A couple of good ways to save money on cards: The dollar store has a surprisingly good array of cards and at mine (Dollar Tree) they are 2 for a dollar. We also like to make cards by using construction paper. We cut out a picture of someone (funny, famous, whatever) and write something in a "balloon" (like in the comics). There are so many possibilities!
Since I'm visually impaired, I don't get the pleasure of recycling greeting cards the way so many do. And I do send ecards instead of paper whenever possible. A great "second best" to ecards is the dollar store. We had to run out "last-minute" card shopping last Christmas. Without a lot to spend, I was thrilled to find a beautiful box of cards marked down to around $2. These were $24 cards, marked down because the cellophane was torn, and the note said pieces were missing. Imagine my joy when I got them home and counted them - not a single piece was missing. Compare this to $7 for a comparable number of cards that weren't nearly as nice!
I like to buy white card stock. Use shaving cream and food coloring, mix together and put on a flat cookie sheet. Lay the white card stock on the shaving cream and it picks the colors up. It makes a very great looking sheet of paper. You can use it for cards, bookmarks, or whatever you would a regular piece of paper. Hopefully this gives you some ideas.
My 7 year old and I love to make cards. I refuse to buy cards. I save all the cards we receive in a small recycled gift bag and when we have an occasion we go through and find a pretty picture or saying and recycle it into something unique and beautiful. I think people appreciate homemade cards so much more than store bought. My little one is so artistic, she comes up with some really neat ideas. Much better than me.
Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback (if you are a registered user). If you have not yet registered, click here to do so. It's FREE!.
Archives:
Article: Saving Money on Greeting Cards
Archived on 06/09/2009
Tips for saving money on greeting cards. Post your ideas.
Feedback:
Making Cards
Have artsy kids? Save money on cards by having your kids make them!(05/26/2005)
By Joanne A.
Inexpensive Father's and Mother's Day Cards
Buy a plastic box about the size of a small shoe box. After Mother's Day, Father's day or any holidays, buy a bunch of cards sometimes the are even 90 percent off. Store them in the box till next year. You will save money and always be prepared.(05/26/2005)
By Jessica
RE: Saving Money on Greeting Cards
I buy greeting cards at the dollar store. These cards can be 'dressed up' with glitter, charms, ribbon, or any other scrapbooking embellishments you might have on hand. Be creative! Also, if you make your own cards and need envelopes - check with the employee who stocks the greeting cards. If you ask ahead of time, the employee may be able to save some envelopes for you that are left over after a holiday! (06/06/2005)
By Lee
Going Out of Business Sales
Be sure to shop stores that you know are going out of business. You can get items greatly reduced. This is usually when I pick up most of my all occasion greeting cards. This way, I don't have to pay full price for them. I also buy them at church bazaars (I bought a package of 10 cards and matching envelopes for .25 a pack!) Needless to say, I didn't just buy 1 package, I got several! I just can't stand paying nearly $3.00 a card in drug or grocery stores.(06/20/2005)
By Terri
RE: Saving Money on Greeting Cards
When my husband and I first were married, money was really tight. We had money for necessities but no extras. So on special occasions like birthdays, we would go to the store together and pick out each other a card. We would then go on another isle and "exchange cards." I would read the one he picked for me and he would read the one I picked for him and then we would put them back. It may sound corny to some but I thought it was kinda romantic and sweet. (08/19/2005)
By Tracy
RE: Saving Money on Greeting Cards
So many good ideas. I also make cards on the computer. I enjoy being able to personalize them with the recipient and giver's names. I figure I spend .11 per card/envelope when I do on the computer. (01/18/2006)
