Create Stunning Holiday Cards with These Essential Tips and Tricks

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and connection. One of the most cherished traditions during this time is sending and receiving holiday cards. Whether you’re sharing family photos or heartfelt messages, creating unique holiday cards can be a delightful experience.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to make your holiday photo cards shine, from choosing the right template to printing options and creative finishing touches.

Choose the Right Holiday Card Template

Selecting the perfect holiday card template is the first step in your card-making journey. You can even start this journey while prepping your family photo shoot.

Consider the orientation of your photos. Will you be using vertical or horizontal images? A single hero image can create a striking focal point, while a collage allows you to showcase multiple moments.

When it comes to design elements, think about finishes. Foil accents can add a touch of elegance, while flat designs offer a more modern look. Choose color palettes that complement your photos and reflect the spirit of the season.

Don’t forget to leave space for names and the year on your cards. Some templates even offer back-of-card options, allowing you to include an extra photo or a personal note.

Make Sharp, Print-Ready Photos

Once you’ve chosen your template, it’s time to prepare your photos for printing.

Start with the basics: ensure your images are at least 300 ppi (pixels per inch) for crisp prints. Crop your photos to fit the bleed and safe area of your chosen template to avoid any unwanted cut-offs.

Pay attention to color profiles; using sRGB will help maintain color accuracy. Adjust exposure and consider gentle retouching to enhance your images without overdoing it.

Avoid over-compression of your files, as this can lead to pixelation. Consider doing a test print before placing a bulk order to ensure everything looks just right.

Compare Printing Options

With your photos ready, it’s time to explore your printing options.

You can choose between online services (i.e., Canva), boutique printers (like Moo.com), or local print shops. Each option has its pros and cons, so consider factors like paper weight and material. Cotton paper offers a luxurious feel, while recycled options are eco-friendly.

As for the photo card finish, you'll need to decide if you want a matte or glossy look. A matte print for photo cards is more elegant, smudge-resistant, and avoids glare. Glossy cards are great for vibrant, eye-catching images, and if you don't need to write on the surface. 

Don’t overlook the envelopes! Consider options like liners, addressing, and return printing. You can even choose between traditional stamps or meter printing for a polished finish.

Be sure to check turnaround times, minimum order quantities (MOQs), reprint policies, and the cost per card to find the best fit for your needs.

Finishing Touches for Unique Holiday Cards

To make your holiday cards truly stand out, consider adding some creative finishing touches.

Wax seals can add a touch of elegance, while envelope calligraphy gives a personal feel. You might also include a QR code that links to a family gallery or a special video message.

For an extra surprise, insert mini prints or a year-in-review summary that highlights your family’s adventures over the past year.

Timelines & Mailing Plan

Planning ahead is crucial for a successful holiday card campaign.

Start by setting a timeline for proof approval, printing, and shipping. Aim to have your cards printed and ready to ship at least a few weeks before the holidays to account for any delays.

Consider mailing windows for on-time arrival, especially if you’re sending cards internationally. The earlier you send them, the better chance they have of arriving in time for the festivities.

Other Ways to Use Your Holiday Images

Your holiday images can be repurposed in various creative ways beyond just cards.

Consider using them for framed gifts, custom calendars, gift tags, or even canvas prints. You can also create digital banners for your online holiday greetings.

These ideas not only showcase your family photos but also make for thoughtful gifts that loved ones will cherish.

After the Holidays

Once the holiday season wraps up, don’t let the beautiful cards you receive go to waste.

Gather all the incoming holiday cards and send them to Cardkive to create a custom keepsake book. This approach helps you declutter while keeping the sentimental value of the cards you love.

Get Your Cardkive Holiday Box