If you’re planning to mail holiday cards this year, you have options. After testing 11 different services, Mixbook, Vistaprint, and Canva stand out as the best choices for design, quality, and price. Holiday card searches are up 90% this year, so if you’re considering sending one, now is the time.
Our Top Picks
Here’s a breakdown of our favorites:
- Mixbook: The overall winner, offering the best combination of design tools, photo quality, and price.
- Vistaprint: Impressive quality for the price, with less customization but still excellent results.
- Canva: Best for fully custom designs, with complete creative control (though smaller card sizes).
Mixbook: Best Overall
Mixbook excels with its user-friendly design tools and vibrant photo prints. The platform feels like professional editing software, allowing for precise customization of layouts, fonts, and more. The photo quality is bright and accurate, capturing details like colors and textures.
Key Features:
- Customization: Almost complete control over card layout.
- Envelopes: Included for free.
- Shipping: Starts at $10, with a rush option for delivery in seven days.
Vistaprint: Best for Value
Vistaprint delivers impressive quality at an affordable price. The photo prints are clear and accurate, even with smaller photo layouts. The optional foil feature adds a premium touch without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Design Options: Plenty of templates, with adjustable text fields.
- Envelopes: Included for free.
- Shipping: Starts at $8, with express delivery in five days.
Canva: Best for Custom Designs
Canva is the go-to choice for full creative control. The platform is intuitive, allowing you to design from scratch or modify existing templates. The smaller card size (4 x 6 inches) may not suit everyone, but the quality and affordability are hard to beat.
Key Features:
- Design Freedom: Complete customization options.
- Envelopes: Available as an add-on for $2.
- Shipping: Economy shipping is free; express delivery in one to two business days.
Honorable Mentions
- Artifact Uprising: Minimalist designs with high-quality paper (but darker photo prints).
- Minted: Stylish, high-end designs with premium photo prints (but expensive).
- Shutterfly: Vintage designs with a cute aesthetic (but requires digging to find the best options).
- Truly Engaging: Chic designs with foil features (but quality control can be inconsistent).
FAQs
What should I keep in mind when designing my cards?
The biggest variable is the photo itself. Choose a photo that complements the card design. Gold foil and rounded edges are nice upgrades if you want something extra.
When should I order my cards?
Order early to avoid shipping delays. Cutoff dates for Christmas delivery vary, so check with the vendor.
How does WIRED test holiday cards?
We test design processes, shipping times, photo quality, and overall price. We also get feedback from family and friends to determine the best options.
Conclusion:
For the best balance of quality, customization, and price, Mixbook is the clear winner. Vistaprint offers excellent value, while Canva is ideal for fully custom designs. No matter which option you choose, sending a personalized holiday card is a thoughtful way to connect with loved ones this season
