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
Greetings Island
Pros
- all cards are free
- cards may be personalized: add stickers, edit text, font, color, size, alignment, and layout
- Kids category is suitable for young students
- cards may be filtered by relevant categories, such as boy or girl
- Add-a-Photo cards allow the user to upload a photo from your computer
- card, invitation, and calendar templates to personalize, download, and print, or send as an e-card
- only need to open a free account if you want to save drafts or favorite designs
Cons
- advertising on website, some ads link to different card sites
- some categories, such as Funny, may include text or images some schools may find inappropriate for young children. For lower grades, teachers should direct students to specific categories, e.g., Kids
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
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
