As the 2026 Christmas season approaches, the greeting‑card industry shows clear signs of resurgence. A new forecast from market‑research firm Grand View Research projects the global market will expand from $20.1 billion this year to $23.0 billion by 2033.
Key market drivers
The research points to several factors sustaining demand. Traditional occasions such as birthdays, weddings and seasonal holidays continue to generate steady sales. In particular, Christmas remains the highest‑volume occasion worldwide, while Mother’s Day shoppers added cards to nearly 40 % of gift purchases in 2024, with a noticeable spike in the final week before the holiday.
Consumers are also gravitating toward higher‑quality, handmade and personalized cards. These premium products command higher price points and support the market’s overall growth trajectory.
Regional outlook
North America held the largest regional revenue share in 2025, accounting for 42.7 % of global sales, according to Grand View’s July 2026 report. Europe is emerging as the fastest‑growing market between 2026 and 2033, driven by a blend of traditional purchasing habits and increasing interest in premium, custom‑designed cards.
Physical versus digital formats
Traditional paper cards still dominate, representing 73.3 % of the market in 2025, and offline sales accounted for 63.3 % of total revenue. However, digital formats are gaining momentum. E‑cards are expected to post the strongest compound annual growth rate at 4.7 % from 2025 to 2033, fueled by convenience, personalization options and the appeal of paperless solutions.
Industry innovators are blending the two worlds. In January 2025, Hallmark introduced “Gift Card Greetings,” a line that pairs a printed card with a QR code linking to digital gift‑card options from more than 100 retailers, illustrating how physical and digital experiences can complement each other.
Methodology
Grand View Research built its estimates through executive interviews, company filings, proprietary databases and other institutional sources. The firm valued the market at $19.8 billion in 2025 and expects the upward trend to continue as consumers maintain a strong affinity for tangible cards while embracing digital enhancements.
What this means for consumers and businesses
For retailers and card manufacturers, the forecast signals a continued need to invest in premium, customizable products and to explore hybrid offerings that combine physical cards with digital features. For consumers, the data suggests that while e‑cards will become more prevalent, the sentimental value of a handwritten note remains a cornerstone of personal celebrations.
Overall, the greeting‑card sector appears poised for modest but steady growth over the next decade, balancing tradition with innovation.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
