When I worked at Hallmark, my curiosity was piqued by the gal who said she was shopping for her husband’s Christmas present. Her hands were full of greeting cards. She went on to explain that every year she picked out cards for each of her husband’s relatives and filed them by their birth month.
What a thoughtful and practical gift! Better yet, she used one of her 20% off total purchase coupons. I thought she was one smart lady.
You may not purchase cards a year in advance, but may have leftovers, some “Thank You” cards, and a few blank all occasion cards. You can get creative and group cards either by the month they will be used, or by sentiment using one of these resources.
Organizer Books (by the month)
These books have a total of 12 pockets (one per month). You list people with special days on the month’s pocket and file any cards you find ahead of time. Be sure to look at your monthly list before you go to the grocery store or card shop.
*Franklin C. Covey — Greeting Card Organizer by Gina B. Designs , 7.5″ W x 9″ H, $25.00
Greeting Cards Organizer Book by Current
*Current — Greeting Card Organizer Book #604345, 8″ X 10 “, $8.99
This one wins my vote for good size, low cost, and trendy design.
Organizer Boxes (by the occasion/sentiment)
These boxes work well for the person who likes to send cards for many occasions. The cards are filed by category rather than month. The categories I use are: anniversary, baby, birthday, congrats/encouragement, get well , thank you, thinking of you, and sympathy. I use my Tickler File to keep the monthly cards with a list at hand.
*Lillian Vernon — Greeting Card Organizer Box, SKU: 013628
Was $9.98 on sale for $5.98
Pretty, but not sure of sturdiness.
IRIS Greeting Card Box
*IRIS Greeting Card Box, $11.95 or set of 2 for $19.99
Clear plastic means indestructible and perfect for a closet or cupboard (not beautiful.)
*BigSo White Card Organizer from The Container Store, $14.00
This box is a heavy duty cardboard with reinforced corners, is neutral so can go anywhere in the home, and has large
capacity.
I use a fern green BigSo Box with plastic envelopes labeled with categories as my greeting card organizer.
Why even bother organizing cards? If you can find what you need when you need it, you are organized. Don’t bother.
If you find yourself hunting, stop wasting time and organize. Storing the same kinds of things in one specific spot is the way to do it. You can start with greeting cards and move on from there.
Do you have a greeting card system that is working for you? Please share with us in the comments!
Lori shared the following comment via email with me:
Hey Martha
I loved the article on organizing cards. In fact I did this one most recently. Instead of spending days organizing a room or closet this was something I figured I could do in a few hours in front of the tv while the kids were napping.
I purchased an expandable file that had 21 pockets. I designated a pocket for each month as well as pockets for categories (babies, blank, congrats, etc).
In the front of each month there is an index card with important dates and their names. I address the cards then put the date where the stamp or return label would be and place in the appropriate month. That way I know when to
send it. The file is in my entrance way table where incoming/outgoing mail sits instead of in the office file cabinet. I have easy access to it, know what cards I have and when I might need to purchase new ones. Right now it’s a little stuff but through the next couple of months expect it to become more
manageable.
Thanks for all your great ideas and product suggestions.