How many times a year do you get cards tucked into the gift bag with a gift? You read the note from your loved one, or co-worker, then if you're like most people, stack all the cards together to hoard away in a junk drawer until an acceptable amount of time has passed. Then into the bin they go. Am I right?
So what can you do with those cards to make sure they don't go straight into a landfill after they're gifted to you?
Make a sentiment box
Ok, I'll admit this one is a little gushy, but it's what I do. You can keep all those cards. I'm not even kidding: birthday cards, holidays, thank you notes from small business, even the sad ones. Every minimalist everywhere is screaming, but there's no rule that says you have to get rid of them. Find a nice decorative box, a tote bag you maybe don't use anymore, hell even a drawer that's been empty for who-knows-how-long. Pile them all in there, and every so often just take a peak inside. When I tell you those memories come flooding back, it's really an understatement.
Turn them into art
Gallery walls are super trendy right now, and speaking from experience, sometimes you just need something small to fill in that one spot.
Usually greeting cards aren't the same size as most photos, but that means you get to get creative. If your frame's too big, use that space around the card to write down something about that day, doodle a frame, or accent it with a big chunky matte.
If the frame is too small, just trim up the edges a little bit. You can even cut out the main part of the card to feature just the design.
Heck you don't even need a frame if you don't have one on hand. Channel your inner middle schooler and just tape it up with some cute washi tape!
Firestarters
This one's obviously less sentimental, more practical. But if you have a fire pit that needs some kindling... well paper is flammable. You could also use strips of the paper to reach a candle wick that's a little too far down for your hand to reach with a lighter. Just please be very very careful! I am not responsible for any burns here.
Make a Bookmark
Do I want you chopping up my cards into bits a pieces? Of course not. But would I rather you reuse an old card to make a bookmark instead of buying a brand new one that (if you're anything like me) you'll lose as soon you finish that book. Absolutely!
Compost 'Em
Composting is an easy way to repurpose old foods, lawn clippings, and of course, cards that you don't want to hold onto anymore to make fertilizer for your houseplants, vegetables garden, or flower beds. All of the paper and ink Vim & Vigor uses is safe for compost, but for cards that aren't V&V, maybe check with the vendor before you throw them in the pile, just in case.
Small Functionalities
Turn your old cards into small tools. Keep them all in a small box or bag, somewhere not to display or go back to for memories, but they way you keep lightbulbs and screwdrivers. Next time you're going to mix up some paint, need a small divider, or even a scrap paper for a quick note, grab an old card. Seriously, make them functional for your needs after the gift giving is over. 
Whatcha think? Are you going to try any of these methods to lengthen the life of your cards a little?
Things like cards are very much a temporary item. Meant to be disposable. But that doesn't mean they have to be. I'm always looking for ways to repurpose things like this so if you have any ideas, please share them below!
Photo for bookmark by Dario Fernandez Ruz from Pexels
