Your great aunt wants to see how much the kids have grown, and you want to let everyone know that 2014 was an awesome year. So, sit down and click your way to the perfect holiday card. These sites do it all, from designing to delivery. See which ones get our stamp of approval.
photo: Paper Culture
Paper Culture
What You Get: If need a full-service job, Paper Culture is the way to go. They’ll look over your design, print it, stuff it, mail it and personalize each one with a “this card was made especially for [fill in name here],” stamp. It’s a nice personalized touch that grandma will love. Plus everything is printed on 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials. Translation? You can feel good about your purchase.
Bonus: Every order plants a tree in a deforested area of the United States. Plus, you can dedicate it to anyone and send them a certificate of the good deed.
Style: Ecofriendly, chic
Favorites: Not So Silent Night and Christmas Lights
To order: paperculture.com
photo: Minted
Minted
What You Get: Minted understands that there are as many types of cards as there are different types of families. You choose it all, right down to the thickness of the card stock and the amount of pictures you want to use. New this year is shiny foil print and letter-pressed embossing. Want your card to really stand out? Try one shaped like a Christmas ornament or gift tag.
Bonus: They have trained designers who are willing to IM with you 24/7, in case you need help. No mistakes here!
Style: Whatever you can think up, they can make it happen. It’s like a choose-your-own adventure.
Favorites: Snowflake and Wreck the Halls
To order: minted.com
photo: Tiny Prints
Tiny Prints
What You Get: The featured designs on TinyPrints are constantly changing, so you’ll always have something that’s fresh and modern. You never have to worry about someone else sending out a similar card. There are literally thousands of designs to choose from. And don’t forget about the envelope. You choose the inside flap design, the stamp type, and the return address font.
Bonus: Check out the laser cut options. Think snowflake cut outs and scalloped edges.
Style: Fresh and fun
Favorites: Merry Christmas Foil Stamped and Joy
To order: tinyprints.com
Paperless Post
What You Get: Paperless Post gives you the option of sending your card online or via snail mail. You can even split your order so that friends who never check their email will actually get your card. Or vice versa. Fashionista families will love cards designed by J. Crew and Kate Spade. For something humorous, try cards from The New Yorker. High brow? Yes. Worth it? Totally. But don’t worry; they have the standard photo collage options as well and a whole lot more.
Bonus: Send your card off to an in-house designer who will help edit your family photo to perfection.
Style: Sophisticated and classic
Favorites: Happy Holidays and Warmest Wishes
To order: paperlesspost.com
photo: Shutterfly
Shutterfly
What You Get: You know that family calendar that’s hanging in your kitchen? It most likely came from Shutterfly. They might be known for their personalized trinkets like mugs and totes, but these guys do cards as well. And if you use their free photo hosting services, making a holiday card with them is a no brainer because everything you need to make the perfect post is already on their server. Choose from a gazillion different overlays and effects for your photos. Or go for something simple with a premade card.
Bonus: Coupons, coupons, and more coupons. A quick Internet search and you’ll have at least two to use at check out. Free shipping anyone?
Style: Quantity and quality
Favorites: Perfectly Patterned and Wishing You Chalk
To order: shutterfly.com
JibJab
What You’ll Get: Sometimes you just want to click and send. And if you want something that will tickle funny bones, JibJab’s customized animated cards are you. What other company lets you turn your entire family into a rapping (wrapping) clan of elves?
Bonus: Sign up as a member and you can send out some more gems for New Years, Valentine’s, birthdays and more.
Style: Funny and fast
Favorites: Feliz Navidad and Macareindeer
To order: jibjab.com
How are you sending greetings this year? Let us know in the Comments below!
— Christina Fiedler
