I Ordered Over 200 Custom Christmas Cards This Year — See How Minted, Shutterfly, and More Delivered

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo: People/Madison Yauger

There’s a seasonal magic that happens whenChristmas cards start arriving in the mail. A feeling of anticipation bubbles up as you open the mailbox to see if any bright red or crisp white envelopes await.Experts Say“Even in today’s modern world, with instant communication at the touch of a button, there is still something so special about receiving a holiday card in the mail", says etiquette expertJodi Smith.“Knowing that someone took the time to think about you and send greetings from afar…it’s like a little hug in an envelope.”Whether you prefer classic cards, photo cards, or even funny cards, we found the best options from top brands like Shutterfly, Minted, Zazzle, Papier, Artifact Uprising, Paper Culture, and Rifle Paper Co.We checked our list twice, and everything is postmarked and ready to deliver — ahead, the best custom Christmas cards of 2024.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Artifact Uprising Handwritten Christmas Card at Artifactuprising.com$24Jump to ReviewBest Value:Papier Year In Review Photo at Papier.com$110Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Minted Happy Overlap Card at MintedJump to ReviewBest Categories:Zazzle Pet Photo Holiday Card at Zazzle.comJump to ReviewBest Personalization:Shutterfly Message Overlap Holiday Card at Shutterfly.comJump to ReviewBest Sustainable:Paper Culture Sleigh All Day Holiday Cards at Paperculture.comJump to Review

There’s a seasonal magic that happens whenChristmas cards start arriving in the mail. A feeling of anticipation bubbles up as you open the mailbox to see if any bright red or crisp white envelopes await.

Experts Say“Even in today’s modern world, with instant communication at the touch of a button, there is still something so special about receiving a holiday card in the mail", says etiquette expertJodi Smith.“Knowing that someone took the time to think about you and send greetings from afar…it’s like a little hug in an envelope.”

Experts Say

“Even in today’s modern world, with instant communication at the touch of a button, there is still something so special about receiving a holiday card in the mail", says etiquette expertJodi Smith.“Knowing that someone took the time to think about you and send greetings from afar…it’s like a little hug in an envelope.”

Whether you prefer classic cards, photo cards, or even funny cards, we found the best options from top brands like Shutterfly, Minted, Zazzle, Papier, Artifact Uprising, Paper Culture, and Rifle Paper Co.

We checked our list twice, and everything is postmarked and ready to deliver — ahead, the best custom Christmas cards of 2024.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Artifact Uprising Handwritten Christmas Card at Artifactuprising.com$24Jump to ReviewBest Value:Papier Year In Review Photo at Papier.com$110Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Minted Happy Overlap Card at MintedJump to ReviewBest Categories:Zazzle Pet Photo Holiday Card at Zazzle.comJump to ReviewBest Personalization:Shutterfly Message Overlap Holiday Card at Shutterfly.comJump to ReviewBest Sustainable:Paper Culture Sleigh All Day Holiday Cards at Paperculture.comJump to Review

Best Overall:Artifact Uprising Handwritten Christmas Card at Artifactuprising.com$24Jump to ReviewBest Value:Papier Year In Review Photo at Papier.com$110Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Minted Happy Overlap Card at MintedJump to ReviewBest Categories:Zazzle Pet Photo Holiday Card at Zazzle.comJump to ReviewBest Personalization:Shutterfly Message Overlap Holiday Card at Shutterfly.comJump to ReviewBest Sustainable:Paper Culture Sleigh All Day Holiday Cards at Paperculture.comJump to Review

Best Overall:Artifact Uprising Handwritten Christmas Card at Artifactuprising.com$24Jump to Review

Best Overall:Artifact Uprising Handwritten Christmas Card at Artifactuprising.com$24

Best Overall:

Best Value:Papier Year In Review Photo at Papier.com$110Jump to Review

Best Value:Papier Year In Review Photo at Papier.com$110

Best Value:

Best Splurge:Minted Happy Overlap Card at MintedJump to Review

Best Splurge:Minted Happy Overlap Card at Minted

Best Splurge:

Best Categories:Zazzle Pet Photo Holiday Card at Zazzle.comJump to Review

Best Categories:Zazzle Pet Photo Holiday Card at Zazzle.com

Best Categories:

Best Personalization:Shutterfly Message Overlap Holiday Card at Shutterfly.comJump to Review

Best Personalization:Shutterfly Message Overlap Holiday Card at Shutterfly.com

Best Personalization:

Best Sustainable:Paper Culture Sleigh All Day Holiday Cards at Paperculture.comJump to Review

Best Sustainable:Paper Culture Sleigh All Day Holiday Cards at Paperculture.com

Best Sustainable:

Best OverallArtifact Uprising Handwritten Christmas CardPHOTO: Artifact Uprising$24 at Artifactuprising.comStar QualitiesHigh quality that’s consistent across all cards included in the orderVisually stunning designs and ample choice of templatesThick, durable cardstockRed FlagsSomewhat expensive (but worth it!)Ordering cards from Artifact Uprising proved to be a seamless process from start to finish. Perusing the various categories of cards, I was dazzled with choice but settled on a minimalist, handwritten-style graphic with a single bold photo on the front and two smaller images on the back.It was so simple to upload my selected photos to the card template, and there were options to choose the card orientation, printing style (with or without foil accents), paper type, and envelope color. I bought my batch of cards with expedited shipping, and it arrived three business days after I hit “place order.”The quality was immaculate: The cardstock is thick and durable with a gorgeous pearlescent finish. Every card was flawless, and the beige envelopes add such a nice touch of sophistication. Though a little pricey, these cards are well worth the cost.Paper Type:Thick cardstock with a pearlized sheen |Finish:Matte |# of Cards Ordered:40 |Shipping:Standard (5–8 business days), Economy (4–6 business days), Expedited (2 business days), and Rush (1 business day); no expedited international shippingPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerCamera Ready!For my Christmas card photoshoot, I used small businessSHOOTT, which has locations in more than 60 cities across the U.S. The best part? The shoot is completely free — youonly pay for the photosyou end up choosing once the gallery posts. It was so easy to set up my appointment,my photographer, Ramuel, was a delight (and so patient with my stubborn pup), and the photos were exactly what I’d hoped for. Two of our other editors have also used Shoott (in Hawai’i and Atlanta) and equally enjoyed their experiences and the resulting photos.

Best OverallArtifact Uprising Handwritten Christmas CardPHOTO: Artifact Uprising$24 at Artifactuprising.com

Best OverallArtifact Uprising Handwritten Christmas Card

Best Overall

Artifact Uprising Handwritten Christmas Card

PHOTO: Artifact Uprising

$24 at Artifactuprising.com

Star QualitiesHigh quality that’s consistent across all cards included in the orderVisually stunning designs and ample choice of templatesThick, durable cardstockRed FlagsSomewhat expensive (but worth it!)

Star QualitiesHigh quality that’s consistent across all cards included in the orderVisually stunning designs and ample choice of templatesThick, durable cardstock

High quality that’s consistent across all cards included in the order

Visually stunning designs and ample choice of templates

Thick, durable cardstock

Red FlagsSomewhat expensive (but worth it!)

Somewhat expensive (but worth it!)

Ordering cards from Artifact Uprising proved to be a seamless process from start to finish. Perusing the various categories of cards, I was dazzled with choice but settled on a minimalist, handwritten-style graphic with a single bold photo on the front and two smaller images on the back.

It was so simple to upload my selected photos to the card template, and there were options to choose the card orientation, printing style (with or without foil accents), paper type, and envelope color. I bought my batch of cards with expedited shipping, and it arrived three business days after I hit “place order.”

The quality was immaculate: The cardstock is thick and durable with a gorgeous pearlescent finish. Every card was flawless, and the beige envelopes add such a nice touch of sophistication. Though a little pricey, these cards are well worth the cost.

Paper Type:Thick cardstock with a pearlized sheen |Finish:Matte |# of Cards Ordered:40 |Shipping:Standard (5–8 business days), Economy (4–6 business days), Expedited (2 business days), and Rush (1 business day); no expedited international shipping

PHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison Yauger

Camera Ready!For my Christmas card photoshoot, I used small businessSHOOTT, which has locations in more than 60 cities across the U.S. The best part? The shoot is completely free — youonly pay for the photosyou end up choosing once the gallery posts. It was so easy to set up my appointment,my photographer, Ramuel, was a delight (and so patient with my stubborn pup), and the photos were exactly what I’d hoped for. Two of our other editors have also used Shoott (in Hawai’i and Atlanta) and equally enjoyed their experiences and the resulting photos.

Camera Ready!

For my Christmas card photoshoot, I used small businessSHOOTT, which has locations in more than 60 cities across the U.S. The best part? The shoot is completely free — youonly pay for the photosyou end up choosing once the gallery posts. It was so easy to set up my appointment,my photographer, Ramuel, was a delight (and so patient with my stubborn pup), and the photos were exactly what I’d hoped for. Two of our other editors have also used Shoott (in Hawai’i and Atlanta) and equally enjoyed their experiences and the resulting photos.

Best ValuePapier Year In Review PhotoPHOTO: Papier$110 at Papier.comStar QualitiesCreative and whimsical designsGood value for quantity to cost ratioThick, durable cardstockFast standard shippingRed FlagsWe couldn’t find any!Known for its chic paper goods — I rely on their yearly planners — Papier delivers the same high quality in its Christmas cards. With options for both photo cards and artistic cards, there’s something for everyone. I opted for the creative card template that’s laid out like a “Year in Review” snapshot. This fun template let me put so much information in one card in a truly unique way.You can choose flat or folded cards, with package bundles ranging from 10 to 1,000 cards. The personalization process was user-friendly (even tech-challenged folks can figure it out). I ordered these cards with standard shipping, and they arrived just six days later. The card quality was stellar: thick cardstock, a sleek matte finish, and crisp, clear picture. And the value is unmatched — I was able to order 30 cards for just $50 compared to other brands that offered fewer cards at higher prices.Paper Type:Thick cardstock |Finish:Matte |# of Cards Ordered:30 |Shipping:Economy shipping (7 business days after dispatch), Standard (3 business days after dispatch), Priority (2 business days after dispatch), Overnight (1 business day after dispatch)PHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerExperts Say“Some best practices with selecting the type of card is to allow the card to reflect your personality or your family’s personality. If you look at it from that perspective, you can have a lot of fun picking out different types of cards, and sharing the same holiday cheer.”—Elaine Swann, etiquette expert

Best ValuePapier Year In Review PhotoPHOTO: Papier$110 at Papier.com

Best ValuePapier Year In Review Photo

Best Value

Papier Year In Review Photo

PHOTO: Papier

$110 at Papier.com

Star QualitiesCreative and whimsical designsGood value for quantity to cost ratioThick, durable cardstockFast standard shippingRed FlagsWe couldn’t find any!

Star QualitiesCreative and whimsical designsGood value for quantity to cost ratioThick, durable cardstockFast standard shipping

Creative and whimsical designs

Good value for quantity to cost ratio

Fast standard shipping

Red FlagsWe couldn’t find any!

We couldn’t find any!

Known for its chic paper goods — I rely on their yearly planners — Papier delivers the same high quality in its Christmas cards. With options for both photo cards and artistic cards, there’s something for everyone. I opted for the creative card template that’s laid out like a “Year in Review” snapshot. This fun template let me put so much information in one card in a truly unique way.

You can choose flat or folded cards, with package bundles ranging from 10 to 1,000 cards. The personalization process was user-friendly (even tech-challenged folks can figure it out). I ordered these cards with standard shipping, and they arrived just six days later. The card quality was stellar: thick cardstock, a sleek matte finish, and crisp, clear picture. And the value is unmatched — I was able to order 30 cards for just $50 compared to other brands that offered fewer cards at higher prices.

Paper Type:Thick cardstock |Finish:Matte |# of Cards Ordered:30 |Shipping:Economy shipping (7 business days after dispatch), Standard (3 business days after dispatch), Priority (2 business days after dispatch), Overnight (1 business day after dispatch)

PHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison Yauger

Experts Say“Some best practices with selecting the type of card is to allow the card to reflect your personality or your family’s personality. If you look at it from that perspective, you can have a lot of fun picking out different types of cards, and sharing the same holiday cheer.”—Elaine Swann, etiquette expert

“Some best practices with selecting the type of card is to allow the card to reflect your personality or your family’s personality. If you look at it from that perspective, you can have a lot of fun picking out different types of cards, and sharing the same holiday cheer.”—Elaine Swann, etiquette expert

Best SplurgeMinted Happy Overlap CardPHOTO: MintedView on MintedStar QualitiesFoil accents looked so sophisticatedThick, quality cardstockLots of gorgeous and elegant options to choose fromRed FlagsNot a red flag if you want to splurge, but the price is higher per card than other brands we triedMinted has a wide array of elegant cards trimmed and accented with foil (available in eight hues including bronze, glittery gold, and rose gold). Similar to Zazzle, there are lots of subcategories to browse such as minimalist, iconic Christmas, classic and elegant, bold and typographic, funny, and more. The designs are varied enough that there’s a style that matches every preference and aesthetic.The personalization and ordering processes were easy, and the cards arrived two days earlier than estimated. I loved that they come with a note from the artist that designs the card so you can learn more about them. The quality was consistent across all cards, the font looked sleek, and the photos (all six of them in the template I chose) looked perfect. Plus, the bronze foil casts a subtle light that really captures the eye. Though the most expensive cards on our list, the cards are stunning and absolutely worth it.Paper Type:Smooth signature cardstock |Finish:Matte |# of Cards Ordered:25 |Shipping:Standard (5 business days), Priority (3 business days), Expedited (2 business days), and Rush (1 business day)PHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison Yauger

Best SplurgeMinted Happy Overlap CardPHOTO: MintedView on Minted

Best SplurgeMinted Happy Overlap Card

Best Splurge

Minted Happy Overlap Card

PHOTO: Minted

View on Minted

Star QualitiesFoil accents looked so sophisticatedThick, quality cardstockLots of gorgeous and elegant options to choose fromRed FlagsNot a red flag if you want to splurge, but the price is higher per card than other brands we tried

Star QualitiesFoil accents looked so sophisticatedThick, quality cardstockLots of gorgeous and elegant options to choose from

Foil accents looked so sophisticated

Thick, quality cardstock

Lots of gorgeous and elegant options to choose from

Red FlagsNot a red flag if you want to splurge, but the price is higher per card than other brands we tried

Not a red flag if you want to splurge, but the price is higher per card than other brands we tried

Minted has a wide array of elegant cards trimmed and accented with foil (available in eight hues including bronze, glittery gold, and rose gold). Similar to Zazzle, there are lots of subcategories to browse such as minimalist, iconic Christmas, classic and elegant, bold and typographic, funny, and more. The designs are varied enough that there’s a style that matches every preference and aesthetic.

The personalization and ordering processes were easy, and the cards arrived two days earlier than estimated. I loved that they come with a note from the artist that designs the card so you can learn more about them. The quality was consistent across all cards, the font looked sleek, and the photos (all six of them in the template I chose) looked perfect. Plus, the bronze foil casts a subtle light that really captures the eye. Though the most expensive cards on our list, the cards are stunning and absolutely worth it.

Paper Type:Smooth signature cardstock |Finish:Matte |# of Cards Ordered:25 |Shipping:Standard (5 business days), Priority (3 business days), Expedited (2 business days), and Rush (1 business day)

Best CategoriesZazzle Pet Photo Holiday CardPHOTO: ZazzleView on Zazzle.comStar QualitiesCute design categories, including a category dedicated to “funny” cardsUser-friendly system for personalizationGood value considering quantity to cost ratioRed FlagsRed, matte finish was slightly duller than it appeared onlineAnother festive option for your holiday cards is Zazzle. This personalization platform has a range of cool products to personalize (I’ve ordered mugs, puzzles, and jewelry), and the categories for cards are just as diverse. Choose from flat, folded, postcard, foil, or non-photo cards — as well as funny cards, which I opted for. Within each category, you’ll find subcategories such as rustic, modern, watercolor, botanical, elegant, trendy, vintage, script, minimalist, pets, kids, and more.Once I selected my card of choice, it was easy to upload my photo to the template. It also had options for theme color, edges, size, paper type, and more. The cards arrived quickly and seeing my dog in the design made me giggle. The cards were high quality, and the image was crisp and clear — only the red bottom section wasn’t quite as vibrant as it looked online.Paper Type:Standard cardstock with rounded edges |Finish:Matte |# of Cards Ordered:25 |Shipping:Standard, Zip (2 business days), Zip Plus (1 business day), and Zazzle Plus (free shipping membership, similar to Amazon Prime, but for Zazzle)PHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison Yauger

Best CategoriesZazzle Pet Photo Holiday CardPHOTO: ZazzleView on Zazzle.com

Best CategoriesZazzle Pet Photo Holiday Card

Best Categories

Zazzle Pet Photo Holiday Card

PHOTO: Zazzle

View on Zazzle.com

Star QualitiesCute design categories, including a category dedicated to “funny” cardsUser-friendly system for personalizationGood value considering quantity to cost ratioRed FlagsRed, matte finish was slightly duller than it appeared online

Star QualitiesCute design categories, including a category dedicated to “funny” cardsUser-friendly system for personalizationGood value considering quantity to cost ratio

Cute design categories, including a category dedicated to “funny” cards

User-friendly system for personalization

Good value considering quantity to cost ratio

Red FlagsRed, matte finish was slightly duller than it appeared online

Red, matte finish was slightly duller than it appeared online

Another festive option for your holiday cards is Zazzle. This personalization platform has a range of cool products to personalize (I’ve ordered mugs, puzzles, and jewelry), and the categories for cards are just as diverse. Choose from flat, folded, postcard, foil, or non-photo cards — as well as funny cards, which I opted for. Within each category, you’ll find subcategories such as rustic, modern, watercolor, botanical, elegant, trendy, vintage, script, minimalist, pets, kids, and more.

Once I selected my card of choice, it was easy to upload my photo to the template. It also had options for theme color, edges, size, paper type, and more. The cards arrived quickly and seeing my dog in the design made me giggle. The cards were high quality, and the image was crisp and clear — only the red bottom section wasn’t quite as vibrant as it looked online.

Paper Type:Standard cardstock with rounded edges |Finish:Matte |# of Cards Ordered:25 |Shipping:Standard, Zip (2 business days), Zip Plus (1 business day), and Zazzle Plus (free shipping membership, similar to Amazon Prime, but for Zazzle)

Best PersonalizationShutterfly Message Overlap Holiday CardPHOTO: ShutterflyView on Shutterfly.com

Best PersonalizationShutterfly Message Overlap Holiday Card

Best Personalization

Shutterfly Message Overlap Holiday Card

PHOTO: Shutterfly

View on Shutterfly.com

Star QualitiesGood picture qualityCountless options to personalize the card; photo number and orientationRed FlagsPrints weren’t consistent across all cardsNot the best value of card to cost ratio

Star QualitiesGood picture qualityCountless options to personalize the card; photo number and orientation

Good picture quality

Countless options to personalize the card; photo number and orientation

Red FlagsPrints weren’t consistent across all cardsNot the best value of card to cost ratio

Prints weren’t consistent across all cards

Not the best value of card to cost ratio

The order process was so simple, and I was able to upload the photo I wanted to use and fill in my custom text for the front of the card, with ease. I opted for expedited shipping, and the cards came on the exact day estimated (eight days after my order). The cards had the same sleek, glossy look that I’d seen online, and the picture quality was excellent.

The only hiccup was with the print quality, as it wasn’t consistent across all cards: Some of the gold foil “C”s in “Christmas” were faded, there was a white border along the side of some of the cards that looked like a misprint, and some cards had little white flecks in the black background. The card-to-cost ratio also wasn’t as economical as some other options we tried.

Paper Type:Cardstock |Finish:Glossy |# of Cards Ordered:20 |Shipping:Basic Economy (6–10 business days), Standard (5–7 business days), Expedited (4–5 business days), Rush (3–4 business days), Super Rush (1–2 business days, though limited availability)

Best SustainablePaper Culture Sleigh All Day Holiday CardsPHOTO: Paper CultureView on Paperculture.comStar QualitiesThick cardstock that feels durable and high qualityLots of design options availableDedicates and plants a tree with every orderRed FlagsSince the cards aren’t wrapped in plastic for delivery, one had a little scuff on itIf you want to celebrate this time-old tradition without creating too much waste, consider a recycled card from Paper Culture. Every card is made from premium recycled paper, but with the customization of your own design and photos. I opted for a postcard style for an even more sustainable option — no envelopes needed!The price is competitive with our best value pick, at just over $1 per card, with discounted rates for larger batch orders. Once my order was placed, the cards arrived just three days later, sans plastic wrapping (which boosted the sustainability aspect but also led to a scuff mark on the card placed in front of the stack). Overall, the cards were high quality with the added bonus of being an eco-friendly option you can feel good about.Paper Type:Premium recycled paper |Finish:Matte |# Cards:30 |Shipping:Ground (1–5 days), Expedited (2 day), and OvernightPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerHoliday BundleAs an added bonus, Paper Culture has apartnership with the photo service SHOOTT, so you can get a 30-minute session, a gallery of 40+ photos, $40 worth of retouching credits, and the option of selecting photo cards, printed photos, a photo book, or stickers for under $350.

Best SustainablePaper Culture Sleigh All Day Holiday CardsPHOTO: Paper CultureView on Paperculture.com

Best SustainablePaper Culture Sleigh All Day Holiday Cards

Best Sustainable

Paper Culture Sleigh All Day Holiday Cards

PHOTO: Paper Culture

View on Paperculture.com

Star QualitiesThick cardstock that feels durable and high qualityLots of design options availableDedicates and plants a tree with every orderRed FlagsSince the cards aren’t wrapped in plastic for delivery, one had a little scuff on it

Star QualitiesThick cardstock that feels durable and high qualityLots of design options availableDedicates and plants a tree with every order

Thick cardstock that feels durable and high quality

Lots of design options available

Dedicates and plants a tree with every order

Red FlagsSince the cards aren’t wrapped in plastic for delivery, one had a little scuff on it

Since the cards aren’t wrapped in plastic for delivery, one had a little scuff on it

If you want to celebrate this time-old tradition without creating too much waste, consider a recycled card from Paper Culture. Every card is made from premium recycled paper, but with the customization of your own design and photos. I opted for a postcard style for an even more sustainable option — no envelopes needed!

The price is competitive with our best value pick, at just over $1 per card, with discounted rates for larger batch orders. Once my order was placed, the cards arrived just three days later, sans plastic wrapping (which boosted the sustainability aspect but also led to a scuff mark on the card placed in front of the stack). Overall, the cards were high quality with the added bonus of being an eco-friendly option you can feel good about.

Paper Type:Premium recycled paper |Finish:Matte |# Cards:30 |Shipping:Ground (1–5 days), Expedited (2 day), and Overnight

Holiday BundleAs an added bonus, Paper Culture has apartnership with the photo service SHOOTT, so you can get a 30-minute session, a gallery of 40+ photos, $40 worth of retouching credits, and the option of selecting photo cards, printed photos, a photo book, or stickers for under $350.

Holiday Bundle

As an added bonus, Paper Culture has apartnership with the photo service SHOOTT, so you can get a 30-minute session, a gallery of 40+ photos, $40 worth of retouching credits, and the option of selecting photo cards, printed photos, a photo book, or stickers for under $350.

Rifle Paper Co.:Though technically not custom, I’d be remiss not to mention Rifle Paper Co. as an option for your holiday card needs.I received an assortment of their gorgeous holiday cards with the most artistic and festive designs. You can also buy one of severalholiday card setsas a bundle. The cards are so high quality and will bring a smile to anyone’s face, so if you’re willing to forgo a photo card this year, this brand is a solid option.

People / Madison Yauger

What to Know About Ordering Custom Christmas Cards

Design

Take your time looking through the various templates because most of these brands —such as Shutterfly— have countless designs. There are so many ways to customize your cards including the physical material, finish, envelopes, photo template, and design accents, like foil. Whether you opt for glossy, matte cards, or pearlized cards, or if you prefer a single photo with a bold graphic or multiple photos with minimalist text, you’re sure to find a card that speaks to you.

Quantity

Deferring to the ghosts of Christmas cards past, let me suggest ordering a few extra cards. While all of these services offer excellent quality, should you handwrite notes on your cards (mistakes happen!), it’s advisable to add five to 10 more cards to whatever total you think you’ll need.

Shipping

Most companies offer a variety of shipping options including standard, expedited, and rush. These will come with correlated pricing, so keep your timeline in mind when ordering cards so you don’t experience delays or costs you weren’t planning on.

Price

Having tried a range of Christmas card services, I can say that prices do vary — for instance,Papier proved one of the best valuesgiven the card quantity to cost ratio. Others,like Minted, proved to be a little more expensive, but still worth it!

People/Madison Yauger

Madison Yaugeris a shopping editor for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of festive lifestyle products including Christmas cards,advent calendars, andartificial Christmas trees. Madison has always been a Christmas card enthusiast. She helped her mother with their cards throughout her childhood, and recently started sending out her own in adulthood. For this story, she spoke to etiquette expertsElaine SwannandJodi Smithand actually tried each brand to test the cards firsthand.

Our Expert PanelJodi Smithis an etiquette expert and president and owner of Mannersmith — an etiquette consulting business.Elaine Swannis an etiquette expert and the founder ofThe Swann School of Protocol.

Our Expert Panel

Jodi Smithis an etiquette expert and president and owner of Mannersmith — an etiquette consulting business.Elaine Swannis an etiquette expert and the founder ofThe Swann School of Protocol.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com