Wondering where to buy postcards? Yes? Discover the best places to buy postcards.
In this digital era, where instant messaging apps make communication easy, postcards may seem like a relic of the past. Still, some people want the feeling of holding a message, seeing the handwriting, and admiring the photo or artwork brings warmth and personality that no emoji can replace.
Whether you’re looking for classic postcards, a bunch of blank cards for thank-you notes, or something unique and artistic, knowing where to buy postcards is a hassle.
For that reason, I’ve done the research to find all the best places to buy postcards, both online and in-store near you.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through where to buy postcards online and in-store, including how to create your own. Whether you’re a traveler, collector, or creative entrepreneur, discover the best places to find high-quality postcards that suit your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
What is a Postcard?
Before we dive into the full list of places where you can buy postcards, let’s understand what is actually called a “postcard.”
A postcard is a rectangular piece of thick paper that is designed to be written on and mailed without an envelope.
Key characteristics of a standard postcard:
- Format: One side is reserved for the address of the recipient and a space for the sender’s message and the postage stamp.
- Image: The other side of a postcard often features a photograph, illustration, or graphic design, frequently depicting a tourist attraction, landmark, or creative image.
- Purpose: Postcards are used for sending short, informal messages or greetings to family and friends, especially when travelling, to share a quick update or a “wish you were here” sentiment.
- Postage: A postcard can be sent for a lower postage rate than a standard sealed letter.
Postcards remain a popular item for tourists as souvenirs and are collected by hobbyists (a practice called deltiology).
The USPS Postal Explorer Guidelines
Postcards are an inexpensive way to get an immediate message to customers. First-Class Mail postcards provide a great value.
With First-Class Mail postcards, you pay a low price and get all of the benefits that come with First-Class Mail. Your postcard must meet the size requirements to qualify for mailing at the First-Class Mail postcard price.
It must be:
- Rectangular
- At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick
- No more than 4-1/4 inches high x 6 inches long x 0.016 inches thick
If your postcards don’t meet the dimensions above, then the Postal Service considers them a letter, and letter-size postage is charged.
The Best Places To Buy Postcards for Convenience
Here are some of the best places to buy postcards for convenience when you need a postcard immediately.
1. CVS & Walgreens
CVS & Walgreens are the two largest pharmacy store chains in the United States. Both store chain has over 9,000 stores throughout the United States.
You can find postcards in the greeting cards or stationery aisle of both CVS & Walgreens. However, the selection isn’t huge, but it’s a great option for last-minute postcard shopping.
The best thing about CVS and Walgreens is that many stores are open 24 hours a day. Therefore, you can hop in any time for postcard shopping.
2. USPS (The Post Office)
You can visit your local post office to buy postcards. There are over 31,000 locations in the country. Therefore, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a post office near you.
One of the benefits of buying postcards from the post office is that you can get pre-stamped postcards, which saves you money and time.
Moreover, the post office is the most convenient destination to buy your postcard, write it, and mail it in one stop.
USPS offers stationery products, such as personalized stamped envelopes, greeting cards, postcards, and more. You can purchase postcards from the USPS online store.
3. Airports
The airport is the best place to buy postcards when you are traveling. I know buying something at an airport costs more than in traditional stores.
Then why am I suggesting buying postcards at an airport? It’s because when you’re traveling, you don’t have any other option. Moreover, the airport is the best place to get tourist-themed postcards.
You can check out the gift shops inside the airport for all kinds of postcards.
4. Gas Stations
According to Zippia, there are over 145,000 gas stations in the United States. However, not every gas station sells postcards.
You can often find postcards at gas stations located on major highways. Many gas stations, especially those on tourist routes, stock postcards in their convenience stores to cater to travelers.
Postcards are typically sold alongside snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
The Best Places To Buy Postcards in Bulk
You might want to buy a whole stack of postcards for your business, a wedding, or a big project. However, the above places are not a great option to buy postcards in bulk.
Here are some of the best places to buy postcards in bulk without breaking the bank.
5. Amazon
Amazon is the world’s largest e-commerce site that sells a wide range of products, including postcards. It’s one of the best places to buy stuff in bulk for the lowest price possible.
Amazon has an extensive collection of postcards, from vintage travel decor to blank postcards. You can find 100-packs of themed postcards for just a few dollars.
You can’t find the lowest prices for postcards anywhere else. However, you have to wait for shipping. With the Prime account, the shipping doesn’t take long.
Related: How To Get Free Amazon Prime: 7 Best Ways
6. Walmart
Walmart has over 4,600 stores in the United States. It sells a wide range of products, including postcards.
Walmart is known for offering the lowest prices on products. You can find postcards in the stationery and party supply aisles.
They have a good mix of designs for almost any event. You can get the best price for a bulk purchase.
7. Office Depot / OfficeMax
Office Depot and OfficeMax offer postcards through their Print & Copy services. When you need blank, ready-to-mail postcards, these two stores are the best options.
You can buy packs of sturdy cardstock postcards that meet all the USPS requirements. Moreover, it is also a suitable option for printing your own marketing materials or custom invitations.
You can purchase a wide variety of postcards online or in-store.
The Best Places To Buy Postcards Online
Here are some of the best places to buy postcards online.
8. VistaPrint
VistaPrint is an online store that specializes in providing custom physical and digital marketing products, including postcards.
VistaPrint offers a wide range of options for custom postcards. It’s perfect for businesses, event organizers, or individuals who want to create and print their own postcards for marketing, announcements, thank-you notes, or personal use.
It has thousands of pre-designed templates categorized by industry, style, and theme. You can also upload your own print-ready design files (e.g., PDF, JPEG). You can choose from multiple finishes, paper weights, and corner styles to suit your aesthetic.
One standout feature of VistaPrint is its discount system. The more you order, the less you pay per postcard. That makes it a suitable option for anyone who sends postcards regularly.
9. Moo
Moo is an online printing service that offers a wide range of products, including postcards. You can design and print custom postcards.
Moo is known for its high-end printing services, offering postcards that look and feel luxurious. Moreover, their matte and glossy finishes of heavy cardstock make them ideal for promotional campaigns, thank-you cards, or portfolio showcases.
You can upload your own design to print on the postcards. Also, it has a design tool to create a custom postcard from scratch or customize templates.
The standout feature of this online printing store is its discount system—the more quantity you order, the less you pay per card.
10. Postallove
Postallove is an online store based in Poland that specializes in postcards. It offers a unique collection of postcards and postal accessories.
You can browse its postcard collection to find your favorite one. It offers postcards in various categories, such as art, autumn, birthday, cats, collages, vintage, and many more.
The standout feature of Postallove is its discounts for regular customers. When you spend money at Postallove, you’ll earn points. Later, you can redeem your points for a coupon for a 10% discount.
Postallove ship all over the world. Therefore, it doesn’t matter where you live.
11. Postalytics
Postalytics is a direct mail automation platform that is designed to bring the efficiency, integration, and trackability of digital marketing (like email) to physical mail.
It’s a perfect destination to buy postcards online. If you’re a marketer, you should consider using this platform. It offers free templates to create your postcards. You can even customize templates with your company logo, images, and marketing message.
The Best Places to Buy Postcards for Artistic and Vintage Designs
If you’re someone who loves artistic and vintage design postcards, here are some of the best places to explore.
12. Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble is the largest retail bookseller in the United States. Though it’s best known for books, it also offers a variety of products, including postcards.
Barnes & Noble sells postcards for every occasion, such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays. You can visit your local Barnes & Noble store to explore the postcard collection. Also, you can purchase postcards online.
13. Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace with a specific focus on unique, creative goods sold directly by independent sellers.
Etsy is known for buying and selling stuff that falls into three main categories: handmade, vintage, and craft supplies.
Etsy is the best place to find unique and handmade postcards from independent creators. The best part of Etsy is that you can find hundreds of creators from all over the world with special interests or specialties like vintage and art postcards.
14. eBay
eBay is one of the largest e-commerce marketplaces that connects buyers and sellers from all over the world. It sells a wide variety of products, including postcards.
eBay is one of the best marketplaces to find rare and vintage postcards. You can find postcards from the early 1900s, limited-edition prints, or international postcards that are no longer in circulation.
Sellers from all over the world list both single postcards and bulk lots. Many collectors explore the eBay marketplace to buy and trade postcards as part of their deltiology hobby.
When purchasing rare or high-value postcards, make sure to check seller reviews and request clear photos to confirm authenticity.
Where To Buy Postcards Near You
Here are some of the best places to buy postcards nearby.
15. Local Gift Shops and Tourist Stores
You can explore local gift shops and tourist stores to find postcards that capture local scenery, landmarks, and culture. These postcards are perfect souvenirs to send back home or keep as personal memories.
Most tourist destinations have postcard racks filled with colorful images of local attractions. Postcards feature iconic places such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, or temples in Bali.
16. Bookstores and Stationery Stores
Your local bookstores and stationery stores are another underrated source of postcards. Bookstores carry postcards that are literature themes or popular authors.
On the other hand, stationery stores offer blank postcards for personal customization. Therefore, stationery stores are a go-to place for printing your own custom postcards.
Final Thoughts
Nowadays, people love to wish someone via email or social media platforms. It doesn’t mean sending postcards no longer exists.
Still, many people love to send postcards to their loved ones. Postcards remain timeless—bridging the gap between art, communication, and personal connection.
As you can see, there are many places to buy postcards. The secret isn’t about knowing the best places to buy postcards. It’s all about knowing where to look for postcards that are convenient for you.
What do you think about these places to buy postcards? Let me know in the comments.
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