Send Picture Perfect Holiday Wishes From American Greetings

CLEVELAND, Dec. 7, 2011  /PRNewswire/ -- One of the most time-honored holiday traditions is the exchanging of greeting cards with friends and family. It's the perfect time to reach out and connect with someone important with a thoughtful word, a photograph, or a warm wish. That's why American Greetings Corporation (NYSE:AM) introduced digital slideshow greeting cards in 2009 and has brought them back again by popular demand for this holiday season. The cards, which were recently featured on The Early Show on CBS, bring holiday greetings to life and help consumers to truly deck the halls with all of the beautiful and exciting sights and sounds of the season.

The full-color LCD photo cards come in four designs and feature coordinating high quality audio that's sure to create a whole new kind of greeting card experience. Available either preloaded with Christmas images or ready to be customized with favorite photos, there's an option to suit every shopping list.

In the customized version, up to 50 photos can be uploaded through a self-contained 1" retractable USB cord and spring to life on the 1.8" LCD screen. Instrumental music and the customized slideshow play automatically each time the card is opened. The card is rechargeable and does not require software installation, which makes it easy to create and the perfect keepsake for years to come. Card themes include snowy holiday wishes and a very special Christmas message that's perfect for sharing memorable moments.

A preloaded version sets the tone for holiday greetings with bright and cheerful images that match each card's theme, all set to an original holiday soundtrack. One card conveys the true meaning of Christmas with a beautiful expression of the nativity and includes wishes for peace, love, and joy in the coming year. Another playful option that's perfect for animal lovers shows adorable photos of cats and dogs decked out in fun holiday accessories.

"We know that people love to surprise and delight friends and family with something really special in their mailboxes-- especially during the holidays," states Carol Miller executive director of new product concepts at American Greetings. "Our digital slideshow cards give them a great option to send more than a card, but a heartfelt keepsake that will help keep the holiday spirit alive for years to come."

As the industry leader in innovative new greeting card formats, American Greetings has introduced more fresh and exciting ways to celebrate birthdays and other big occasions than any other greeting card manufacturer over the past year. Incorporating fresh twists on paper technology with carefully written copy and festive artwork, the combined effect is the perfect selection of greeting cards that are sure to surprise and delight any recipient.

Consumers can find both versions of the digital slideshow card at participating drug chains, grocery stores and mass retailers nationwide, American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores, as well as www.americangreetings.com.  For more information on American Greetings, please visit www.corporate.americangreetings.com. You can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/amgreetings and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanGreetings.

About American Greetings Corporation

For more than 100 years, American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) has been a creator and manufacturer of innovative social expression products that assist consumers in enhancing their relationships to create happiness, laughter and love.  The Company's major greeting card lines are American Greetings, Carlton Cards, Gibson, Recycled Paper Greetings and Papyrus, and other paper product offerings include DesignWare party goods and American Greetings and Plus Mark gift-wrap and boxed cards.  American Greetings also has one of the largest collections of electronic greetings on the Web, including cards available at AmericanGreetings.com through AG Interactive, Inc. (the Company's online division).  In addition to its product lines, American Greetings also creates and licenses popular character brands through the American Greetings Properties group.  Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual revenue of approximately $1.6 billion, and its products can be found in retail outlets worldwide.   For more information on the Company, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.