be with him. This morning, I gave him a card I bought in a store over the weekend. It had a funny message, but I wrote three paragraphs in it, telling him how much I love being his mother (I'm a single parent) and how proud I am of the person he is turning out to be. He told me that he wanted to save the card so he would know what to write to his kids in their cards! Just thinking about his response is making me cry. Now I have this wonderful memory of what he said, and I don't think I would have had that if I didn't buy the card. I buy my cards in the supermarket while I am doing my food shopping. For myself, I know that I won't or can't take the time to make a card. That's just me.

Because there are some people in my life who equate them with love. If I don't send one for certain occasions they get all upset.
Hallmark Card: $3.99, not having to hear crying and why don't you love me: Priceless

Hi there!!!
I feel the same as Cheryl B.. I buy greetings cards, they are not all the time from Hallmark and I (and my kids) make mine sometimes. I spend time looking for those cards that say something I actually want to say, and add some lines on my own. If I don't find exactly what I am looking for, I just buy a pretty blank card and I write what I feel. Some people do it, some others do not...people is just different and like different ways to show their affection, love or sympathy. If we do it with real appreciation, love or sincerity any detail (a nice card, a few sweet lines on a paper, a big hug, a present, a phone call....etc) is wonderful!

I don't buy greeting cards except a few times a year when I want to send a special note to my husband. At those times I buy the really nice (expensive) ones - Papyrus makes beautiful cards. My husband does the same for me. I installed French bulletin boards on the back of our closet doors and in the entry hall near my kitchen. We hang our cards in those places since they are mini pieces of art. I have also been known to buy expensive cards to frame to hang in the bathrooms. They are expensive as cards but cheap as art. When I get tired of looking at them, I buy another to fill the frame. For all other occasions I buy inexpensive greeting cards.

If I have time to make the cards (I scrapbook), I will. If not, I buy one. If it's from the kids, I'd much rather it be on a piece of scratch paper. :) My husband's family is BIG on hallmark, so I usually appease them with one.

I never buy Hallmark cards because they ARE super expensive!! $4 for a card? no thanks! I go to the dollar store where they are 2 cards for $1 and buy one or two. I usually make sure they say something that I agree with and then I write something (anywhere from 3-20 sentences) that I feel the need to say. My husband just got a .50 card for valentines day that is full of love and thoughtfulness on my part since I filled it up with all the reasons that I love him.
L.

I think it might be a generational thing but I still love getting and receiving cards. I use to mail cards every once in a while for no reason home to my husband so he had something else to open then bills. The kids and I often make cards and I make all of the thank you cards, but I still like finding that perfect birthday card for a friend, or congrats card that just fits perfect. I've received so many cards that make me smile, laugh or tear up. OK... I am a Hallmark girl! Proud of it! (so are most of my friends too!)

I like cards but only if the person giving it to me has also written a personal note inside. I hate cards that just has someone's name scribbled inside..that's totally impersonal! I have to admit the best cards, however, are the ones that are handmade with love. My husband recently made me a card for our anniversary. He whipped out my scrapbooking materials and made an adorable card that I absolutely loved. But he's also bought me cards before and written sentiments inside that he doesn't necessarily verbally express every day so I think both are nice :)

I never know what to do with a card - do I keep it? Display it in case that person comes over? Is there a time limit to hold onto it so I don't feel guilty immediately dumping it? Am I supposed to have some sort of "wow" moment upon reading the words inside? What is the "greeting card" etiquette? It's my mom's b'day...should I choose this card? Or this one? Or THIS one? Or !*THIS*! one? Or can I just Skype her and tell her "Happy Birthday?" I don't particularly enjoy receiving cards and I don't enjoy giving them. I'm not a very sentimental, touchy-feely type of person, I guess.

I usually only buy birthday cards to go on the presents that my kids are taking to b'day parties. And, actually, the last party my daughter went to, she chose to *make* the card instead (and it was super cute!).

But there are those who love giving and receiving cards and that's just fine. I'm just not one of them.

I like giving and receiving them because they're not very common anymore. When my brother died, people sent me the loveliest sympathy cards and it was so nice to think that someone took the time to select a card, write a note, address it, stamp it, and drop it in the mail. That experience has prompted me to be better about cards - I recently sent out a couple of engagement cards and funny birthday cards and the recipients were really tickled to get something nice and personal in the mail. I like browsing through the card section and finding one that is just right for someone.

I have started to minimize cards on the holidays and birthdays where I'm already there with a gift in person except for people who I know are really into cards, like our grandmothers or my mother.

because people expect them. In other words, sometimes I suck it up for them instead of feeding my own preferences for not waisting money on a psudosentimantal overpriced piece of paper. Its called: considerate.

My MIL and FIL kept a box of used cards to one another, pulling from the same stack of reused cards over and over. I think thats a clever way to deal with the issue. And if you really know who you are dealing with, or you are a person who is good at getting around to handmade cards then by all means skip it.

Kari,

I 100% completely agree with you, however, oddly enough, married a man who LOVES these sentimental cards. The only cards I enjoy are the funny ones.

I have figured out that the people who adore them are "Words of Affirmation" people. That's from The 5 Love Languages.

You're MIL probably loves to be told how wonderful she is. If so, count your blessings, as it's actually one of the easiest love languages to cater to. Buy a card, and you're done.

And yes, today, I received a sentimental Valentine's Card from both my husband and kids, as he takes them...and I have not bought him one, and he'll be totally sad if I did not, so I best get a wiggle on and go find one for him...or he'll pout. I have many times hand-made him a card, and it's just not the same for him. Ugh....

i have come to the conclusion that some people are just "card people". a good friend of mine sends them to me and my daughter for every occasion, valentine's, halloween, etc. I think they are a huge waste. i do not save them. i did save the ones i got for my daughter's birth and used all the little embellishments on them for her scrapbook.

i only buy cards for weddings to put the money/check in, or if i am giving a gift card as a gift. the card is more a vehicle to put the gift card in. i am a fan of making cards. my daughter and i will make them for her grandparents, etc. we even make thank you cards, unless we're in a hurry. when i do buy cards, i get them at ACO hardware store, where ALL cards are .50 cents each. i will not pay 3-4 dollars. i prefer to spend more on the gift. or, for a baby shower, spend the extra on a book instead of a card.

Why do people hate? Why not buy a card if it will make someone's day? It does not have to be expensive, they have dollar cards or one could make their own.

My husband works for Hallmark so we buy a lot of them. And we love to get them in the mail. It's not difficult to add your own message to a nice card.

Hell, my Valentine's card to him was nice and sappy about all the things I love that we do, and I added at the bottom that I couldn't find one that says "I love that we can have serious discussions about which Super Heroes' powers would be useful in a Zombie Apocalypse" maybe you should get on that. He loved it.

Don't hate on Hallmark. They're awesome and great to their employees.

I buy them because I'm not a good enough writer to do my own. My family and I like funny/mean cards and there are some great ones out there! Not big on the sappy cards at all...

I love cards, not the super-sappy ones but it is so nice to send/receive "real mail". For some the trip to Hallmark is easier... not sure what your situation is exactly, but I work full-time and commute an hour each way each day and then come home to my home life and responsibilities. I want to acknowledge special moments and occassions for people, but I don't have the time to design cards. I wish I did, but I don't! I make a list each month of all the cards I need for the month and buy them all in one trip. That works for us.

A girlfriend of mine is really into scrapbooking and makes the most beautiful cards. They are really special... but still end up in the garbage after a few days. I wouldn't say that I "love cards", but I do "love" acknowledging other people and their lives!

I don't buy cards anymore. I make all the cards or I just don't give one. If I'm only doing a card or giftcard then I make them a card. If there's a gift then usually no card.

ETA: My kids usually make cards for family members.

I use Send Out Cards and have not bought a store bought card in YEARS. They are expensive and stupid and frankly, I think everyone throws them away after they read them so why bother? I hate getting cards and tell everyone to not bother and save their money. The kids usually make me cards, which I love of course. I tell hubby if he does want to buy me a card to please get one at the dollar store!!! =)

My mother-in-law sends them for EVERYTHING to everyone!!! My personal opinion, while the thought is great (especially if there's money enclosed hehe), but they immediately go into the recycling. Christmas, I guess, is different for us because we send photo cards, and we get to update family and friends while getting the same :)

I have started buying cards at the Dollar Store exclusively. The only cost $.50 or $1.00 as compared to a regular drugstore. I refuse to pay the prices at the regular store these days.....

I'm with you. I use stationary and write personal notes, and that way my cards can be for all occasions. My mom has requested the we DO NOT send her cards that cost over $1 because she feels guilty when she has to throw them away. It must have rubbed off on me because I no longer send Christmas cards at all because I hated having to throw away all those cards that I receive during the holidays...it just seems like such a waste (to me!)

I like your question, and it's really appropriate for me because a friend of mine recently said to me in a somewhat negative tone... "I know you don't send Christmas cards"...to which I simply stated, "You're right. I stopped that about 10 years ago. One less thing for ME to stress over during the holidays." I don't mind receiving them, but they all get thrown away by Jan 15...

I love cards. not so much the sappy cards and I do not purchase Hallmark types, but I do love the art cards, the funny cards, the clever cards.

Heck I was the paper buyer at one point and what a blast! I could have just selected their "packaged Assortment for the card walls or the spinners, but I loved instead to pick the cards I new our clients would enjoy. They were unusual.

Remember not everyone has the time, talent or space to sit down with the paints, the papers, adhesives etc.. to make a really special card..

When our daughter was here at home we did have her make the cards.. they were very clever.. But I just have to much other stuff to do than sit down and make 20 cards for holidays..

And I promise, most people love receiving snail mail.. now that it is considered special with the computer and cell phone age we live in.

I don't unless it is a wedding/shower. Now that I have two darling little girls they make all of our birthday and holiday cards. Homemade cards are so much more special! My daughters have so much fun putting things on the card that they think the receiver will like like "Papa's favorite color is green, let's make a green card" and "Grandma will like this Aerial sticker". We also incorporate handprints and things like that sometimes to make it more of a keepsake.

Totally laughing at the story about your MIL and cards ... my MIL is EXACTLY the same way! In fact, she even makes us read the cards she gives us out loud to the whole family! Anyway, I haven't read your other responses, but I feel the same way you do. I think cards are a colossal rip-off. And they totally gouge you on Mother's Day -- some are as high as $9 each, but rarely do you get away with anything lower than $4-5. I've made a lot of cards myself and include my own special message from the heart. That's what counts anyway. And if you do see me in the card section, it will be the 99 cent aisle ... or Trader Joes, where all cards are a buck and really nice quality.

I only buy them to send to kids/grandkids, out of state and sometimes include a small money gift ( check not cash ) or a gift card, etc. For that reason I send them. Otherwise I don't. The older generation, even older than me, still send cards as that's what they did and do. For gifts we get Hallmark gift cards for my mother who buys all the cards she can. She sends to family, friends, everyone all the time. It's so important to her to get a card and those of us who don't send a card 'thank you' but do an e-mail or phone call are not considered to be thanking her. It is sort of nice to receive one though, isn't it? To know someone picked it and mailed it to just you. But I think now days it's almost a big waste of money. I told my husband that the card should be figured in the amount of the gift at the price they are now.

I think those greetings are often cheesy.

I have some nice notecards that are blank and if I need to send a card, I wrote a personal message from my heart on it, not some poem someone else came up with.

I personally much prefer a heart felt note. But my husband really likes cards. I get them at Dollar General for 50 cents each. He loved the one I gave him today.
We send birthday cards to family members--usually with a check or gift card inside. For others to whom I am not sending a gift, I use ecards from crosscards .com.
And I send Christmas cards because I like the custom. But that can be expensive. So I made a list of who sent us one this year and will only be sending them to people who reciprocate from now on. That will cut the expense by 2/3s.

I have written poems that made others cry, lol. But, I feel what you are saying. I did however buy a greeting card for the daycare lady for today, just a small sentiment to say thanks! Some of the cards are really pretty. I guess that's why people buy them. But I go to the dollar store and get the nicest ones there. I'm a bargain shopper.