I was inspired to write this post when I realized that it was time to get out my stash of holiday cards and take a look at our Christmas list. When I married 30 years ago, my husband's family sent a card to every single family member - even siblings whom you would see on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I inherited a list of about 75 people! Wow! I figured out in really short order that since I had no control over what the US Postal Service charged to deliver our holiday greetings, I'd better figure out how to cut the cost of the actual cards!
Having been the recipient of many cards, I can see the importance of taking the time and effort to send personal thoughts to someone who is either celebrating a special occasion or going through a challenging time. But, the cost of greeting cards can add up fast! Just adding the stamp is 50¢ per card can slice into a small budget.
#1: Create a Card File
Start out by organizing the cards that you already have on hand. This is a photo of my actual card file! For years, I have kept a greeting card file box. I have about a dozen categories and keep the appropriate sized envelope right next to the card in the file box. I sub-categorize birthday greetings into the following: male, female, and children. This makes it so easy to find a card when I need one!
#2: Keep Cards That Charities Send to You
One great way to get your file started is to save cards that come in mail with solicitations. There are a lot of philanthropic and charity organizations, who send you a pack of greeting cards in the mail, along with a request for funds.
I don't often send money, but I do keep their greeting cards and put them in my stash. If you don't get them, I'm willing to bet your parents, friends, and other family members do! Ask them to set the cards aside and save them for you if they are not going to use them. Many folks will be happy to see cards used, which they may very well have thrown in the trash.
#3: Send Postcards
You can save money by sending postcards! One year Larry and I found really wonderful Victorian reproduction postcards at a fantastic price! We scooped them up and sent them out for holiday cards at about half the price of a customary stamp. By the way, postcards right now are 35¢ as opposed to 50¢ for a traditional card stamp.
#4: Shop AFTER the Holidays
I refuse to pay more than 50¢ for a box of Valentine cards. In fact, several years I got them for 10¢ a box! When your child signs his or her name in their early grammar school printing, their classmates will have no idea that the card is from the previous year's stock.
The same thing goes for Christmas cards. Shop 4 - 10 days after Christmas for the best discounts. I always check the day-after-Christmas 50% off sales. But, generally I just can't get myself to spend even half price. I wait on the cards for another few days, for that glorious 75% - 90% off price range to come around. I've still found appropriate cards left over by that time.
#5: Buy Cards at A Discount Store
There are a plethora of stores, specializing in cheap party supplies: Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Party Central, just to name a few. Every single one of these stores features greeting cards at discount prices.
HEADS UP!!
Interestingly, one of my favorite haunts, Big Lots, sells their cards at face value! I know! I couldn't believe it either! If that Hallmark card is marked $5 bucks, then that's what you are going to pay at the checkout counter! Wow! So, although I recommend them for a number of other gift and party items, I do NOT recommend that you purchase your individual cards at their store! One caveat though, is that they do heftily discount their boxed holiday cards after the holiday is over. That is when you should shop there for holiday greeting card deals.
#6: Check Second-Hand Stores
On multiple occasions, I have purchased lovely greeting cards from the local Mission Mart stores. See this post for my tutorial on shopping at second-hand stores.
#7: Buy Bulk Cards On-Line
Amazon
If you need to get your "card stash" started, this is a great way to do it!
Amazon has this ad for 144 greeting cards for an amazingly low price per card with FREE shipping!
If you need fewer cards, you could buy this pack of 48 cards.
e-Bay
I perused e-Bay and found a number of lots of greeting cards for sale. They vary wildly in price and volume. But, it's maybe worth a look. You might find just what you need at a price that you're willing to pay.
Wholesale companies
If you have the need for a whole lot of cards, there are companies who will gladly send you a boatload for a cheap, cheap price. For instance, https://populargreetings.com/ advertises everyday greeting cards for just 25.5¢ each. But, you have to buy a 324 Christmas cards for $94.58 to get them at the lowest price. Also, I didn't see where you could pick the styles or greetings that you were getting on their bulk deals. But, I suppose if you had a large list and a bunch of thrifty friends who were willing to split the cost, this would be an option. Honestly, for this price, I'd shop the after holiday clearance sales, pay about that price per card, and get to pick what the card looked like!
How about You?
Do you still send out Holiday cards? How about cards for other occasions? Are there ways that you save money on cards? Let us know in the comments section.
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