14 Cards That Will Brighten Up Anyone's Holiday

A charming holiday card can leave a lasting impression on its recipient. "It can bring a smile to someone's face and remind them that someone is thinking of them," says Sophie Agar, brand director of Papier. "Especially at times like these, spreading some seasonal joy to friends and family with cute holiday cards is needed more than ever." However, with all the holiday cards available on the market, picking which ones to send your loved ones can be tricky. "A recent Minted survey found that people are most looking forward to seeing pets, babies, and seasonal scenery on holiday cards this year," explains Mariam Naficy, founder and CEO of Minted. "When in doubt, less is probably more, and a design that doubles as a keepsake for friends and family is the perfect pick."

Of course, adding a personal photo to your holiday card is a surefire way to brighten up someone's day. "Photos can be a great way to have a little fun with your holiday cards and remind people of special memories," Agar says. "Then all you need to add is a personal message to complete the card!" And if you're not a fan of cards with photographs, Agar says there are other ways you can personalize your holiday cards, too. "Lots of cards can be customized with people's names or special designs to add a thoughtful personal touch," she says.

Looking for some delightful holiday cards to send to friends and family this season? Here, we rounded up all of our favorites.

Canadian artist Emily Taylor, in collaboration with George & Viv, created whimsical illustrations for this set of cards. With charming touchable details like a pom-pom Santa hat and a penguin's felt scarf, each one offers a warm-hearted way to spread good cheer to family and friends.

Shop Now: George & Viv Very Merry Boxed Cards, $24 for 16, anthropologie.com.

Nothing brightens up someone's day faster than a greeting card with an adorable dog on front. "This cute, little sweater-adorned dachshund is a favorite of our customers every year," says Agar. "You can personalize it with a message on both the front and back, and order pre-addressed envelopes."

Shop Now: Papier Christmas Dachsund, $22 for 10, papier.com.

In the market for a holiday card that's worthy of being displayed on the mantel? These photo collage-style cards feature a gallery wall inspired layout so you can incorporate snaps of your pets, family, or memories from over the course of the year. "Don't worry about taking the perfect holiday card photo," Naficy advises. "Sometimes, the outtakes are the cutest and most authentic."

Shop Now: Hooray Creative "Modern Snapshots" Holiday Card, $73 for 25, minted.com.

If you thought there was no way to score cute holiday cards in bulk without breaking the bank, then think again. This pack of 48 greeting cards includes six different minimalist designs that will only set you back about 30 cents each.

Shop Now: Juvale Merry Christmas Greeting Cards, $14 for 48, amazon.com.

The only thing better than a greeting card with a pooch on the front is one with several sweater-wearing dogs. These super cute Hanukkah cards feature a plethora of adorable pups dressed to impress for the holidays. 

Shop Now: Paper Source "Happy Pawnukkah" Dogs Hanukkah Card, $13 for 10, papersource.com.

A little gold foil goes a long way on a holiday card. These adorable die-cut cards feature a funny Santa Claus motif stamped with gold foil and come with matching metallic gold envelopes to boot.

Shop Now: Rifle Paper Co. "Warmest Wishes" Greeting Card, $18 for 8, riflepaperco.com.

Kwanzaa is a Swahili word that means "first" and signifies the first fruits of the harvest. From December 26 to January 1, many people celebrate Kwanzaa. Annie Bauras of My Filibo offers Afrocentric apparel, accessories, and stationery such as this card.

Shop Now: My Filibo "Joyous Kwanzaa" Greeting Card, $5.40 each, etsy.com.

When you can't send someone a leafy green houseplant, a seasonal card with festive plants is the next best thing. Printed with soy inks on natural white cardstock, these delightful cards are designed with drawings of popular houseplants dressed up for the holidays. 

Shop Now: Forage Paper Co. "Holiday Plant Shelfie" Greeting Card, $20 for 8, foragepaperco.com.

Make this modern card uniquely yours with choice of colored background and seasonal phrase—not to mention plenty of room on the back for more photos and a custom message.

Shop Now: Artifact Uprising "Little Branch" Holiday Card, $19 for 10, artifactuprising.com.

Why limit artwork to walls when you can send it holiday card style instead? Designed by an independent artist, these illustrated cards boast a retro ski motif that's equal parts nostalgic and unique. 

Shop Now: Showmemars Retro Ski Illustration Stationery Cards, $15.99 for 3, society6.com.

These festive cards come with metallic foil, glitter, and embossing.

Shop Now: MoMA Design Store "Winter Wreath" Holiday Card, $22 for 8, store.moma.org.

Each E. Frances card begins as an original watercolor painting, and then is printed in brilliant color on luxe, heavyweight paper. This one evokes a snowy winter day with this rosy-cheeked Frosty.

Shop Now: E. Frances Paper "Warmest Wishes" Snowballs Card, $18 for 8, efrsancespaper.com.

Anyone can appreciate the natural beauty of winter. Designed in New Hope, Pennsylvania, this set of cards is artfully rendered in holiday greenery.

Shop Now: Salutations "Season's Greeting" Card, $18 for 6, shopsalutations.com.

If you're looking for something with a minimalist touch, these modern designed cards are custom-made by artist Marie Castiglione.

Shop Now: Modern Merry Design Cards, $15 for 6, etsy.com.