Here’s Our List of Top Hallmark Cards Alternatives for Easy, Fun Group Cards
Hallmark cards have had their time, but let’s be real—who’s got the energy for passing one around the office or hunting for a stamp? We need something faster, easier, and just as thoughtful. That’s where Thankbox (and a few other gems) come in.
Digital group cards just make sense. No paper, no hassle, and everyone can add their own flair—wherever they are. No more smudged handwriting or awkwardly squeezing in your message at the bottom.
At Thankbox, we make group cards effortless and fun. But we’re not the only ones shaking things up—we’ll share the top 5 Hallmark cards alternatives.
What are Hallmark cards?
Hallmark cards aren’t just bits of paper—they’ve been the go-to for birthdays, farewells, and every "thinking of you" moment for over a century. Classic? Sure. But let’s be real, they can also be a bit samey and, well, old-school.
They’re great when you’re stuck for words—just pick a pre-written message, sign your name, and get the job done. But times have changed. We’re all online now, and so are the best ways to send heartfelt messages.
That’s why digital group cards, like Thankbox, are shaking things up—same thoughtfulness, way less hassle.
Why go for Hallmark cards alternatives?
Digital group cards keep things fun, easy, and stress-free. Here’s why they’re the smarter pick:
No last-minute dashes to the shop: No more realising you forgot the card five minutes before the party. A digital card is always ready when you are.
Everyone can join in, wherever they are: Remote colleagues? Friends in another time zone? No problem. Digital means no one’s left out.
More fun, more personal: Add GIFs, photos, and even videos—way more exciting than a paper card.
No lost cards or awkward passing around: No “who’s got the card?” drama. Everyone signs online, zero hassle.
Better for the planet: No paper, no waste—just a great eco-friendly card without the guilt.
Say Goodbye to Paper Chase with Thankbox!No more running around collecting signatures. With Thankbox, everyone can add their messages, photos, and GIFs in one easy-to-use digital card. It’s fun, fast, and stress-free. Try it today and make group cards effortless!
5 best Hallmark cards alternatives
Thankbox
Paperless Post
CardSnacks
Cardly
Zazzle
1. Thankbox
Need a group card without the trouble? Thankbox makes it easy. Our fully digital cards let everyone add messages, GIFs, photos, and even videos—because why stop at just words?
Whether it’s a graduation, farewell, or a simple “thank you” moment, it’s the perfect way to bring people together, no matter where they are. Plus, if you’re chipping in for a gift, Thankbox’s built-in gift collection feature sorts that out too.
Key features
100% digital group cards: No more passing paper around the office.
Make it personal: Add GIFs, photos, videos, and heartfelt messages.
Private messages: Sometimes you might want to send a message meant just for your recipient’s eyes. For when you want to send a one-on-one heartfelt condolence or a fun inside joke, just mark your message as ‘private’.
Gift collection: Make collaboration easy by inviting others, no matter where they are, to chip in to a gift collection pot. It’s a convenient way to share the cost of sending a Thankbox.
Digital international gift cards: We offer an extensive catalogue of over 1,000 stores around the world (e.g. Nike, Amazon, or John Lewis) so that anyone can choose a digital gift card of their choice. For those who want greater flexibility, our Prepaid Visa and Prepaid Mastercard gift cards are the perfect choice.
Add flowers, wine & hamper: If you’re in the UK, you can add a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a unique bottle of wine, or a full of surprises hamper to your order. It will be scheduled to arrive at the same time as the Thankbox.
Handy reminders: You can set reminders for birthdays or work anniversaries so that nobody is ever left out of the celebrations.
Seamless scheduling: You can send your card the same day, next day, or schedule for a specific time.
Pros
Even your least techy colleague can manage.
No “who’s got the card?” panic.
No chasing people for cash.
Perfect for remote teams.
Cons
If you love licking envelopes, this might not be for you.
2. Paperless Post
If you want a digital card with a bit of flair, Paperless Post has you covered. Known for its stylish designs—including collaborations with big-name designers—it’s great for birthdays, weddings, and corporate events.
You can tweak layouts, change fonts, and even add fancy touches like digital envelopes. It also comes with handy event features like RSVP tracking and guest messaging, making it a solid choice for invites.
Some cards are free, but if you want the best designs, you’ll need to buy Paperless Post’s in-platform currency, "coins"—and those can add up quickly.
Key features
Sleek, stylish designs: Includes collaborations with big-name designers.
Customisation options: Change fonts, layouts, and add digital envelopes.
Great for events: Features built-in RSVP tracking and guest messaging.
Mix of free and premium: Top-tier designs require purchasing "coins."
Digital-only: No printed card option.
Pros
Great if you want a polished, professional look.
Customising a card is simple and quick.
Cons
Fancy designs and extras require "coins."
If you want something to hold, this isn’t for you.
3. CardSnacks
CardSnacks makes digital cards a bit more lively with music, animations, and videos—because sometimes a plain message just isn’t enough. With loads of fun templates for any occasion, you can create and send e-cards via text or email in minutes.
Want to go the extra mile? You can even add a gift card from over 400 retailers. The basics are free, but if you want more customisation or to send to multiple people at once, you’ll need a paid plan.
Key features
Interactive e-cards: Add music, animations, photos, and videos.
Quick and easy: Send via text or email in just a few clicks.
Gift card integration: Choose from 400+ retailers.
Digital-only: No physical card option.
Pros
Makes it easy to send a little something extra.
Send via text or email in minutes.
Cons
The best options are locked behind a paid plan.
The app contains ads in the free version.
4. Cardly
Cardly gives you the charm of a handwritten card—without the struggle of finding a pen or a postbox. Pick from a huge range of designs by independent artists, type your message in a handwritten-style font, and schedule delivery up to a year in advance.
Cardly prints and posts the card for you, so it feels personal without the hassle. Plus, they plant trees to offset their environmental impact, making it a greener way to send a thoughtful message.
Key features
Looks handwritten, zero effort: Type your message, and they print it for you.
Loads of unique designs: Created by independent artists.
Plan ahead: Schedule delivery up to a year in advance.
Eco-friendly: Uses sustainable materials and plants trees.
Pros
Great if you want something unique.
Uses sustainable materials and plants trees.
Cons
You’re at the mercy of the postal system.
Not ideal if you don’t have the recipient’s details.
Say Goodbye to Paper Chase with Thankbox!No more running around collecting signatures. With Thankbox, everyone can add their messages, photos, and GIFs in one easy-to-use digital card. It’s fun, fast, and stress-free. Try it today and make group cards effortless!
5. Zazzle
Zazzle is the go-to if you want total creative control over your greeting cards. With thousands of designs—many by independent artists—you can tweak text, add images, and choose premium paper finishes to make it just right.
Whether you’re after something sleek and classy or bold and quirky, there’s plenty to choose from. You can even design matching stationery and gifts for a fully personalised set.
Just remember, since Zazzle prints and ships your card, you’ll need to plan ahead—it’s not the best option for last-minute cards.
Key features
Loads of customisation: Add text, images, and premium paper finishes.
Unique designs: Many templates are created by independent artists.
Beyond just cards: Create matching stationery and gifts.
Print and ship service: Get a physical card delivered.
Pros
Loads of design options, fonts, and finishes.
Unique designs from creators worldwide.
Cons
Some users report colour inconsistencies.
Not great if you need an instant card.
Final thoughts
There are plenty of Hallmark card alternatives out there—some stylish, some interactive, some fully custom. Whether you want a digital card, a printed one, or something in between, there’s an option for you. But if you’re after the easiest, most hassle-free way to send a group card, look no further.
Thankbox makes group cards fun, simple, and stress-free. No running around the office, no missing signatures—just a beautifully designed, interactive card that everyone can sign from anywhere. And with a built-in gift collection, you can add a little extra surprise in just a few clicks.
Join thousands who’ve ditched the paper chase—create a Thankbox today!
Images: Cover
