Freelancer wants to send classy holiday cards to clients. Where to go?
September 27, 2006 11:59 AM   Subscribe

Where (online) should I order some holiday cards to send to my clients? And, what should I write inside?

I already read this thread but I'm not a corporation, it's just me as a freelancer and I'd like to send holiday cards to about 30 people that I either freelance for or who have helped me build my freelancing this first year, or both.

First, I'd like some recommendations as to sites to buy from. I've found a bunch of very corporate-y places and don't really want that. I'm also familiar with snapfish and the like, but a) I don't have a great photo to use and b) don't want the snapfish (or whatever) logo on the card.

Basically what I'm looking for is a site that has nice holiday images to choose from (winter scenes, or however you interpret "holiday," but no holiday specific stuff of course, wouldn't want to offend) and that will print a "stock" message inside and where I can buy around 30 cards for a reasonable amount of money.

That's the first part of the question. Here's part two:

I plan on writing a little person-appropriate note inside each card, that's no problem. But what should the "stock" message be? Something between the ever popular and boring "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" and my personal (not business) greeting of choice last year: "Happy Chriskwanzakah.”
posted by misanthropicsarah to Human Relations (12 answers total) 3 users marked this as a favorite
 
I love Crane's cards - they're classy, weighty, and really just beautiful. They also have a variety of designs and can engrave your message on the inside.

Alternatively, have you visited your local Hallmark or similar card store? Those stores cater to smaller orders and may be able to help you find exactly what you want.
posted by Not in my backyard at 12:16 PM on September 27, 2006


If it's just 30 or so cards you need, I would just go to Target or the like and get some holiday cards there. Avoid ones that are Christmas specific, and stick with ones with snowflakes and mittens and stuff like that.

My favorite phrase is:
"Warm wishes for the holiday season!"
(I'm using this on a card with a hot chocolate mug picture)

Alternatives:

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season
Best wishes for a happy new year
Happy holidays to you and yours

Honestly, it doesn't matter so much what you write. Just make sure you hand write a note inside.
posted by tastybrains at 12:41 PM on September 27, 2006


What about Unicef holiday cards? (This is the link to the US online holiday card store). They have a variety of classy cards, with non-denominational but elegant greetings inside.
posted by darsh at 12:43 PM on September 27, 2006


Knock Knock has some really great ones - though many won't be appropriate for business clients, some might - they haven't released this year's designs afaik but last year they had several that would have been just fine.
posted by joannemerriam at 12:51 PM on September 27, 2006


I second the recommendation for Crane's cards. I'd also recommend looking at the MOMA Store's Holiday Cards, depending on your budget and desired level of whimsy.
posted by pricklypear at 1:10 PM on September 27, 2006


The Sierra Club sells holiday cards online, with preprinted messages, usually non-holiday-specific. Their cards are very pretty, good quality, and send a certain message that may work for you (unlike cards from Target etc.)

The National Wildlife Federation also sells cards online, but some of them are Christmas-specific. Check the pre-printed message inside before you order. And seconding tastybrains on the handwritten note!
posted by Quietgal at 1:31 PM on September 27, 2006


Talk to the nice folks at the Papery on 3rd and Arch. That way, you can see what kind of cards you have and get a better idea of the quality of the paper. They've probably just started stocking Xmas cards.
posted by desuetude at 2:15 PM on September 27, 2006


No personalization, but I'm always impressed when I get a UNICEF card; they have lovely but interesting art:

their site
posted by amtho at 2:59 PM on September 27, 2006


I'm always partial to the M.D. Anderson cards, the art for which is drawn by pediatric cancer patients as art therapy, and the proceeds for which go back to cancer research and treatment funding. They are not too pricey and the statement of the gesture far outweighs a need for foil linings and glittered paper.

As an alternative to the Chriswanzukah dilemma, you might consider offering a Happy New Year card. It can still be sent in December, and for clients I sometimes find that "wishing you and yours a happy and prosperous New Year" is a nice echo of the business relationship without being too familiar or precious.

(By far my favorite New Year card design of all time came from Crane, so here's a third in their direction.)
posted by pineapple at 3:06 PM on September 27, 2006


My buddy is a freelance IT fellow who works by the hour or on retainer for small companies. He sends the principals at those companies a subscription to a wine- or jelly-of-the-month treat for 3 months. It's pretty effective.
posted by dontrockwobble at 5:24 PM on September 27, 2006


I second the Unicef recommendation. Also, the Children's Aid Society of Toronto has some quite lovely cards. Send your warm wishes and help children, with either of those options.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 5:25 AM on September 28, 2006


http://www.motivators.com/holidaycards.asp
posted by orangemiles at 8:13 AM on September 28, 2006


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