Do People Nowadays Still Like To Receive Cards?
Do Younger Generations Still Like Getting Cards?
Studies in the last two years show that all age groups, including Millennials and Gen Z, prefer to receive physical cards over digital alternatives. You may have observed a resurgence in the popularity of sending physical cards among younger generations.
A 2023 study conducted by OnePoll, surveying 2000 US adults, showed that younger generations greatly contributed towards a growing revival of physical greeting cards, likely thanks to a shifting focus to authenticity and value in personal connections.
Is It Normal To Send Cards To Your Friends Or Colleagues?
Trends show that people (including younger people) value receiving cards from friends and colleagues more than from relatives. This is likely because greetings cards between relatives can feel more like an obligation or a courtesy. Meanwhile, receiving a card from a friend or colleague doesn't as often carry this assumption, instead sending an indisputable message that you cherish their friendship.
Should I Send A Card To An Online Friend?
Online friends love receiving physical cards! If your entire communication is otherwise through voice calls and digital messages, just one handwritten physical card can completely re-define the quality of a friendship, regardless of where they live in the world. Online friends ARE friends, and with more and more people developing long-term online connections, it's easy to see why some would consider these online friends as closer than some of their in-person friends. The process of sending a card to an online friend is identical to sending one to someone you see in the flesh, which is why it makes little sense to draw the line between these types of relationships.
Do People Like Getting Surprise Cards?
Younger generations in particular are even happier to receive unexpected or unprompted cards from their friends and colleagues. Sending a personal card can feel more special than a generic gift or message, which these days can come across as fulfilling an obligation. People are also far more likely to reciprocate and do the same when it's their turn to send a card, which helps to strengthen a relationship.
What Types Of Cards Are Still Normal To Send?
Cards for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and congratulatory events like moving home or job, have all seen recent popularity again, perhaps as a way for senders to distinguish themselves from the large, albeit hollow, overabundance of well wishes over social media. Mother's and Father's Day cards remain just as popular too.
Is It Okay To Text Or Message Instead Of Sending A Card?
Over three quarters of people say they would rather receive well wishes via a physical greetings card than digitally - according to a survey conducted by Royal Mail in 2023. Nine out of ten people surveyed reported that they send Christmas cards.
All age groups, including younger generations, who receive physical cards consider their relationship with the sender to be more special. Handwritten cards with personalized messages come across as more authentic.
Conclusion
All demographics, whether young or old, friends or colleagues, or even online friends, prefer to receive physical greetings cards regardless of the occasion. They feel far more meaningful than texts, voice notes, messages, and even calls.