GITNUXREPORT 2026

Greeting Cards Industry Statistics

The greeting card industry remains strong as physical cards dominate a growing global market.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

54% of U.S. consumers aged 18-34 purchased greeting cards for birthdays in 2023.

Statistic 2

Women account for 72% of all greeting card purchases in the United States annually.

Statistic 3

68% of millennials prefer eco-friendly greeting cards made from recycled materials.

Statistic 4

In 2022, 41% of UK consumers bought greeting cards online, up from 32% in 2020.

Statistic 5

Baby boomers (aged 55+) represent 28% of total greeting card expenditure in the U.S., averaging $45 per year.

Statistic 6

75% of parents purchase greeting cards for their children's events, with 60% personalizing them.

Statistic 7

Hispanic consumers in the U.S. buy 15% more greeting cards for family occasions than the national average.

Statistic 8

62% of Gen Z consumers share digital greetings on social media before sending physical ones.

Statistic 9

Urban dwellers purchase 22% more greeting cards annually than rural residents in Europe.

Statistic 10

49% of consumers aged 35-54 buy humorous greeting cards for friends' birthdays.

Statistic 11

78% of U.S. consumers still prefer handwritten messages in greeting cards over digital alternatives.

Statistic 12

Low-income households (<$50k/year) spend 3x more on sympathy cards relative to income.

Statistic 13

55% of LGBTQ+ consumers seek inclusive greeting card designs.

Statistic 14

Seasonal purchases peak among families with children under 12, at 82% participation rate.

Statistic 15

67% of remote workers send more "thinking of you" cards post-pandemic.

Statistic 16

The average U.S. household prints 15 custom greeting cards per year using home printers.

Statistic 17

44% of college students buy cards for roommate appreciation events.

Statistic 18

Pet owners purchase 2.3 cards per year for pet-related occasions on average.

Statistic 19

59% of seniors (65+) send cards to grandchildren weekly during holidays.

Statistic 20

61% of Gen X buy cards for anniversaries annually.

Statistic 21

African American consumers 20% more likely to buy religious cards.

Statistic 22

71% of women personalize cards with photos.

Statistic 23

UK urban millennials buy 1.8 cards/month on average.

Statistic 24

Gen Z: 52% prefer digital, but 48% still buy physical.

Statistic 25

Families with teens send 25% more birthday cards.

Statistic 26

Asian Americans spend $52/year on cards avg.

Statistic 27

65% of students use cards for teacher appreciation.

Statistic 28

Rural Europeans buy 18% fewer cards than city dwellers.

Statistic 29

53% of 25-34 year olds choose funny cards.

Statistic 30

80% value sentiment over design in purchases.

Statistic 31

Households >$100k spend 2x more on premium cards.

Statistic 32

51% of veterans prefer patriotic designs.

Statistic 33

New parents buy 4.2 cards/year for baby milestones.

Statistic 34

Gamers send 1.5 gaming-themed cards/year.

Statistic 35

Travel enthusiasts buy 30% more "safe travels" cards.

Statistic 36

In 2023, the global greeting cards market was valued at approximately USD 19.7 billion, with a projected CAGR of 3.2% from 2024 to 2030.

Statistic 37

The U.S. greeting card industry generated $7.7 billion in retail sales in 2022, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.

Statistic 38

Holiday cards accounted for 52% of total U.S. greeting card sales volume in 2022, totaling over 6.5 billion units sold.

Statistic 39

The UK greeting card market reached £1.7 billion in value in 2022, with everyday cards contributing 45% of sales.

Statistic 40

In 2023, personalized greeting cards segment grew by 8.7% year-over-year, reaching $2.1 billion globally.

Statistic 41

U.S. consumers spent an average of $28.50 on greeting cards per person in 2022.

Statistic 42

The Asia-Pacific greeting cards market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023-2028, driven by rising disposable incomes.

Statistic 43

In 2022, digital greeting cards represented only 12% of total market value, while physical cards held 88% at $17.3 billion globally.

Statistic 44

European greeting card sales volume reached 4.2 billion units in 2022, with Germany leading at 1.1 billion.

Statistic 45

The premium greeting cards segment in North America was valued at $1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 46

Global greeting cards market to hit USD 25.4 billion by 2030.

Statistic 47

U.S. everyday greeting card sales reached $3.9 billion in 2022.

Statistic 48

Christmas cards sold 1.9 billion units in the U.S. in 2022.

Statistic 49

Australia's greeting card market valued at AUD 450 million in 2023.

Statistic 50

Custom printed cards segment worth $1.5 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 51

Average spend per holiday season on cards: $37 in U.S. households.

Statistic 52

Latin America greeting cards market growing at 5.1% CAGR to 2028.

Statistic 53

Physical cards still dominate with $18.2 billion vs. e-cards $1.5B in 2023.

Statistic 54

France produced 800 million greeting cards in 2022.

Statistic 55

Luxury segment in Asia valued at $900 million in 2023.

Statistic 56

In 2022, Hallmark produced 2.6 billion greeting cards in its U.S. facilities.

Statistic 57

Recycled paper usage in greeting cards reached 45% of total production in Europe by 2023.

Statistic 58

China exported 1.2 billion greeting cards globally in 2022, valued at $450 million.

Statistic 59

The average greeting card uses 4.5 grams of paper and ink, with production costing $0.12 per unit.

Statistic 60

35% of U.S. greeting cards are manufactured using soy-based inks for sustainability.

Statistic 61

American Greetings operates 12 manufacturing plants producing 1.8 billion cards annually.

Statistic 62

UV coating is applied to 62% of premium greeting cards during production.

Statistic 63

Global greeting card paper consumption totaled 850,000 tons in 2022.

Statistic 64

Die-cutting machines process 500 cards per minute in major factories.

Statistic 65

28% of production waste in the industry is recycled into new cardstock.

Statistic 66

Embossing techniques are used in 19% of luxury greeting cards produced in Italy.

Statistic 67

Foil stamping adds $0.08 to production cost but boosts perceived value by 25%.

Statistic 68

UK producers use FSC-certified paper for 76% of their greeting card output.

Statistic 69

Automated folding lines handle 10,000 cards per hour in modern plants.

Statistic 70

Metallic inks are incorporated in 12% of holiday greeting cards during printing.

Statistic 71

India’s greeting card factories employ traditional block printing for 8% of exports.

Statistic 72

Quality control rejects 2.1% of produced cards due to printing defects.

Statistic 73

Biodegradable glitter is now used in 15% of children's greeting cards.

Statistic 74

Laser engraving is emerging in 5% of high-end custom card production.

Statistic 75

Hallmark prints 500 million seasonal cards yearly.

Statistic 76

52% of cards use water-based adhesives.

Statistic 77

Vietnam exports 300 million cards annually.

Statistic 78

Production cycle for holidays starts 9 months prior.

Statistic 79

41% cards feature scent-infused paper.

Statistic 80

Schurman Retail Group produces 900M cards/year.

Statistic 81

Digital printing now 55% of short runs.

Statistic 82

Water usage per card: 0.02 liters in efficient plants.

Statistic 83

Hot foil stamping on 22% Valentine cards.

Statistic 84

Energy consumption down 15% via LED curing.

Statistic 85

Handmade cards 3% of total production.

Statistic 86

Pantone colors updated yearly for 70% lines.

Statistic 87

Robotic packaging handles 20k/hr.

Statistic 88

Linen texture paper in 14% premium cards.

Statistic 89

pH-neutral inks in 89% archival cards.

Statistic 90

Global production capacity 15B cards/year.

Statistic 91

Online retail channels accounted for 25% of U.S. greeting card sales in 2023.

Statistic 92

Supermarkets and drugstores hold 48% market share in physical greeting card retail.

Statistic 93

Amazon captured 18% of online greeting card sales in North America in 2022.

Statistic 94

Independent card shops in the UK represent 12% of total distribution volume.

Statistic 95

Vending machines for greeting cards generated $45 million in sales in 2023 across Asia.

Statistic 96

E-commerce platforms saw a 14% YoY growth in greeting card shipments in 2023.

Statistic 97

Department stores like Macy's distribute 9% of seasonal greeting cards.

Statistic 98

Subscription box services include greeting cards in 35% of their monthly deliveries.

Statistic 99

Airport kiosks sell 1.2 million impulse greeting cards annually worldwide.

Statistic 100

Direct-to-consumer sales via brand websites grew 11% in 2022.

Statistic 101

Wholesale distribution to florists covers 7% of everyday cards.

Statistic 102

Pop-up holiday shops boost seasonal sales by 28% in urban areas.

Statistic 103

Mobile apps for card delivery handled 8% of digital-physical hybrid sales.

Statistic 104

Gas station convenience stores stock 4% of low-cost greeting cards.

Statistic 105

Corporate gifting portals distribute 15 million bulk greeting cards yearly.

Statistic 106

Personalization kiosks in malls generated $120 million in 2023.

Statistic 107

Grocery chains 52% of retail sales share.

Statistic 108

Etsy sales of custom cards: $200M in 2023.

Statistic 109

Walmart holds 15% mass-market share.

Statistic 110

Gift shops 11% of specialty sales.

Statistic 111

Japan convenience stores sell 20% cards.

Statistic 112

Target stores 10% seasonal distribution.

Statistic 113

DTC brand sites 16% growth in 2023.

Statistic 114

Bookstores like Barnes & Noble 6% share.

Statistic 115

Corporate portals 22% B2B volume.

Statistic 116

Pharmacies CVS/Walgreens 19% everyday.

Statistic 117

Social commerce via Instagram 7% emerging.

Statistic 118

Hospital gift shops 2.5% sympathy cards.

Statistic 119

Wholesale clubs Costco 8% bulk holiday.

Statistic 120

App-based delivery like Postmates 4%.

Statistic 121

Museum stores 1.8% artistic cards.

Statistic 122

The industry anticipates a shift to 35% digital sales by 2030.

Statistic 123

Sustainable cards using plant-based materials expected to grow 12% CAGR through 2028.

Statistic 124

AI-generated personalized messages will feature in 20% of cards by 2025.

Statistic 125

NFT-linked physical greeting cards projected to launch in 10% of premium lines by 2024.

Statistic 126

Post-pandemic, "wellness" themed cards up 45% in sales projections.

Statistic 127

Augmented reality features in cards expected to reach 15% market penetration by 2027.

Statistic 128

Eco-labeling influences 68% of future purchases, per 2023 surveys.

Statistic 129

Multilingual cards for immigrant markets to grow 9% annually in North America.

Statistic 130

Video-embedded greeting cards forecasted at $500 million market by 2026.

Statistic 131

Decline in mass-produced cards, rise in artisanal by 22% by 2030.

Statistic 132

Integration with social media sharing boosts hybrid card sales 30% projected.

Statistic 133

Mental health awareness cards expected to double in volume by 2025.

Statistic 134

3D printed custom cards to enter 5% of market by 2028.

Statistic 135

Zero-waste production models adopted by 40% of manufacturers by 2030.

Statistic 136

Voice-activated ordering for cards via smart speakers up 50% by 2025.

Statistic 137

Cultural fusion designs for global holidays rising 18% CAGR.

Statistic 138

Subscription services for monthly cards projected at 10 million users by 2027.

Statistic 139

Holographic elements in 25% of futuristic card designs by 2030.

Statistic 140

Blockchain-tracked supply chain for authenticity in 12% premium cards.

Statistic 141

Gender-neutral cards to comprise 35% of everyday sales by 2026.

Statistic 142

Metaverse card sales pilot $10M projected.

Statistic 143

Biometric personalized cards by 2026.

Statistic 144

Quantum dot colors for vividness up 40%.

Statistic 145

VR experience cards 8% by 2028.

Statistic 146

Carbon-neutral production 60% by 2030.

1/146

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In a world that often feels digital-first, the enduring, multi-billion dollar greeting card industry proves the heartfelt power of a simple paper message remains stronger than ever.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the global greeting cards market was valued at approximately USD 19.7 billion, with a projected CAGR of 3.2% from 2024 to 2030.
The U.S. greeting card industry generated $7.7 billion in retail sales in 2022, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.
Holiday cards accounted for 52% of total U.S. greeting card sales volume in 2022, totaling over 6.5 billion units sold.
54% of U.S. consumers aged 18-34 purchased greeting cards for birthdays in 2023.
Women account for 72% of all greeting card purchases in the United States annually.
68% of millennials prefer eco-friendly greeting cards made from recycled materials.
In 2022, Hallmark produced 2.6 billion greeting cards in its U.S. facilities.
Recycled paper usage in greeting cards reached 45% of total production in Europe by 2023.
China exported 1.2 billion greeting cards globally in 2022, valued at $450 million.
Online retail channels accounted for 25% of U.S. greeting card sales in 2023.
Supermarkets and drugstores hold 48% market share in physical greeting card retail.
Amazon captured 18% of online greeting card sales in North America in 2022.
The industry anticipates a shift to 35% digital sales by 2030.
Sustainable cards using plant-based materials expected to grow 12% CAGR through 2028.
AI-generated personalized messages will feature in 20% of cards by 2025.

The greeting card industry remains strong as physical cards dominate a growing global market.

Consumer Demographics and Behavior

54% of U.S. consumers aged 18-34 purchased greeting cards for birthdays in 2023.
Women account for 72% of all greeting card purchases in the United States annually.
68% of millennials prefer eco-friendly greeting cards made from recycled materials.
In 2022, 41% of UK consumers bought greeting cards online, up from 32% in 2020.
Baby boomers (aged 55+) represent 28% of total greeting card expenditure in the U.S., averaging $45 per year.
75% of parents purchase greeting cards for their children's events, with 60% personalizing them.
Hispanic consumers in the U.S. buy 15% more greeting cards for family occasions than the national average.
62% of Gen Z consumers share digital greetings on social media before sending physical ones.
Urban dwellers purchase 22% more greeting cards annually than rural residents in Europe.
49% of consumers aged 35-54 buy humorous greeting cards for friends' birthdays.
78% of U.S. consumers still prefer handwritten messages in greeting cards over digital alternatives.
Low-income households (<$50k/year) spend 3x more on sympathy cards relative to income.
55% of LGBTQ+ consumers seek inclusive greeting card designs.
Seasonal purchases peak among families with children under 12, at 82% participation rate.
67% of remote workers send more "thinking of you" cards post-pandemic.
The average U.S. household prints 15 custom greeting cards per year using home printers.
44% of college students buy cards for roommate appreciation events.
Pet owners purchase 2.3 cards per year for pet-related occasions on average.
59% of seniors (65+) send cards to grandchildren weekly during holidays.
61% of Gen X buy cards for anniversaries annually.
African American consumers 20% more likely to buy religious cards.
71% of women personalize cards with photos.
UK urban millennials buy 1.8 cards/month on average.
Gen Z: 52% prefer digital, but 48% still buy physical.
Families with teens send 25% more birthday cards.
Asian Americans spend $52/year on cards avg.
65% of students use cards for teacher appreciation.
Rural Europeans buy 18% fewer cards than city dwellers.
53% of 25-34 year olds choose funny cards.
80% value sentiment over design in purchases.
Households >$100k spend 2x more on premium cards.
51% of veterans prefer patriotic designs.
New parents buy 4.2 cards/year for baby milestones.
Gamers send 1.5 gaming-themed cards/year.
Travel enthusiasts buy 30% more "safe travels" cards.

Consumer Demographics and Behavior Interpretation

This tangle of statistics reveals a greeting card industry thriving not on a single formula, but on a surprisingly modern paradox: it’s being saved by a personalized, eco-conscious, and stubbornly sentimental patchwork of human connection, stitched together by everything from handwritten notes for boomers to roommate appreciation cards for Gen Z, proving that even in a digital age, we still crave a tangible piece of heart.

Market Size and Revenue

In 2023, the global greeting cards market was valued at approximately USD 19.7 billion, with a projected CAGR of 3.2% from 2024 to 2030.
The U.S. greeting card industry generated $7.7 billion in retail sales in 2022, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.
Holiday cards accounted for 52% of total U.S. greeting card sales volume in 2022, totaling over 6.5 billion units sold.
The UK greeting card market reached £1.7 billion in value in 2022, with everyday cards contributing 45% of sales.
In 2023, personalized greeting cards segment grew by 8.7% year-over-year, reaching $2.1 billion globally.
U.S. consumers spent an average of $28.50 on greeting cards per person in 2022.
The Asia-Pacific greeting cards market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023-2028, driven by rising disposable incomes.
In 2022, digital greeting cards represented only 12% of total market value, while physical cards held 88% at $17.3 billion globally.
European greeting card sales volume reached 4.2 billion units in 2022, with Germany leading at 1.1 billion.
The premium greeting cards segment in North America was valued at $1.8 billion in 2023.
Global greeting cards market to hit USD 25.4 billion by 2030.
U.S. everyday greeting card sales reached $3.9 billion in 2022.
Christmas cards sold 1.9 billion units in the U.S. in 2022.
Australia's greeting card market valued at AUD 450 million in 2023.
Custom printed cards segment worth $1.5 billion globally in 2023.
Average spend per holiday season on cards: $37 in U.S. households.
Latin America greeting cards market growing at 5.1% CAGR to 2028.
Physical cards still dominate with $18.2 billion vs. e-cards $1.5B in 2023.
France produced 800 million greeting cards in 2022.
Luxury segment in Asia valued at $900 million in 2023.

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

Despite the digital age's best efforts, the humble greeting card remains a stubbornly lucrative and deeply personal multi-billion-dollar industry, proving that a tangible sentiment, often purchased in bulk for holidays, is still worth its weight in cardstock.

Production and Manufacturing

In 2022, Hallmark produced 2.6 billion greeting cards in its U.S. facilities.
Recycled paper usage in greeting cards reached 45% of total production in Europe by 2023.
China exported 1.2 billion greeting cards globally in 2022, valued at $450 million.
The average greeting card uses 4.5 grams of paper and ink, with production costing $0.12 per unit.
35% of U.S. greeting cards are manufactured using soy-based inks for sustainability.
American Greetings operates 12 manufacturing plants producing 1.8 billion cards annually.
UV coating is applied to 62% of premium greeting cards during production.
Global greeting card paper consumption totaled 850,000 tons in 2022.
Die-cutting machines process 500 cards per minute in major factories.
28% of production waste in the industry is recycled into new cardstock.
Embossing techniques are used in 19% of luxury greeting cards produced in Italy.
Foil stamping adds $0.08 to production cost but boosts perceived value by 25%.
UK producers use FSC-certified paper for 76% of their greeting card output.
Automated folding lines handle 10,000 cards per hour in modern plants.
Metallic inks are incorporated in 12% of holiday greeting cards during printing.
India’s greeting card factories employ traditional block printing for 8% of exports.
Quality control rejects 2.1% of produced cards due to printing defects.
Biodegradable glitter is now used in 15% of children's greeting cards.
Laser engraving is emerging in 5% of high-end custom card production.
Hallmark prints 500 million seasonal cards yearly.
52% of cards use water-based adhesives.
Vietnam exports 300 million cards annually.
Production cycle for holidays starts 9 months prior.
41% cards feature scent-infused paper.
Schurman Retail Group produces 900M cards/year.
Digital printing now 55% of short runs.
Water usage per card: 0.02 liters in efficient plants.
Hot foil stamping on 22% Valentine cards.
Energy consumption down 15% via LED curing.
Handmade cards 3% of total production.
Pantone colors updated yearly for 70% lines.
Robotic packaging handles 20k/hr.
Linen texture paper in 14% premium cards.
pH-neutral inks in 89% archival cards.
Global production capacity 15B cards/year.

Production and Manufacturing Interpretation

Even as we send billions of paper sentiments flying across the globe each year—a feat of industrial romance requiring tons of resources—the industry is quietly trying to fold itself into a more sustainable shape, one soy-based ink and recycled cardstock at a time.

Sales Channels and Distribution

Online retail channels accounted for 25% of U.S. greeting card sales in 2023.
Supermarkets and drugstores hold 48% market share in physical greeting card retail.
Amazon captured 18% of online greeting card sales in North America in 2022.
Independent card shops in the UK represent 12% of total distribution volume.
Vending machines for greeting cards generated $45 million in sales in 2023 across Asia.
E-commerce platforms saw a 14% YoY growth in greeting card shipments in 2023.
Department stores like Macy's distribute 9% of seasonal greeting cards.
Subscription box services include greeting cards in 35% of their monthly deliveries.
Airport kiosks sell 1.2 million impulse greeting cards annually worldwide.
Direct-to-consumer sales via brand websites grew 11% in 2022.
Wholesale distribution to florists covers 7% of everyday cards.
Pop-up holiday shops boost seasonal sales by 28% in urban areas.
Mobile apps for card delivery handled 8% of digital-physical hybrid sales.
Gas station convenience stores stock 4% of low-cost greeting cards.
Corporate gifting portals distribute 15 million bulk greeting cards yearly.
Personalization kiosks in malls generated $120 million in 2023.
Grocery chains 52% of retail sales share.
Etsy sales of custom cards: $200M in 2023.
Walmart holds 15% mass-market share.
Gift shops 11% of specialty sales.
Japan convenience stores sell 20% cards.
Target stores 10% seasonal distribution.
DTC brand sites 16% growth in 2023.
Bookstores like Barnes & Noble 6% share.
Corporate portals 22% B2B volume.
Pharmacies CVS/Walgreens 19% everyday.
Social commerce via Instagram 7% emerging.
Hospital gift shops 2.5% sympathy cards.
Wholesale clubs Costco 8% bulk holiday.
App-based delivery like Postmates 4%.
Museum stores 1.8% artistic cards.

Sales Channels and Distribution Interpretation

While online sales are growing, the humble greeting card is still holding on tight in the physical world, proving that even in the digital age, the urge to grab a card at the supermarket or scribble a note in a gas station parking lot is a surprisingly resilient human habit.

Trends and Future Outlook

The industry anticipates a shift to 35% digital sales by 2030.
Sustainable cards using plant-based materials expected to grow 12% CAGR through 2028.
AI-generated personalized messages will feature in 20% of cards by 2025.
NFT-linked physical greeting cards projected to launch in 10% of premium lines by 2024.
Post-pandemic, "wellness" themed cards up 45% in sales projections.
Augmented reality features in cards expected to reach 15% market penetration by 2027.
Eco-labeling influences 68% of future purchases, per 2023 surveys.
Multilingual cards for immigrant markets to grow 9% annually in North America.
Video-embedded greeting cards forecasted at $500 million market by 2026.
Decline in mass-produced cards, rise in artisanal by 22% by 2030.
Integration with social media sharing boosts hybrid card sales 30% projected.
Mental health awareness cards expected to double in volume by 2025.
3D printed custom cards to enter 5% of market by 2028.
Zero-waste production models adopted by 40% of manufacturers by 2030.
Voice-activated ordering for cards via smart speakers up 50% by 2025.
Cultural fusion designs for global holidays rising 18% CAGR.
Subscription services for monthly cards projected at 10 million users by 2027.
Holographic elements in 25% of futuristic card designs by 2030.
Blockchain-tracked supply chain for authenticity in 12% premium cards.
Gender-neutral cards to comprise 35% of everyday sales by 2026.
Metaverse card sales pilot $10M projected.
Biometric personalized cards by 2026.
Quantum dot colors for vividness up 40%.
VR experience cards 8% by 2028.
Carbon-neutral production 60% by 2030.

Trends and Future Outlook Interpretation

The greeting card industry is gracefully evolving from paper whispers to digital shouts, ingeniously blending AI intimacy, eco-conscious craftsmanship, and immersive tech to ensure that even as our means of connection transform, the heartfelt sentiment—now often blockchain-verified and culturally fluent—remains permanently in the mail.

Sources & References

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