- Origins of Greeting Cards: Greeting cards have been around for centuries, with the earliest known example dating back to ancient Egypt. These early cards were sent to convey messages of goodwill for various occasions. (Source: American Greetings, 2020)
- Christmas Cards: The tradition of sending Christmas cards became popular in the mid-19th century, thanks to Sir Henry Cole, who commissioned the first commercial Christmas card in 1843. The design featured a festive scene with space for a personalized message. (Source: Smithsonian Magazine, 2013)
- Valentine’s Day: Valentine’s Day is one of the largest card-sending holidays worldwide. In the United States alone, approximately 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year, making it the second-largest card-sending holiday after Christmas. (Source: Greeting Card Association, 2021)
- Mother’s Day: Greeting cards played a crucial role in popularizing Mother’s Day, with Anna Jarvis, the holiday’s founder, advocating for the use of cards to express love and appreciation for mothers worldwide. (Source: History.com, 2021)
- Eco-Friendly Trend: With growing environmental awareness, eco-friendly greeting cards made from recycled materials and featuring sustainable designs are gaining popularity, reflecting a shift towards more environmentally-conscious consumer choices. (Source: Green America, 2021)
- E-cards: The digital revolution has introduced e-cards, offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper cards, with customizable designs and instant delivery options, revolutionizing the way we send greetings. (Source: The New York Times, 2019)
- Economic Impact: The greeting card industry contributes significantly to the economy, with billions generated annually in sales and employment opportunities worldwide. (Source: Greeting Card Association, 2021)
- Personal Touch: Despite digital advancements, handwritten greeting cards remain cherished for their personal touch, conveying emotions in a tangible, heartfelt manner. (Source: Hallmark, 2021)
- Collector’s Items: Rare and vintage greeting cards have become sought-after collector’s items, valued for their historical significance and unique designs. (Source: Antiques Roadshow, 2020)
- Global Appeal: Greeting cards transcend cultural boundaries, serving as universal expressions of love, friendship, and celebration across diverse societies and traditions. (Source: National Geographic, 2021)
American Greetings. (2020). The History of Greeting Cards. Retrieved from https://www.americangreetings.com/inspiration/history-of-greeting-cards
Smithsonian Magazine. (2013). The History of the Christmas Card. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-history-of-the-christmas-card-124550866/
Greeting Card Association. (2021). Consumer Trends – Valentine’s Day. Retrieved from https://www.greetingcard.org/industry-resources/consumer-trends/valentines-day/
History.com. (2021). Mother’s Day. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day
Green America. (2021). Greeting Cards. Retrieved from https://www.greenamerica.org/greeting-cards
The New York Times. (2019). The E-Card Effect. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/19/style/the-e-card-effect.html
Greeting Card Association, 2021 – Retrieved from: https://www.greetingcard.org/
Hallmark, 2021 – Retrieved from: https://www.hallmark.com/
Antiques Roadshow, 2020 – Retrieved from: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/
National Geographic, 2021 – Retrieved from: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
For more posts about greeting cards, visit our blog page. Read More