Top Greeting Card Manufacturers in the USA
- Leo Xia
- 3 days ago
- 11 min read
If you sell stationery, run an online shop, or need custom print runs, knowing the Top Greeting Card Manufacturers in the USA helps you pick partners who are reliable, sustainable, and easy to work with. The U.S. greeting card industry is still a multi-billion-dollar market, even in the age of social media and e-cards.[1]
Below you’ll find a clear overview of the market, the most popular card categories, profiles of 12 leading U.S. manufacturers, and a practical framework for choosing the right producer.
Quick Content Reach:
Greeting Card Market Overview
Despite digital communication, physical cards remain a core part of how people mark life events. In the United States, consumers purchase around 6.5 billion greeting cards each year, generating roughly US$7–8 billion in annual retail sales.[1] GCA+1
Recent market research estimates the U.S. greeting cards market at about US$7.6 billion in 2024, with projections to reach over US$9.1 billion by 2033, a modest but steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 2.1%.[2] Grand View Research+1 At the global level, the greeting card market is valued at about US$19–20 billion in 2024, with slow but positive growth expected to 2034.[3] Emergen Research
A few important structural facts:
Traditional printed cards dominate. Paper cards still account for about three-quarters of the U.S. market by revenue, with digital and hybrid formats making up the rest.[4] Grand View Research+1
Everyday vs. seasonal cards. “Everyday” cards (birthday, thank-you, sympathy, etc.) generate the majority of unit sales, while seasonal cards (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc.) bring a large share of annual revenue—especially around Q4 holidays.[1][5] GCA+1
Household penetration is extremely high. Around 9 in 10 U.S. households buy greeting cards each year, with the average purchaser buying about 30 cards annually.[5] Gitnux
Market structure. Industry research shows that Hallmark and American Greetings together hold a large share of the U.S. greeting card & publishing industry, with thousands of smaller independent publishers making up the long tail.[6] IBISWorld+2Wikipedia+2
Sustainability is also a clear trend. Many publishers now use recycled paper, vegetable-based inks, and FSC®-certified paper stocks, and around 65% of publishers globally report using recycled paper in most products.[5][7] Gitnux+1
For buyers, this means the market is mature, stable, and increasingly transparent—ideal conditions if you’re choosing long-term manufacturing partners.
What‘s the Popular Greeting Card Categories
Understanding which card types sell best helps you choose the right manufacturer and product mix.
1. Everyday Cards
Everyday cards cover the recurring, year-round life moments:
Birthdays
Thank-you
Sympathy / condolence
Congratulations (new baby, new job, new home)
Thinking of you / just because
Wedding, anniversary, friendship
According to the Greeting Card Association, birthday cards are by far the most popular everyday occasion, followed by sympathy, thank-you, wedding, and get-well cards.[1] GCA
2. Seasonal & Holiday Cards
Seasonal cards are tied to the calendar:
Christmas & New Year
Valentine’s Day
Mother’s Day & Father’s Day
Easter
Thanksgiving
Graduation
Halloween and other niche holidays
Christmas is the single biggest seasonal event: GCA data shows around 1.6 billion Christmas cards are purchased in the U.S. each year.[1] GCA Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation and other events together account for hundreds of millions more units annually.[5] Gitnux
3. Design & Format Trends
Across both everyday and seasonal cards, several trends stand out:
Humor: More than half of consumers say they prefer humorous cards.[5]
Personalization: Custom photos, names, and messages are driving growth, especially via online-to-print services.[5]
Premium finishes: Foil, embossing, letterpress, hand-screen printing, and 3D pop-up structures support higher price points.
Eco-friendly: Recycled paper, plastic-free packaging, and FSC/SFI/PEFC-certified papers are now important buying criteria for both retailers and consumers.[7][8] Hallmark Corporate+3Gitnux+3gca.cards+3
Knowing your category focus—high-volume everyday, seasonal peaks, premium artisanal, or eco-niche—will help you narrow down which of the Top Greeting Card Manufacturers in the USA are the best fit.
Top 12 Greeting Card Manufacturers in the USA
American Greetings is one of the world’s largest greeting card manufacturers, supplying retailers across mass, grocery, drug, and specialty channels.[6][9] Carlton Cards+3IBISWorld+3American Greetings+3
Key points:
Broad portfolio of brands, including American Greetings, Papyrus, and Recycled Paper Greetings.
Strong licensing portfolio and character brands.
Corporate sustainability program “Actively Green” sets goals around responsible sourcing, increased recycled paper use, and recyclability by 2025.[9]
Best for: Large retailers and brands that need scale, category management support, and strong licensing content.
2. Hallmark
Hallmark is the other dominant force in the U.S. greeting card market, with a long history in cards, gift wrap, and ornaments.[6] Hallmark+3IBISWorld+3Hallmark Corporate+3
Key points:
Extensive everyday and seasonal ranges, plus Hallmark Gold Crown specialty stores.
Paper sourcing backed by triple certification (FSC, SFI, PEFC) for more than 15 years, and a policy targeting high levels of recycled fiber.[8]
Early mover on eliminating glitter, plastic components, and cello bags in many product lines to improve recyclability.[8]
Best for: Retailers and partners who want premium brand recognition, deep assortments, and strong sustainability credentials.
3. Lovepop
Lovepop specializes in intricate 3D pop-up cards and paper art that unfold into sculptural designs.[10] Lovepop+3Lovepop+3Lovepop+3
Key points:
Uses advanced paper-engineering techniques to create high-impact keepsake cards.
Strong online presence with personalization options and direct-to-recipient mailing.
Particularly popular for birthdays, romance, and holidays where a “wow” factor justifies a higher retail price.
Best for: Gifting-focused retailers, premium e-commerce, and brands that want to offer statement cards rather than commodity designs.
4. Postable
Postable is both a card brand and a tech-enabled mailing service. Customers design cards online; Postable prints, addresses, stamps, and mails them directly.[11] Postable+3Postable+3Postable+3
Key points:
All holiday cards are printed on 100% recycled paper, a key sustainability signal.[11]
Offers free address collection tools and automated list management.
Ideal for bulk holiday mailings, wedding stationery, baby announcements, and corporate greetings.
Best for: Online-first brands, SaaS companies, and busy individuals or teams who want to outsource the entire mailing workflow.
5. Leanin’ Tree
Leanin’ Tree is known for American-made greeting cards featuring artwork from a wide range of illustrators and photographers.[12] Leanin' Tree+3Leanin' Tree+3Leanin' Tree+3
Key points:
Cards are printed in the USA, with many lines on recycled paper and soy-based inks.
Strong presence in nature, western, and wildlife themes.
Offers both boxed assortments and individual cards, making it a favorite for gift shops and national parks.
Best for: Gift stores, tourism locations, and retailers that want “Made in USA” and nature-focused designs.
Graphique de France focuses on design-driven, fashion-inspired stationery and cards, with a strong emphasis on trends and aesthetics.[13] PaperCards+3Graphique de France+3Graphique de France+3
Key points:
Stylish everyday and seasonal cards, often with metallic or textured finishes.
Complementary range of planners, journals, and desk accessories.
Particularly strong in boutique retail and lifestyle stores.
Best for: Concept stores and stationery boutiques that care about cohesive, on-trend visual merchandising.
7. Papyrus
Papyrus is positioned as a premium social expressions brand, now owned and distributed through American Greetings in North America.[9][14] Carlton Cards+3American Greetings+3Wikipedia+3
Key points:
Highly detailed cards with embellishments such as foil, gems, ribbons, and specialty envelopes.
Strong presence in major retailers and department stores.
Often used when consumers want a luxurious card that feels closer to a small gift than a simple note.
Best for: Higher-end retail and any assortment where “up-tier” cards help lift average selling price.
8. Avanti Press
Avanti Press is best known as a humor-driven brand, sometimes described as a “Global Humor Brand,” featuring bold photography and animal imagery.[15] PaperCards+3Avanti Press+3Avanti Press+3
Key points:
Strong everyday range, especially birthday and friendship cards with photographic humor.
Broad distribution, from independent card shops to large chains.
Adds energy and personality to card racks dominated by traditional designs.
Best for: Retailers who want to strengthen the humor category and attract repeat buyers.
9. Minted
Minted is a marketplace and brand specializing in crowdsourced designs from independent artists, with high-end printing and paper stocks.[16] Minted
Key points:
Known for elegant photo cards, wedding suites, and personalized stationery.
Strong online customization, including color changes, layout tweaks, and custom text.
Focus on “luxe” paper and printing that appeals to design-sensitive consumers.
Best for: E-commerce-driven card programs, wedding & birth announcements, and partnerships where original artwork is important.
10. Live Inspired (Compendium)
Compendium’s Live Inspired brand offers greeting cards that focus on inspiration, encouragement, and personal growth.[17] Live Inspired+4Live Inspired+4Live Inspired+4
Key points:
Lines like “Positively Green” are eco-friendly, made in the USA, and emphasize meaningful quotes and messages.[17]
Strong niche in encouragement, sympathy, and “thinking of you” occasions.
Often found in bookstores, museum shops, and wellness-oriented retailers.
Best for: Retailers and brands that want values-driven, inspirational content with clear eco-credentials.
11. Great Arrow
Great Arrow has built a reputation over decades for hand silk-screened greeting cards, printed one color at a time in Buffalo, New York.[18] Great Arrow+3Great Arrow+3Barnes & Noble+3
Key points:
Distinctive, richly colored screen-printed designs.
Handmade production in the USA, supporting a clearly artisanal positioning.
Smaller runs and a more curated catalog compared to mass-market brands.
Best for: Independent retailers and premium assortments that highlight craftsmanship and handmade production.
12. Paper Source
Paper Source is a U.S. specialty retailer and brand offering cards, stationery, and paper goods, both online and through its stores.[19] Paper Source+4Paper Source+4Paper Source+4
Key points:
Wide range of everyday and seasonal cards, including its own designs and partner brands.
Strong in invitations, wedding stationery, and DIY/paper-craft supplies.
For some businesses, Paper Source is both a supplier and a channel (wholesale + retail).
Best for: Lifestyle-oriented retailers, collaborations, and buyers who want to mix cards with broader paper and gift assortments.
How to Choose the Right US Greetings Card Producer
Choosing among the Top Greeting Card Manufacturers in the USA comes down to matching their capabilities to your business model, brand values, and customers.
Key Evaluation Criteria
Product fit & design style
Do they specialize in humor, luxury, 3D pop-ups, eco-friendly cards, or general mass-market lines?
Check whether their portfolio matches your best-selling categories and occasions.
Scale, lead times & logistics
Large players like American Greetings and Hallmark are ideal for national rollouts but may have higher minimums.
Niche brands and independent printers can be more flexible on small-to-medium runs.
Customization & private label
Online-driven companies (Minted, Postable, some independents) are strong at on-demand personalization.
Look for white-label or co-branded options if you want your own brand on the back of the card.
Sustainability & certifications
Ask whether cards use FSC®, SFI, or PEFC-certified paper, and whether printers hold chain-of-custody certifications—an approach recommended by the Greeting Card Association.[7][8] gca.cards+3gca.cards+3Hallmark Corporate+3
Check for recycled paper content, vegetable-based inks, and plastic-free packaging.
Some brands highlight this clearly, such as Postable’s 100% recycled cards, Leanin’ Tree’s recycled paper & soy inks, and Compendium’s eco-focused lines.[11][12][17] Postable+2Walmart.com+2
Industry credentials & memberships
Membership in trade bodies like the Greeting Card Association (GCA) shows engagement with industry standards and best practices.[10] GCA+1
Review ESG or sustainability reports, where available, for hard data and measurable commitments.
Pricing & margin structure
Compare wholesale prices, suggested retail prices, and expected sell-through.
Premium brands justify higher prices but may move more slowly; humor and everyday cards often turn faster.
Sample Comparison Table
Here’s a simple example of how you might compare potential U.S. greeting card producers:
Manufacturer | Positioning / Strength | Sustainability Signals (Examples) | Best For |
American Greetings | Large-scale, multi-brand portfolio | Actively Green goals; recycled paper initiatives[9] | National retail, big programs |
Hallmark | Premium, mass-market icon | Triple FSC/SFI/PEFC certification; recycled fiber in cards[8] | Chains, supermarkets, high-volume assortments |
Lovepop | 3D pop-up keepsake cards | Premium paper; keepsake longevity | Upscale gifting, DTC, brand collabs |
Postable | Online-to-mail service | 100% recycled paper cards[11] | Automated bulk mailings, corporate campaigns |
Leanin’ Tree | American-made nature & art cards | Made in USA; recycled paper & soy inks[12] | Gift shops, national parks, regional retailers |
Great Arrow | Hand silk-screened, artisanal cards | Handmade in Buffalo; small-batch production[18] | Boutiques, museum & gallery stores |
Live Inspired | Inspirational & eco-friendly cards | Positively Green eco line; made in USA[17] | Wellness, bookstores, values-driven retailers |
You can adapt this framework with your own columns for MOQ, lead time, shipping region, and customization options.
Conclusion
The Top Greeting Card Manufacturers in the USA span everything from global giants with complex supply chains to small studios hand screen-printing cards one color at a time. The market is mature but far from stagnant: consumers still buy billions of cards annually, with steady demand for humor, heartfelt messages, and more sustainable products.[1][5] GCA+2Gitnux+2
When you choose a U.S. greeting card producer, focus on:
Product-market fit: Does their style and pricing match your customers?
Operational fit: Can they handle your volume, timelines, and channels?
Proof of quality and responsibility: Do they show clear credentials—FSC/SFI/PEFC certifications, recycled paper data, industry memberships, and published ESG goals?
By combining these hard signals with sample testing and open communication, you can build long-term partnerships that are good for your brand, your customers, and the planet.
Lion Paper Products has been manufacturing and supplying greeting cards to clients in the US market for more than a decade. With bases in Jiaxing, China, and Cambodia, Lion Paper ranks among the leading global exporters in this sector.
Established in 2015, Lion Paper manufactures:
Paper goods such as customized notebooks and journals
Materials for arts and crafts
Office supplies, including clips, organizers, and desk accessories
Storage options like bags, pouches, and cases for stationery
They run a 30,000 m² production facility and cater to international clients via OEM, licensing, and bespoke stationery solutions.
If certain businesses and retailers seek out international manufacturers for large-scale production or custom design options, contact Lion Paper Products for custom greeting cards project solutions!
FAQs:
Q1: What size is a standard greeting card?
A: In the U.S., the most common greeting card size is 5″ x 7″ (A7) when folded. Other popular sizes include 4.25″ x 5.5″ (A2) and 5.5″ x 8.5″ (A9). Some greeting card manufacturers in the USA also offer square, mini, or oversized formats depending on use case or seasonality.
Q2: How are greeting cards made?
A: Greeting cards are typically made through a process that includes design layout, offset or digital printing, die cutting, folding, and finishing (such as foil stamping, embossing, or matte/gloss lamination). Eco-conscious greeting card manufacturers in the USA may also use recycled materials and soy-based inks in production.
Q3: How do I choose the right greeting card supplier in the USA?
A: Consider factors such as design quality, material options, minimums, shipping speed, custom capabilities, and whether they align with your brand values (e.g., sustainability, local production, artist collaboration).
Q4: Are eco-friendly greeting cards available from U.S. manufacturers?
A: Yes. Many greeting card manufacturers in the USA now offer recycled paper, soy-based inks, and plastic-free packaging. Brands such as Paper Source specialize in sustainable options.
Q5: What types of greeting cards are most popular for wholesale?
A: Best-selling categories include birthday cards, thank you cards, holiday and seasonal cards, sympathy cards, and blank cards. In recent years, custom and artist-designed cards have also seen strong growth in demand.
Reference
[1] Greeting Card Association (GCA), Greeting Card Facts & Stats, 2019. GCA
[2] Grand View Research / Horizon Reports, U.S. Greeting Cards Market Size & Outlook 2025–2033. Grand View Research+1
[3] Emergen Research, Greeting Cards Market Size, Share & Growth Trends to 2034, 2024. Emergen Research
[4] Grand View Research, U.S. Greeting Cards Market – Type Segment Breakdown, 2024 (traditional cards share). Grand View Research
[5] Gitnux, Greeting Card Industry Statistics 2025, 2025 (consumer behavior, occasions, volumes). Gitnux
[6] IBISWorld, Greeting Cards & Other Publishing in the US, Industry Report 2025 (market share for Hallmark and American Greetings). IBISWorld
[7] Greeting Card Association, FSC® & Greeting Card Publishing and related sustainability guidance. gca.cards
[8] Hallmark, Global Paper Policy (2022) and Hallmark Cards Inc. Paper Commitment (2025), including triple certification and recycled fiber use. Hallmark+3Hallmark Corporate+3Hallmark Corporate+3
[9] American Greetings, About Us and Connections for Good / Actively Green sustainability overview. Manufacturing Digital+3American Greetings+3Wikipedia+3
[10] Greeting Card Association (GCA), official website and GCA Market Report overview. GCA+1
[11] Postable, official website and FAQ (online-to-mail service, 100% recycled paper cards). Postable+3Postable+3Postable+3
[12] Leanin’ Tree, official website and product descriptions, including American-made, recycled paper and soy-based inks. Leanin' Tree+3Leanin' Tree+3Walmart.com+3
[13] Graphique de France, official site and retailer descriptions (design-driven greeting cards and lifestyle products). PaperCards+3Graphique de France+3Graphique de France+3
[14] Papyrus / Papyrus-Recycled Greetings, brand overviews and ownership information. Carlton Cards+3American Greetings+3Wikipedia+3
[15] Avanti Press, official site and retailer listings (humor-focused greeting cards). PaperCards+3Avanti Press+3Avanti Press+3
[16] Minted, official greeting cards pages (independent artists and luxe paper). Minted
[17] Compendium / Live Inspired, official site and Positively Green eco-friendly card line. Live Inspired+4Live Inspired+4Live Inspired+4
[18] Great Arrow Graphics, official site and third-party product listings (hand silk-screened, U.S.-made cards). Great Arrow+3Great Arrow+3Barnes & Noble+3
[19] Paper Source, official site and greeting card category pages (stationery, cards, and gifts). Paper Source+4Paper Source+4Paper Source+4
Are you looking for a reliable manufacturer? Reach out to Lion Paper for a free quote and consultation. Let’s collaborate on creating custom writing paper products that will set your brand apart from the competition!
Company Name: Lion Paper Products
Office Address: 20th floor, Chuangyedasha Building, No. 135, Jinsui Road, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, China
Factory Address: No.135, Xuri Road, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang, China
Email: Leoxia@lion-paper.com
Audit Certifications: ISO9001:2015/FSC/SEDEX SMETA/Disney FAMA/GSV/SQP
