Greeting cards, the little rectangles of emotional expression that somehow cost more than a decent lunch these days. Let’s have a moment of silence for our wallets... because apparently, telling someone “Happy Birthday” on a piece of cardstock now costs $7.49.
Seven. Dollars. For paper.
Look, we all love a thoughtful card. But in the age of side hustles and DIY dreams, it’s time to get real about how we do greetings. Whether you're a card-sending queen or just need a stash for emergencies (we see you, last-minute birthday shoppers), there’s no need to empty your wallet to say “I care.”
Here’s how to stock up, get crafty and still keep it cute—without spending a small fortune on folded sentimentality.
The Care Conspiracy: Why So Pricey?
Somewhere along the line, greeting cards went from being sweet little extras to premium luxury goods. Between foil embossing, pop-up florals, musical buttons and glitter explosions, you're basically buying a tiny party in an envelope.
But here’s the truth: it’s the thought that counts. Not the price tag.
So let’s break down your cost-saving card options, from thrifty finds to crafty genius.
Boxed Sets—The Card Buffet of Champions
Let’s start with the most underrated gem: the multi-occasion card box. These beauties often include a mix of birthday, sympathy, congratulations, thank-you, and blank cards—all bundled together and ready to rescue you in a pinch.
Where to find them:
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Amazon: Look for 24-pack or 40-pack sets (many under $20!)
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TJ Maxx / Marshalls / Ross: Chic designs, bargain prices
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Big Lots or Costco: Great quality and quantity
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Stationery stores on clearance
You can easily stock your card drawer with enough variety to last a whole year. Bonus: these often work out to $0.50–$1 per card. That’s greeting on a budget, baby.
Dollar Store to the Rescue
Let’s give a big round of applause to our hero: Dollar Tree.
They carry name-brand cards (yep, Hallmark!) for $1.25 or 2 for $1, depending on the line.
You can:
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Buy a handful in advance
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Keep a stash of generic ones (birthday, thank you, congrats)
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Skip the fancy and lean into adorable and affordable
Pro tip: Keep a few blank ones you can personalize for any occasion. Add a quote, a joke or a private message so good they’ll forget it only cost you half a soda.
DIY That Card, Darling
Now, if you’re the artsy or Pinteresty type (or at least aspire to be), why not make your own?
Before you panic: no one said you had to become a watercolor calligrapher overnight.
DIY ideas that don’t require an MFA:
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Use scrapbook paper or old magazines for collage cards
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Print out a cute saying in a fun font and glue it onto cardstock
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Add washi tape, stickers or a little glitter (but not too much—unless chaos is your brand)
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Let your kids decorate cards for the grandparents (instant keepsake)
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Use a free template from Canva to design and print your own
Not only are homemade cards heartfelt, but they also make you look hella thoughtful. And let’s be honest—people keep those longer.
Go Digital (But Make It Extra)
Alright, for the tech-savvy or time-crunched among us, there's no shame in going digital—especially if you do it well.
Services like:
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Paperless Post
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Smilebox
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Punchbowl
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Canva (again, because it’s magic)
Let you send a chic, customized e-card straight to someone’s inbox. You can even add music, animations or video. No postage. No deadline panic. Just vibes.
Perfect for when you forgot to mail something but still want to look like you totally didn’t forget.
Bulk Up During Clearance Season
You know those post-holiday clearance racks? They’re not just for leftover wrapping paper.
Stock up on:
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Valentine’s Day cards to use for anniversaries
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Blank winter-themed cards to double as thank-yous
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Birthday card sets marked down in January
T
hink outside the holiday box, and you’ll always have something on hand that doesn’t scream “I got this at CVS five minutes ago.”
Make Card-Sending a Ritual Again
Now that you’ve got options, here’s a spicy idea: create a "card box" station in your home.
Load it with:
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Cards for all occasions
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Stamps
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Return address labels
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A nice pen (none of that dried-up ballpoint stuff)
Add a little calendar reminder to send monthly notes to friends, family or even yourself. It’s a small gesture with a big impact—and way more charming than a text.
Final Thoughts: Sentiment Doesn't Need to Be Spendy
You don’t need a $9 glitter bomb card with a soundtrack and a light show to show someone you care. Whether you buy in bulk, hit the dollar store, craft something from the heart or go digital and dazzling—you’re golden.
Remember: it’s not about the price of the card. It’s about the message inside—and the person sending it.
Which, by the way, is you, fabulous human.
Coffee on. Chaos managed.
5 Quick DIY Card Ideas: When Time’s Ticking but You Still Want to Be Thoughtful
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Washi Tape Wonder – Stick 3–4 strips diagonally across a blank card. Add a stamped “thank you” or handwrite a message. Chic and quick.
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Magazine Cut-Out Mash-Up – Cut words, shapes or images from old magazines to make a collage-style card. Think ransom note meets Pinterest.
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Fabric Scrap Cards – Glue leftover fabric bits in simple shapes (hearts, trees, stars) to kraft paper cards. Rustic and cute.
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Watercolor Swish + Hand Lettering – Brush on some watercolor, let dry for 1–2 min, then write a short message in black ink or marker.
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Stamped & Stacked – Stamp a design on layered cardstock (use tape or glue dots for depth), then mount it to your blank card. Clean and crafty.
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