The 21 Best Holiday Cards of 2021

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Who doesn’t get a little buzz as they open their holiday cards? Whether it’s a sweet note from a long-lost friend, a card with an engagement announcement, or new baby photos enclosed, a special holiday greeting certainly warms the heart. Sending a card is also a festive way to keep in touch and show you care—as well as a chance to update everyone in your orbit on all the changes in your life over the past year.

While sending your own card as a couple is definitely a rite of passage, deciding on a style that suits you can feel a bit daunting. Are you a sophisticated letterpress type? Or the couple who sends a cool photo with a catchy phrase? Can you channel your inner writer to draft an epic holiday letter or is a simple heartfelt message more your speed?

With so many ways to spread the holiday spirit, choosing that just-right card can be a little overwhelming. So we’ve scoured the web and chosen the best cards in every category. From classic snail mail to modern e-card—we’ve found it all!

Read on for the best holiday cards.

Indigo Bunting for PaperSource Peace Sign Card

Toting a classic holiday greeting—but flashing a modern symbol—this cool card serves an on-point message. Crafted by NYC-based artist and illustrator Erin Jang, this one might just earn a permanent spot on the fridge!

Henry James Paper Goods Custom Portrait Christmas Card

If you’re trying to keep up with the Jones, this custom portrait card should do it! Hand-painted by Missouri-based artist Kadie Foppiano, each card comes completely personalized right down to the clothing featured in the illustration. Add unique details such as pets, decorations, and names to make this card unmistakably you!

Minted Susan Moyal Greenery Ornament Card

Minted Greenery Ornament Card — Courtesy of Minted

A card that doubles as a keepsake, this festive greeting is one that they can also hang on the tree. The card features hand-painted greenery that frames your photo and comes complete with a luxe linen ribbon for hanging. Bonus—recipient address printing is free!

Kate Spade Paper Source Hope Peace Cookies Cards

What are the holidays all about? Hope, peace, and cookies, of course! It's a cheerful reminder to have your priorities in order for this holiday season.

Abbie Ren Illustration Happy Everything Card

These days, it’s likely that you have friends who celebrate a diversity of traditions and holidays—and maybe a mixture of several at once. So, a greeting card that covers all the bases is everything.

Hunter Paper Co. Thinking of You at Christmas Time Card

This luxe letterpress greeting is designed and handprinted on vintage presses at a studio in Northern Ireland. Charming and thoughtful, it is a holiday greeting that will melt hearts. Because at the end of the day, we all just want to know someone is thinking of us.

Paper Culture "Love Always Wins"

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, or the ring on your finger, it’s all about love! And there’s no better way to spread the message than with this groovy greeting.

With a pop of bling, plenty of room on the back for a photo, and a personal holiday greeting, this foil-stamped card makes it clear—sometimes the simplest sentiments are the sweetest.

Minted Frooted Design Peace Out Holiday Card

Minted Peace Out Holiday Card — Courtesy of Minted

Let’s be honest—2020 has been a year with many challenges This card whimsically expresses that sentiment, while celebrating the changing of the season. So, "peace out 2020—it’s been real". I think everyone can agree on that!

Paperless Post Best of Both Worlds

If your family is a mix of faiths and traditions, you'll want to send a greeting that reflects everyone. In this day and age, you can—and should—have it all! This creative card celebrates the best of both worlds.

Rifle Paper Co. Holiday Flamingo Greeting Card

Spread a little joy with the warm wishes of this whimsical hand-painted flamingo greeting. Sure to tickle the fancy your lucky recipients, this card gives the retro lawn ornament a festive holiday touch.

Paperless Post Hello!Lucky Dove of Peace

Send your card on the wings of a—virtual—dove! In a world where practically everything is done over the internet, sending a holiday card via email is a great choice.

Plus, with this platform, it’s possible to customize everything from the background of your card to the envelope liner and stamp. So even though it’s virtual, it can still feel like a meaningful gesture.

Canopy Street Christmas Pines Typography Holiday Card

Amazon Christmas Pines Typography Christmas Holiday Card Assortment — Courtesy of Amazon

A trio of warm wishes, surrounded by hand-drawn boughs of pine makes this modern classic card set a delight. With the look of artistically-embellished chalkboards, these cards are all about rustic charm!

Artifiact Uprising Mininmal Hand-Lettered Holiday Card

Artificat Uprising Mininmal Hand-Lettered Holiday Card — Courtesy of Artificat Uprising

Your standout photo will really shine with this chic custom card. Infuse your image with the holiday spirit by choosing from a selection of holiday greetings that can be printed in standard ink or a brilliant foil. Envelope addressing is also available—it's a win-win!

Greer Moglea Holiday Love Hand-Painted Cards

This hand-painted card may look like a piece of abstract art, but the message is crystal clear. Simple, sweet, and sincere, this is a card that will definitely brighten their day.

Greenvelope Kate Ross Design "This Merry Life" Card

Greenvelope This Merry Life Card — Courtesy of Greenvelope

Here’s a catchy card that’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the environment. With a focus on sustainability, this company makes sending beautifully designed holiday cards a virtually seamless experience.

Sent via email, these e-cards save trees, time, and money. Plus, they send a percentage of every order to a tree-conservation non-profit. With everybody winning, this is a happy holiday after all!

Minted Morgan Kendall Hanukkah Shapes Card

Minted Hanukkah Shapes Card — Courtesy of Minted

This modern Hanukkah card may seem like an exercise in minimalism, but it comes with an array of options that allow you to truly make it your own.

Choose from a range of chic color palettes and silhouettes to get the look you want. Then customize the interior to showcase your special photos. Complete the card with a heartfelt message that expresses your love!

Paper Culture Starry and Happy

With a handmade look and a chorus of happy greetings, this one isn't your average photo card. It comes in three bright and cheery shades, with room on the flip side to add your favorite photo. Plus, you can swap the layout on the back for an alternate design.

Paper Culture Hope Out Loud Card

No matter what holiday you’re celebrating this season, this time of year is a reminder that hope is what keeps us afloat. And this card makes you believe it! Personalize the back with a favorite photo and message of hope for your loved ones.

An added bonus— this card is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper and the brand has pledged to plant a tree for every order received.

Mixbook Photo Co. Minimalist New Year Collage

When 2021 rolls around, we sure are going to be ready to welcome it! But before we ring in the New Year, let’s send off 2020 with a recounting of happy memories. This photo collage is the perfect way to recap an unforgettable year while welcoming the new one on the horizon.

Minted A Little Married Holiday Cards

With save the dates, wedding invitations, and thank you cards out the door you may just have a hankering to pop one last wedding-themed piece of post in the mail before the year ends. And this card is the perfect way to do it! After all, you will be having a "married little Christmas"!

Snapfish Embossed Foil Cards

Snapfish Set of 20 Embossed Foil Cards — Courtesy of Snapfish

Hanging on to a stellar photo that’s perfect for your holiday card? This one’s for you! With a delicate border and handwritten sentiment, this card lets your image shine. Plus, the platform makes it easy to sync your photo library—finding that standout picture will be a piece of cake!