Punchbowl Blog

This post was written by Ariel Faulkner, Content Manager

In the fall of 2011, Punchbowl launched a new Digital Greeting Cards service to provide busy families with a more convenient way to send thoughtful well-wishes to friends and loved ones. We focused on creating beautiful digital cards that have the look and feel of traditional paper cards and detailed accents like envelope liners, custom postage, and rubber stamps. Over the past few months we’ve tracked the top digital card designs and have seen a number of trends emerge, especially in the birthday category.

Take a look at the most popular birthday card designs of January 2012 to see if you can spot the theme:

All five of our top digital birthday card designs have two important things in common: one focal element (a flower, a cake, a gift, etc.) and a bright, warm color palette. But will these remain the favorites?

Greeting card design trends are often inspired by sources beyond the world of stationery. (The cupcake, for example, emerged as a major food trend in 2008.) Here are a few of the 2012 fashion and interior design trends that we expect will influence birthday card design in the coming year:

• Bold Prints: Designers have declared that Spring 2012 will be the season of loud and proud. Incredibly vibrant prints and patterns (floral, peacock, and geometric) will dominate. Look for striking wallpaper, exotic textiles, and birthday greetings that jump off the screen.

• Vintage Appeal: It’s time to relive the era of The Great Gatsby! Some of the biggest movies of the year (Midnight in Paris, Hugo, and The Artist) are set in the 1920s, and everyone is getting swept up in the fantasy. Look for flapper dresses and Art Deco accents on the runway, pressed glass on the dining room table, and vintage-inspired illustrations on your birthday cards.

• The Unexpected: Contrasting textures, unusual proportions, and an eclectic blend of styles will also define the look of 2012. Expect to see pairings like iron and crystal, accessories made with burlap and velvet, or a shock of color on a neutral background.

Do you have a favorite 2012 card design from Punchbowl? Schedule a free birthday eCard for a loved one who has a birthday coming up!