What Is the Most Popular Type of Greeting Card?

Greeting cards have long been a popular way to express emotions, mark special occasions, and maintain connections. In a world filled with digital communication, the tangible gesture of sending a card holds unique value. From birthdays to holidays, greeting cards serve as a timeless method for spreading joy, sympathy, congratulations, and gratitude. But which type of greeting card is the most popular?

A Diverse Industry

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to recognise the vast diversity of greeting cards. The UK greeting card industry is robust, with annual sales exceeding £1.7 billion, according to the Greeting Card Association (GCA). There are cards for nearly every event or sentiment, ranging from birthday cards, thank you cards, Christmas cards, to more niche categories such as ‘thinking of you’ or ‘new baby’ cards. Despite the rise of e-cards and digital messages, the traditional printed card industry continues to thrive.

The Top Contender: Birthday Cards

Undoubtedly, the most popular type of greeting card is the birthday card. According to the GCA, birthday cards account for over 60% of all card sales in the UK. Birthdays are universal; everyone celebrates them, and it’s common for individuals to send cards to friends, family members, and colleagues to mark the occasion.

Birthdays represent an annual milestone, and people enjoy the opportunity to acknowledge the personal significance of the day. Whether it's a heartfelt message, a humorous note, or a personalised touch, birthday cards cater to a wide variety of tastes and relationships. Moreover, they are available in numerous designs, price ranges, and styles, ensuring that consumers can find the perfect card for every recipient.

Popular Categories Within Birthday Cards

While birthday cards reign supreme overall, certain subcategories stand out. These include:

1. Humorous Cards: Many people appreciate a good laugh, and humorous birthday cards have become one of the best-selling categories. With witty jokes, puns, or playful insults, these cards cater to light-hearted interactions and often make memorable keepsakes.

2. Personalised Cards: The rise of online card retailers has made personalised cards increasingly popular. Consumers can now easily customise cards with the recipient’s name, photos, or a personal message, adding a unique touch that resonates more deeply than a generic card.

3. Milestone Birthday Cards: Cards for milestone birthdays such as 18th, 21st, 30th, 50th, or 100th are particularly popular. These cards often feature bold designs and celebratory language, reflecting the importance of reaching a significant age.

Holiday Cards: A Close Runner-Up

While birthday cards lead in popularity, holiday cards are a close second, especially around Christmas. The tradition of sending Christmas cards dates back to the 19th century, and it remains a cherished custom in the UK. During the festive season, millions of households exchange Christmas cards as part of their celebrations. The GCA reports that approximately 900 million Christmas cards are sent each year in the UK alone.

Christmas cards are often exchanged with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours. Many businesses also send cards to clients and employees as a gesture of goodwill. Christmas cards range from traditional designs featuring religious imagery or festive scenes to modern, humorous options and personalised cards. The variety of themes available ensures that there’s a card for every taste and relationship.

Other Popular Types of Greeting Cards

While birthday and Christmas cards dominate the market, other categories also hold significance.

• Thank You Cards: These cards are popular following weddings, birthdays, or other events where gifts are given. They offer a thoughtful way to express gratitude and maintain social etiquette.

• Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Cards: Cards celebrating parents are widely exchanged in the UK. These occasions give people the opportunity to acknowledge their parents’ love and support, with cards often featuring sentimental messages or humorous reflections on parenthood.

• Wedding and Anniversary Cards: Whether celebrating the beginning of a marriage or marking the continuation of one, wedding and anniversary cards remain significant in the greeting card market.

• Sympathy Cards: In times of loss, sympathy cards offer a way to convey condolences and provide comfort. Though less commonly exchanged than other types of cards, they carry a deep emotional significance.

Digital Greeting Cards: A Growing Segment

While traditional greeting cards still dominate the market, the rise of digital cards (e-cards) is worth mentioning. E-cards have grown in popularity due to their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. Websites and apps now allow users to send animated or personalised digital cards within seconds. While e-cards appeal to a more tech-savvy audience, they have yet to eclipse the emotional impact of a physical card.

Conclusion: Why Birthday Cards Top the List

Ultimately, the birthday card remains the most popular type of greeting card due to its universal relevance and the personal connections it fosters. Birthdays are a global tradition, and sending a card is an enduring way to mark the occasion. While other types of cards – particularly Christmas cards – also have widespread appeal, the birthday card stands out for its ability to be both a thoughtful and fun way to connect with loved ones.

As the greeting card industry evolves, it’s clear that the emotional value of sending a physical card continues to resonate. Whether personalised, humorous, or traditional, the birthday card remains a timeless way to celebrate life’s milestones.

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