12 Ways to Save Money on Christmas Cards

‘Tis the season … One of the things that many of us do at this time of year is write out lovely Christmas cards and send them to everyone that we know. It’s a nice gesture and a great way to acknowledge your wishes for people during the holiday season. However, the cost of the cards and the cost of mailing the cards can add up quicker than many people realize. Here are 12 ways that you can reduce what you spend this year on Christmas cards without coming across like a Scrooge:

1. Skip all of your service providers. Many people make extensive Christmas card lists each year, sending holiday cards to their doctors and dentists, auto repairmen and manicurists. Unless one of these people has done something really special for you this year that needs to be recognized, it’s okay to skip out on sending them holiday cards. Make sure you’re only sending holiday cards to the people who really matter in your life.

2. Avoid sending holiday cards to international locations. The postage isn’t worth the cost of sending holiday cards overseas. In this case it’s totally appropriate to send a free e-card instead. Or even just a really nice holiday email or Facebook message. Or make a date to enjoy a free online chat session through AIM or Gmail instead of exchanging holiday wishes via cards.

3. Send Christmas postcards instead of Christmas cards. They are sometimes cheaper to buy and the postage is always cheaper. Every little bit that you can save during the holiday season counts when you’re on a budget! Definitely make sure that you don’t buy oversized Christmas cards, which cost even more to send than a regular card does!

4. Make your own Christmas cards / postcards. One of the biggest expenses when it comes to Christmas cards is the cost of actually purchasing the cards. It’s much better to make your own cards. This allows you to create a highly personal card without spending a lot of money. Be frugal about making your own cards. Challenge yourself to use materials that you already have at home to create one-of-a-kind holiday cards for the people that you love. Make sure that you keep the cards lightweight and a small size so that they don’t incur additional postage charges.

5. Be smart when buying cards. Not everyone is interested in making their own cards. If you’re going to buy Christmas cards this year, make sure that you’re smart about the purchase. Definitely don’t make the mistake of going to the stationery store and finding the best unique cards for everyone you love. If you’re going to buy cards, go for the pre-packaged sets that are less personal but considerably cheaper. Consider getting plain cards instead of holiday-themed cards since they’re cheaper. Check out the dollar store and even thrift stores like the Goodwill to get goof Christmas cards at a low price.

6. Write a letter instead. You can write a holiday letter and send it for the same price as it would cost you to send a Christmas card. You’ll pay the same price for postage but you won’t be spending any money on actually getting a card since presumably you already have pen and paper at home. Skip the fancy stationery and decorate the paper with your own holiday drawings. A Christmas letter is much more heartfelt than a Christmas card is anyway!

7. Use Flickr instead of making photo cards. Many people love to send holiday greeting cards with their own faces on them. You know the kind; the family sits for a professional photo and then that photo goes on all of the greeting cards for the year. What a waste of money in the modern digital age. Instead, create your family’s own very cool holiday-themed Flickr set for free using your own digital camera and a basic Flickr account. Send the link to the people you know with a little holiday message for them.

8. Use coupons when ordering special Christmas cards. If you do want to order your own photo cards or other special holiday cards then make sure that you don’t pay full price. Use coupons (such as our Snapfish coupons) to reduce the cost of ordering these items.

9. Hand deliver your Christmas cards when you can. It’s unfortunate how many people send Christmas cards to others who live in the same city as them. Instead of doing this, hand deliver these cards. Take them to the office Christmas party and pass them out there. Bring them to holiday parties that you attend. Drop them off under doorways when you’re out doing other errands.

10. Give Christmas cards instead of more expensive gifts. Take a look at your holiday shopping list. Is there anyone on the list that you were planning to get a gift for that it would make sense to just give a card to instead? Christmas cards do have their cost but if the card is the cheaper option compared to a stocking stuffer or other gift than definitely go with the card!

11. Recycle cards as you receive them. Have you already started receiving holiday cards from others in the mail? Recycle these and send them to others to spread the holiday cheer. In many cases, the cover of the card can be torn off because it has no writing on either side. Turn this cover into a postcard. Alternatively, glue decorative paper into the inside of the card over the message that the other person has written to you and write your message to someone else over it.

12. Get ready for next year. As soon as the Christmas season is over, holiday items go on sale. Make sure that you hit the stores to get big savings on Christmas cards for next year!

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