Greeting Cards from Dollar Stores - Not Your Granny's Card Anymore

We've all recognized the greeting card that came from an assortment box.  Telltale signs include illustrations of  large-eyed teddy bears, goofy poems, and overuse of the word "special." Although it's the thought that counts, some of these cards do make the thought seem a little discounted.  I used to be a card snob, but for years now I've stocked up on greeting cards at Dollar General, Dollar Tree, or Deals, where cards are 2/$1.00 and I don't have to feel at all apologetic about the card itself.

The cards in these stores have come a long way.  The card stock is thicker, the print is clearer and higher resolution, and the designs are fresher, with envelope colors coordinated for each card.  Yes, there are still some goofy poems, but there apparently is a market for goofy poems. 

The selection in these stores has greatly expanded.  All the holidays are represented:  Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, etc. - as are a range of as specific occasions (70th birthday, baptism, new house) and person (juvenile, aunt, step dad).  Even so, these cards are produced by a variety of manufacturers and do not scream "cheap."

Hallmark has trained us to look at the back of each card to see if the sender "cared enough to send the very best."  But how many birthday parties have you attended where the birthday kid (maybe your own!) ripped right though the card to get to the gift certificate?  Can you blame him?  With cards from stationery stores priced anywhere from $2.98 and up, I'd rather spend 50 cents on the card and put the rest toward the gift itself.