Methods and apparatus for inclusion of customizable or personalized digital content (132) in digital greeting cards and other digital media, activated at a point of sale (92) or direct purchase over the Internet (90). Methods for customization of the content of a digital audio or video object or objects or material, delivered as a downloadable file(s) or in streaming form, where additional or incidental content has been included based on information provided or incidental content created by the individuals involved in customizing, sending or receiving the material. These methods can be applied to digital content associated with greeting or gift cards sold through retail using point-of-sale activation or for digital audio or video material or objects purchased directly over the Internet. PIN numbers may be used with point-of-sale activation to limit unlicensed access or unlicensed copying to protect intellectual property rights.