I love getting and giving gift cards. I think they are the best present ever and the fact that they are reloadable is awesome as well. However, I don’t feel that love when it comes to your traditional paper greeting cards. I understand that if you do get a gift card, you have to get a paper card to put the gift card in. It seems odd just giving someone a gift card and saying, “Here, Happy Birthday.” I have to admit, I get disappointed when I get a card without a present and there’s nothing in the card. Thanks for the kind thought though. There’s just something about opening that card and finding a cheque, cash or gift card inside.
But how many cards have you accumulated over the years? And for how many different occasions? For me, way too many to count. For the longest time, I held on to a lot of them out of sentimental value and felt bad because someone spent money on the card. Cards can get pretty expensive. I’ve seen the nice ones in the $5 and up range!
We give them for many occasions and of course, Hallmark has created a card for almost every holiday AND they can be tailored for a certain person (friend, significant other, mother, father, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, grandmother, grandfather, etc). They have cards for holidays where people hardly give cards. I have never given a Hallowe’en card, Easter Card, or a “Just Because” Card. Sometimes I wonder if certain holidays were created so cards could be made. I’m not saying cards should be completely eliminated, I just think to save yourself the extra cash, be wise about when and who you give cards to. Most of the time, if I’m giving an actual present (in a reusable gift bag, that I received from someone else, of course), I just write in the little card provided with the bag. Christmas is already too hectic and stressful enough as it is. I can’t remember the last time I sent out Christmas cards. Ok, ok, they do look nice when you display them in your home.
I know most likely they will throw out that card eventually. I’ve kept a few that I really liked, but for the most part they go into the round filing cabinet (ahem, garbage). What sucks about the cards is that they’re a one time deal. Nobody writes in pencil, and although re-gifting is somewhat acceptable, I’m not too sure about “re-carding”. (Do not, I repeat , do not re-use that sentimental card your ex gave you on your new significant other. Mayhem will ensue).
While I love getting snail mail, I think I actually like getting e-mail more. Hence, why don’t people send more e-cards. Most of them are free and you can reach a large number of recipients. Who gives out actual invitations anymore, aside than for your wedding? I’m all about the eVite. No fuss, no muss. (What is a muss anyway?)
Call me cheap. Call me lazy. I’m all about gift cards and credit cards. I’d rather save the few bucks. Paper cards, I could do without for the most part.
What’s your take on the greeting card?
My wife and I keep a shoebox of all of the cards we’ve received since we’ve been married. It’s completely full in just 2 years (with all of the cards standing up). I can’t imagine how much money all of those cards are worth!
Those cards are definitely worth keeping. 🙂
Bf send me an e-card today, it was cute. I don’t really care about paper cards for the most part. Throwing them away makes me feel guilty, but let’s face it, what value are they after you’ve read them? Esp. if they didn’t have a special message, just “love grandma”?
Exactly. I rarely write long msgs now in cards, knowing that they will get thrown out.
Having a five year old is great. She makes most all the cards I give these days, which are mostly to relatives. They love it. I will keep a paper card if someone writes a note that they put some thought into. If you just sign your name, I will toss it pretty quick. I do have many cards saved from over the years. Ones from my late grandparents are very special, and I’m glad I saved them.
Hand-made kid ones are the best ones!
I like getting cards a lot. I actually save them. I have some cards back from when I was in elementary school! That being said, I would not expect anyone to keep a card that I gave them.
Whoa, that’s going way back. For awhile, I actually kept those valentine cards that kids give to each other in elementary school. Then I tossed them. Looking back at it, I wish I had kept some of them. 🙁
I love, love , love getting cards. In fact, my friends understand that I always want a card for any situation. I have a ton saved in a steamer trunk and think about when I’m a cute little grandma touching those cards and remembering those moments and the people who gave them to me.
oh my. i am so with you on this one. my sister in law will buy everyone else a card at christmas but skips me after years of realizing I just don’t care about them. I don’t take the time to read them, i usually just flip open to see who its from. I just don’t understand the whole point of them. my kids never give cards with their gifts, just sign the tag on the bag. im sure the kid doesn’t even notice.
its not just birthday cards or christmas cards either. for every gift i give at a baby or wedding shower, i specifically write on the gift – no thank you card please. people hate writing them, and i hate getting them. i just think they are a waste of time. i know you are thankful. and if you’re not, i don’t want you to lie.
away with the cards!!!
I should totally do that next time I go to a baby shower or a wedding. Saves them the hassle of writing a card and saves them the postage!