Corporate holiday cards on recycled paper: a planning guide

A printed holiday card is one of the few pieces of mail that people keep on a desk or shelf for weeks. For a business, it is a simple way to thank clients, vendors and staff at the end of the year. This guide covers the decisions that go into custom corporate holiday cards, from size and paper to envelopes and timing, with notes on keeping the cards eco friendly.

When you are ready to price a run, see our eco friendly greeting cards, printed on recycled and cotton stocks with matching recycled envelopes.

Choose the card format

• Folded cards have a cover, an inside message and room for signatures. They are the most traditional choice and suit client lists where people sign each card.
• Flat cards are single panels printed on one or both sides. They cost less to print and suit large lists where the message is printed.
• Postcards mail without an envelope. They are the most economical option, but the message is visible to anyone who handles the mail. Our postcard size guide covers the mailing rules.

Common holiday card sizes

• A2: 4.25 x 5.5 in, mailed in a 4.375 x 5.75 in envelope. A good size for a short note.
• A6: 4.5 x 6.25 in, mailed in a 4.75 x 6.5 in envelope. More A6 cards fit on a press sheet than A7 cards, which lowers the price of each card.
• A7: 5 x 7 in, mailed in a 5.25 x 7.25 in envelope. The most common size for photo cards and formal designs.
• Square: 5.25 x 5.25 in. Square envelopes stand out, but USPS charges a nonmachinable surcharge on them, so they cost more to mail.

Our guide to invitation and greeting card sizes lists flat sizes and envelope pairings for each format.

Paper and finishes

Holiday cards are handled more than most print, so the paper matters. A heavy recycled cover stock gives a sturdy card that takes ink signatures well. Uncoated stocks are the easiest to write on. Cotton paper has a soft, premium feel and is a good match for letterpress. Natural and kraft stocks suit simple and rustic designs.

Foil stamping, blind debossing and letterpress all work well on holiday cards. A small foil detail, such as a logo or a greeting, adds shine without covering the whole card. Our guide to embossing, debossing, foil and spot UV explains each finish and how it affects recycling.

Keep the cards eco friendly

• Choose recycled stock with a high post-consumer waste content. Our guide explains what PCW means.
• Avoid glitter, plastic laminates and full foil coverage, which make cards harder to recycle.
• Use matching recycled envelopes instead of plastic sleeves.
• Add a small recycled or FSC emblem on the back so recipients know what the card is made from.
• Clean up your mailing list before you order, so you print only the cards you will send.

Message and signing

Most businesses use a neutral greeting such as Season's Greetings or Happy Holidays, which works for a client list with a range of traditions. A short printed message inside, with space for one or two signatures, keeps the card personal without adding much work. If several people will sign, choose an uncoated stock and leave a clear area for ink.

A logo on the back or a small mark on the front is usually enough branding. Holiday cards that look like advertising tend to be thrown away sooner.

When to order

Plan backward from the date you want the cards in the mail. Allow time for design, proof approval, printing, signing, addressing and the extra holiday volume at the post office. Starting in October or early November leaves room for each step. Include your mail date when you request a quote so the schedule can be planned around it.

Common questions

What size are corporate holiday cards?

The most common size is A7, which is 5 x 7 inches and mails in a 5.25 x 7.25 inch envelope. A2 and A6 cards are smaller and cost less per card.

Should business holiday cards be signed by hand?

A handwritten signature or short note makes the card more personal. For large lists, a printed message with one signature is a practical middle ground.

Are holiday cards recyclable?

Paper cards without glitter, plastic laminate or heavy foil can usually go in paper recycling. Check your local program for its rules.

Can holiday cards be printed on recycled paper?

Yes. Holiday cards print well on recycled and cotton stocks with soy-based inks, and recycled envelopes are available in the matching sizes.