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For centuries, postcards have been a delightful way to stay connected. Whether you’re sending greetings from afar or expressing gratitude, a postcard is a timeless treasure.
The journey began in 1861 when the US Congress allowed privately printed cards to be mailed. Soon after, the first American postcard was copyrighted. Despite the digital age, postcards remain a popular choice for personal messages and even marketing tools. Businesses can leverage postcards to promote their brands or introduce new offerings.
The versatility of postcards makes knowing where to buy them a valuable asset. Stay tuned to discover the best places to find postcards near you and online, along with the unique selections offered by each retailer.
Where can I buy Postcards near me?
For the postcard enthusiast seeking local options, several retailers offer in-store selections. From delightful stationery shops to unexpected finds in convenience stores, searching for the perfect postcard can be an exciting adventure.
These stores, with locations scattered across the USA, likely have a branch near you:
1. Walgreens
With thousands of stores across the USA, the ubiquitous Walgreens is a surprisingly convenient option for postcard enthusiasts. Whether you’re browsing in-store or online on their website, Walgreens offers a diverse selection of postcard categories to suit your needs.
You’ll find various options for personal greetings, from classic thank-you notes to festive holiday designs. Feeling creative? They even offer a “Design Your Own” option for a truly personalized touch. Life events are well-represented with categories like moving announcements, graduation cards, or celebratory postcards for new babies or weddings.
No matter the occasion, Walgreens has a postcard to match. Browse their pre-designed cards featuring travel themes, everyday greetings, or heartfelt messages like “Thinking of You.” They even offer photo postcards, allowing you to personalize your message with a special image. And for those who prefer a Hallmark touch, Walgreens carries a selection of Hallmark personalized postcards.
2. Hallmark
For the discerning postcard collector, Hallmark stores beckon with a delightful selection of both single postcards and boxed sets. Renowned for its greeting cards, ornaments, stationery, and gifts, Hallmark now extends its design expertise to postcards.
Whether you seek a solitary postcard for a special message or a charming boxed set for various occasions, Hallmark caters to your needs. Their collections boast a range of styles, ensuring you’ll find the perfect card to express your sentiments.
Hallmark even takes personalization a step further, offering the option to customize postcards in-store or online. This allows you to add a unique touch, making your message truly unforgettable.
3. Office Depot
Office Depot and OfficeMax cater to the do-it-yourself postcard enthusiast. Renowned for their office supplies, these stores are a one-stop shop for all your postcard needs.
For the budget-minded or the creatively inclined, Office Depot and OfficeMax offer blank templates, including the popular Avery® Laser Postcards. These come in packs of 100 or 200, with various matte finishes and sizes to suit your preference. You can personalize these postcards at home or in your office using your own printer, making them a cost-effective option.
If you prefer a more polished look, Office Depot and OfficeMax also offer full-color, double-sided printed postcards. Simply customize them online and let them handle the printing for a professional finish.
4. Walmart
The ultimate one-stop shop for postcard enthusiasts? Look no further than Walmart. This retail giant lives up to its reputation, offering a near-unbeatable selection of postcards to suit every need.
Whether you require a single postcard for a quick note or a delightful boxed set for various occasions, Walmart boasts an impressive variety. Their shelves cater to sentimental greetings and practical needs with blank Avery® templates for self-printing and location-specific travel postcards perfect for sending vacation well-wishes.
They even offer the option to personalize postcards with your own photos, adding a unique touch to your message. For sheer variety and convenience, Walmart is a postcard collector’s dream.
5. CVS
Don’t underestimate the local CVS! While primarily known as a pharmacy, CVS can be a surprising source for postcards. While selection may vary slightly by location, many stores offer a range of boxed postcards to suit various needs.
Find anything from blank templates for creating your designs to pre-printed greetings and seasonal postcards like Halloween greetings. It’s always a good idea to call your local CVS beforehand to confirm their postcard selection, ensuring a successful postcard hunt.
6. USPS
For the postcard enthusiast seeking official options, the United States Postal Service (USPS) offers in-store and online selections. While their stock of blank postcards might be limited, they cater to the creatively inclined with various “design your own” postcards and notecards.
Partnering with third-party printing companies online, USPS allows you to unleash your inner artist and personalize postcards to your heart’s content.
7. Barnes & Noble
For the bibliophile with a penchant for paper goods, Barnes & Noble beckons. While renowned for their extensive book selection, Barnes & Noble stores often surprise with a delightful collection of postcards within their stationery section.
Despite the closure of some locations, Barnes & Noble remains a mainstay in many metropolitan areas. Their shelves boast a curated selection of postcards, perfect for finding that special card to express your sentiments.
For nature enthusiasts, consider the “Sibley Backyard Birding Postcards” featuring 100 watercolor illustrations by renowned ornithologist David Sibley. Literature lovers will delight in the “100 Postcards from Austen to Zola” collection, a literary treasure trove for any bookworm. And don’t forget to explore their online selection for even more unique postcard finds.
8. Zoos
Don’t overlook your local zoo! Zoo gift shops are a hidden gem for animal lovers and postcard enthusiasts alike. Many zoos, like the Phoenix Zoo, stock shelves with a delightful array of animal-themed postcards.
These unique souvenirs are a fantastic way to share greetings featuring everyone’s favorite creatures, from majestic lions to playful penguins. So next time you visit the zoo, explore their gift shop and discover a world of postcard possibilities.
9. Aquariums
Following the footsteps of zoos, aquariums offer another exciting location for postcard enthusiasts. Like their land-dwelling counterparts, aquariums frequently stock their gift shops with vibrant aquatic-themed postcards.
From majestic whales to playful seahorses, these unique finds are a delightful way to send greetings featuring the wonders of the underwater world. So, on your next visit to an aquarium, don’t forget to explore their gift shop and discover a treasure trove of ocean-inspired postcards.
10. Museums
For the culturally curious seeking one-of-a-kind postcards, museums offer a treasure trove of unique finds. No trip to a museum is complete without a visit to the gift shop, where a delightful array of postcards awaits. These treasures are not just souvenirs, but miniature works of art that capture the essence of the museum’s collection.
Whether seeking a memento of your visit or a conversation-starting postcard to impress friends and family, museum gift shops cater to your needs. In Phoenix alone, art enthusiasts can delve into the Phoenix Art Museum’s postcard collection, while families can spark imaginations with selections from the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
The Musical Instrument Museum offers a symphony of postcard possibilities for the music lover. So next time you’re exploring a museum, be sure to explore their gift shop and discover a world of cultural postcards waiting to be discovered.
11. Airports
The intrepid postcard collector knows that adventure awaits not just in far-off destinations, but also in the departure lounge. With their ubiquitous gift shops, airports are a treasure trove of unique postcard finds. Travelers seeking the perfect postcard to document their journey can browse a delightful selection, often featuring iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes worldwide.
So, next time you find yourself with a pre-flight layover, ditch the stress and embark on a postcard expedition through the airport gift shop. You might just discover the perfect postcard to capture the spirit of your travels.
Where to buy Postcards online?
The digital world offers a vast landscape for postcard enthusiasts, but navigating the online marketplace can be daunting. To help you discover the perfect postcard purveyor, consider these factors: budget, preferred style, and desired level of customization.
Here’s a curated selection of online retailers to kickstart your postcard browsing adventure:
12. Amazon
The online retail giant Amazon caters to every need, and postcards are no exception. For convenience-minded collectors, Amazon offers a vast selection of postcards that can be delivered directly to your doorstep.
Browse their virtual shelves and discover a world of possibilities: majestic landscapes from America’s National Parks, inspirational messages on motivational postcards, blank canvases for your own creativity, and a menagerie of creatures on animal-themed postcards. Humor is also well-represented with a selection of funny postcards, while vintage vibes abound in their collection of retro postcards.
The allure of Amazon lies not just in its variety but also in its affordability. Competitive prices ensure you find postcards that fit your budget, and Prime members can often enjoy the added benefit of free shipping. So, for a hassle-free postcard shopping experience, consider exploring Amazon’s expansive offerings.
13. VistaPrint
For the budget-conscious postcard enthusiast seeking customization, VistaPrint offers a compelling solution. This online printing service allows you to create postcards tailored to your specifications, ensuring a unique and affordable way to express yourself.
VistaPrint boasts a variety of card stock options, empowering you to choose the perfect weight and texture for your postcard. Whether you desire a classic matte finish or a more luxurious glossy sheen, they cater to your preference.
Most importantly, VistaPrint allows you to fully customize your postcards. Upload your designs, photos, or text to create postcards that reflect your style or brand identity. This level of creative control and competitive pricing make VistaPrint a valuable resource for postcard enthusiasts of all stripes.
14. Zazzle
For the postcard enthusiast with a penchant for personalization, Zazzle beckons as a creative playground. Unlike some retailers with minimum order requirements, Zazzle allows you to unleash your inner artist on a single postcard, perfect for that unique occasion or special message.
This online platform thrives on customization. Start with a blank canvas and bring your vision to life. Upload your favorite photos, create custom designs, or personalize pre-existing templates with text – the possibilities are endless. Zazzle caters to every event, from crafting whimsical birthday greetings to designing heartfelt thank-you notes. So, ditch the generic and embrace the power of personalization with Zazzle.
15. Target
Target, a one-stop shop for many household needs, also caters to the postcard enthusiast. Their online selection boasts a delightful array of options for every occasion.
Need a pick-me-up for a friend? Browse their selection of “pep talk” postcards featuring inspirational messages. Sending out thank you notes? Target has you covered with a variety of designs to express your gratitude. Commemorate a bridal shower with a charming selection of themed postcards.
For the artistically inclined, blank postcards offer a blank canvas for unleashing creativity. Animal lovers can find canine companions aplenty with their dog-themed postcards. Space enthusiasts can explore the cosmos vicariously with a selection of NASA-themed postcards. So next time you browse Target online, don’t forget to peek at their postcard selection – you might just discover the perfect way to express yourself.
16. Etsy
This online marketplace, a haven for handmade and vintage goods, is a goldmine for postcard enthusiasts seeking unique finds. Unlike traditional stores, Etsy fosters a global community of sellers, allowing you to connect directly with artisans and independent creators worldwide.
Forget the limitations of mass-produced postcards. Here, you’ll delve into a world of artistic expression with a vast selection. Browse through categories brimming with character:
- Vintage postcards offer a nostalgic glimpse into the past, perfect for collectors or those seeking a touch of yesteryear charm.
- Voter postcards empower you to make your voice heard with curated designs promoting civic engagement.
- Landscape postcards capture the breathtaking beauty of the natural world, from majestic mountains to serene beaches.
- Funny postcards add a touch of humor to your greetings, guaranteed to elicit a chuckle from the recipient.
- Blank postcards provide a canvas for your own creativity – perfect for handmade masterpieces or personalized messages.
- Mixed lots offer a delightful surprise, allowing you to discover a variety of styles and themes in a single purchase.
- Random selections inject an element of chance into your postcard hunt, perfect for the adventurous collector.
- Hand-stamped postcards add a unique touch, showcasing the artistry of rubber stamps and inks.
- Real estate postcards cater to the business-minded, offering a creative way to market properties.
- Quirky postcards embrace the unconventional, featuring offbeat designs and unexpected themes.
- Botanical postcards celebrate the beauty of the plant world, with illustrations or photographs that capture the essence of nature.
So, the next time you’re seeking a postcard that’s anything but ordinary, set sail for the shores of Etsy and embark on a journey of discovery.
Where can I find souvenir postcards near me?
For the postcard enthusiast on the hunt, some of the best finds can be unearthed in the most interesting places! Museums, zoos, and national parks have gift shops that frequently stock postcard collections featuring the exhibits or creatures you’ve just encountered.
Airports and landmarks often have dedicated souvenir shops with postcard selections showcasing the local area. So, keep your eyes peeled whenever you visit a new attraction – the perfect postcard memento might be waiting for you.
The bottom line
Whether you’re a seasoned postcard correspondent or just getting started, these versatile treasures can be found in surprising places.
Look no further than drugstores like Walgreens and Walmart for convenient, everyday options. They often carry postcard displays with a variety of designs for all occasions. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is another great option, offering classic and even some local-themed postcards.
And don’t forget the vast selection available online! Retail giants like Amazon and Target boast extensive postcard collections at competitive prices, allowing you to find the perfect card from the comfort of your home.