As a savvy shopper and postcard enthusiast, you know that not all postcards are created equal. With so many options out there, it can be tricky to find the perfect postcard at a reasonable price, especially when you need it on short notice. If you‘ve ever asked yourself "does Walgreens sell postcards?" then this post is for you. We‘ll dive into everything you need to know about buying postcards at Walgreens, from the types of postcards available to the ordering process and beyond.
The Fascinating History of Postcards
But first, let‘s take a step back and appreciate the long and storied history of postcards. The first known postcard was sent in London in 1840, and by the mid-1800s, postcards were being widely used across Europe. These early postcards were often printed on thick paper with an illustration on one side and space for a short message and address on the other.
The golden age of postcards came in the early 1900s, thanks to advances in printing technology and the introduction of divided back postcards. From 1901 to 1907 alone, the US Postal Service estimates that over 677 million postcards were mailed in America. Collecting and trading postcards became a hugely popular hobby during this time.
While postcards declined in popularity with the rise of the telephone and later email, they have seen a resurgence in recent years. Modern printing techniques allow for high-quality, full-color photo postcards that can be customized for any occasion. According to the Greeting Card Association, Americans still purchase approximately 6 billion greeting cards each year, with postcards making up a portion of that figure.
Postcard Fun Facts
Here are a few interesting postcard facts to consider as you embark on your Walgreens shopping trip:
- The most expensive postcard ever sold was a hand-painted card from 1840 that went for £31,750 (nearly $50,000) at a London auction in 2002.
- The Guinness World Record for the most postcards sent by one person in a year is held by Ria van Dijk from the Netherlands, who sent 43,000 postcards in 2013.
- Famous postcard collectors over the years have included singer Freddie Mercury and writer Jack Kerouac.
- One of the most iconic postcard designs of all time is the "Greetings From" series featuring large letters spelling out the name of a state or city surrounded by small images of local landmarks.
Finding the Perfect Postcard at Walgreens
Now that you have some context, let‘s get into the nitty-gritty of postcard shopping at Walgreens. With over 9,000 locations across the US, chances are there‘s a Walgreens near you. And the good news is that the vast majority of Walgreens stores have a dedicated photo department that sells postcards.
Types of Postcards Available
At most Walgreens locations, you‘ll find a rotating selection of pre-designed postcards for various holidays and occasions. Expect to see choices for:
- Major holidays like Christmas, Halloween, Valentine‘s Day, and Mother‘s Day
- Tourist destinations such as beaches, mountains, and cities
- General themes like birthdays, thank you, congratulations, and sympathy
Seasonal designs tend to arrive in stores about a month before the holiday, so plan ahead if you‘re looking for something specific. Prices for individual postcards typically range from $0.99 to $1.99.
If you need a large quantity of postcards for marketing purposes, Walgreens also sells packs of business postcard templates starting at $9.99 for a set of 50. Options include:
- Health and wellness businesses like gyms, spas, and chiropractors
- Food service and hospitality industries
- Home repair and real estate
- Auto sales and service
- Financial and insurance providers
All Walgreens postcards are printed on high-quality cardstock in a standard 4×6 or 5×7 size, so they meet US Postal Service mailing guidelines. The online photo center also offers a matte or glossy finish to suit your preference.
Designing Custom Postcards
For a more personalized touch, Walgreens allows you to create custom photo postcards on their website. The process is simple:
- Go to the Walgreens photo site and select "Cards & Stationery" and then "Postcards".
- Choose your size, quantity, and paper finish. Up to 200 postcards can be ordered at a time.
- Upload your own photos or designs, or choose from the library of pre-made templates.
- Customize your text and layout using the drag-and-drop editing tools.
- Select your preferred delivery method (more on that in a minute) and check out.
Custom postcards start at $0.39 each for a 4×6 or $0.99 for a 5×7, with discounts for larger quantities. Here‘s a handy price chart:
| Size | Set of 20 | Set of 50 | Set of 100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4" x 6" | $0.75 each | $0.59 each | $0.39 each |
| 5" x 7" | $1.99 each | $1.49 each | $0.99 each |
Prices accurate as of [current date] and subject to change.
One important note: If you‘re planning to mail your custom postcards, be sure to leave enough room on the back side for postage and the recipient‘s address. The Walgreens editing tool has guides to help you lay out your design accordingly.
Picking Up Your Postcards
Once you‘ve placed your order, it‘s time to think about delivery. For pre-designed postcards purchased in-store, you can of course just take them with you and be on your merry way. But if you‘ve created a custom design online, you have a couple options.
Many Walgreens locations offer a same-day pickup option for online orders. Just select "Same Day Pickup" at checkout and choose your preferred store. Your postcards will be ready in as little as one hour, and you‘ll get an email notification when they‘re available. You can even add your name to the list from the app when you‘re on your way to save time.
If you‘re not in a rush, you can also choose to have your postcards shipped to your home or business. Standard shipping takes 5-10 business days and starts at $0.99 for up to 10 postcards. Expedited and overnight shipping are also available for an additional fee.
Comparing the Competition
Of course, Walgreens isn‘t the only game in town when it comes to buying postcards. You might be wondering how their selection and prices stack up to other retailers. Here‘s a quick overview:
- CVS: Most CVS locations have a similar setup to Walgreens, with pre-designed postcards available in-store and custom options online. Prices are comparable, starting at $0.65 for a 4×6 custom postcard.
- Target: While not all Target stores have a photo center, the ones that do sell pre-designed postcards starting at around $1. They also offer custom cards through the Shutterfly website, with prices starting at $0.79 for a 4×5 postcard.
- Vistaprint: This online-only retailer is known for its affordable business cards and marketing materials. Postcards start at $0.06 each for a set of 100 in a standard matte finish. However, shipping is extra and can add up for smaller orders.
- Etsy: For unique, handmade postcards from independent artists, Etsy is a great option. Prices vary widely depending on the seller and quantity, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $5 per postcard plus shipping.
Ultimately, the best place to buy postcards will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you value convenience and speed, Walgreens is a solid bet. If you‘re looking for the cheapest possible price and don‘t mind waiting for shipping, an online printer like Vistaprint might be the way to go. And if supporting small businesses is important to you, Etsy could be worth checking out.
Sending Your Postcards With Care
Once you‘ve got your perfect postcards in hand, don‘t forget to think about the mailing process. After all, you want to make sure your postcards arrive looking their best. Here are a few tips:
- Use a fine-point pen: Avoid smudges and smears by writing with a pen that has quick-drying ink. Sharpies and gel pens work well.
- Keep it short and sweet: Postcards don‘t have a ton of space for long messages, so keep your note brief and to the point. If you have a lot to say, consider including a separate letter.
- Protect the corners: Postcards can get banged up in transit, so consider reinforcing the corners with clear tape or rounded corner stickers.
- Don‘t forget the postage: As of 2021, postcard stamps cost $0.36 each. Double-check that you have enough postage before dropping your cards in the mail.
If you‘re sending a large batch of postcards for business purposes, you may also want to consider using a postcard mailing service. These companies will handle the printing, addressing, and mailing for you, often at a lower cost than doing it yourself. Some popular options include PostcardMania and OvernightPrints.
The Environmental Impact of Postcards
As a savvy shopper, you might also be wondering about the environmental impact of all those postcards. The good news is that most postcards are made from paper, which is a renewable resource. However, the process of manufacturing and shipping postcards does have a carbon footprint.
If sustainability is a priority for you, look for postcards made from recycled paper or those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). You can also choose a matte finish instead of glossy, as the glossy coating can make postcards harder to recycle.
Another option is to send digital postcards instead of physical ones. Many photo printing sites, including Walgreens, offer e-card options that can be customized with your own photos and sent via email. While not quite the same as a traditional postcard, e-cards are a virtually waste-free alternative.
Preserving Postcards for Posterity
If you‘re a collector or just appreciate the sentimental value of postcards, you may want to take steps to preserve them for the long haul. Here are a few archival tips:
- Store them properly: Keep your postcards in acid-free boxes or albums designed for storing photos and memorabilia. Avoid storing them in damp or humid areas.
- Handle with care: Always hold postcards by the edges to avoid getting oils from your fingers on the surface. Wear cotton gloves if you‘ll be handling them frequently.
- Display thoughtfully: If you want to display your postcards, use acid-free matting and framing materials. Avoid hanging them in direct sunlight, which can cause fading over time.
With proper care, your beloved postcards can last for generations. Who knows, maybe one day your collection will be worth something to future historians or collectors!
The Bottom Line
So, does Walgreens sell postcards? Absolutely! In fact, they offer one of the most convenient and affordable options for buying both pre-designed and custom postcards. Whether you‘re looking to send a quick hello to a friend or promote your business to potential customers, Walgreens has you covered.
But beyond just answering the question of where to buy postcards, we hope this post has given you a deeper appreciation for the humble postcard. From their early beginnings in the 1800s to their enduring popularity today, postcards have a rich history and cultural significance that‘s worth celebrating.
So the next time you‘re standing in the greeting card aisle at Walgreens, take a moment to browse the postcard selection. You might just find the perfect one to brighten someone‘s day – or your own!
And if you‘re feeling inspired to start your own postcard collection, remember to store and handle them with care. With a little bit of TLC, your postcards can become cherished keepsakes that stand the test of time.
Happy postcard shopping!
