A virtual greeting card is a greeting card created and delivered digitally, usually with a design and a personal message. It is sent through email, text or another online channel rather than handed over or mailed as a physical card. “E-card” and “digital greeting card” are common names for the same general idea; there is no formal industry-standard definition.
What makes a greeting card virtual?
The defining feature is its digital format and electronic delivery. A virtual card commonly pairs a designed greeting with a personal note, but the exact options depend on the service and the individual card. Some are simple digital designs; others can include photos, animation, video, music or interactive elements.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For example, Hallmark says website eCards are sent by email, while its Hallmark Cards Now app can send the same greetings by text. Hallmark also offers photo and message customization on many designs. American Greetings describes digital greetings sent by email, text or social sharing; its Creatacard format can include photos or video, a written message, a handwritten signature and music. Those are provider examples, not features guaranteed by every virtual card.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsHow do you send a virtual greeting card?
The process varies by service, but a typical workflow is to choose a digital card, add a message, preview it, enter the recipient’s email address or phone number, and send it. Some services let the sender choose a future delivery date, and some support sharing through social media or a messaging app.
#1 Best Overall
- INCLUDES: 65 greeting cards and 65 white envelopes, plus labeled category dividers, sticker seals, and a decorative polka-dot keepsake box.
- CARD MESSAGE: Front of card reads: "Assorted greetings including 'Happy Birthday', 'Congratulations', 'Thinking of You', 'Hello Baby', 'Happy Anniversary'." Inside of card reads: "Varies by design—some cards are blank for your personal message, others include short, heartfelt sentiments."
- DESIGN & FINISHINGS: Watercolor florals, whimsical hand-drawn illustrations and soft pastels with hand-lettered typography; many designs feature subtle metallic foil accents and crisp printed details.
- SIZE & PACKAGING: Each card measures 4.62 in. x 6.75 in. and comes in a decorative polka-dot keepsake box with labeled dividers and sticker seals.
- RECIPIENTS & OCCASIONS: Perfect for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, thank-yous and sympathy. Great for friends, family members, coworkers and loved ones.
American Greetings documents a choice of future delivery date. Scheduling is not universal, so check the selected service before relying on a particular date or channel.
Virtual card vs. paper card
| Aspect | Virtual greeting card | Paper greeting card |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Digital content viewed on a device | Printed, physical card |
| Delivery | Email, text or another online sharing channel, depending on the service | Physical handoff or mail |
| Personalization | May include a message, photos, video, music or other features; options vary | Can include a handwritten note or other physical additions |
| Timing | May be sent immediately; some services offer scheduled delivery | Delivered in person or subject to mail transit |
| Access | May require a device, internet connection or provider app | Can be opened without a device or internet connection |
The selected format and delivery method matter more than the brand or service. Hallmark says some eCards can also be ordered as custom paper cards mailed to recipients; that mailed version is physical rather than virtual.
Rank #2
- Send a note of celebration, sympathy, or encouragement with one of the versatile assorted cards in this boxed set.
- Covers feature modern designs, accented with embossing, glitter, and metallic foil. Each card is blank inside.
- Assortment includes 2 each of 50 designs (100 total): 12 birthday cards; 5 thank you cards; 4 Christmas cards; 3 congratulations cards, wedding cards, thinking of you cards, blank cards; 2 baby shower cards, encouragement cards, get well cards, sympathy cards, housewarming cards, and Valentine's Day cards; 1 just because card, New Year's card, Mother's Day card, Father's Day card, and graduation card.
- Cards measure 4" x 6" and come with coordinating envelopes, and a polka dot storage box with organizational dividers.
- Printed on high quality paper stock, Hallmark's greeting cards are made with paper from responsibly managed forests.
What to check before sending one
- Delivery channel: Confirm whether the card will arrive by email, text, app or a shareable link.
- Recipient access: The recipient may need internet access or a provider app to view some cards.
- Timing: Check whether immediate sending or scheduled delivery is available for the card you chose.
- Included features: Verify whether the design supports the photos, video, music or other personalization you want.
Virtual cards are not necessarily animated, free, schedulable or available indefinitely. Those details depend on the provider, card and applicable terms.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- Send your friends, family, and business connections a handwritten note with this boxed set of modern blank cards, appropriate for all occasions.
- Set includes assorted note cards in 4 different designs (12 of each design), featuring beautiful painted flowers.
- Elegant blank cards are perfect for saying thank you, thinking of you, or a simple hello.
- Pack includes 48 cards with coordinating envelopes. Notecards are blank inside and measure 3.75" x 5.2".
- Printed on high quality paper stock, Hallmark's stationery is made with paper from responsibly managed forests.
Rank #4
- 【Blank Greeting Cards】This box of assorted blank greeting cards with envelopes contains 5 assorted and unique floral designs, each set includes 6 cards. All beautiful greeting cards come in a solid and reusable box for easy storage
- 【Envelopes & Stickers Included】These cards feature beautifully painted flowers and gold foil border decoration, lovely and elegant. All white envelopes are with a water-activated adhesive seal. Peel and seal stickers with matching designs are provided for additional adhesion
- 【Perfect Size】Measuring 4" x 6" when folded. They are blank inside offer ample space for handwritten messages or notes of your sincere appreciation
- 【Premium Quality】These cards are solid and made from premium 300 gsm card stock. Send your family, friends, and business connections a handwritten note with this boxed set of modern floral blank note cards. Ideal for men and women to express appreciation on all occasions.
- 【Versatile for Any Occasion】These blank cards are perfect for expressing gratitude, sympathy, or a simple hello. The elegant design makes them suitable for birthdays, thank you notes, or other occasions
Rank #3
- 100 All Occasion Cards Assorted Set: Our pack includes 100 beautifully designed greeting cards for birthdays, thank you,anniversaries, weddings, baby showers, graduations, holidays, and more. each card comes with color envelope and a gold seal for an elegant touch.
- Thoughtful And Heartfelt Designs:Each card is carefully crafted with unique artwork and heartfelt messages, making them perfect for expressing your love and appreciation on any occasion.
- High-Quality Card Stock :Made from premium quality cardstock, these cards are sturdy and durablein matte finish. the smooth surface allows for effortless writing with any pen type.
- 100 Colorful Envelopes Included:To make your gift-giving even more special, each greeting card comes with a matching color envelope. the vibrant envelopes add a delightful touch, making your greetings stand out from the rest.
- Value Assorted Cards Pack: With 100 cards in one set, you'll always have the right card on hand to celebrate life's special moments. 28 happy birthday cards with greeting inside,12 thank you cards, 8 thinking of you cards,3 get well soon cards, 9 sympathy cards, 3 anniversary cards，2 wedding cards,2 love you cards, 4 new baby cards,2 mother’s day cards,2 father day cards, 7 congratulations cards,1 good luck cards, 9 happy holidays cards, 8 all occasion cards.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
