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From Phone to Doorstep: 9 Apps to Send Cards or Gifts Over Long Distance

Photo and greeting apps help kids and family stay connected to grandparents and loved ones

Kelly Knox
 | 

Published on: January 22, 2014

valentine's day apps collage of the best apps for valentine's dayYour friends and family might be far away, but thanks to these handy apps, you can still send a card or gift on birthdays or special days to show how much you love them.

Forget an impersonal postcard with a blurry photo from your phone slapped on it. With a few swipes of your finger, you can mail customized gifts, photos and gorgeous cards with straight-from-the-heart notes penned in your own handwriting. Even better, all of them can be delivered to loved ones’ mailboxes without having to lick a single stamp.

Send love straight from your smartphone for birthdays, holidays, or every day.


Felt icon for valentine's day appsFelt

A handwritten paper note sent directly from your iPad to the object of your affection sounds too good to be true, but Felt makes it possible  and it only takes a few minutes. Simply choose one of a variety of designs for the card, write a heartfelt message on the screen using a stylus or your finger, address the envelope, and then the app takes care of the rest.

Cards cost $3.99, including postage. Free (with in-app purchases), iPad

 

 


Ink app icon valentine's dayInk

Striking card designs and scheduled delivery make Ink stand out from the postcard crowd. The app features an assortment of cards and then gives you the chance to make a truly memorable memento. Photos can be uploaded from your phone or online albums (even Facebook and Instagram).

Cards cost just $1.99, including postage. Free (with in-app purchases), iPhone/iPad, Android

 


Kicksend app icon for valentine's dayKicksend

A postcard on a holiday is great, but Grandma wants to see the kids much more often than. Sending pictures has never been easier with apps like Kicksend. Photo sharing and high-quality prints are paired together in the easy-to-use app. Not only does the app create private albums online to share with whom you choose, you can also mail high-quality photo prints straight from your smartphone to your family.

No time to wait for the postman? Family members can even pick up your prints at their nearby CVS, Target, or Walgreens in less than an hour.

 Free (with in-app purchases), iPhone/iPad, Android, Windows Phone

 


Postalpix icon app for valentine's dayPostalPix

PostalPix also offers phone-to-print mail delivery for your friends and family, but with the added bonus of square paper sizes ideal for your favorite Instagram pictures.

Looking for a unique gift you can order in seconds? For memories that last, the app even offers affordable photos printed on thin, scratch-resistant aluminum sheets that can be turned into a personal wall art gallery or magnets.

Free (with in-app purchases), iPhone/iPad, Android

 


Print Studio app for valentine's day

Print Studio

Print Studio features a few other products in addition to photo prints, such as simple photo books and packs of greeting cards, all personalized with your favorite pictures. The app focuses on Instagram, so many of the cards and print sizes come in squares for perfectly fitted photos. You can also use photos from your smartphone albums to create cards, which are then cropped to fit the clean, square design.

If you’re looking to make an impact with a personal gift, Print Studio even offers striking, framed prints sent straight to your loved ones’ doorstep.

Free (with in-app purchases), iPhone/iPad

 


Treat app icon for valentine's dayTreat

Use your smartphone to send more than just an impersonal store-bought card. Treat comes from the makers of Shutterfly, so all of your uploaded photos on Shutterfly, Facebook photos and iPhone photos can be used with one of their unique designs and personalized text. From elegant to comical, you’ll find the right look. There are a multitude of cards for spouses, kids, grandparents, and more.

Treat even gives you the option of including a gift card from a number of retailers, including Amazon and Target.

Free (with in-app purchases), iPhone/iPad


Clever Cards 

Clever Cards allows you to create beautiful paper cards on glossy card stock and mail them anywhere in the world. The app even keeps you organized by reminding you of upcoming birthdays, events or holidays. With over 2,000 template options, you'll find a design for any occasion — but if you're interested in adding a personal touch, the app also lets you personalize by using your own photos.

And if eCards are more your style (or you'd like to save paper), the premium version lets you send your own audio and video!

Cards cost $2.99, plus postage. Free (with in-app purchases), iPhone/iPadAndroid


Touchnote 

Not only does Touchnote feature the ability to print greeting cards on high-quality glossy card stock, it also offers a postcard option if you're looking for something a little cheaper. The app has a fun collage setting for when you can't choose just one photo of you and your loved one — and it can ship within the US or worldwide! With detailed delivery options, your card will always arrive on time. 

Best of all, the app has a money back guarantee! If the card is lost, damaged or just isn't up to your standards, Touchnote is happy to resend the card for free or return your money. 

 Cards start at $1.99, including postage. Free (with in-app purchases), iPhone/iPadAndroid

 


Polagram 

Polagram is all about the photos! Aside from regular prints, the app can create posters, calendars, a 26-page photo-book, smartphone cases and even a charming giftbox — plenty of options for sharing photos with your loved ones. With speedy shipping all over the world, Polagram is a great option for sharing memories with everyone you care about.

The app also allows you to crop and edit your photos, so no matter what, your snapshots will look just right.

Prints start at $0.45, not including postage. Free (with in-app purchases), iPhone, Android 

 

 


 


Photo credit: At Second Street

More card ideas for Valentine's or any day

15 Treat-Free Valentine's (shown above)

20 Homemade Cards for Kids

12 DIY Cards

15 Valentine's Day Free Printables

15 Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

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