Why Do We Keep Greeting Cards?

Ever received a card that stopped you in your tracks?

Maybe the hilarious punchline caught you off guard, a heartfelt message brought back memories, or the design was just so you. Whatever the reason, the card captured a moment to treasure.

Once out of the envelope though, do you ever wonder what to do with greeting cards? We wondered the same and decided to find out how many people enjoy keeping old greeting cards, as well as how best to reuse and preserve them.

Timeless Tidings

Our research revealed 39% of Brits keep every greeting card they receive – due to the cards bringing up memories of loved ones, emotional attachments, and sentimental value.

Cards are a keepsake of love, laughter, and human connection – and in our fast-moving world they can be a moment frozen in time; a reminder of birthdays celebrated, milestones achieved, cherished Christmas wishes, or a reminder that someone is “thinking of you”.

In fact, 84% of respondents said they found physical greeting cards more meaningful than a digital alternative.

From Card to Keepsake

This is why we’ve launched our ‘Card to Keepsake’ campaign, to celebrate the stories behind the cards we keep and the treasured memories captured within them.

Whether you pin your cards to the fridge, mount them on the mantle, or tuck them away in a special box, greeting cards have a way of becoming part of our lives and staying with us long after the celebrations are over.

Who Saves the Most Sentiments?

Some parts of the UK are more sentimental than others. 61% of Londoner’s agree they keep hold of every greeting card they receive, compared to 27% of people in Yorkshire and Humber!

Age groups show varied habits, with 35% of 18 to 25-year-olds often revisiting old greeting cards, in contrast to only 4% of those aged 55 to 64.

Meanwhile, 79% of 18- to 24-year-olds are interested in sending more greetings cards, and 33% of 25- to 34-year-olds strongly agree they could make more of an effort to remember people’s birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions.

Meet Anushka

Card lover Anushka has collected 1,000+ greeting cards – dating back as far as the 80s! She collects and stores all the cards sent to her and her family, rotating them based on seasonal occasions. So, there are always some cards on display.

Anushka is passionate about recycling and crafts and enjoys upcycling cards in innovative ways, such as those below.

5 Fun Ideas for Keeping Your Greeting Cards

We’re dedicated to creating personalised cards that people love to keep.

And for the avid card keepers – here are our 5 favourite ways to keep and reuse your cards.

1. Memory Book: Place your cards in a scrapbook or journal, adding notes, memories, or photos related to the occasion for a personal touch.
2. Card Garland: String your cards together to create a decorative garland you can display on a mantel or along a wall – ideal for reusing Christmas cards each season!
3. Framed Collage: Arrange and frame your favourite greeting cards and messages in a collage to hang as wall art, capturing memories in a creative way.
4. DIY Art Project: Use cards in DIY art projects, like creating bookmarks or turning them into new cards or gift tags.
5. Card Box: Store cards in a decorative box organised by year or event, making them easy to revisit.

Keep the Card, Keep the Moment

Greeting cards do more than mark an occasion – they’re memories in the making! From laughter to tears and unexpected surprises, every card captures a moment in time.

After all, it’s the little details that matter. 36% of people aged 55 to 64 say that the words chosen in a greeting card are its most important feature – so be sure to put some thought in!

The next time you send a card, remember – it could be cherished for years.

Keep the moment, keep the card, and treasure a reminder of what truly matters in life.

Anuska said: “I love greeting cards – they’ve always held a special place in my heart. If you look at them, from over the years, it tells a story – who your friends were, the jokes you made, or family that might not be here any longer. I have cards dating back to when I was 16 – or even younger! I can’t part with any, due to sentimental attachment.”

Whether it’s a touch of humour or a heartfelt message, our designs are carefully crafted to help you express your true feelings. And you can further personalise your card with custom photos, names, and messages, to make a keepsake as unique as its recipient.