Greeting card paper: The best types for high-quality cards

When it comes to creating greeting cards that leave a lasting impression, the type of paper you choose can make all the difference. From crafting a heartfelt birthday wish to festive holiday cards, selecting the right paper adds a touch of elegance and ensures your message stands out. 

In this blog, we'll detail the intricacies of greeting card paper by exploring the essential qualities that cater to all occasions. We'll examine the importance of texture, weight, and finish and how these elements influence the look and feel of your cards. 

We'll also introduce you to Gelato’s print on demand service, which offers a range of premium paper options for your custom designs.

• The type of paper used affects a greeting card's overall look and feel, which impacts its ability to convey sentiments effectively.

• Key factors to consider when choosing paper include texture, weight, and finish, each influencing the card's presentation and durability.

• Popular paper types such as matte, glossy, textured, recycled, pearlescent, and cotton offer various aesthetics and texture options for different occasions.

• Understanding different folding types—like half-fold, gatefold, and pop-up—can enhance the card's creative and functional aspects.

• Gelato provides a versatile range of high-quality paper options and folding styles to customize greeting cards effortlessly.

The type of paper you choose can enhance the message inside by conveying the sentiment even before it’s read. Here’s why selecting the right paper is so crucial: 

• First impressions count: The first thing anyone notices when receiving a card is how it feels in their hands. Luxurious, high-quality paper sets the stage for an impactful experience.

• Enhance the message: Just like choosing the perfect words to express your thoughts, the paper's texture and color can add depth to your message, which makes it feel more sincere and meaningful.

• Durability and keepsake value: Cards on sturdy, premium paper last longer, which makes them perfect for cherished keepsakes. Loved ones can hold onto them for years without signs of wear.

• Customization options: Different types of paper allow for various customization possibilities, from embossing to foiling, to enhance the card's uniqueness and make your greeting stand out.

Choosing the right paper for your greeting cards can make all the difference in delivering the perfect message. Let's look into the key elements that will elevate your card-making game.

Texture

Smooth textures offer a sleek, modern feel, ideal for minimalist designs and elegant messages. Embossed or linen textures add depth and sophistication, which makes the card stand out and feel luxurious in the hands. Textured paper can also enhance the sensory experience and make the recipient more likely to cherish the card. Certain textures may better accommodate specific embellishments like ribbons, stamps, or glitter. 

Weight

Heavier paper, weighing around 250 to 400 gsm (grams per square meter), conveys quality and sturdiness by providing a premium feel that is less prone to bending or tearing. It’s ideal for intricate designs, pop-up elements, or when a substantial presence is desired. On the other hand, lighter-weight paper is more cost-effective and easier to handle, suitable for simpler designs and bulk mailing. Balancing weight with other factors like texture and finish ensures the card meets both aesthetic and practical needs. 

Finish

Matte finishes offer a sophisticated, non-reflective surface that is perfect for detailed illustrations and handwritten messages by providing a subtle and elegant look. Glossy finishes enhance colors and add vibrancy by making images and graphics pop, which is ideal for vibrant, eye-catching designs. Satin finishes strike a balance between matte and glossy by offering a soft sheen without excessive reflection. Specialty finishes like metallic, pearlescent, or textured coatings can add unique visual elements.

Next, let’s explore the best types of paper for greeting cards—you'll find many choices that cater to every occasion and personal style.

Matte cardstock

Unlike glossy paper, matte cardstock does not reflect light, which makes it easier to write without smudging or glare. This quality is particularly beneficial for handwritten messages or intricate designs that require precision.

Matte cardstock is versatile and can accommodate various printing methods, including digital, letterpress, and foil stamping, which ensures that colors and details appear crisp and elegant. Gelato offers a variety of matte cardstock options, which allows you to craft custom greeting cards that exude elegance and refinement. 

Glossy cardstock

This paper type's reflective surface enhances colors by making images and designs appear more vivid and dynamic. This type of cardstock is ideal for cards featuring photography prints, bold graphics, or metallic accents, as the gloss finish helps these elements stand out and catch the light. 

The high sheen of glossy cardstock can add a touch of luxury to any greeting card, which makes it suitable for various occasions, including holiday greetings and special celebrations. Gelato's glossy cardstock options provide a brilliant finish, perfect for creating visually striking and professional-looking cards. 

Textured cardstock

This type of cardstock features various surface patterns, such as linen, felt, or embossed designs, which can enhance the visual and sensory experience of the card. The texture provides a sophisticated, elegant look and luxurious touch that recipients will appreciate. 

Textured cardstock is perfect for creating handmade or artisanal greeting cards, as it adds depth and character to designs, whether minimalist or intricate. Gelato's curated selection of textured cardstock presents an opportunity to create cards with extra depth and character. 

Recycled paper

Made from post-consumer waste materials, recycled paper reduces the demand for new resources and minimizes the environmental impact of paper production. This type of paper often features a natural, earthy texture and a slightly varied color palette, which gives each card a unique and rustic charm.

Recycled paper is versatile and can be used for both printed and handmade cards. Gelato's commitment to sustainability shines with its range of recycled paper options. Our print on demand service ensures that your cards come with the added value of caring for our planet, with no compromise on quality or appeal.

Pearlescent paper

This type of paper features a pearlescent sheen that catches and reflects light to create a soft, luminous effect that enhances colors and details. Pearlescent paper is ideal for cards intended for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, or high-end celebrations, where a touch of refinement is desired.

Gelato's pearlescent paper options allow you to integrate this shimmering allure into your cards, perfect for occasions requiring glamor. 

Cotton paper

Made from 100% cotton fibers, it offers a soft, smooth finish that enhances the appearance of printed and handwritten messages. Cotton paper is also resistant to wear and tear, which ensures that cards maintain their quality over time. 

Its excellent ink absorption prevents smudging, which makes it ideal for vibrant colors and intricate designs. Gelato offers high-quality cotton paper options with a soft, exquisite texture, perfect for intricate and artistic card designs.

Next comes choosing the right fold for your greeting cards, which can add more style and creativity to your message. Let's explore some popular folding types that can make your cards stand out.

Half-fold greeting cards

With a single fold down the center, these cards create a booklet-like structure that feels substantial in your hands and offers ample space for a personal message or design. The interior provides two generously sized panels, perfect for writing heartfelt notes, adding photos, or including printed content on both or one side of the card. 

The ease of creating half-fold cards is another factor in their popularity. With fewer creases, they are easy to produce, which can be especially beneficial if you opt for a DIY approach or use print on demand services like Gelato. 

Gatefold

This elegant design expands the card outward to create a spacious and inviting layout. When closed, the gatefold presents a clean and symmetrical exterior, which makes it ideal for showcasing intricate designs, photographs, or personalized messages. 

Upon opening, the expanded interior provides ample space for larger greetings or multiple messages, which enhances the card’s visual appeal and functionality. Due to their sophisticated appearance, Gatefold cards are often used for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays. 

Z-fold (accordion fold)

The Z-fold, also known as the accordion fold, is a versatile paper fold type used in greeting cards for its compact and dynamic structure. This fold involves a series of alternating folds that create a zigzag pattern by allowing the card to expand and contract smoothly like an accordion. 

A Z-fold greeting card consists of three panels: two outer panels that fold inward and a central panel that remains visible when the card is closed. The Z-fold is especially popular for cards that require more space without increasing the overall size, which makes it ideal for detailed artwork and photo displays. 

Tri-fold

This fold divides the card into three equal panels, typically with two vertical folds that create a compact and organized layout. When closed, the tri-fold presents a neat and balanced exterior, while opening the card reveals three distinct sections for messages, images, or decorative elements. 

This structure allows for a clear and logical presentation of information, which makes it easy for senders to convey their greetings in a structured manner. The tri-fold design can also incorporate interactive elements like pockets or tabs to enhance the recipient’s experience. 

Accordion fold

This fold allows the card to expand and contract in a zigzag manner, resembling the bellows of an accordion (hence the name). An accordion fold greeting card typically features several panels that can unfold sequentially to provide a storytelling element or a progressive display of images and messages. 

This design is ideal for creating a narrative experience. Each panel reveals a new part of the message or a different aspect of the design, which makes the card interactive and memorable. The accordion fold also offers flexibility in design and allows for creative layouts, such as panoramic scenes. 

Die-cut fold

Unlike traditional folds, which focus solely on the paper’s structure, die-cut folding combines precise cutting techniques with folding to create detailed shapes, patterns, and images extending beyond the card’s edges. 

This method allows designers to craft elaborate motifs such as flowers, hearts, animals, or thematic symbols that easily integrate with the card’s overall design. The versatility of die-cut folding enables the creation of both subtle and bold designs that cater to various tastes and occasions.

Pop-up fold

This innovative fold technique involves cutting, scoring, and assembling paper in a way that allows certain parts of the card to "pop up," which adds a surprising and interactive dimension to the traditional flat design. 

Pop-up greeting cards are highly engaging. They provide a delightful experience for recipients as the intricate structures unfold, dynamically revealing scenes, messages, or decorative elements. Designers can create various pop-up effects, from simple geometric shapes to elaborate landscapes or themed characters, to make each card unique and memorable.

You’ve now unlocked the magic of selecting the perfect paper to elevate your greeting cards into keepsakes. Each paper type offers a unique charm and character suited to any occasion. But where do you go from here?

Enter Gelato's print on demand service, a beacon for crafting personalized, high-quality cards with finesse and flair. 

Gelato revolutionizes custom card creation by allowing you to design expressive and sophisticated cards without any hassle. You can ensure swift delivery and exceptional quality with access to over 100 production partners globally. 

Our extensive product catalog includes custom cards and various unique custom products such as wall art, photo books, and calendars, which make it easy for your creativity to shine. 

Create, print, and deliver effortlessly with Gelato. Ready to make your mark in the world of greeting cards? Sign up for Gelato today!

What kind of paper is used for greeting cards?

Greeting cards are typically made from high-quality cardstock, which provides durability and a premium feel. Common types include matte, glossy, semi-gloss, textured, and recycled paper. Specialty papers like linen or pearlescent finishes are also popular. The choice depends on the desired aesthetic and printing method, such as inkjet printer or home printer, and intended card use.

What is the best material for greeting cards?

The best material for greeting cards is heavyweight card stock, usually ranging from 80 lb to 110 lb. It offers sturdiness and a luxurious texture, ideal for intricate designs and folding techniques. Eco-friendly options like recycled inkjet paper from inkjet printers or sustainable materials are favored for their environmental benefits without compromising quality. Be sure to also opt for good-quality envelopes. 

What is the most popular type of greeting card?

The most popular type of greeting card is the folded card, particularly the bi-fold design. Its versatility allows for various designs, messages, and embellishments. Bi-fold cards are suitable for numerous occasions, including being a part of birthday gifts and holiday thank-you notes, which makes them a favorite choice for both senders and recipients.