Greeting Card Buying Guide: Occasions, Sizes, and What to Write

Quick answer

For most everyday occasions, choose a standard A6 card (about 4.1 x 5.8 inches) because it is easy to write in and fits a short, sincere message. If you want to send a piece of art that can be kept or framed, choose a larger A5 print-style card. Match the card size to your message length, and choose the card design based on the recipient's interests rather than the occasion alone.

A greeting card is one of the few gifts that asks for your handwriting, your timing, and your taste all at once. The card you choose says something before the recipient reads a single word, which is why size, material, and artwork matter as much as the message inside.

This guide walks through the practical decisions: which card size fits which occasion, how to choose between an art card and a standard card, and what to write when you want to say something meaningful without overdoing it. Every recommendation here is based on real card formats and printing choices, not trends.

Card sizes explained: A6 vs A5 and when each works

Card sizes are usually described by the A-series paper format. An A6 card measures roughly 4.1 x 5.8 inches and is the standard size for greeting cards. It is small enough to feel personal and large enough for a few sentences. An A5 card measures about 5.8 x 8.3 inches, which gives you more room for a longer note or a piece of artwork that could be framed later. If you are unsure, A6 is the safer default for birthdays, thank-yous, and quick hellos.

The size you choose should match the length of your message and the way the card will be used. A6 cards are easy to tuck into a bag or mail with a standard stamp. A5 cards feel more substantial and are better for group signatures or for occasions where the card itself is part of the gift. Neither size is better overall; they simply serve different purposes.

• A6 (about 4.1 x 5.8 inches): best for short messages and everyday occasions.
• A5 (about 5.8 x 8.3 inches): best for longer notes, group cards, or framing.
• If the card will be mailed internationally, check the envelope size and postage before committing.

Art card vs standard card: what you are really choosing

A standard card is designed primarily for writing. It usually has a simple design, a blank or lightly printed interior, and a price that makes it easy to buy several at once. An art card is designed primarily to be looked at. It may be printed with a special process, such as risograph or screen print, and it often feels more like a small print than a card. The trade-off is usually cost and writing space: art cards can be more expensive and may have less room for a long message.

If your recipient keeps cards on a shelf or frames them, an art card is worth the extra cost. If you are sending a quick note that will be read and recycled, a standard card does the job well. You can also split the difference by choosing a standard card with a design that matches the recipient's interests, which gives you personality without the higher price.

• Choose an art card when the card itself is part of the gift.
• Choose a standard card when you need several cards or a lower price per card.
• Check the interior: some art cards are blank inside, which gives you full control over the message.

What to write in a card: a simple framework

The most common reason people stall at the card aisle is not the design, it is the blank space inside. A reliable structure is: greeting, specific memory or reason, wish, and sign-off. For example: 'Dear Sam, I still think about that rainy walk we took last spring. Hope this year brings you more of that. Happy birthday, Alex.' This works because it is specific, warm, and short enough to read in one go.

If you are writing for a difficult occasion, such as a breakup or a loss, keep it even simpler. Acknowledge the hard thing, say you are thinking of them, and avoid advice unless they ask for it. A card like 'Count On Me' is designed for exactly this kind of message: it says something meaningful without overdoing it. When in doubt, write less and mean more.

• Lead with the person's name and a specific detail you remember.
• Keep the main message to three or four sentences.
• For hard occasions, avoid silver linings and simply say you are there.

Blank card ideas: when to leave the inside empty

A blank card is not a lazy card. It is a flexible one. Blank interiors are useful when you do not know the recipient's exact situation, when you want to include a drawing or a photo, or when the card will be signed by a group. They are also the best choice for art cards, because the artwork is the message and your note can be brief.

If you are stuck with a blank card, try one of these approaches: write a single sentence that names what you appreciate about the person, include a small sketch or sticker, or use the card as a frame for a ticket stub or a pressed flower. The goal is to make the card feel like it came from you, not from a template.

• Use a blank card for group signatures so everyone has room.
• Add a small flat item, such as a sticker, for a tactile surprise.
• If you are mailing a blank card, write at least a short note so it does not feel impersonal.

Occasion card guide: matching the card to the moment

Different occasions call for different tones. Birthdays can be playful, especially if the recipient has a clear interest. Sympathy and get-well cards should be gentle and direct. Anniversaries and Valentine's Day cards often work best when they are understated. The occasion should guide the tone, but the recipient's personality should guide the design.

For birthdays, a design that references something the person loves, such as a pet or a hobby, will land better than a generic balloon. For friendship cards, a simple, warm message works year-round. For romantic occasions, choose a card that feels considered rather than dramatic. If you are unsure, choose a card that could be sent for more than one reason, which makes it easier to use later.

• Birthday: match the design to a specific interest, not just the age.
• Sympathy or hard times: choose a simple design and write a short, direct note.
• Friendship: a casual, warm card is almost always appropriate.

Material and printing: what to look for on the card itself

The material affects how the card feels and how well it writes. Sustainably sourced card stock is a common choice because it is sturdy and takes ink well. An eco craft envelope is a practical bonus because it pairs with the card's tone and reduces plastic waste. If you are buying an art card, check whether it is printed with soy-based inks or on recycled paper, as these details often indicate a more considered production process.

Printing method also matters for longevity. Risograph and screen prints can have slight variations in color and texture, which is part of their charm but means no two cards are identical. If you need a large number of identical cards for an event, a standard offset-printed card is more consistent. If you are sending one card to one person, the variation is a feature, not a flaw.

• Look for cards printed on sustainably sourced card if that matters to you.
• Eco craft envelopes are a simple way to reduce plastic in your card sending.
• For art cards, expect slight variations in color and texture.

Decision rules for buying a greeting card

• If your message is three sentences or fewer: Choose an A6 card. It is the standard size for a reason: it fits a short note, mails easily, and does not leave awkward empty space. A6 is the default unless you have a specific reason to go larger.
• If the card will be kept or framed: Choose an A5 art card or print-style card. The larger format gives the artwork room to breathe and can be framed without custom matting. Treat the card as a small gift, not just a message carrier.
• If you do not know what to write: Choose a card with a blank interior and write one specific sentence about the person. Avoid generic phrases like 'best wishes' unless you truly mean them. Specific beats poetic every time.
• If you are sending for a hard occasion: Choose a simple design and keep the message direct. Acknowledge the difficulty, say you are thinking of them, and do not offer advice unless asked. Less is more when someone is struggling.
• If you need multiple cards for an event: Choose standard cards rather than art cards. Standard cards are more consistent in printing and usually cost less per card. Buy art cards for individuals, standard cards for groups.

Product facts

• Cheers! You Are A Good Pal, Friendship Card: Here's to friendship, whether you're cracking open a can of lemonade or chilling in the sun, this A6 card is the perfect way to tell them what an excellent pal they are. Printed in the UK on sustainably sourced card, comes with an eco craft envelope. A6 size keeps the message short and casual, and the eco envelope means you can send it without adding plastic to the mail.
• Count On Me, Greeting Card: You can always count on me, and not just when it matters most. Whether it is for a partner, a close friend, or someone who has been there through everything, this A6 card is a simple way to say it without overdoing it. A considered choice for anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or any moment that calls for something a little more meaningful. Printed in the UK on sustainably sourced card, comes with an eco craft envelope. The understated wording works for romantic and platonic relationships, so it is a safe choice when you want to be sincere without being dramatic.
• A5 Broken Hearts Super Glue: Has a loved one been through a heart break why not send them this 100% effective Broken Hearts Super Glue Print to show them that you're thinking of them in a really tough time. Risograph printed in soy based inks; Sunflower, Orange and Sea foam green. On to paper partially made from recycled coffee cups. This is an open edition unsigned print A5 - 14.8 × 21cm. A5 gives you more writing room than A6, and the risograph printing means the colors may vary slightly from card to card, which is normal for this process.
• Pawesome Birthday: An awesome birthday card for the dog lover in your life who treats their furry friend with panache! Why not send them this A6 card on their special day! Printed in the UK on sustainably sourced card, comes with an eco craft envelope. A specific design like this works better than a generic birthday card when you know the recipient's interests.

Who this guide is for

Best for

• Shoppers who want a simple framework for choosing card size and tone.
• People who freeze when faced with a blank card interior.
• Anyone deciding between a standard card and an art card as a small gift.

Not for

• Shoppers looking for bulk corporate cards with a logo.
• People who need a card delivered the same day by a local courier.
• Anyone seeking a fully custom printed card with their own artwork.

Choosing a card comes down to three things: the size that fits your message, the design that fits the person, and the words that sound like you. Start with A6 for everyday notes, move to A5 when the card is part of the gift, and write one specific sentence instead of a paragraph of filler. The right card is the one that actually gets sent.