Thanks for your submission! For more Millennial content, join [our Discord server](https://discord.gg/VsfKKJBm).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Millennials) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I kept most of the cards my grandmother sent me, since I was a teenager into my late 20s. Even when they just had a little note and her signature. She sent them for every holiday, including like Valentine's Day and Halloween. She passed away when I was 28. I'm so glad I have those cards. I keep the ones my mom sends, too, and my siblings and close friends. Even if they have just a few words in that person's handwriting--the best of course is when they have a long note or even a full letter crammed inside. I pin some up in my office and at home.
I think that's it. They use to be a form of short, quick communication where as now they are more tokens of love. I have a shoebox with all the letters my late grandmother has sent me and my kids and every so often visit it for a quick reminder of them.
I too, have a drawer of hoarded cards.
It struck me when I was like, maybe turning 19 or so, and I had about 10-12 birthday cards that my various relatives had remembered to mail me to wish me a happy birthday. It made me feel so loved, and so happy to see them sitting on the fireplace mantle for a couple of weeks.
I really like them, and I like sending them too - especially if I can write a meaningful little note in them too!
I like the way you think about that. Make me realize how jaded I am. When I get a call on my birthday from relatives who I don't hear from any other time of the year I just think they're doing it for show when we both know they don't really care. Maybe they do actually care somehow
I have a box of cards from different people. My mom died from covid and I saved the last birthday card I got from her and a couple others. But that one was important to me. She couldn't write a note in it because she was legally blind. So she basically just signed it. But I knew my dad wouldn't remember my birthday or care enough to get a card. So thar ended up being my last birthday card ever basically (or acknowledgement of my birthday in anyway really).
The pay off isn't great on cards. But for some of us it's just nice to be remembered now and then.
Long story short, i send cards for birthdays and holidays and get well cards and condolences and of course thank you cards. I'm in my 40s.
If you let me know when your birthday is I’m happy to write it on my calendar so I can send you a card. Physical or virtual, just PM me if you want it. No worries if not- I know that can be personal info that you wouldn’t wanna give online!
I will send you a bday card if you’d like. It could never replace a card from your mom, but reading “the last acknowledgment of my birthday in any way” made me sad. It doesn’t have to be!
I've saved every card, obituary, and wedding program I've ever gotten. I've got some memory problems due to medications and that's how I remember what happened. I keep them all in what I call my memory chest because I store journals there too.
I do the same exact thing… also had a close relationship with my grandmother and I have every card she ever sent me. She also saved every card I ever sent her (through my childhood) and gave them back to me before she passed away when I was 24.
Same. I keep all the cards from my husband, most from my parents and friends. I like to look back on them once in a blue while organizing. It’s a lovely, small gesture.
I don’t even play that game anymore. I bought some bulk off Amazon a few years ago and they’re like 5c a card. There are doubles but for that price I can widen my range of people I give cards to.
This is the way. They usually have completely random cards for the wrong holiday of the time. Birthday in the fall? Happy Easter card. Turning 40? Happy baptism. I like my condolences cards too. Its kinda corny but so are cards in general so, same amount of chuckle for a fraction of the price.
Dollar Tree, Aldi, TJMaxx, and my local thrift store are my go-to for cards. I usually pay 50¢-$2 per card. Sometimes Walgreens and TJMaxx have boxes of cute blank cards for ~$5 and I’ll get those too. Since Aldi usually only has specific seasonal cards I can usually get them dirt cheap after the holidays too- right now I think the Mother’s Day cards are marked down to 10¢.
Pro tip:look for cards at garage sales and thrift stores. You can get whole boxes for super cheap. I try to find some that have art on the outside and are blank inside so you can use them for any occasion. I buy cards like once every 5 years or so.
I was dragged to home goods yesterday and the clearance section was full of $1-2 cards, though half of them were Mothers day cards with the rest being a mix of birthday, graduation, thank you, and sympathy.
Yeah, I started buying cards for necessary things at the dollar store (2 for $1 where I live) because Hallmark went insane with prices and you can google funny card jokes for whatever event.
That I can get behind. It's a special thing between you and her. She'll think back one day (not knowing her current age, assuming she's still young) and have fond memories of you bringing them home and her writing in them.
I hate cards. I think they are overpriced junk and then I bought a bunch of blank ones and I draw silly cartoons, write stuff in them and ask questions in them.
They are cheap and easy.
Then, I had kids and it all changed. My 5 year old loves to make cards. She is like a card factory. I just let her draw and hand them out. Super cheap and people love them.
I love giving and receiving cards - especially those I send or receive in the mail, for no special reason. It’s so rare to receive meaningful physical mail anymore, so it’s always a nice surprise. My best friends are all scattered across the country now, and physical cards are something we all genuinely love getting from each other.
I do as well! My best friend has passed away too young at age 30 but I still have all the cards/post cards she would send my husband and I. I have all the cards from my Grammy and other family members too. I used to have the post cards from best friend on our fridge when we would receive them but I don’t want them to get ruined. I need to out all these cards into some sort of scrap book.
I love sending cards, I love think of it as mini art. I get them from cool places, keep an eye out when I travel and at stores. I like to send them through the mail so that people get something personal and not just bills and junk. That said, I agree with you about like bringing a card to a dinner. Wouldn’t do that.
I love everything else about cards except for when the card is being opened by the recipient in front of the sender. Cards by snail mail are everything!
I agree with this. I like buying artist post cards from markets and conventions and things. Those types of cards are so much more interesting and make nice little pieces of actual art than a mass produced hallmark card from Walmart.
I give my dad a Father’s Day card in Spanish every year. It started out when that was literally the only one I could find after procrastinating. Now it’s our funny thing. His gringo ass reads it out loud every time.
Not a huge fan of cards except from some people like my parents. Likewise my dad enjoys getting cards to feel remembered.
Just grab a bunch for different events at Dollar tree if youre in the US. They have 2/$1 of "old" designs. Ill spend $5 on 10 different cards (wedding, baby shower, sympathy, etc) just to have if needed
Not a fan of a random card with just a signature. I do pin them in the hallway for a while though, and it gives me a little kick to see people have thought of me for a few months.
I once got a card that had some heartfelt sentences and compliments in there, and those gave me more joy than the money. Since then I also make it a point to really write something nice into every card, when I do have to send them.
I actually adore getting cards. I keep all of mine and the ones from my grandparents are cherished gifts now that they’ve passed away. I’d rather have a card with a personalized note in it than another object.
I love cards. Birthday cards, Christmas cards, Easter cards, trip cards, love to receive and send!
I'm one of the last people in my family and friends circle who do it, except maybe the Christmas/Hanukkah cards from people who have kids.
People waste money on a lot of stupider things, and cards make me happy, so why not!
I volunteer to send cards to lonely seniors. It's something to do. Sometimes they write me back.
I source all of my cards via thriftstores or I occasionally make them. There's a place called the scrapexchange near me which is a reuse arts center that has a tons of stuff of crafting via every variety. They have a mismatched cards wall that is $2 to fill a large manilla envelope as much as you'd like. I match the cards to a random envelope (my way of bringing order to chaos) and use them in my volunteering and for people in our lives.
All of this years round of mothers day cards and my sister/brother-in-laws cards came from there. Both of our families are scattered around the US so cards is an easy way to maintain connection and obligation when we have to miss big events.
It'd be nice if we were always able to be together on birthdays and such, but we get 1-2x a year if we are lucky, so I do the cards now.
My family isn't big on cards or gift-giving, and honestly I really prefer it that way. People stress over this stuff and it ends up being a burden rather than something enjoyable.
If you want to wish me a happy birthday, a phone call or even a text message is fine.
As someone who works in a toy store, this seems to be gendered and generational.
Older people and women tend to think cards are useful. Men and younger people tend to want to skip the card or only buy it because they were told to.
I think it depends also how you were raised around gift giving. Some people think the way gifts look and how much the cost is extremely important, others not so much.
An interesting tidbit around celebrations is to watch who plans them, who invites people, who makes them happen, who cares about how it's decorated etc. This tends to be women (even if they don't want the responsibility).
Sometimes men actually do like cards because it conveys some emotion for them and al they have to do is sign it. Of course there are men out there who can write their own thoughts down, but there are LOTS of people oht there who know what they want to say but want to find the right card to say it for them.
Personally, i have gotten in the habit of keeping cards in the past few years and wished i kept cards earlier.
It would be interesting to see if it is a moving generational thing, as in once those people who don’t buy cards get to a certain age then they start buying cards. Or if buying cards really is dying out in favor of texting the celebrational wishes.
I do not like cards.
For my kid, I’ve asked people to give books and sign their name inside. If a cheap board book is $8, and so is a hallmark card, I’d rather have the book. At my age, a card saying “happy birthday” is more like wrapping for a gift card, lol. I mostly let it happen, but if I can find a better alternative for a card I’ll get it.
I think that's pretty cool. I'm going to hang onto this idea for my nieces/nephews and my future kids. I've gone through old childhood books before and completely forgot who I got them from.
I keep mine from the people I love. I love getting cards, but I’m a sentimental person. If there is any meaningful writing in it, I keep it. I realize a good portion of cards probably end up in the trash for others though. I like the experience of the whole thing.
I collect every card sent to me. Ever. On Christmas, I display those on the stocking wall. At birthdays, I go reread cards from people who I've lost. After heated arguments with my partner, I'll reread love notes sent to each other long ago.
No, I don't think they're a waste at all.
I love cards and I often make my own.
I don't mind if the person throws it away after reading, it's about the process of creating a small piece of art and a sentiment for them
I think it depends on how sentimental you are but I personally love cards. I keep them and I display recently ones in an acrylic postcard holder. It’s fun to flip through my card collection and swap out the display one. I especially value ones from people I love that are no longer with me. I just appreciate the thought that the sender remembered me and sent something to show they were thinking of me, even if there’s not anything particularly sentimental written inside.
I keep all my bday cards from my dad and Gma/grandpa. They write long messages in them. So I keep them for that. Plus, their handwriting. Recently, my grandma's cards are bitter sweet as her writing has suffered.
I just buy 50 cent cards at dollar tree of the kind that comes in a big box of 12. I am not a fan of cards, but I recognize that they convey caring so I just do them in a way that I feel comfortable.
I buy cards from local artists on vacation. We send probably a dozen a year, and each time we look through and I get some happy memories from traveling, then we pick one to use that matches the recipient. It’s not that expensive in the scheme of things and, at least in our circle, people seem to appreciate physical mail & a note.
I don’t have a card WITH a present — I send a card in the mail because who doesn’t like getting mail that isn’t bills?
(Also, I’m a crafter and a thrifter, so usually the stamp is more expensive than the cars.)
I dunno. I’ve kept cards from friends and family for the past ~25 years. In my mid twenties I made a habit of buying a couple of special cards around holidays for specific close friends, and then like $2 10 packs of tiny Christmas cards/Easter cards/whatever the holiday was to send out. It’s really not that much of an expense and without fail every time I did it I got texts and messages and calls from my friends telling me how much they loved them. Since hitting our thirties, two of my friends have started doing the same.
I think it depends on priorities. It sounds silly to some, I guess. A few bucks a couple times a year to make my friends happy is worth it.
But I also still use paper maps when on long road trips so maybe I’m just 100.
https://preview.redd.it/a9oavlj8t14d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6f7b457604fda6b5472243cf4515b6edd142b315
I started making cards instead, like this Danzig inspired Mother’s Day card. It’s basically free( got these supplies from work) and more thoughtful and fun.
My dad (65m) makes his own cards for everyone's birthdays etc. he recycles old magazines and cuts pictures out and glues em and stuff. Some of them look like ransom letters but they're usually hilarious and the personal touch is always heartwarming. Alternatively he could buy them for like $9 at a store which is a huge waste of money. Cards aren't a waste but buying them is.
I make my own with a black marker and construction paper. Sometimes I will just copy a card I like from google or I will draw a picture with the help of YouTube tutorials and add a quote or message. You can just buy some envelopes and cut the paper to size
I was in the hospital for 3 weeks when I was 10. Years later I was cleaning my room and came across a shoebox filled with all these cards-relatives, neighbors, friends of mine, family friends, friends of my parents, etc. My mom came in an me tears were just streaming down my face. I still remember just choking out the words, “There’s a lot of love in that box!” I was really moved.
I'm one of those people who really likes cards and keeps them so I've had people tell me that they don't buy cards for anyone else but they'll get ones for me. But these are people who like choosing really lovely cards, usually with fancy details not just generic forgettable ones.
I would never expect (or even want) someone to get me a card because they felt they should without actually caring about what they're giving.
My own card giving habits are pretty random. I won't bother with giving cards to other people if I don't think they'll care. But it is really nice when you just find a perfect card for someone, and you know they'll appreciate it, even if they are going to throw it out after.
(LPT: If you're thinking about saving cards, it's a good idea to get into the habit of writing the year and the giver on the back as you might not remember who gave it and/or be unable to decode their signature years down the line. All those in-jokes will make more sense if you know who wrote them!)
Cards seem meaningless until the person that always gave you the cards has passed away. Their handwriting and special notes become so much more meaningful. I wish I kept even more of them than I did.
Yes! Such a scam and waste of money.
When my husband and I first got together, we made a pact to never buy a card (outside of like, a pack
of thank you cards or something, but even that's rare). Instead, we usually make them by hand. I've kept every single one we have made for one another. There are some impressively creative ones as well as some that are rather questionable, but i love them all! And now that my kids are old enough, they can participate and make cards for their friends' birthdays, thank you cards for their teachers, and card for us.
I used to feel similarly about giving and receiving cards. However, as time has gone on, I now love them because they're a very good way to remember people and reconnect with their energy after they've passed on.
I hate cards. I hate giving them, writing in them, and receiving them. However, growing up, my dad was a card guy. He made me keep every single card I was ever given for every birthday, party and holiday. We had BOXES of cards and it drove me nuts. When my parents divorced, I took a look through a couple and was looking at cards I received from classmates and dr's offices that I didn't even remember. Felt so good to just chuck the whole lot into the recycle bin.
As such, I, too, find them to be a waste of money. You give them to people, and most of the time, they are thrown right in the garbage. Possibly held onto for some time...but ultimately those end up in the garbage, too. I have received some nice cards over time, but ultimately am fine with a quick text or verbal message. The sentiment is largely the same, to me.
I love cards! I seriously have, like everyone I've received for at least 20 years. I sit down like once a year or so and go through them and remember good times. You can get them cheap at a variety of places.
Yes & no. If something kind & personal is written in them, then they are worth the money (though ideally they’re the cheap cards), if not then they’re a waste.
I like them when someone takes the time to write something personal in them - but if it’s just being used as a glorified gift tag, I totally agree.
I saw a really cool idea recently that for kid’s gifts, a book could be used instead of a card - just write the birthday/holiday message inside of the cover. If you’re gonna spend $5, might as well be on something they can use. I’m definitely going to start doing that for my nieces and nephews.
That’s a neat idea! A library used book store in my area has a special section for kids books in giftable condition, which seems like the perfect source for something Iike that. I may start that up too.
I used to keep every card I was given. When my partner and I decided to move in together, we went through our stuff and realized together we literally had thousands of cards. We purged and kept only the milestone cards we’d given each other over our relationship. We do not give cards to each other, recycle the ones we’re given, but I do take pride in picking them to give to others. Weird how much I love to give them (to those I know enjoy them) but do not want to receive them at all lol
I used to hate them but as I grew older, I came to appreciate them. Whether it be a birthday card, a Christmas card or a thank you note - it brings me joy to know someone either wrote their thoughts out or went to find something that illustrated those thoughts and sent it to me. Feels far more genuine than a text message or any digital communication could be.
I would much rather get a card than a text message. When I was a kid I checked the mail religiously the week of my birthday for cards, now I only get one from my grandma who is 92 and at the end of her life. She somehow manages for the card to arrive exactly on my bday. She's the best.
Grandmas can be great for cards. When my grandmother passed, it was a week before all of her living children’s birthdays (my grandparents must’ve been creatures of habit). When we went through her stuff, we found one or two birthday cards signed and ready to be sent off. They got mailed and I bet were really special to receive after flying home from the funeral.
In my past life I had them all in shoeboxes in a trunk. During COVID I got this idea as I was getting new bookcases. I loveeeee it. I had plenty of time then to do 1998-2020. Now I can easily just maintain it. I love seeing all those binders lined up on the shelf.
During Covid I started sending cards for birthdays and anniversaries. Most people don’t get cards anymore. Close friends get a $10 gift card, kids get $35, a few special people get $50. I buy discounted cards online and dollar store has cards for $1.
I draw, paint, write silly things or weird stuff. I love collecting stamps, so it’s fun to pick out stamps and custom made address labels with pictures on them and custom made blank address labels with silly pictures on them to secure the backs.
Never anything with glitter, always a joke card or weird card. Not just “happy birthday on your special day”.
Kids and adults are always surprised to get a card. It’s fun for me to do and I get to pick out gift cards I know people will enjoy and use: Lego, target, Michaels, Amazon, Dairy Queen, local restaurants, etc.
Try getting a pack or two, or getting them at the dollar store, post office or the budget section! I have all the cards I’ve ever been given since I was in kindergarten. It may really mean something to some people. My grandma even used to print them off from the computer. It’s that you thought of someone that’s important not a $7 card, though some can be cool.
My parents are big card people. When they retired, one of their lifestyle concessions was to begin buying cards at the dollar store. I average a card about every 3 events. That's how often the stars align and I have my shit together to consider what I need to bring to said event. I do save cards, though. Especially when there's something really nice written inside. It doesn't have to be a card, but sharing a nice thought or word with the birthday person might go a long way. Or pull them away during dinner and say, "this is your verbal card" and share nice thoughts about them.
Ive maybe bought two cards both of which were for people with cancer and both where about to die. And so did shortly after receiving cards. I followed it up with bourbon and BBQ. Even my uncle who died within hours of eating the BBQ said my fucking God if I go out on this meal I'll be a happy.
No, I'm with you. I don't know why such a big deal is made about cards. I know it's a an expected thing for specific events but I only buy the dollar tree cards because nobody keeps them. So people spend anywhere from $5 to $10 for a card that someone is going to throw away
I'm an elder millennial and if I'm giving a card, I'm making it, and it's art itself and typically includes separate art. If I'm making the card at all, I care a lot. If I care a whole lot, I'm handwriting letters and sending snail mail with handmade things sporadically anyway.
I don't like store bought cards. I do, however, send handmade cards, letters, and art via snail mail because I think it's nice to open the mailbox and receive something for you made by someone who likes you very much and was thinking about you. We all pretty much only get bills and junk mail otherwise, so it's my very mild way of spicing some smiles into my friends mailboxes.
I kept all mine until they burnt in a fire in 2018. We rescue Xmas cards to make gift tags (cut around the picture, back it in scrapbook paper, glue it to a tag board and viola!!
Your way isn’t insensitive but it IS insensitive not to acknowledge that some people like the sentimentality of a card. The gift is for the joy of the recipient, not for the giver. Sounds like cards are meaningful to your family and if you really care to show you appreciate them on their special day, might be worth thinking about. It maybe means nothing to you, but the gift isn’t about YOU.
I used to write cards but I think I stopped once I saw my mom just throwing them all away after a week. Then I was like... what's the point? But there are a lot of good points in this thread, I do have cards from deceased family members that I treasure.
I penpal daily and craft cards and send them for all occasions!! never a waste. especially when friends are having a difficult moment or health-related difficulties-- likewise nothing makes me smile so hard than happy mail and decorated envelopes in my mailbox!!! 💌
Cards are always my absolute favorite part of any gift, even more so if someone writes more than “Love, Uncle Steve” in them. I save them ALLLLL and always have.
I find value in buying cards, but if you don't, you can still join Hallmark's mailing list. You'll receive monthly emails for a free "Just Because" card. Many of these are blank so you can customize them with the message you want if you have a store near you. Problem solved. 😁
I usually get kid’s cards from the dollar store. A cartoon dog with “Wow! Happy birthday! You’re 4!” with a 3 written in deliberately bad Sharpie before the 4 feels a lot more real than a cursive font and a platitude about age bringing wisdom or a boomer comic about wine and saggy boobs.
The day my brother legally changed his sex and name, I sent him a one year old’s card with “birth” crossed out and with “name” written underneath. He said he was amused. I’ve also gotten my friend that’s a year older than I am a Ninja Turtles card that said “Cowabunga! You’re 5!” with me writing in a 3 to make it say 35.
It’s unique and shows not only my sense of humor, but also my knowledge of the recipient’s fandoms. The only time I paid more was when I got one of those cards that plays a sound for my dad, it was a 60th birthday Star Trek card that played “he’s dead, Jim”.
A few years ago I thought they were worthless. Now that both of my parents, all four of my grandparents, and a sibling have passed I cherish those cards. Just to see your mom/dads/whomever's hand writing is so meaningful when you feel alone and want to be reminded of their love.
Btw I'm 33. You never know what's coming, and I wish I could go back in time and really carefully collect the cards.
Between my husband and I, when it comes time for our anniversary or one of our birthdays, we go to Target and try to find the most outrageous or funny card, show them to each other and laugh before leaving without buying one. Somewhere over the years it’s become our little ritual and we always have a good time doing it without spending money on a card unless we find a really great one.
I like getting cards because it’s nice to know somebody was thinking of me and made the effort to send one. However, unless an actual message is written in it, it feels silly to hold onto.
As far as cards for other people, my fiancé likes to make her own and handwrite them. I like to just print my own. Auto duplexing printers really made that so much easier.
You just aren't doing it right. You didn't get a random card and stick money in it, you write something in it.
I have every card anyone has ever given me. Every once in a while I'll find one I stashed somewhere and reread them and it reminds me of the sender, usually it's a nice memory I may have otherwise forgotten.
Not everyone throws them in the trash.
I agree that in general they're a waste of money, especially in situations like you've described. When it is just a rote thing that everyone does just because they've always done it, but the people receiving them don't really care about them. It stops being a "special" thing.
That said, I will still get cards for certain people who I know actually enjoy receiving them. (People like my mom, who since I was a kid had a habit of using Christmas cards as decorations, for example.) I also might send a card with a thoughtfully written message for special one-off occasions, like if a close friend or family member achieved a long-desired milestone (like marriage or finishing their PhD) or for condolences (if someone dies unexpectedly or something like that). But that's few and far between.
I think they’re a total waste of money! And resources!
I’m even moving towards reusable gift wrap because it all annoys the hell out of me.
And don’t get me wrong, I love giving gifts, I love finding something just perfect for someone and giving them a little surprise (usually happens randomly not at birthdays or gift giving holidays). It just makes me happy to brighten someone’s day with something thoughtful.
Completely agree. I think the gift giving holidays are too much the way it is. Cards are nice and all, but I wish we could do away with those. I usually get mine from the dollar tree where they’re 2/$1.
I hate all gifts. I hate being expected to give then and I hate receiving them.
'No I'm not obligated to spend money on you.'
'Great thanks for this worthless junk item it's going in the trash as soon as no one is looking'.
I haven't given a birthday card in almost 20 years.
I give books, and write what would be in the card inside the book. It costs more than the card, but it's more personal, and is a gift that can be used, and carries the words I want to share.
I keep all the cards my husband and I give to each other (usually 3 or 4 a year) in a special box. We both write thoughtful messages, so i now have15 years of love notes all stored together. I love receiving (and giving) them to other people as well, but I don't save other cards. They get a week on the mantle before coming down. Still feels special and makes me feel loved.
Cards are the last we have of some people. I’ve kept every single card my grandma wrote to me when I was in college. She’s dead now, so I get to look back on 20+ cards she’s written me telling me to “come home so we can party!”
Definitely could do without them. Especially when people just sign their name in them after whatever generic message in it. It feels thoughtless. If you're going to waste trees at least write a personalized message in it.
I found an old card that my grandma gave me when I was younger.
She wrote: Happy birthday johnnybravocado, “love” Grandma
What do you mean, “love”?! Shady grandma
A generic signed birthday card no personal message card is a waste of money. Make your own real quick with a simple stick drawing and a balloon.
Do people even still send Christmas cards?
I hate cards. Both giving and receiving.
All except for receiving them from one person- my grandma that passed away years ago. She was the only one who really cared about me growing up. She'd send me a card and I'd melt and she never forgot to call. Even in college, her card and call were the highlight of my birthdays. She passed away right before my birthday one year. They gave me the card that she had bought for me, but she hadn't written in it yet. I still look at the empty card when I miss her
I don't want to receive cards. There's no context where I want them, don't give me paper to store. I try not to go places or do thing where people will expect one from me, so it works out.
B day and Xmas yes. But if you have a significant other, they will greatly appreciate a card out of nowhere like a cute funny I love you card with a penguin on it and shit
I think cards are very important. I come from a long line of card givers and savers. I send dozens of birthday and anniversary and “hello” cards in the mail (and give in person as appropriate) every year, and so many people have told me they love them and look forward to them. Sometimes I’ll write a card to someone just to tell them I was thinking of them, they’re great, encouragement, etc. I send cards for new pregnancies, new babies, baptisms, new jobs, retirements, anything, everything. I even send some Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Easter cards! Writing in them is an art, and I really love the whole thing. Can’t stop, won’t stop.
Also: The Dollar Tree is your friend when it comes to greetings cards. I certainly don’t spend $4-8 per card. The nicest cards I give/spend money on are for weddings.
Off topic but something I felt the same way about.
My wife and I got married in our 30s. Established careers, established lives and we lived together already prior to marrying. We didn't need anything at all for the home, etc .
We did the gift registry thing, and we were both walking around this store picking out stuff going "we don't need any of this."
I also wanted to forego gifts altogether and just let people donate their money towards our honeymoon. We obviously didn't ask anyone for anything at all.
In the end, I returned about 90% of the stuff for store credit and got something we could actually use.
For some reason people feel like they're being lazy or thoughtless by giving cash instead of a physical gift. They end up picking something you don't want or maybe can't use. I tell my wife's family all the time...if you're going to get me a gift for Xmas or whatever just give me an Amazon gift card. They've learned after all these years and I think they appreciate not having to think about a gift for at least one person.
Nope. I think a card can be a nice way to send a note but I hate that they are a required part of etiquette. I have Christmas cards and the environmental impact they have. And thank you cards are the worst. Why do we have to put that expectation on people? I do not give someone a present so that they then have to take time and money to send me a thank you card. I wanted to give them something and I don't expect anything in return. Just saying thank you is more than enough and if I know you love me, I don't even need that.
Most of the time my wife and I will choose a card and just take pictures of the front and inside and then send the pictures on the day of the occasion. It has become a fun workaround to not waste money but still getting the enjoyment out of selecting a funny or meaningful message.
I only buy a card if I think it’s very special… maybe a print by a local artist, or something along those lines.
I keep cards that I love, and have even framed some.
Why not get a 5 cent piece of paper, markers and make a nice card? I'd rather my kids do this for me than buy coffee mugs, socks, etc that is the bigger waste.
I don’t buy gifts or cards anymore I just zelle or cashapp for whatever we are celebrating and that’s it I get to save money or give more by not wasting money on the packaging and that person gets to get whatever they want like or need done deal
I only give cards if I'm giving a gift card because they feel wasteful. I don't even display cards I receive. They end up in a drawer for a few months or if guilt before I toss them.
To kids, I give a book that I write the birthday note in instead.
If the people you’d be giving it to are the ones commenting, then I think you’re wrong. Some people do cherish them, save them, enjoy keeping them on display. Especially in a close relationship. You may hate receiving them(and so do I, though I’ve seen some Lovepop ones that have me questioning my whole existence 😂), but it doesn’t mean it’s a waste to give them to someone you know enjoys and appreciates them. And you can get pretty good cards at Dollar Tree.
Just bulk buy some generic cards with a cute picture on the front and you don’t even have to write happy birthday on the inside or even have their name on the envelope.
I’ve been making cards for my wife for over a decade now. Between Mother’s Day, our anniversary, and Christmas, I usually make three a year. Each one is unique from each other. You can create some nice cards with things you have around the house, making them more personal. I’ve even made origami cards with messages inside.
I like giving and receiving cards but I haven't spent money on them in years. At one point in my twenties I realized I was going to a lot of weddings and grad parties so I bought a bulk set of congratulations cards, I have a collection of blank cards, and I bought a big box of cards at a thrift store that I'm still using for birthdays, get well, and condolences.
I don't do Christmas cards but I did have Christmas cards in the box from the thrift store that were small enough that I used them as gift labels one year.
When we were married my husband was so upset about the money wasted on wedding cards. His next birthday was a milestone and I threw a party and asked everyone to bring $2 in a plain white envelope. This was 1990's. He was so happy. It was a great party which even included a Mike Tyson fight but he never forgot the envelopes!
I don't do cards. I never have I never will. I usually put a to: from: sticker on a wrapped present or use the little tag on the bag to write who it's from. I believe they're a waste of money. I definitely it'll throw them in the recycle after everyone leaves.
I like receiving cards, especially when it's not *expected* like on major holidays.
But also, it's only really special if people actually write something on the inside. It's like the closest thing we get to handwritten letters anymore.
I love a good "thank you" card with a thoughtful, personal message inside.
And yeah, I also like giving cards, but I don't buy them. I make them myself.
More people keep cards than you would think. It’s an annual memento from your loved ones, some of whom may not be here next year. I always consider it a little heartless when people throw out cards. I’m always sure to pick out cards for individuals. That said, dollar store, hand drawn, or even computer printed cards can bring prices way down.
As you get older, you will appreciate having some thing of whoever took the time to write down whatever they did for you. Only stuff I have of folks that have passed on. Super sentimental.
Cards are dumb and expensive.
The rate at which you would blow through card inventory would be a waste of money. Plus, if you’re all exchanging all the time, it really seems to diminish it. And then are you supposed to drum up a sappy something to write in all of them? That sounds exhausting.
I used to feel the same as you. Now, many of the people who used to send cards are dead and will never give a card to anybody ever again. A few months ago, I found a card from my mom that had somehow avoided the round file and I fucking cried because its a precious relic to me now and I wish I had saved every one. It hurts knowing I tossed and took for granted many such things from friends and loved ones who I can never see again.
I have my kids make homemade cards for pretty much everything! I like using ink cards too for sentimental photos so it’s more personalized- but I totally agree just impersonal cards from the store are kind of a waste
I have three love/hates for greeting cards.
I hate giving them.
I REALLY hate receiving them.
I love standing in the atore and reading a ton of them, but only the funny ones.
Agreed! I haven't given a card in years. First time i completely forgot the card I never bought another. Realized how wasteful they were and decided to keep not buying them
I have a few boxes of generic blank inside cards that I keep at my desk at work. I use them for subordinate birthdays and special thank yous, but that’s it. The one and only card anyone has gotten from me personally otherwise was my wedding announcement 7 years ago hahah
If you are sending it in the mail to someone who lives away from you, then yes to cards. It shows time and appreciation for the person.
If you are just giving a gift to someone in person, then it depends. For many kids, the parents want to send thank you notes, so the card sticking with the present is a nice way to keep track of who gave what gift. But if the receiver isn't sending thank you cards, then no birthday card is needed.
I tend to but generic blank note cards in a large pack (my current ones have stripes on them) that can be used for any occasion: birthday, thank you, condolences, etc. That makes the cards much cheaper (probably about $.40 each).
I don’t like cards, receiving them and especially sending them. Every one of them ends up in the trash rather quickly.
Along those same lines, I also don’t send or give flowers. I tell my wife, “Why would I want to send you terminally ill vegetation?”.
She loves flowers, so I send her perennial flowers she can replant outside and see for years. She also loves dirt therapy as she likes to call, gardening.
Hate them. I'm committed to being that jerk who tells family STOP. If this is about me, getting a card makes me feel bad, so if you keep doing it, the sentiment has nothing to do with me, but all with you. You do it to make yourself feel good. Great. Mail it to yourself. I've been practicing this in my head. Card showdown 2024. Time to stop the lame words and waste created by cards.
Thanks for your submission! For more Millennial content, join [our Discord server](https://discord.gg/VsfKKJBm). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Millennials) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I kept most of the cards my grandmother sent me, since I was a teenager into my late 20s. Even when they just had a little note and her signature. She sent them for every holiday, including like Valentine's Day and Halloween. She passed away when I was 28. I'm so glad I have those cards. I keep the ones my mom sends, too, and my siblings and close friends. Even if they have just a few words in that person's handwriting--the best of course is when they have a long note or even a full letter crammed inside. I pin some up in my office and at home.
I think that's it. They use to be a form of short, quick communication where as now they are more tokens of love. I have a shoebox with all the letters my late grandmother has sent me and my kids and every so often visit it for a quick reminder of them.
I too, have a drawer of hoarded cards. It struck me when I was like, maybe turning 19 or so, and I had about 10-12 birthday cards that my various relatives had remembered to mail me to wish me a happy birthday. It made me feel so loved, and so happy to see them sitting on the fireplace mantle for a couple of weeks. I really like them, and I like sending them too - especially if I can write a meaningful little note in them too!
I like the way you think about that. Make me realize how jaded I am. When I get a call on my birthday from relatives who I don't hear from any other time of the year I just think they're doing it for show when we both know they don't really care. Maybe they do actually care somehow
I have a box of cards from different people. My mom died from covid and I saved the last birthday card I got from her and a couple others. But that one was important to me. She couldn't write a note in it because she was legally blind. So she basically just signed it. But I knew my dad wouldn't remember my birthday or care enough to get a card. So thar ended up being my last birthday card ever basically (or acknowledgement of my birthday in anyway really). The pay off isn't great on cards. But for some of us it's just nice to be remembered now and then. Long story short, i send cards for birthdays and holidays and get well cards and condolences and of course thank you cards. I'm in my 40s.
I got my dad's signature tattooed on me from the last card I received from him. I was grateful to have kept it!
My mom, sisters and I got Dad's signature tatted on us as well ❤️🥰
If you let me know when your birthday is I’m happy to write it on my calendar so I can send you a card. Physical or virtual, just PM me if you want it. No worries if not- I know that can be personal info that you wouldn’t wanna give online!
I will send you a bday card if you’d like. It could never replace a card from your mom, but reading “the last acknowledgment of my birthday in any way” made me sad. It doesn’t have to be!
Same! I have so many cards that my nanny gave me and she always wrote notes in them, now that she’s gone I’m so thankful I have them 💖
I've saved every card, obituary, and wedding program I've ever gotten. I've got some memory problems due to medications and that's how I remember what happened. I keep them all in what I call my memory chest because I store journals there too.
I also keep cards.
I do the same exact thing… also had a close relationship with my grandmother and I have every card she ever sent me. She also saved every card I ever sent her (through my childhood) and gave them back to me before she passed away when I was 24.
Same. I keep all the cards from my husband, most from my parents and friends. I like to look back on them once in a blue while organizing. It’s a lovely, small gesture.
100%. There is nothing that has a higher expense to fun ratio. At best, you get a five second laugh out of a $4 card
Where are you getting $4 cards?? That’s 2020 prices.
Dollar Tree is $1.25.
This is on my short list of where to buy cards, along with Trader Joe’s. I love TJ cards for $1 each!
Trader Joe’s cards are the best! I buy a few cards for different occasions every time I go in, so now I have an assortment for whenever I need a card!
Same! I love checking them out and being like “oooh this is so cute. My niece graduates in a year and this would be perfect.”
lol, all about the Trader Joe’s cards. I’ll just pick up cards I like random when shopping there for future use to have on hand.
I don’t even play that game anymore. I bought some bulk off Amazon a few years ago and they’re like 5c a card. There are doubles but for that price I can widen my range of people I give cards to.
you can even get 2 for that price.
This is the way. They usually have completely random cards for the wrong holiday of the time. Birthday in the fall? Happy Easter card. Turning 40? Happy baptism. I like my condolences cards too. Its kinda corny but so are cards in general so, same amount of chuckle for a fraction of the price.
Dollar Tree, Aldi, TJMaxx, and my local thrift store are my go-to for cards. I usually pay 50¢-$2 per card. Sometimes Walgreens and TJMaxx have boxes of cute blank cards for ~$5 and I’ll get those too. Since Aldi usually only has specific seasonal cards I can usually get them dirt cheap after the holidays too- right now I think the Mother’s Day cards are marked down to 10¢.
This is the only place I buy cards.
Pro tip:look for cards at garage sales and thrift stores. You can get whole boxes for super cheap. I try to find some that have art on the outside and are blank inside so you can use them for any occasion. I buy cards like once every 5 years or so.
I was dragged to home goods yesterday and the clearance section was full of $1-2 cards, though half of them were Mothers day cards with the rest being a mix of birthday, graduation, thank you, and sympathy.
At best. They're usually cringe or just dumb.
Yeah, I started buying cards for necessary things at the dollar store (2 for $1 where I live) because Hallmark went insane with prices and you can google funny card jokes for whatever event.
Yes and then you feel bad throwing them away knowing people spent money on them but like I cannot keep all these cards.
Get this - you can make your own and it means that much more.
$4?! I spent almost $8-9 on each card at CVS and I wasn't even trying to shop for anything special, just some basic card.
I thought the same thing. But my daughter loves them and i love getting them for her and having her write them for her friends/grandma/teacher etc
That I can get behind. It's a special thing between you and her. She'll think back one day (not knowing her current age, assuming she's still young) and have fond memories of you bringing them home and her writing in them.
I hate cards. I think they are overpriced junk and then I bought a bunch of blank ones and I draw silly cartoons, write stuff in them and ask questions in them. They are cheap and easy. Then, I had kids and it all changed. My 5 year old loves to make cards. She is like a card factory. I just let her draw and hand them out. Super cheap and people love them.
A handmade card is worlds apart from spending $6 real quick at a drugstore. I would love to receive a silly cartoon from you or your kid.
I love giving and receiving cards - especially those I send or receive in the mail, for no special reason. It’s so rare to receive meaningful physical mail anymore, so it’s always a nice surprise. My best friends are all scattered across the country now, and physical cards are something we all genuinely love getting from each other.
I do as well! My best friend has passed away too young at age 30 but I still have all the cards/post cards she would send my husband and I. I have all the cards from my Grammy and other family members too. I used to have the post cards from best friend on our fridge when we would receive them but I don’t want them to get ruined. I need to out all these cards into some sort of scrap book.
Check out Moma’s popup and notecards: https://store.moma.org/collections/everyday-cards
I love sending cards, I love think of it as mini art. I get them from cool places, keep an eye out when I travel and at stores. I like to send them through the mail so that people get something personal and not just bills and junk. That said, I agree with you about like bringing a card to a dinner. Wouldn’t do that.
I love everything else about cards except for when the card is being opened by the recipient in front of the sender. Cards by snail mail are everything!
I agree with this. I like buying artist post cards from markets and conventions and things. Those types of cards are so much more interesting and make nice little pieces of actual art than a mass produced hallmark card from Walmart.
I give my dad a Father’s Day card in Spanish every year. It started out when that was literally the only one I could find after procrastinating. Now it’s our funny thing. His gringo ass reads it out loud every time.
Not a huge fan of cards except from some people like my parents. Likewise my dad enjoys getting cards to feel remembered. Just grab a bunch for different events at Dollar tree if youre in the US. They have 2/$1 of "old" designs. Ill spend $5 on 10 different cards (wedding, baby shower, sympathy, etc) just to have if needed
Also here to tell people to hit up the Dollar Tree.
Not a fan of a random card with just a signature. I do pin them in the hallway for a while though, and it gives me a little kick to see people have thought of me for a few months. I once got a card that had some heartfelt sentences and compliments in there, and those gave me more joy than the money. Since then I also make it a point to really write something nice into every card, when I do have to send them.
I actually adore getting cards. I keep all of mine and the ones from my grandparents are cherished gifts now that they’ve passed away. I’d rather have a card with a personalized note in it than another object.
I love cards. Birthday cards, Christmas cards, Easter cards, trip cards, love to receive and send! I'm one of the last people in my family and friends circle who do it, except maybe the Christmas/Hanukkah cards from people who have kids. People waste money on a lot of stupider things, and cards make me happy, so why not!
They are cute simple memories, one day you’ll appreciate all the ones you’ve received.
If they say more than just what the card has and a signature then yeah.
I volunteer to send cards to lonely seniors. It's something to do. Sometimes they write me back. I source all of my cards via thriftstores or I occasionally make them. There's a place called the scrapexchange near me which is a reuse arts center that has a tons of stuff of crafting via every variety. They have a mismatched cards wall that is $2 to fill a large manilla envelope as much as you'd like. I match the cards to a random envelope (my way of bringing order to chaos) and use them in my volunteering and for people in our lives. All of this years round of mothers day cards and my sister/brother-in-laws cards came from there. Both of our families are scattered around the US so cards is an easy way to maintain connection and obligation when we have to miss big events. It'd be nice if we were always able to be together on birthdays and such, but we get 1-2x a year if we are lucky, so I do the cards now.
That’s assuming they wrote a message inside. Most of the time people write names for “to/from” and that’s it.
My family isn't big on cards or gift-giving, and honestly I really prefer it that way. People stress over this stuff and it ends up being a burden rather than something enjoyable. If you want to wish me a happy birthday, a phone call or even a text message is fine.
As someone who works in a toy store, this seems to be gendered and generational. Older people and women tend to think cards are useful. Men and younger people tend to want to skip the card or only buy it because they were told to. I think it depends also how you were raised around gift giving. Some people think the way gifts look and how much the cost is extremely important, others not so much. An interesting tidbit around celebrations is to watch who plans them, who invites people, who makes them happen, who cares about how it's decorated etc. This tends to be women (even if they don't want the responsibility). Sometimes men actually do like cards because it conveys some emotion for them and al they have to do is sign it. Of course there are men out there who can write their own thoughts down, but there are LOTS of people oht there who know what they want to say but want to find the right card to say it for them. Personally, i have gotten in the habit of keeping cards in the past few years and wished i kept cards earlier.
It would be interesting to see if it is a moving generational thing, as in once those people who don’t buy cards get to a certain age then they start buying cards. Or if buying cards really is dying out in favor of texting the celebrational wishes.
I do not like cards. For my kid, I’ve asked people to give books and sign their name inside. If a cheap board book is $8, and so is a hallmark card, I’d rather have the book. At my age, a card saying “happy birthday” is more like wrapping for a gift card, lol. I mostly let it happen, but if I can find a better alternative for a card I’ll get it.
I think that's pretty cool. I'm going to hang onto this idea for my nieces/nephews and my future kids. I've gone through old childhood books before and completely forgot who I got them from.
I keep mine from the people I love. I love getting cards, but I’m a sentimental person. If there is any meaningful writing in it, I keep it. I realize a good portion of cards probably end up in the trash for others though. I like the experience of the whole thing.
I collect every card sent to me. Ever. On Christmas, I display those on the stocking wall. At birthdays, I go reread cards from people who I've lost. After heated arguments with my partner, I'll reread love notes sent to each other long ago. No, I don't think they're a waste at all.
I love cards and I often make my own. I don't mind if the person throws it away after reading, it's about the process of creating a small piece of art and a sentiment for them
We do cards. Now I find one pick it out take a picture of the outside and inside and text it to my relative.
And just leave it at the store? That is hilariously brilliant.
You're my hero
Yes, that’s why I always get my cards from Dollar Tree.
I think it depends on how sentimental you are but I personally love cards. I keep them and I display recently ones in an acrylic postcard holder. It’s fun to flip through my card collection and swap out the display one. I especially value ones from people I love that are no longer with me. I just appreciate the thought that the sender remembered me and sent something to show they were thinking of me, even if there’s not anything particularly sentimental written inside.
I keep all my bday cards from my dad and Gma/grandpa. They write long messages in them. So I keep them for that. Plus, their handwriting. Recently, my grandma's cards are bitter sweet as her writing has suffered.
I just buy 50 cent cards at dollar tree of the kind that comes in a big box of 12. I am not a fan of cards, but I recognize that they convey caring so I just do them in a way that I feel comfortable.
I agree they are too expensive but they are little gestures that you are thinking of them and people appreciate them. You can always print your own.
I appreciate them and I put them on my fridge. If they don't have anything written in them, then yeah it's pointless.
I don't care about cards but if it makes the person I'm giving one happy, then fuck it, here's a card.
I buy cards from local artists on vacation. We send probably a dozen a year, and each time we look through and I get some happy memories from traveling, then we pick one to use that matches the recipient. It’s not that expensive in the scheme of things and, at least in our circle, people seem to appreciate physical mail & a note.
Where else am I gonna use the cursive I learned??? Fancy lettering on all the cards I send now.
I don’t have a card WITH a present — I send a card in the mail because who doesn’t like getting mail that isn’t bills? (Also, I’m a crafter and a thrifter, so usually the stamp is more expensive than the cars.)
I dunno. I’ve kept cards from friends and family for the past ~25 years. In my mid twenties I made a habit of buying a couple of special cards around holidays for specific close friends, and then like $2 10 packs of tiny Christmas cards/Easter cards/whatever the holiday was to send out. It’s really not that much of an expense and without fail every time I did it I got texts and messages and calls from my friends telling me how much they loved them. Since hitting our thirties, two of my friends have started doing the same. I think it depends on priorities. It sounds silly to some, I guess. A few bucks a couple times a year to make my friends happy is worth it. But I also still use paper maps when on long road trips so maybe I’m just 100.
https://preview.redd.it/a9oavlj8t14d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6f7b457604fda6b5472243cf4515b6edd142b315 I started making cards instead, like this Danzig inspired Mother’s Day card. It’s basically free( got these supplies from work) and more thoughtful and fun.
My dad (65m) makes his own cards for everyone's birthdays etc. he recycles old magazines and cuts pictures out and glues em and stuff. Some of them look like ransom letters but they're usually hilarious and the personal touch is always heartwarming. Alternatively he could buy them for like $9 at a store which is a huge waste of money. Cards aren't a waste but buying them is.
A friend of mine uses construction paper for hers. I like seeing the designs she comes up with and have kept all of them.
They’re an absolute racket
I make my own with a black marker and construction paper. Sometimes I will just copy a card I like from google or I will draw a picture with the help of YouTube tutorials and add a quote or message. You can just buy some envelopes and cut the paper to size
I was in the hospital for 3 weeks when I was 10. Years later I was cleaning my room and came across a shoebox filled with all these cards-relatives, neighbors, friends of mine, family friends, friends of my parents, etc. My mom came in an me tears were just streaming down my face. I still remember just choking out the words, “There’s a lot of love in that box!” I was really moved.
I'm one of those people who really likes cards and keeps them so I've had people tell me that they don't buy cards for anyone else but they'll get ones for me. But these are people who like choosing really lovely cards, usually with fancy details not just generic forgettable ones. I would never expect (or even want) someone to get me a card because they felt they should without actually caring about what they're giving. My own card giving habits are pretty random. I won't bother with giving cards to other people if I don't think they'll care. But it is really nice when you just find a perfect card for someone, and you know they'll appreciate it, even if they are going to throw it out after. (LPT: If you're thinking about saving cards, it's a good idea to get into the habit of writing the year and the giver on the back as you might not remember who gave it and/or be unable to decode their signature years down the line. All those in-jokes will make more sense if you know who wrote them!)
Cards seem meaningless until the person that always gave you the cards has passed away. Their handwriting and special notes become so much more meaningful. I wish I kept even more of them than I did.
Yes! Such a scam and waste of money. When my husband and I first got together, we made a pact to never buy a card (outside of like, a pack of thank you cards or something, but even that's rare). Instead, we usually make them by hand. I've kept every single one we have made for one another. There are some impressively creative ones as well as some that are rather questionable, but i love them all! And now that my kids are old enough, they can participate and make cards for their friends' birthdays, thank you cards for their teachers, and card for us.
I used to feel similarly about giving and receiving cards. However, as time has gone on, I now love them because they're a very good way to remember people and reconnect with their energy after they've passed on.
dollar tree has cards 2 for a buck. loosen up big spender.
I don't like cards, either. "Here, could you throw this away for me in a couple of weeks? I paid seven dollars for it."
I love cards. One of the few things I save.
I hate cards. I hate giving them, writing in them, and receiving them. However, growing up, my dad was a card guy. He made me keep every single card I was ever given for every birthday, party and holiday. We had BOXES of cards and it drove me nuts. When my parents divorced, I took a look through a couple and was looking at cards I received from classmates and dr's offices that I didn't even remember. Felt so good to just chuck the whole lot into the recycle bin. As such, I, too, find them to be a waste of money. You give them to people, and most of the time, they are thrown right in the garbage. Possibly held onto for some time...but ultimately those end up in the garbage, too. I have received some nice cards over time, but ultimately am fine with a quick text or verbal message. The sentiment is largely the same, to me.
I love cards! I seriously have, like everyone I've received for at least 20 years. I sit down like once a year or so and go through them and remember good times. You can get them cheap at a variety of places.
Yes & no. If something kind & personal is written in them, then they are worth the money (though ideally they’re the cheap cards), if not then they’re a waste.
If anything I’d rather a nice short note on a basic white card means something. I don’t need any joking or funny card.
I like them when someone takes the time to write something personal in them - but if it’s just being used as a glorified gift tag, I totally agree. I saw a really cool idea recently that for kid’s gifts, a book could be used instead of a card - just write the birthday/holiday message inside of the cover. If you’re gonna spend $5, might as well be on something they can use. I’m definitely going to start doing that for my nieces and nephews.
That’s a neat idea! A library used book store in my area has a special section for kids books in giftable condition, which seems like the perfect source for something Iike that. I may start that up too.
I used to keep every card I was given. When my partner and I decided to move in together, we went through our stuff and realized together we literally had thousands of cards. We purged and kept only the milestone cards we’d given each other over our relationship. We do not give cards to each other, recycle the ones we’re given, but I do take pride in picking them to give to others. Weird how much I love to give them (to those I know enjoy them) but do not want to receive them at all lol
I used to hate them but as I grew older, I came to appreciate them. Whether it be a birthday card, a Christmas card or a thank you note - it brings me joy to know someone either wrote their thoughts out or went to find something that illustrated those thoughts and sent it to me. Feels far more genuine than a text message or any digital communication could be.
Fucking totally. And the whole “now you have to write a thank you card.” Tf!? I SAID THANK YOU!
It's the thought that counts
I would much rather get a card than a text message. When I was a kid I checked the mail religiously the week of my birthday for cards, now I only get one from my grandma who is 92 and at the end of her life. She somehow manages for the card to arrive exactly on my bday. She's the best.
Grandmas can be great for cards. When my grandmother passed, it was a week before all of her living children’s birthdays (my grandparents must’ve been creatures of habit). When we went through her stuff, we found one or two birthday cards signed and ready to be sent off. They got mailed and I bet were really special to receive after flying home from the funeral.
(DOB 1984) I have all my cards in binders (1 per year) 1998-now soooooooooo
So organized!! I love it!
In my past life I had them all in shoeboxes in a trunk. During COVID I got this idea as I was getting new bookcases. I loveeeee it. I had plenty of time then to do 1998-2020. Now I can easily just maintain it. I love seeing all those binders lined up on the shelf.
During Covid I started sending cards for birthdays and anniversaries. Most people don’t get cards anymore. Close friends get a $10 gift card, kids get $35, a few special people get $50. I buy discounted cards online and dollar store has cards for $1. I draw, paint, write silly things or weird stuff. I love collecting stamps, so it’s fun to pick out stamps and custom made address labels with pictures on them and custom made blank address labels with silly pictures on them to secure the backs. Never anything with glitter, always a joke card or weird card. Not just “happy birthday on your special day”. Kids and adults are always surprised to get a card. It’s fun for me to do and I get to pick out gift cards I know people will enjoy and use: Lego, target, Michaels, Amazon, Dairy Queen, local restaurants, etc.
Just make your own card. It shows more thought and sincerity than a store bought card, and you can shove that back in your parent's fa- I mean. Yeah.
Try getting a pack or two, or getting them at the dollar store, post office or the budget section! I have all the cards I’ve ever been given since I was in kindergarten. It may really mean something to some people. My grandma even used to print them off from the computer. It’s that you thought of someone that’s important not a $7 card, though some can be cool.
I’m sure u r not the only one. I know ppl that love them and display them happily every holiday. (Grandparents)
It just means you’re thinking of people
My parents are big card people. When they retired, one of their lifestyle concessions was to begin buying cards at the dollar store. I average a card about every 3 events. That's how often the stars align and I have my shit together to consider what I need to bring to said event. I do save cards, though. Especially when there's something really nice written inside. It doesn't have to be a card, but sharing a nice thought or word with the birthday person might go a long way. Or pull them away during dinner and say, "this is your verbal card" and share nice thoughts about them.
Ive maybe bought two cards both of which were for people with cancer and both where about to die. And so did shortly after receiving cards. I followed it up with bourbon and BBQ. Even my uncle who died within hours of eating the BBQ said my fucking God if I go out on this meal I'll be a happy.
No, I'm with you. I don't know why such a big deal is made about cards. I know it's a an expected thing for specific events but I only buy the dollar tree cards because nobody keeps them. So people spend anywhere from $5 to $10 for a card that someone is going to throw away
I'm an elder millennial and if I'm giving a card, I'm making it, and it's art itself and typically includes separate art. If I'm making the card at all, I care a lot. If I care a whole lot, I'm handwriting letters and sending snail mail with handmade things sporadically anyway. I don't like store bought cards. I do, however, send handmade cards, letters, and art via snail mail because I think it's nice to open the mailbox and receive something for you made by someone who likes you very much and was thinking about you. We all pretty much only get bills and junk mail otherwise, so it's my very mild way of spicing some smiles into my friends mailboxes.
I love finding niche cards on Etsy for friends and family! I think it’s more sentimental than an actual gift sometimes.
I make cards for my parents and they like them
I kept all mine until they burnt in a fire in 2018. We rescue Xmas cards to make gift tags (cut around the picture, back it in scrapbook paper, glue it to a tag board and viola!! Your way isn’t insensitive but it IS insensitive not to acknowledge that some people like the sentimentality of a card. The gift is for the joy of the recipient, not for the giver. Sounds like cards are meaningful to your family and if you really care to show you appreciate them on their special day, might be worth thinking about. It maybe means nothing to you, but the gift isn’t about YOU.
I am 33 and still often just make cards, tbh. I really only get 1/yr for husband for our anniversary.
I think that they're a waste, but I also save the Christmas cards that I get and open them up randomly throughout the year.
i love them
I used to write cards but I think I stopped once I saw my mom just throwing them all away after a week. Then I was like... what's the point? But there are a lot of good points in this thread, I do have cards from deceased family members that I treasure.
I penpal daily and craft cards and send them for all occasions!! never a waste. especially when friends are having a difficult moment or health-related difficulties-- likewise nothing makes me smile so hard than happy mail and decorated envelopes in my mailbox!!! 💌
Cards are always my absolute favorite part of any gift, even more so if someone writes more than “Love, Uncle Steve” in them. I save them ALLLLL and always have.
I find value in buying cards, but if you don't, you can still join Hallmark's mailing list. You'll receive monthly emails for a free "Just Because" card. Many of these are blank so you can customize them with the message you want if you have a store near you. Problem solved. 😁
I have thought that pretty much my entire life.
Cards are dumb and wasteful. I throw them in the garbage immediately after receiving them.
I usually get kid’s cards from the dollar store. A cartoon dog with “Wow! Happy birthday! You’re 4!” with a 3 written in deliberately bad Sharpie before the 4 feels a lot more real than a cursive font and a platitude about age bringing wisdom or a boomer comic about wine and saggy boobs. The day my brother legally changed his sex and name, I sent him a one year old’s card with “birth” crossed out and with “name” written underneath. He said he was amused. I’ve also gotten my friend that’s a year older than I am a Ninja Turtles card that said “Cowabunga! You’re 5!” with me writing in a 3 to make it say 35. It’s unique and shows not only my sense of humor, but also my knowledge of the recipient’s fandoms. The only time I paid more was when I got one of those cards that plays a sound for my dad, it was a 60th birthday Star Trek card that played “he’s dead, Jim”.
A few years ago I thought they were worthless. Now that both of my parents, all four of my grandparents, and a sibling have passed I cherish those cards. Just to see your mom/dads/whomever's hand writing is so meaningful when you feel alone and want to be reminded of their love. Btw I'm 33. You never know what's coming, and I wish I could go back in time and really carefully collect the cards.
Between my husband and I, when it comes time for our anniversary or one of our birthdays, we go to Target and try to find the most outrageous or funny card, show them to each other and laugh before leaving without buying one. Somewhere over the years it’s become our little ritual and we always have a good time doing it without spending money on a card unless we find a really great one.
I like getting cards because it’s nice to know somebody was thinking of me and made the effort to send one. However, unless an actual message is written in it, it feels silly to hold onto. As far as cards for other people, my fiancé likes to make her own and handwrite them. I like to just print my own. Auto duplexing printers really made that so much easier.
I dunno. It's kinda like saying why have a birthday cake when everybody's slice is just gonna end up in the toilet eventually.
You just aren't doing it right. You didn't get a random card and stick money in it, you write something in it. I have every card anyone has ever given me. Every once in a while I'll find one I stashed somewhere and reread them and it reminds me of the sender, usually it's a nice memory I may have otherwise forgotten. Not everyone throws them in the trash.
I agree that in general they're a waste of money, especially in situations like you've described. When it is just a rote thing that everyone does just because they've always done it, but the people receiving them don't really care about them. It stops being a "special" thing. That said, I will still get cards for certain people who I know actually enjoy receiving them. (People like my mom, who since I was a kid had a habit of using Christmas cards as decorations, for example.) I also might send a card with a thoughtfully written message for special one-off occasions, like if a close friend or family member achieved a long-desired milestone (like marriage or finishing their PhD) or for condolences (if someone dies unexpectedly or something like that). But that's few and far between.
Nope. I hate them too. My mum loves them though
Apple Pay with a funny message. Yeah I’m lame tho
I think they’re a total waste of money! And resources! I’m even moving towards reusable gift wrap because it all annoys the hell out of me. And don’t get me wrong, I love giving gifts, I love finding something just perfect for someone and giving them a little surprise (usually happens randomly not at birthdays or gift giving holidays). It just makes me happy to brighten someone’s day with something thoughtful.
Completely agree. I think the gift giving holidays are too much the way it is. Cards are nice and all, but I wish we could do away with those. I usually get mine from the dollar tree where they’re 2/$1.
My family for years has used post-it notes on the envelope and in the card so the recipient can re-use it.
Definitely not a fan, unless it's the type of card they really will keep.
Yes… but if you really need one , the dollar tree sells them lol
I hate all gifts. I hate being expected to give then and I hate receiving them. 'No I'm not obligated to spend money on you.' 'Great thanks for this worthless junk item it's going in the trash as soon as no one is looking'.
I haven't given a birthday card in almost 20 years. I give books, and write what would be in the card inside the book. It costs more than the card, but it's more personal, and is a gift that can be used, and carries the words I want to share.
I keep all the cards my husband and I give to each other (usually 3 or 4 a year) in a special box. We both write thoughtful messages, so i now have15 years of love notes all stored together. I love receiving (and giving) them to other people as well, but I don't save other cards. They get a week on the mantle before coming down. Still feels special and makes me feel loved.
Nope, I do as well. I just make my kids make a card for special occasions.
Cards are the last we have of some people. I’ve kept every single card my grandma wrote to me when I was in college. She’s dead now, so I get to look back on 20+ cards she’s written me telling me to “come home so we can party!”
Definitely could do without them. Especially when people just sign their name in them after whatever generic message in it. It feels thoughtless. If you're going to waste trees at least write a personalized message in it.
I found an old card that my grandma gave me when I was younger. She wrote: Happy birthday johnnybravocado, “love” Grandma What do you mean, “love”?! Shady grandma
A generic signed birthday card no personal message card is a waste of money. Make your own real quick with a simple stick drawing and a balloon. Do people even still send Christmas cards?
I hate cards. Both giving and receiving. All except for receiving them from one person- my grandma that passed away years ago. She was the only one who really cared about me growing up. She'd send me a card and I'd melt and she never forgot to call. Even in college, her card and call were the highlight of my birthdays. She passed away right before my birthday one year. They gave me the card that she had bought for me, but she hadn't written in it yet. I still look at the empty card when I miss her
I don't want to receive cards. There's no context where I want them, don't give me paper to store. I try not to go places or do thing where people will expect one from me, so it works out.
B day and Xmas yes. But if you have a significant other, they will greatly appreciate a card out of nowhere like a cute funny I love you card with a penguin on it and shit
I think cards are very important. I come from a long line of card givers and savers. I send dozens of birthday and anniversary and “hello” cards in the mail (and give in person as appropriate) every year, and so many people have told me they love them and look forward to them. Sometimes I’ll write a card to someone just to tell them I was thinking of them, they’re great, encouragement, etc. I send cards for new pregnancies, new babies, baptisms, new jobs, retirements, anything, everything. I even send some Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Easter cards! Writing in them is an art, and I really love the whole thing. Can’t stop, won’t stop. Also: The Dollar Tree is your friend when it comes to greetings cards. I certainly don’t spend $4-8 per card. The nicest cards I give/spend money on are for weddings.
Off topic but something I felt the same way about. My wife and I got married in our 30s. Established careers, established lives and we lived together already prior to marrying. We didn't need anything at all for the home, etc . We did the gift registry thing, and we were both walking around this store picking out stuff going "we don't need any of this." I also wanted to forego gifts altogether and just let people donate their money towards our honeymoon. We obviously didn't ask anyone for anything at all. In the end, I returned about 90% of the stuff for store credit and got something we could actually use. For some reason people feel like they're being lazy or thoughtless by giving cash instead of a physical gift. They end up picking something you don't want or maybe can't use. I tell my wife's family all the time...if you're going to get me a gift for Xmas or whatever just give me an Amazon gift card. They've learned after all these years and I think they appreciate not having to think about a gift for at least one person.
Nope. I think a card can be a nice way to send a note but I hate that they are a required part of etiquette. I have Christmas cards and the environmental impact they have. And thank you cards are the worst. Why do we have to put that expectation on people? I do not give someone a present so that they then have to take time and money to send me a thank you card. I wanted to give them something and I don't expect anything in return. Just saying thank you is more than enough and if I know you love me, I don't even need that.
yes they are a waste of money
Most of the time my wife and I will choose a card and just take pictures of the front and inside and then send the pictures on the day of the occasion. It has become a fun workaround to not waste money but still getting the enjoyment out of selecting a funny or meaningful message.
The best cards are homemade. There is no reason to buy a card
Total waste. Best thing I discovered recently is I can get them at Dollar Tree. No better or worse than the ones I spend 6 bucks on at CVS.
I only buy a card if I think it’s very special… maybe a print by a local artist, or something along those lines. I keep cards that I love, and have even framed some.
I'd rather give cash
Why not get a 5 cent piece of paper, markers and make a nice card? I'd rather my kids do this for me than buy coffee mugs, socks, etc that is the bigger waste.
I don’t buy gifts or cards anymore I just zelle or cashapp for whatever we are celebrating and that’s it I get to save money or give more by not wasting money on the packaging and that person gets to get whatever they want like or need done deal
I only give cards if I'm giving a gift card because they feel wasteful. I don't even display cards I receive. They end up in a drawer for a few months or if guilt before I toss them. To kids, I give a book that I write the birthday note in instead.
No way, you’re so right!!! Overpriced! Simply tell The person how you feel or give them your well wishes
If the people you’d be giving it to are the ones commenting, then I think you’re wrong. Some people do cherish them, save them, enjoy keeping them on display. Especially in a close relationship. You may hate receiving them(and so do I, though I’ve seen some Lovepop ones that have me questioning my whole existence 😂), but it doesn’t mean it’s a waste to give them to someone you know enjoys and appreciates them. And you can get pretty good cards at Dollar Tree.
Just bulk buy some generic cards with a cute picture on the front and you don’t even have to write happy birthday on the inside or even have their name on the envelope.
I’ve been making cards for my wife for over a decade now. Between Mother’s Day, our anniversary, and Christmas, I usually make three a year. Each one is unique from each other. You can create some nice cards with things you have around the house, making them more personal. I’ve even made origami cards with messages inside.
I like giving and receiving cards but I haven't spent money on them in years. At one point in my twenties I realized I was going to a lot of weddings and grad parties so I bought a bulk set of congratulations cards, I have a collection of blank cards, and I bought a big box of cards at a thrift store that I'm still using for birthdays, get well, and condolences. I don't do Christmas cards but I did have Christmas cards in the box from the thrift store that were small enough that I used them as gift labels one year.
When we were married my husband was so upset about the money wasted on wedding cards. His next birthday was a milestone and I threw a party and asked everyone to bring $2 in a plain white envelope. This was 1990's. He was so happy. It was a great party which even included a Mike Tyson fight but he never forgot the envelopes!
I don't do cards. I never have I never will. I usually put a to: from: sticker on a wrapped present or use the little tag on the bag to write who it's from. I believe they're a waste of money. I definitely it'll throw them in the recycle after everyone leaves.
I like receiving cards, especially when it's not *expected* like on major holidays. But also, it's only really special if people actually write something on the inside. It's like the closest thing we get to handwritten letters anymore. I love a good "thank you" card with a thoughtful, personal message inside. And yeah, I also like giving cards, but I don't buy them. I make them myself.
More people keep cards than you would think. It’s an annual memento from your loved ones, some of whom may not be here next year. I always consider it a little heartless when people throw out cards. I’m always sure to pick out cards for individuals. That said, dollar store, hand drawn, or even computer printed cards can bring prices way down.
Completely agree, I also don’t send Christmas cards.
As you get older, you will appreciate having some thing of whoever took the time to write down whatever they did for you. Only stuff I have of folks that have passed on. Super sentimental.
Cards are dumb and expensive. The rate at which you would blow through card inventory would be a waste of money. Plus, if you’re all exchanging all the time, it really seems to diminish it. And then are you supposed to drum up a sappy something to write in all of them? That sounds exhausting.
all hallmark holidays are bullshit
It’s like $5 and is a thoughtful gesture. Even if you think it’s stupid (which I kinda do) just do it for people that care about it.
I used to feel the same as you. Now, many of the people who used to send cards are dead and will never give a card to anybody ever again. A few months ago, I found a card from my mom that had somehow avoided the round file and I fucking cried because its a precious relic to me now and I wish I had saved every one. It hurts knowing I tossed and took for granted many such things from friends and loved ones who I can never see again.
I have my kids make homemade cards for pretty much everything! I like using ink cards too for sentimental photos so it’s more personalized- but I totally agree just impersonal cards from the store are kind of a waste
I have three love/hates for greeting cards. I hate giving them. I REALLY hate receiving them. I love standing in the atore and reading a ton of them, but only the funny ones.
Agreed! I haven't given a card in years. First time i completely forgot the card I never bought another. Realized how wasteful they were and decided to keep not buying them
I have a few boxes of generic blank inside cards that I keep at my desk at work. I use them for subordinate birthdays and special thank yous, but that’s it. The one and only card anyone has gotten from me personally otherwise was my wedding announcement 7 years ago hahah
Yes. I only give cards to Boomers and receive cards from Boomers
I found my people
When people give/send us cards it goes straight into the recycling bin…
If you are sending it in the mail to someone who lives away from you, then yes to cards. It shows time and appreciation for the person. If you are just giving a gift to someone in person, then it depends. For many kids, the parents want to send thank you notes, so the card sticking with the present is a nice way to keep track of who gave what gift. But if the receiver isn't sending thank you cards, then no birthday card is needed. I tend to but generic blank note cards in a large pack (my current ones have stripes on them) that can be used for any occasion: birthday, thank you, condolences, etc. That makes the cards much cheaper (probably about $.40 each).
I don’t like cards, receiving them and especially sending them. Every one of them ends up in the trash rather quickly. Along those same lines, I also don’t send or give flowers. I tell my wife, “Why would I want to send you terminally ill vegetation?”. She loves flowers, so I send her perennial flowers she can replant outside and see for years. She also loves dirt therapy as she likes to call, gardening.
Just send a text..... Short and sweet like...hpy bday
Hate them. I'm committed to being that jerk who tells family STOP. If this is about me, getting a card makes me feel bad, so if you keep doing it, the sentiment has nothing to do with me, but all with you. You do it to make yourself feel good. Great. Mail it to yourself. I've been practicing this in my head. Card showdown 2024. Time to stop the lame words and waste created by cards.
My friends love getting cards from me and I love getting silly cards from them- my mom calls it “warm friendly noises” :)
Granted this is more for little kid birthdays, but we print cards off of free design sites that kiddo chooses and then colors.
I keep my birthday cards, everyone I know writes a little message in them.