Hobbies And Interests
Header Card
The header card is found at the front of every single pack produced. It acts as the "cover card" providing a sense of uniformity. This type of card is often used in limited edition sets where it introduces what it is included in the set. A header card also acts as a buffer to protect the more important cards in the pack or set.
Prizes
Prizes are a common addition to sport and entertainment card packs. One of the most famous examples is the stick of gum which was, for many years, placed in the Topps Brand Baseball Card Packs. (It was removed in 1991 when it was discovered that the gum could damage the cards in the pack.) Other prizes which are commonly found in card packs are stickers, decals, holograms or other flat objects which fit inside the packaging.
Wrappers
One common type of card packaging is made of soft plastic which protects the cards from moisture, while still being fairly inexpensive to produce. These plastic wrappers can be a simple clear shrink wrap or a more elaborate plastic with graphics and company logos designed onto the packaging. Other card packaging options include hard plastic cases (for a single special card), resealable snap-tight cases, sealed foil wrappers, pouch foil wrappers and even a modified waxed paper (also used for years by Topps).
Boxes
Cardboard boxes are often used to package individual packs of cards which are then shipped to the retailer. The box is then opened and the customer can purchase as many packs as desired The cardboard boxes often include graphics, slogans and company names associated with the cards inside. Boxes are also used when people are purchasing larger full sets. Rather than wrapping 10 to 15 cards individually, the cards in the entire set are then placed in a box, which is usually sealed with clear shrink wrap. This is a common occurrence for large sets such as the entire baseball, basketball or football set a particular card company might be offering.