How to Package Greeting Cards: A Complete Guide for Small Businesses

If you’re a maker, illustrator, or small business owner wondering how to package greeting cards, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re preparing cards to sell online, fulfilling wholesale orders for retailers, or setting up a craft market stall, your packaging choices make a huge difference. The right packaging keeps your cards protected, showcases your brand, and even encourages repeat sales.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to package greeting cards to sell, with a focus on practical, eco-friendly packaging solutions. You'll also find tips for selling online, preparing wholesale orders, and standing out in a competitive marketplace.

Why Greeting Card Packaging Matters

When a customer buys a card from you – whether online or in a shop – they’re not just buying the artwork. They’re buying the experience of your brand. High-quality packaging:

• Protects cards from damage and moisture

• Makes products look professional and cohesive

• Communicates your brand values (like sustainability)

• Saves you time when prepping large volumes

• Increases perceived value and customer satisfaction

  
  

If you’ve put care into designing beautiful cards, make sure your packaging matches.

How to Package Greeting Cards to Sell Online

Selling greeting cards online (on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Not On The High Street) means your packaging needs to be lightweight, protective, and visually appealing. Here's how to do it:

1. Group Multiple Cards with Belly Bands

When a customer orders a bundle of cards, use a kraft paper belly band to neatly wrap the stack. This keeps the cards together, making them look tidier and preventing them from moving around in the postal envelope, which can cause damage to corners. It also adds a natural, handmade look. You can stamp or print your logo on the band for branding.

Tip: Eco Owl Packaging offers 100% recycled kraft belly band rolls, cut into narrow strips perfect for card bundles.

2. Choose Plastic-Free Protection

In my experience selling tens of thousands of greeting cards with Wild Lines, it is very rare that cards get damaged when posted to domestic addresses. We package our greeting cards 'naked' (without a sleeve) with the environment in mind. We simply tuck the envelope inside the card and post the order in a board-backed envelope.

Another option is to package each card and envelope in a sleeve. This adds extra protection, but at a cost to the environment. Swap out cello bags for compostable card sleeves for a more eco-friendly option, but note that going naked is by far the best option for our planet.

3. Add a Personal Touch

Slip in a thank-you note or branded postcard. Use paper tape to seal bigger parcels. These small details help turn one-time buyers into repeat customers.

How to Package Greeting Cards for Wholesale Orders

If you’re selling cards to stockists like gift shops, museums, or garden centres, your packaging should be neat, consistent, and retail-ready.

1. Use Belly Bands for Bundles

Wholesale customers typically buy cards in bundles of six. Kraft belly bands make it easy to wrap these bundles quickly and attractively. They help with inventory and look smart in a delivery box.

2. Clearly Label Designs

If you're selling to larger retailers, it might be useful for you to label each bundle with the product name, SKU, or barcode if needed. You can stick a label on the belly band.

3. Eco-Friendly Outer Packaging

Use recycled cardboard boxes, paper, or kraft wrap to cushion your cards. Avoid bubble wrap where possible. Retailers often appreciate packaging that aligns with sustainable values – it makes your brand more appealing as a supplier.

Eco-Friendly Greeting Card Packaging: Why It Matters

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s a major selling point. Consumers and stockists alike are seeking products that are kind to the planet.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Packaging:

• Reduces plastic waste

• Attracts eco-conscious shoppers

• Strengthens your brand identity

• Complies with retailer sustainability policies

• Builds trust and loyalty with customers

  
  

At Eco Owl Packaging, we specialise in kraft paper belly band rolls made from 100% recycled paper. They’re uncoated, strong, fully recyclable, and versatile enough to use across your whole product range.

What Is a Kraft Paper Belly Band?

A belly band is a narrow strip of paper used to wrap around a product—like a napkin ring for your greeting cards. Our kraft belly band rolls are designed especially for small businesses. They:

• Add a rustic, natural look to your cards

• Come in roll form, so you can cut exactly what you need

• Are ideal for bundling cards, prints, notepads, and more

• Can be stamped, written on, or stickered for branding

Creative Ways to Brand Your Card Packaging

Want your cards to stand out without adding plastic or clutter? Here are some ideas that work well with kraft belly bands:

• Hand-stamp or emboss your logo for a handmade, artisan feel

• Hand-draw a little icon like a wildflower or a heart, to reiterate the handmade values of your brand

• Seal the belly band with a sticker – consider branded stickers or just something pretty that aligns with your brand

  
  

These details turn functional packaging into part of your product experience.

How to Store and Wrap Greeting Cards Efficiently

If you’re fulfilling lots of orders, having a streamlined packing process is key. Set up a mini packing station with:

• Envelopes and boxes in various sizes

• Marketing materials, e.g. business cards or flyers

• Paper-based stuffing for large orders

• Belly band rolls and scissors

• Stickers, stamps or any other finishing touches

• Recycled envelopes or boxes

• Eco paper tape

  
  

Packing becomes much quicker and more enjoyable – and your customers will notice the difference.

Final Thoughts: Packaging That Sells (and Protects the Planet)

Learning how to package greeting cards to sell is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a creative business owner. The right packaging protects your cards, presents your brand professionally, and speaks volumes about your values.

At Eco Owl Packaging, we’re proud to support small businesses with planet-friendly belly band rolls that elevate your packaging without harming the environment.

Explore our kraft belly band rolls and check out that value-packed multi-buy discounts on offer.