National Greeting Card Day - If you have an occasion, holiday, or simply want to let someone know something, National Greeting Card Day is the perfect day for you.

National Greeting Card Day 2024 – April 1, 2024

National Greeting Card Day is celebrated every year on April 1 and we can’t wait to send a greeting card in honor of it. Greeting cards are a sweet and thoughtful way to let your loved ones know that you’re thinking about them.

History of National Greeting Card Day

The custom of giving greeting cards dates back centuries. It began with the ancient Chinese, who would exchange messages of goodwill for the New Year. Early Egyptians exchanged greetings on papyrus scrolls, and soon after, handmade paper greeting cards were traded in Europe. The Germans were the first to print New Year’s greeting cards on woodcuts. By the mid-15th century, Europeans were also exchanging Valentine’s Day greeting cards. The oldest Valentine, in fact, may be discovered in the British Museum. It was written by Charles Duke of Orleans to his wife, Bonne of Armagnac, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London.By the 1950s, the greeting card had changed from a handmade, expensive gift to an economical means of communication, thanks to advances in printing technology and lower shipping costs. This was followed by new trends such as Christmas cards, which were first made in London. Companies such as Marcus Ward & Co, Goodall, and Charles Bennett began mass-producing greeting cards and hired well-known artists like Kate Greenaway and Walter Crane as illustrators.Since then, greeting cards have continued to evolve and become more accessible and easily available. They now come in a wide variety of styles, from electronic to musical. National Greeting Card Day is a day to honor these adorable little masterpieces that have become synonymous with sending greetings to loved ones.

National Greeting Card Day timeline

Early 15th Century
Handmade Greetings

Handmade greeting cards are exchanged in Europe.

1843
Christmas Greetings

The first Christmas greeting cards are designed by John Calcott Horsley.

1860s
Mass Greetings

Big companies start mass production of greeting cards.

1930
Colored Greetings

Technological advancements make way for colored lithography.

National Greeting Card Day FAQs

Who are the largest greeting card makers?

Hallmark Cards and American Greetings are the largest greeting card producers in the world.

Are greeting cards popular?

Yes, in the United States, approximately 6.5 billion greeting cards are bought each year.

How much is a greeting card?

A standard greeting card is sold for around $2 to $4. There are some e-cards that are available for free.

National Greeting Card Day Activities

  1. Give a greeting card

    This National Greeting Card Day, send one (or many) greeting cards to your loved ones. Whether it's a special occasion or just some well wishes, there's a greeting card for every occasion.

  2. Make a greeting card

    There is nothing quite like a pure, handmade greeting card. Take out some time, grab your writing utensils (or art supplies if you’re creative like that), and make a cute little greeting card for someone.

  3. Find a greeting card

    We receive and give plenty of greeting cards throughout our lives. Take a trip down memory lane by looking for an old card you may have received from someone.

5 Types Of Greeting Cards That You Can Send

  1. Standard

    A rectangular, folded greeting card with a message printed on card stock.

  2. Photo

    This includes a photo chosen by the sender.

  3. Musical

    These cards play some music or sound when opened.

  4. Electronic

    E-cards are usually flashcards shared via email.

  5. Pop-ups

    These contain an image or illustration that pops up when opening the card.

Why We Love National Greeting Card Day

  1. It reminds us to share

    We often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and can forget to tell loved ones how we feel. This day serves as a reminder to express our best wishes to others.

  2. It encourages us to enjoy the little things

    Greeting cards are not only designed for special occasions, but also for everyday occurrences. Taking a moment to share a funny or heartfelt card might brighten someone's day.

  3. It’s adorable

    A day dedicated to something that helps us share and receive love and wishes? Yes, please.

National Greeting Card Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 April 1 Saturday
2024 April 1 Monday
2025 April 1 Tuesday
2026 April 1 Wednesday
2027 April 1 Thursday
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