GITNUXREPORT 2025

Greeting Card Industry Statistics

Global industry valued at $30B; digital, eco-friendly, personalized trends grow.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Around 75% of greeting cards are purchased by women

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The average American spends around $20 on greeting cards annually

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The rise of e-cards has led to over 60% of consumers choosing digital greeting options over physical cards

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The most popular occasion for greeting card purchases is birthdays, representing about 33% of total sales

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The average retail price of a greeting card in the U.S. is around $3.50

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Nearly 80% of Americans recognize the importance of greeting cards for expressing emotion

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Seasonal cards, especially those for Christmas and Mother’s Day, generate over 65% of annual sales

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The average lifespan of a physical greeting card in use is about 3 days, with many discarded soon after receipt

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Approximately 35% of consumers buy greeting cards on impulse, often influenced by store displays or promotions

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The median price point for a luxury greeting card is about $8, catering to high-end or special occasion markets

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The average consumer owns approximately 25 greeting cards at any given time, stored for future use or sentimental reasons

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The greeting card industry experiences a peak in sales during the holiday season, with up to 50% of annual revenue generated in the last quarter of the year

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Younger consumers aged 18-34 are more likely to send e-cards rather than physical cards, accounting for about 65% of digital greetings

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Retailers who offer personalized greeting card options have reported a sales increase of 25% over those without customization

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The average number of greeting cards sent per person per year is 2.4 in the U.S., indicating steady consumer engagement

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Digital greeting cards are often viewed as more cost-effective, with 70% of consumers preferring them for their convenience and lower price point

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Greeting cards are most often purchased in the last week before the occasion, with 60% bought within 2-3 days of usage

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Corporate clients make up around 10% of greeting card sales, mainly for employee recognition and client appreciation

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The average number of greeting cards bought per year per household has remained steady at around 12, indicating consistent demand

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Recent surveys indicate that emotional connection and personalization are key factors influencing consumers’ choice of greeting cards, with 85% stating these as important

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The most common materials used in greeting cards are cardstock (around 85%), followed by recycled paper (about 15%), to meet sustainability trends

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The proportion of recycled paper used in greeting cards has increased by 50% over the last decade, reflecting industry sustainability efforts

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The recycling rate of greeting card waste has improved by 20% over the last five years due to increased industry initiatives

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The durability of greeting cards varies by material, with high-quality cardstock lasting on average 10-15 years in good conditions

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The global greeting card market was valued at approximately $30 billion in 2022

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The United States accounts for nearly 50% of the global greeting card sales

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Approximately 6.5 billion greeting cards are sold each year in the U.S.

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Christmas greeting cards account for roughly 50% of total sales in the industry

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The UK greeting card market was valued at approximately £1.3 billion in 2022

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Hallmark, one of the leading brands, holds around 40% of the U.S. market share

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The greeting card industry employs around 15,000 people in the U.S., from designers to retail staff

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Independent card shops make up roughly 45% of the overall greeting card retail sector, sustaining local businesses

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The global market for holiday-specific greeting cards is projected to grow at a CAGR of about 4% from 2023 to 2028

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The average size of a greeting card is 5 x 7 inches, with variations depending on occasion and design

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The global online greeting card market is projected to reach $5 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8%, according to research by MarketsandMarkets

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Eco-friendly greeting cards make up approximately 20% of the market as consumers increasingly seek sustainable options

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The fastest-growing segment of the market is personalized or customized greeting cards, which grew by around 25% in 2022

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E-commerce sales of greeting cards increased by roughly 15% annually over the past three years

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In Asian markets like Japan and South Korea, digital greeting cards are gaining popularity, growing at an annual rate of approximately 10%

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The most popular greeting card themes are love, gratitude, and celebration, comprising over 60% of the market share

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Several companies have launched biodegradable greeting cards to reduce plastic and paper waste, with a growth rate of 12% per year

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The use of QR codes in greeting cards has increased by 30% in 2023, allowing embedding of videos and personalized messages

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sales of greeting cards declined slightly by 3%, but e-cards saw an increase of 20%

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The greeting card subscription model is emerging, with 10% of consumers interested in receiving monthly card deliveries

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Mainstream brands are increasing collaboration with artists and designers, resulting in a 15% increase in unique card designs over the past year

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The proportion of handmade greeting cards has increased by 12% as consumers seek more personalized and artisanal options

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Countries like Germany, France, and Canada show a growing trend in eco-friendly and sustainable card options, with market growth rates of 7-10% annually

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The industry has seen a 5% annual growth rate globally from 2018 to 2023, driven by emerging markets and digital innovations

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The industry's growth is projected to accelerate at a CAGR of 4% through 2030, driven by innovation and demographic shifts

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The use of augmented reality features in greeting cards is emerging, with 5% of cards incorporating AR elements as of 2023, expected to grow rapidly

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Retail stores account for approximately 70% of greeting card sales, with the rest occurring online and through direct sales

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In the United States, about 10% of greeting cards are purchased directly from nonprofit or charity organizations for fundraising purposes

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The most common sales channel for greeting cards in the U.S. remains retail stores, accounting for approximately 75% of total sales

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Key Highlights

The global greeting card market was valued at approximately $30 billion in 2022
The United States accounts for nearly 50% of the global greeting card sales
Approximately 6.5 billion greeting cards are sold each year in the U.S.
Around 75% of greeting cards are purchased by women
The average American spends around $20 on greeting cards annually
Christmas greeting cards account for roughly 50% of total sales in the industry
Eco-friendly greeting cards make up approximately 20% of the market as consumers increasingly seek sustainable options
The rise of e-cards has led to over 60% of consumers choosing digital greeting options over physical cards
The most popular occasion for greeting card purchases is birthdays, representing about 33% of total sales
The UK greeting card market was valued at approximately £1.3 billion in 2022
Hallmark, one of the leading brands, holds around 40% of the U.S. market share
The average retail price of a greeting card in the U.S. is around $3.50
Retail stores account for approximately 70% of greeting card sales, with the rest occurring online and through direct sales

Did you know that despite a booming industry valued at over $30 billion globally, the greeting card market is rapidly evolving with digital innovations, eco-friendly options, and personalized touches shaping its future?

Consumer Behavior and Spending

Around 75% of greeting cards are purchased by women
The average American spends around $20 on greeting cards annually
The rise of e-cards has led to over 60% of consumers choosing digital greeting options over physical cards
The most popular occasion for greeting card purchases is birthdays, representing about 33% of total sales
The average retail price of a greeting card in the U.S. is around $3.50
Nearly 80% of Americans recognize the importance of greeting cards for expressing emotion
Seasonal cards, especially those for Christmas and Mother’s Day, generate over 65% of annual sales
The average lifespan of a physical greeting card in use is about 3 days, with many discarded soon after receipt
Approximately 35% of consumers buy greeting cards on impulse, often influenced by store displays or promotions
The median price point for a luxury greeting card is about $8, catering to high-end or special occasion markets
The average consumer owns approximately 25 greeting cards at any given time, stored for future use or sentimental reasons
The greeting card industry experiences a peak in sales during the holiday season, with up to 50% of annual revenue generated in the last quarter of the year
Younger consumers aged 18-34 are more likely to send e-cards rather than physical cards, accounting for about 65% of digital greetings
Retailers who offer personalized greeting card options have reported a sales increase of 25% over those without customization
The average number of greeting cards sent per person per year is 2.4 in the U.S., indicating steady consumer engagement
Digital greeting cards are often viewed as more cost-effective, with 70% of consumers preferring them for their convenience and lower price point
Greeting cards are most often purchased in the last week before the occasion, with 60% bought within 2-3 days of usage
Corporate clients make up around 10% of greeting card sales, mainly for employee recognition and client appreciation
The average number of greeting cards bought per year per household has remained steady at around 12, indicating consistent demand
Recent surveys indicate that emotional connection and personalization are key factors influencing consumers’ choice of greeting cards, with 85% stating these as important

Consumer Behavior and Spending Interpretation

Despite a burgeoning digital frontier and fleeting physical shelf lives, the greeting card industry’s steadfast appeal—driven by emotional resonance, seasonal surges, and personalized touches—proves that when it comes to meaningful expressions, consumers still prefer investing around $20 yearly in tangible or digital tokens of heartfelt sentiment.

Environmental Sustainability and Materials

The most common materials used in greeting cards are cardstock (around 85%), followed by recycled paper (about 15%), to meet sustainability trends
The proportion of recycled paper used in greeting cards has increased by 50% over the last decade, reflecting industry sustainability efforts
The recycling rate of greeting card waste has improved by 20% over the last five years due to increased industry initiatives
The durability of greeting cards varies by material, with high-quality cardstock lasting on average 10-15 years in good conditions

Environmental Sustainability and Materials Interpretation

As the greeting card industry shifts towards more sustainable materials—boosting recycled content by 50% and recycling rates by 20%—it’s clear that heartfelt messages are now written on eco-friendlier paper that can preserve treasured memories for a decade or more.

Market Size and Valuation

The global greeting card market was valued at approximately $30 billion in 2022
The United States accounts for nearly 50% of the global greeting card sales
Approximately 6.5 billion greeting cards are sold each year in the U.S.
Christmas greeting cards account for roughly 50% of total sales in the industry
The UK greeting card market was valued at approximately £1.3 billion in 2022
Hallmark, one of the leading brands, holds around 40% of the U.S. market share
The greeting card industry employs around 15,000 people in the U.S., from designers to retail staff
Independent card shops make up roughly 45% of the overall greeting card retail sector, sustaining local businesses
The global market for holiday-specific greeting cards is projected to grow at a CAGR of about 4% from 2023 to 2028
The average size of a greeting card is 5 x 7 inches, with variations depending on occasion and design
The global online greeting card market is projected to reach $5 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8%, according to research by MarketsandMarkets

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

With a nearly $30 billion global footprint and nearly half of U.S. sales concentrated in Christmas cards, the greeting card industry proves that even in a digital age, the art of personalized sentiment remains a multi-billion-dollar affair—celebrating local artisans and Hallmark's dominance while quietly thriving online.

Market Trends and Innovations

Eco-friendly greeting cards make up approximately 20% of the market as consumers increasingly seek sustainable options
The fastest-growing segment of the market is personalized or customized greeting cards, which grew by around 25% in 2022
E-commerce sales of greeting cards increased by roughly 15% annually over the past three years
In Asian markets like Japan and South Korea, digital greeting cards are gaining popularity, growing at an annual rate of approximately 10%
The most popular greeting card themes are love, gratitude, and celebration, comprising over 60% of the market share
Several companies have launched biodegradable greeting cards to reduce plastic and paper waste, with a growth rate of 12% per year
The use of QR codes in greeting cards has increased by 30% in 2023, allowing embedding of videos and personalized messages
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sales of greeting cards declined slightly by 3%, but e-cards saw an increase of 20%
The greeting card subscription model is emerging, with 10% of consumers interested in receiving monthly card deliveries
Mainstream brands are increasing collaboration with artists and designers, resulting in a 15% increase in unique card designs over the past year
The proportion of handmade greeting cards has increased by 12% as consumers seek more personalized and artisanal options
Countries like Germany, France, and Canada show a growing trend in eco-friendly and sustainable card options, with market growth rates of 7-10% annually
The industry has seen a 5% annual growth rate globally from 2018 to 2023, driven by emerging markets and digital innovations
The industry's growth is projected to accelerate at a CAGR of 4% through 2030, driven by innovation and demographic shifts
The use of augmented reality features in greeting cards is emerging, with 5% of cards incorporating AR elements as of 2023, expected to grow rapidly

Market Trends and Innovations Interpretation

As eco-friendly, personalized, and digitally enhanced greeting cards—armed with QR codes, AR, and artisanal appeal—foster a globally growing industry that’s forecasted to accelerate at a 4% CAGR through 2030, consumers' increasing demand for sustainability and uniqueness proves that heartfelt can be high-tech and green.

Sales Channels and Distribution

Retail stores account for approximately 70% of greeting card sales, with the rest occurring online and through direct sales
In the United States, about 10% of greeting cards are purchased directly from nonprofit or charity organizations for fundraising purposes
The most common sales channel for greeting cards in the U.S. remains retail stores, accounting for approximately 75% of total sales

Sales Channels and Distribution Interpretation

Despite the digital age's march, retail stores still proudly claim the throne with roughly 70-75% of greeting card sales, reminding us that a heartfelt visit to the card aisle remains the most "cardinal" way to connect, even as one in ten cards fundraise for good causes.