The ultimate guide to printing Christmas Cards

Christmas Cards header image

As the festive season approaches, now is the perfect time for businesses, charities, and creatives to start planning their Christmas Cards. Whether you’re looking to resell beautifully crafted cards or send personalised messages to clients and colleagues, printed Christmas Cards offer a unique opportunity to connect and engage.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when designing and ordering your Christmas Cards, from the benefits of choosing a physical card to the design process and the extensive range of finishes available. Let’s dive in.

1. Why get printed Christmas Cards?

While it might be tempting to send a quick email or e-card during the holidays, nothing beats the charm of a physical Christmas Card. Here’s why:

Personal and tactile connection

A Christmas Card is more than just a message – it’s a physical object that carries weight, texture, and thoughtfulness. It feels personal, crafted, and intentional. The tactile nature of a card creates a deeper emotional connection between the sender and receiver. Unlike digital messages, which are often fleeting, a physical card can be kept and displayed, serving as a lasting reminder of the gesture.

You won’t get lost in the inbox

We all know how cluttered inboxes can become, especially during the busy holiday season. A digital card might get lost among the flood of other emails and promotions. By contrast, a printed Christmas Card is something your recipients will handle, open, and read. It has a presence that demands attention and won’t be accidentally overlooked.

Claim space on mantelpieces

The holiday season is a time when people love to decorate, and Christmas Cards are often a key part of that tradition. Whether placed on a mantelpiece, desk, or windowsill, cards become part of the festive display. By sending a physical card, you’re not only sharing your message but also claiming a spot in your recipients’ homes or offices, reinforcing your brand or relationship every time they see it.

Strengthen business relationships

Sending Christmas Cards can also help strengthen your professional connections. Research shows that people feel a deeper connection to businesses that send physical cards. Whether you’re reconnecting with clients, partners, or employees, a thoughtfully designed card can make a lasting impression.

2. Uses for Christmas Cards

Whether you’re a charity, business, or creative professional, there are numerous ways to make the most of printed cards during the festive season.

Cards as a commodity

If you’re a retailer or designer, Christmas Cards can be an excellent product for resale. With a little creativity, you can craft designs that add character and value that will appeal to your distinct audience. For independent creatives, designing unique cards for resale can provide an additional income stream during the holiday rush. With Solopress you can explore our comprehensive range of stocks and finishes to find the perfect spec that will complement and enhance your design.

Raise funds for a good cause

Christmas Cards are a popular fundraising tool for charities. And for good reason: charity cards raise an estimated £50 million each year. By designing custom cards that reflect your organisation’s values and mission, you can inspire supporters to purchase cards and spread your message. This approach is doubly beneficial: it raises funds for your cause while also raising awareness as people distribute your cards among friends and family.

Connect with customers

For businesses, sending Christmas Cards is a great way to show appreciation to clients and partners. A custom card lets you showcase your brand and remind recipients of your services in a warm, festive way. It’s a chance to let your customers know you care and to keep your business top of mind as they plan for the new year.

Express gratitude to colleagues

Christmas Cards are a thoughtful way to thank your team for their hard work throughout the year. Whether you’re acknowledging individual achievements or expressing appreciation to the entire company, a personalised card adds a meaningful touch. You can also use the card to host a gift voucher or accompany any other seasonal gift.

Accompany gifts

Whether you’re sending hampers to clients or gifts to colleagues, pairing your present with a custom Christmas Card adds a personal touch. You can include a heartfelt message or even a promotional offer with a QR code to drive post-holiday engagement.

3. Designing your Christmas Cards

When it comes to Christmas Card design, there’s much more to consider than just the artwork on the front. From messaging and card stock to special finishes, here’s what you need to know to make your cards truly memorable.

Messaging

The message inside your card is just as important as the design on the outside. Whether you’re sending a simple festive greeting or a more detailed note, the wording should align with the tone of your business or organisation. You might also want to consider including a QR code that links to a special offer, video message, or your website. This adds an interactive element that encourages recipients to engage with your brand beyond the card itself.

Fonts and colours

Fonts and colours play a crucial role in setting the tone of your Christmas Cards. When selecting a font, think about the message you want to convey. Elegant script fonts can evoke a sense of luxury, while more playful or traditional fonts can create a warm and nostalgic feel.

As for colours, choosing seasonal shades like red, green, and gold is a safe bet, but don’t be afraid to experiment with more modern palettes, such as pastel tones or metallics, to create something unique. If you’re unsure which colours to choose, consider the mood and style you’re trying to evoke, and make sure your design complements your brand identity.

Card stocks

The type of paper you choose for your Christmas Cards can significantly impact their look and feel. Solopress offers a wide range of card stocks, each providing a different aesthetic and texture:

  • Silk Christmas Cards: These cards feature a low surface sheen and a luxurious feel, perfect for a polished, high-quality finish. They can be printed single or double-sided.
  • Gloss Laminated Christmas Cards: If you want your colours to pop and catch the light, go for gloss-laminated cards. The glossy finish makes your design vibrant and eye-catching.
  • Matt Laminated Christmas Cards: For a more subtle and refined look, matt lamination is ideal. It gives the outside of your card a soft, smooth texture, while leaving the inside writable for personalised messages.
  • Brown Kraft Christmas Cards: Eco-conscious businesses and charities might opt for brown kraft cards. Printed on 457mic recycled brown kraft card, these cards have a rustic, earthy feel that aligns with eco-friendly values.
  • Pulp Christmas Cards: With a stylish, unfinished texture, pulp cards offer a unique and modern look. They’re available in multiple sizes, allowing flexibility in your design.
  • Textured Tweed Christmas Cards: If you want something truly distinctive, textured tweed cards offer a tactile diagonal pattern that sets them apart. The unique texture adds a premium touch to your design.
  • CardStock Christmas Cards: For a balance between stunning visuals and practicality, CardStock Christmas Cards feature a triple-coated front for vibrant, festive prints. The silk back is writable, allowing you to personalise each card with your own message. 
  • Metallic Christmas Cards: For a touch of glamour, metallic cards come in a variety of vibrant colours such as gold, pink, and blue, featuring a striking metallic finish.
  • Foil Christmas Cards: Want to impress high-end clients or customers? Add elements of foil to your cards for an opulent finish. Foil colours we have available include:

      • Gold
      • Rose gold
      • Bright gold
      • Silver
      • Green
      • Blue
      • Red
      • Turquoise
      • Black 
  • Spot UV Christmas Cards: Highlight specific areas of your design with spot UV varnish, adding a smooth, shiny texture that catches the light.
  • Eco-Friendly Christmas Cards: Show your commitment to the environment. Made from 100% recycled materials and produced using carbon-neutral processes, these cards allow you to spread festive cheer without the environmental impact..

Each card stock offers a different experience, so choose the one that best reflects the tone and message of your card.

4. The ordering process at Solopress

At Solopress, we make it easy to create and order custom Christmas Cards. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or new to card creation, our process is simple and user-friendly.

  1. Choose your card options

    Start by selecting the size, card stock, and finishes that best suit your needs. Solopress offers a wide range of options, so you can create the perfect card, whether it’s a small run for colleagues or a large batch for resale.

  2. Upload your design

    If you’ve already created your design, simply upload your artwork to our platform. Be sure to follow our artwork guidelines, especially if you’re incorporating special finishes like Foil or Spot UV. If you need help with your design, the Solopress Design Service is available to assist.

  3. Use our Create Your Own tool

    Not a designer? No problem! Our Create Your Own tool allows you to customise your Christmas Cards using pre-made templates, fonts, and colours. This tool makes it easy to create a professional-looking card without the need for graphic design software.

  4. Select delivery options

    Once your design is finalised, select your preferred delivery option. Solopress offers fast turnaround times, ensuring your cards are printed and delivered well in time for the festive season.

Whether you’re a business sending festive greetings to clients, a charity raising funds, or a designer selling custom cards, Christmas Cards are a powerful way to connect during the holiday season. From the personal touch of a physical card to the wide range of customisation options available, Solopress has everything you need to create a memorable card that makes