finding better greeting cards

So you want to up your card game, eh?

I understand. I dislike Walgreens greetings, with the same geriatric jokes, and the same hokey designs over and over. I want something that complements my style and is timely/hip/witty.

Once upon a time I found Papyrus, which is a higher-priced and more intricately detailed mass production. Glitter, sequins, and on heavy card stock…less focused the aches of aging. You can get them at Target, Whole Foods, and Papyrus retail stores.

Anything that sparkles really gets me.

A handful of their cards are not made in China. This one comes from Switzerland, where gold foil is undoubtedly done with expert precision…

Take a step further into high-priced paper, and you can get into handmade, small-batch cards made by ordinary people. People with talent, just wanting to spread their gift, not make gobs of money. Etsy is the best place to look online, but you can find these sorts of cards locally, at the Oxford Exchange, TeBella Tea, and Magnolia, to name a few.

1canoe2 makes rustic, sweet cards.

I actually have the one above framed next to my bed. Gotta remind myself everyday…

If you want something more like art, TheInvisibleKitten paints hers with watercolors.

And like I said…since they’re made custom to order, you can get very trendy cards too…

That one was made by Ally Elle Cards.

Maybe you would like something original for Easter?

Something cutting but lovable?

A clever fold-out…

If you’re creepy or awkward…(maybe you give this to someone to give to someone else)

And greetings aren’t complete without something cringe-worthy.

Somewhere between the two ends of the spectrum is a happy medium, of professional but unique greetings cards. Two that come to mind: Rifle Paper Co., and Sugar Paper LA.

It’s here that Goldilocks (my middle name) finds the right balance. The paper is lovely to touch, and the crisp pressed letters and ink doesn’t get any better.

So, I know what you’re thinking. You have to order these wacky, luxury cards way ahead of the occasion, and PAY for shipping. You can’t swing by the store on the way to the party to pick one up.

Yes, that is true.

Tough.

If you want quality, you should put some effort into it, SIR! (such is true for most things in life)

At the very least, stop next time you’re at Target and pick out a glossy, glamorous, gift-in-itself card from Papyrus.

If you want to explore the world of custom cards, Etsy will happily suck you in. Don’t be afraid, your friends and family will love it!