Does your desk overflow with old business cards that you’re keeping for sentimental reasons or in case you need the information later? This clutter can make your workspace feel chaotic and add unnecessary stress.
Every glance at that growing stack can remind you of missed opportunities and disorganization, making it hard to focus on what really matters.
Fortunately, there are many creative ways on what to do with your old business cards. Whether you’re interested in practical solutions or decorative projects, we’ll show you how to turn that clutter into something useful and organized.
The value of old business cards
Many people don’t realize the true value of their old business cards. What may seem like outdated paper can actually hold significant worth due to its age, rarity, or the companies it represents.
Old visiting cards can offer unique historical insights and networking opportunities. Collectors and historians may find them intriguing, and they can even help you reconnect with past contacts. The card’s value is influenced by factors such as its condition, rarity, and association with prominent figures or companies.
If you’re curious about their potential worth, consider exploring options like selling them online or contacting dealers who specialize in vintage business cards. You might discover that your old collection is more valuable than you imagined.
What should I do with old business cards?
If you’re wondering what to do with old business cards, don’t discard them just yet! There are plenty of ways to recycle, reuse, or repurpose them. In this section, we’ll share simple ideas for turning your old cards into useful or decorative items.
Practical uses of repurposing vintage visiting cards
Bookmarks
Transform old visiting cards into functional bookmarks to keep track of your reading. Cut a triangular flap in the middle to slide over your page, and add personal touches with paint or stickers. Ideal for avid readers and recipe enthusiasts.
Labels
Use old cards as DIY labels for organizing files, drawers, or folders. Write or print the names of contents on the blank side, or paint over any non-blank side to create a clean writing surface. Stick or attach the cards for easy identification and neat organization.
Business card box
Repurpose old visiting cards into a stylish box for storing new cards or other small items. Layer and glue the cards to build a durable box, enhancing its thickness for sturdiness. This not only declutters your space but also creates a functional and decorative storage solution.
Guitar picks
If your business cards are made of high-quality material, cut them into custom guitar picks. Follow online tutorials to achieve the right shape and size. These picks are a great way to repurpose old cards while providing a unique accessory for your musical instruments.
Gift tags
Repurpose legacy business cards into eye-catching gift tags. Paint and decorate the cards with designs, patterns, or personal messages. Attach them to gifts to add a personal and creative touch that stands out.
Try origami
Legacy visiting cards are perfect for origami due to their ideal thickness and quality. Use them to create beautiful crafts, like colorful pyramids, bright orbs, or cute origami animals. Who knew business cards could be so much fun?
Business card holder
Repurpose old cards into creative and functional holders for new cards. Use materials like an empty tissue box or cardboard tube, scissors, and glue. For added creativity, cut out logos or smaller pieces from the cards to make a mosaic design.
Business card keychain
Turn old visiting cards into keychains for practical use. Punch a hole and attach a keyring, use a snap-in keychain, or laminate the cards for durability.
Business card fridge magnet
Make simple fridge magnets from old calling cards using adhesive magnetic strips. Decorate the card or cut out specific pieces like logos. Alternatively, use a hot glue gun to attach small round magnets to the back of the card.
Related: Best Business Cards Trends
Artistic uses for old calling cards
Vintage visiting cards can serve a dual purpose, offering both creative and practical applications. Here’s how you can make the most of them:
Collages
Slice vintage cards into various shapes and sizes to build a mixed media collage. Combine them with materials like magazine clippings, photos, or paint to craft a distinctive art piece.
Wall art
Transform a blank wall by arranging old calling cards into a pattern or design of your choice. Adhere them to a canvas or cardboard to create a striking piece of wall art.
Illustrations
Use legacy business cards as mini canvases for your artwork. Paint or draw directly on the cards to produce small-scale illustrations that showcase your creativity.
Custom art pieces
Design custom wall art using old visiting cards. Experiment with painting, drawing, stickers, or embellishments to reflect your personal style, or create a 3D effect for added depth.
Networking practice
If you’re new to networking or want to improve your skills, use vintage business cards for practice. Role-play handing out cards or refine your elevator pitch in front of the mirror using these old cards.
Eco-friendly ways to repurpose old business cards
Recycle them
If your business cards are recyclable, just toss them in your recycling bin. This helps reduce waste and is good for the environment. Check local guidelines to be sure they can be recycled.
Compost them
For visiting cards made from biodegradable materials, such as seed paper, consider composting them. Simply plant the cards in your garden or a pot with soil. The cards will decompose over time, and the embedded seeds will sprout into flowers, herbs, or vegetables, turning your old business cards into new life.
Related: Eco-Friendly Marketing Strategies
Alternatives to traditional business cards
If you’re still using traditional paper business cards, it might be time to switch to digital. Digital business cards not only replace old-fashioned paper cards but also streamline your networking and cut down on waste.
Benefits of going digital
- A paperless workspace :Digital visiting cards help clear up physical clutter, leading to a more organized and efficient workspace. Going paperless reduces the mess and simplifies your office environment.
- Cost savings: Often, digital business cards are available at no cost, which means you save money on printing and reordering. This financial advantage makes digital cards a practical choice for budget-conscious professionals.
- Lower environmental impact: By choosing digital cards, you help minimize the waste associated with traditional paper cards. This eco-friendly option supports efforts to reduce waste and conserve resources.
- Greater design flexibility: Digital business cards offer a wide range of customization options, from design templates to color schemes. This allows you to create a card that truly represents your personal or business brand.
- Easy sharing and access: Digital cards can be quickly shared via email, text, or social media. This convenience ensures that your contact information is easily accessible and can be updated without the hassle of reprinting.
Should old business cards be shredded?
Yes, but we don’t recommend shredding if it’s not necessary. Shredding and disposing of business cards can contribute to waste, especially since shredded cards are harder to recycle and may require specialized facilities for proper disposal.
Only shred your old cards if they contain sensitive information. For non-sensitive cards, we recommend recycling them. Recycling helps reduce waste and is a more eco-friendly option for handling old or defunct business cards.
Conclusion
If your desk is cluttered with old business cards, it’s time to clear the space and reduce stress. Instead of letting them pile up, consider recycling, repurposing, or even turning them into creative projects.
For a modern approach, digital business cards offer a paperless, eco-friendly, and customizable alternative.
Need new business cards? Contact us for personalized designs and custom printing services tailored to your needs.
Answering your questions
You can take your old business cards to a nearby recycling facility that processes paper products. Just make sure they accept business cards specifically.
For cards with sensitive information, shredding is advisable. For others, consider giving them a new purpose, such as crafting or repurposing, rather than simply discarding them.
Old business cards can be creatively reused—turn them into new business cards, use them in craft projects, or repurpose them as labels for organizing your space.
Absolutely. Even though digital cards are becoming more common, physical business cards are still relevant.
