Greeting cards have always been more than simple messages. They are emotional containers — small objects or digital moments that say: “I’m thinking of you.”
But the way we send these messages has changed dramatically over the centuries. Here’s a quick journey through the evolution of greeting cards.
1. The beginning: handwritten wishes
The earliest “greeting cards” were handwritten notes exchanged during religious celebrations, seasonal festivals or important life events. They were personal, intimate and often treasured for years.
2. The rise of printed cards
With the invention of printing techniques like woodcut and lithography, greeting cards became more accessible. Designs could be mass-produced, and people could choose from a variety of illustrations.
This period gave birth to many traditions we still recognize: snow-covered landscapes, heart-shaped motifs, floral borders, angels and ornate typography.
3. Mass production & holiday culture
By the 20th century, greeting cards had become a global industry. Postcards, Christmas cards, birthday cards and Valentine’s Day cards became part of daily life.
Companies began creating standardized designs for every possible occasion. Greeting cards became easy, fast and widely used.
4. The digital era: e-cards & animations
The internet revolutionized greeting cards once again. Early e-cards, often sent by email, introduced animations, music and fun effects.
Later, Flash-based cards allowed short mini-experiences — a first step toward interactivity, although limited by technology.
But as mobile phones took over, these heavy formats started to disappear.
5. Social media & instant messaging
Today, most greetings travel through WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram and Facebook. People send memes, photos, stickers, GIFs and short videos.
Greetings became faster… but also more generic.
6. The new generation: interactive web greetings
Modern web technologies (CSS animations, WebGL, canvas, responsive layouts) opened the door to a new kind of greeting: lightweight, interactive micro-experiences.
These cards don’t need apps or downloads. They open instantly in a browser and respond to:
- touch
- drag
- movement
- visual cues
This is where InteractiveWish fits in — transforming simple greetings into tiny worlds to explore.
The evolution continues
From handwritten notes to liquid gold experiences on a smartphone, greeting cards have always reflected the technology and culture of their time.
What remains unchanged is the purpose: to send a moment of emotion, connection and presence.