What Are 3D Cards? A Friendly Guide to Pop-Up Greetings Cards

If you have searched for "3D cards" and found yourself wondering what exactly you would be buying, this is for you. We make them, so we are happy to explain.

So, what is a 3D card?

A 3D card, often called a pop-up card, looks like an ordinary greetings card when it is closed. Open it, and a little scene rises up from the page: a Christmas village, a bunch of flowers, a racing car, a couple under a willow tree. The paper is cut and folded so that the scene stands up when the card opens and folds flat again when it closes, which means it still slips into an envelope and goes through the post like any other card.

Why people choose them

A card is usually read once and then stood on the mantelpiece for a week. A pop-up card tends to get a reaction the moment it is opened, and it is the one people are more likely to keep. Many of our customers tell us the card ends up on a shelf long after the occasion has passed. It is a small thing, but it can make a message feel a little more thought-through than a card picked up in a hurry.

Choosing the right one

For a birthday. Milestone birthdays are a lovely excuse for something special. We have pop-up cards for the 40th, 60th, 90th and 100th, among others. If the person has a passion, a hobby card such as the Football Pop-Up Card or the Motorbike Pop-Up Card often goes down better than anything generic.

For flowers and gratitude. If you want to say thank you, get well soon, or happy Mother's Day, a floral card is a safe and warm choice. The Mixed Flower Bouquet and the Peony & Rose card are popular places to start.

For Christmas. This is our busiest season, and the choice is wide, from a quiet Stained Glass Chapel to the cheerful Christmas Town and the Christmas German Market. If you send cards by post, it is worth choosing early so you are not hunting for a favourite after the last posting dates.

For love and anniversaries. Scenes such as Lovers' Lane and the Willow Tree Couple suit anniversaries, engagements and Valentine's Day.

A few practical questions

Can it be posted? Yes. Because the scene folds flat, a pop-up card travels in an envelope in the usual way. Do check the size and weight against current Royal Mail pricing if you are sending it to someone directly.

Are they delicate? They are paper, so treat them kindly, but they are made to be opened and closed and shown off. Store yours upright and out of damp or direct sun and it will last.

What do I write inside? Whatever you would say to the person's face. The card does the showing off; your words do the rest.

Take a look

You can browse everything on the full collection, or start with the birthday cards or Christmas cards. We are a small business, and every order is looked after personally, so if you are not sure which card suits someone, just get in touch and we will happily help you choose.