Handwritten notes and cards sent via snail mail are great ways to thank people, celebrate milestones and holidays, or simply show someone you’re thinking of them. It’s not always easy, though, to find time to head to the store, pick out a card, and drop it in the mail. Now that so many folks keep their address books in an electronic format, e-cards are a happy alternative and a quick, easy solution. With all the great e-card sites on the web, you’ll have no trouble finding just the right card for every occasion and any personality. Here we provide some of the best free e-card sites. Check out one or two, and let friends and family know you’re thinking of them! (Most of these sites require you to register with your email address.)

eCardster. This site lets you send cards that are easy to create. Upload a photo from your computer, or choose one from the large gallery they provide. You can even choose to add your photo to their gallery after sending your card! Type in a personalized message and signature, and select a font and color for your text. You can also choose a border for your card from over 100 available on the site. When you’re happy with your card, you can send it to up to 5 recipients!

GroupCard. GroupCard is the world’s leading provider of collaborative greetings and gifting. This site gives you a way to personalize a card from your whole family, office, or group of friends for a single recipient. You select your card, sign it, and then invite others to sign it as well. GroupCard also allows you to add gift cards to the card, and each signer can add his or her own. Cards can include thousands of signatures! Once everyone has signed, this site also offers a PDF version of your card that you can print and give in person, or you can print cards in high-quality formats and have them shipped to you. In addition, GroupCard offers services to provide businesses with collaborative gifting on a Facebook page or business website.

Someecards. This site offers sassy and sarcastic e-cards for every occasion (including categories like “breakup” and “confession”) as well as cards that serve as invitations. Choose from predesigned cards that the site provides, cards that users have created and uploaded, or create an original card. Select your background color, a graphic from their vintage-themed collection, and add a snarky (or serious) saying. Cards at Someecards are designed to be humorous rather than serious, and who can’t use a laugh, anyway? Save your card when you’re done, then send it. These cards are so popular there’s even a page on the site where you can buy magnets, mugs, and more with prints of their cards to give to your special someone.

HDgreetings. This site lets you create high-quality, high-definition video e-cards. Each card is personalized with your video (choose from their stash of animated videos or use a webcam to create your own). You can add music to the video and include a photo that will appear at the end of the video with your personal message. You also have the option of adding fun effects to photos that you attach to your video. These are great for long-distance friends and loved ones!

123Greetings. With 123Greetings, you can create e-cards without having to register on the site (however, doing so will allow you to access additional features). You can send personalized photo cards, animated cards they have created, and even comic strips to friends and family. Send your cards immediately or schedule them to be sent within 60 days. Each card can have up to 100 recipients. This site also offers a service called “Connect”—when you register, the site can access your contacts from an online address book and send you reminders about upcoming birthdays and other events!

Do you use other e-card sites to stay in touch? Share your favorites in the comments below!