Card Smarts
Last year, in the four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the United States Postal Service processed more than 14.9 billion letters and cards-which amounted to nearly 90 percent of its total haul during that period. (Packages made up a measly 10 percent.) With that many cards landing in mailboxes, you'll want yours to be unique. Consider these customizable cards this holiday season.
Photo: © Len Lagrua/Best Ideas for Christmas
Make this wreath for a fun way to display holiday cards.If You Want to Give Back
This card, drawn by a child with cancer, benefits Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Paint Box Project Reindeer card, $12.95 for 8; GreatArrow.com
Other stationers to try: ChildrensArt.org, GoodPaper.com, PeruPaper.com, UnicefUSA.org
Photo: © Len Lagrua/Best Ideas for Christmas
If You're a Procrastinator
A January 1 message won't get lost in the Christmas card shuffle. Raise a glass to that. Vintage Dots Happy New Year letterpress card, $4; HeatherlyDesigns.com for stores
Other stationers to try: DauphinePress.com, DawnCorrespondence.com, PinHolePress.com, Zazzle.com
Photo: © Len Lagrua/Best Ideas for Christmas
If You're a Modernist
Send a strikingly graphic note that has a burst of color. Happy Holiday Dots Letterpress Notecard. $16 for 6; FineDayPress.com
Other stationers to try: FuguFuguPress.com, MaxandBunny.com, PepperTreeDesign.com, SesameLetterPress.com, SnowandGraham.com
Photo: © Len Lagrua/Best Ideas for Christmas
If You're a Proud Parent
Send snapshots and a Twitter-era version of the annual Christmas letter on the Top Ten Moments Customizable Flat Stationery Card. $1.99 each for 25, Shutterfly.com
Other stationers to try: BoatMngeller.com, CardStore.com, MiloPaper.com, TinyPrints.com, VistaPrint.com
Photo: © Len Lagrua/Best Ideas for Christmas
If You're Folksy
Summon the spirit of Christmas past with a hand-painted, vintage-inspired woodland scene. Garland Christmas Card, $16 for 8; RiflePaperCo.com
Other stationers to try: HelloLucky.com, LumiaDesigns.com, OldSchoolStationers.com
Photo: © Len Lagrua/Best Ideas for Christmas
If You're a Jokester
This silkscreened design leaves other funny ones in the (saw)dust. O Christmas Tree Card, $4; BellaMuse.com
Other stationers to try: AnneTaintor.com, BoldFaceCards.com
Photo: © Len Lagrua/Best Ideas for Christmas
If You're a Traditionalist
Wrap up the year with an engraved Holiday Presents Card. $226 for 50 (with customized interior message); Crane.com
Other stationers to try: AmericanGreetings.com, DesignDesign.us, Hallmark.com, MrBoddington.com, PeterPauper.com
Photo: © Len Lagrua/Best Ideas for Christmas
If You're a Stationery Lover
Letterpress stripes, scalloped edges-what a treat! Candy Cane Stripes Scallop card, $17 for 6; EggPress.com
Other stationers to try: EnidWilsonStudio.com, PaperStories.com, SmockPaper.com
Photo: © Len Lagrua/Best Ideas for Christmas
If You're Quirky
Santa in his underpants? That'll get the recipient's belly shaking like a bowl full of jelly. Santa Paper Doll letterpress card, $17 for 6; EggPress.com
Other stationers to try: AFavoriteDesign.com, NightOwlPaperGoods.com, Paper-Source.com
Photo: © Len Lagrua/Best Ideas for Christmas
Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.
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