In my last post, I recommended using e-Cards in the classroom for a variety of reasons – curricular as well as motivational. To get started, here are some suggested sites to find free e-Card sites, as well as comments on their advantages and drawbacks.
123 Greetings
Pros
- free
- remembers your details for next visit
- format font, color, and size of the text in the personal message
- set a delayed delivery date
- preview the card
- both sender and receiver can send same card on to another person
Cons
- must accept notifications from 123Greetings but may unsubscribe later
- busy page with lots of advertising
- short ad appears for receiver before card loads
American Greeting Cards
Pros
- no advertising on page
- recipient can easily send a free reply or post a reply to Facebook; the default is a thank you for the card
Cons
- not clear which cards are free – to begin, look for free cards using search feature
- add a photo or voice message feature in personalized message is not available for free cards
Card Boulevard
Pros
- no registration or subscription needed
- look for free cards
- can select music for card
- download app MyFunCards to send free ecards
- to send the card type free for Username and cards as Password
Cons
- simple, plain cards
- if music is chosen, sender and recipient must download midi file
Cat Cards
Pros
- all free e-Cards with cat photos for many occasions
- easy to navigate
- simple, minimal information required – sender only needs to submit from and to names and emails
- sends you an email to confirm that you sent the free e-Card
- site is hosted by Cat Depot, a nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless, abandoned, and injured cats
Cons
- limited choices – just cats
Crosscards Ecards
Pros
- all cards are free
- track contacts and e-Cards you have sent and received
- set delivery date
- post to Facebook, share link on Twitter, post to a board on Pinterest, or email
Cons
- the opt in for email holiday alerts or special offers is selected by default
- no formatting options for personal message
Dog Breedz
Pros
- lots of dog related categories e.g. Humorous, Specific Breeds, Birthday, Puppies and more
- can choose a background image and a ‘dog stamp’
- add an emoji to personal message
- sender is sent email confirmation
- can view printable version
Cons
- restricted to only dog e-Cards
- e-Cards only available for 15 days
The Nature Conservancy
Pros
- beautiful nature photographs including categories: Seasons, Animals, Birds, and more
- no advertising
- card appears in email message – don’t need to click link to see card in a browser
- can opt in to receive updates and invitations
- set delivery date
Cons
- limited choice of cards – restricted to nature theme
Regards
Pros
- can select View all free cards
- see dates for upcoming holidays
- choose background colors
- recipient can send a thank you note
- sender can see when recipient has viewed card
Cons
- ads on page
- recipient must click link in email
World Wildlife Fund
Pros
- all cards are free
- beautiful photos
- includes fun ‘Species Fact Cards’
- can opt in to receive emails about conservation news
Cons
- restricted to wildlife and nature topics
Care2 Earth to Kids
Pros
- all cards have been drawn by kids
- message in card has links to learning more about environmental issues
- sending e-Cards earns credits to generate donations to nonprofit organizations
- customize with stamps, music, background, or greeting
Cons
- must click link in email to view card
MOMA
Pros
- e-Cards are artwork from the Museum of Modern Art
- categories such as Architecture and Design, Painting and Sculpture, Special Occasions such as July 4, Mother’s Day and many more
- browse by artist
- no ads
Cons
- CAUTION: artwork can include images that schools may find inappropriate for younger students
