How to Collect Vintage Greeting Cards

Greeting cards have been around for 200 years. A Valentine card is the oldest known greeting card dating back to the 1400s. Therefore, it is not surprising that people collect vintage greeting cards. This can be a very expensive hobby especially if you are interested in finding some of the first greeting cards. Read on to learn how to collect vintage greeting cards.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide on the type of vintage greeting card you would like to collect. There are children's greeting cards, Valentine and Christmas greeting cards and other holiday greeting cards. Of course, you can collect all of them but if you limit yourself it will be a little easier on your pocketbook.

2. Shop at antique stores. Any vintage item can be found in antique stores including vintage greeting cards. Sometimes you can negotiate the price and get a better bargain in an antique store then you would in a department store.

3. Search the Internet for vintage greeting cards. There is a greeting card museum online where you can see vintage greeting cards. This will give you an idea of what to look for when adding to your collection. The link is in the resource section.

4. Follow the link from the museum page and you can buy vintage greeting cards. You'll find unique cards as well as some free e-cards and the history of holiday cards. The link has also been included in the resource section.

5. Check out eBay for some vintage greeting cards.

6. Stop at yard sales and visit flea markets. Carefully look through the offerings. You may just find some vintage greeting cards.

7. Make a wish list so people know what you would like for presents. The wish list works two ways: it gives you a chance to save for those more expensive vintage greeting cards and gives you a chance to have one given to you as a present.

Tips & Warnings

• The vintage greeting cards may be expensive or relatively inexpensive depending on the cards you decide to collect.
• Always be on the lookout for vintage greeting cards, they could turn up almost anywhere.
• Be aware, collecting anything can be expensive, so save for those vintage greeting cards.

Resources

• Emotions greeting cards and fine prints
• Vintage art reproductions

[eclecticsalvage]

on 1/14/2008 There is also the 'Vintage Valentine Museum' online that focuses exclusively on old valentine cards organized by theme - its lots of fun! (google to find it)