This time of year, businesses and families alike are racing to send out their annual greetings. Whether you’re mailing cards or sending e-blasts, how you share your message matters, because it’s not just a photo, it’s a connection.

Here’s my golden rule: Make it feel like you.

Your greeting doesn’t need to be polished within an inch of its life. Some of my favorite holiday cards are a little silly, a little heartfelt, and always real. For me, that means using an actual photo… me behind the camera, my kids wrapped tight in my unusually long arms, or a sweet (and slightly chaotic) moment of creativity.

But for others, authenticity might mean something different:

A clean, professional team portrait that celebrates your people
A candid shot of your workspace or community
A photo of your team volunteering or supporting a cause
A simple flat lay of your brand’s holiday vibe
Or even a heavily Photoshopped digital masterpiece of holiday shenanigans!

Whatever feels true to you will always make the best impression.

My Top 5 Favorite Places to Order Custom Holiday Cards

(KHP-approved, photographer-tested, and recommended for every style & budget)

Below are my go-to picks for ordering holiday cards — whether you’re sending to clients, customers, partners, family, or your entire mailing list. Each one is great for a slightly different reason, so I’ve broken it down by quality, price, minimum order, design experience, and who it’s best for.

And YES — all of these companies typically offer very strong Black Friday promos, often between 20–50% off, plus free shipping or free upgrades. If you’re ordering in November, you’ll save.

⭐️ 1. Minted

Best for: High-end designs, luxe upgrades, and “wow” factor.
Why I recommend it:

Minted’s designs are created by independent artists — the templates look elevated and modern.
Paper options are premium and feel expensive in-hand.
Tons of foil, vellum, embossing, hand-pressed, and luxe finishing options.
Excellent color accuracy for photos.

Minimums: Very small batch friendly — you can order as low as 10–20 cards.
Price range: Usually higher-end ($2–$4 per card before sales), but Black Friday discounts typically run 20–35% off.
Style Vibe: Clean, stylish, “Pinterest-perfect,” gift-worthy quality.

⭐️ 2. Vistaprint

Best for: Business owners who want quality, bulk-friendly pricing, and fast turnaround.
Why I recommend it:

Fantastic for companies sending 100–1,000+ cards.
Budget-friendly, especially in larger quantities.
Their design interface is easy to use with drag-and-drop branding.
Paper upgrades are solid without getting pricey.

Minimums: You can order batches as small as 10–25, but bulk pricing is their sweet spot.
Price range: Typically $0.80–$2.00 per card depending on quantity and finish; Black Friday sales are usually 30% off or more.
Style Vibe: Clean, professional, customizable for brand consistency.

⭐️ 3. Mpix

Best for: Photographer-approved print quality + beautiful color and paper.
Why I recommend it:

Mpix is my personal go-to for all things photo printing — their color accuracy is unmatched.
Their card designs are clean and simple, but absolutely beautiful.
You can upload full-bleed photo layouts for total creative control.
Paper thickness is nicer than what you get from big-box card sites.
Offers both flat cards AND folded cards.

Minimums: Very small-batch friendly — often as low as 8–10 cards.
Price range: Mid-tier ($1.20–$2.50 per card), but quality justifies it. Black Friday discounts are usually 25–40%.
Style Vibe: Clean, photo-forward, elevated but not flashy. Perfect for families and small businesses.

⭐️ 4. Miller’s

Best for: Pro-level lab quality + heirloom paper for those who want the best of the best.
Why I recommend it:

Miller’s is the professional lab behind Mpix — same ownership, higher-level options.
STUNNING paper selections (linen, pearl, recycled, luxe cotton, etc.).
Sharper prints and richer color depth than consumer labs.
Perfect for businesses that want an “elevated but understated” card.
Usually a favorite for photographers, creatives, and brands who appreciate craftsmanship.

Minimums: Small batches available, though some specialty papers require higher minimums.
Price range: Higher-end ($2–$4+ per card depending on finish), but worth it for premium client impressions. Black Friday deals often 20–30%.
Style Vibe: Modern, minimal, luxurious. This is the lab you choose when you care about details.

⭐️ 5. Shutterfly

Best for: Families, colorful designs, and easy “just get it done” ordering.
Why I recommend it:

Super user-friendly for quick layouts.
Great for families who want bright, bold designs.
Tons of template options, and lots of seasonal deals.
A good balance of convenience, affordability, and fun design choices.
They frequently run very deep sales around the holidays.

Minimums: Small batches okay — 10 or 20 in most formats.
Price range: Typically $1.00–$2.75 per card before sales; Black Friday discounts often 40–50% off (one of the best sale periods they offer all year).
Style Vibe: Fun, cheerful, colorful, and kid-friendly.

Best Printer Cheat Sheet:

✔ Best Luxe Quality	Miller’s & Minted
✔ Best Photo Quality	Mpix
✔ Best for BIG Orders (100+)	Vistaprint
✔ Best Sales / Discounts	Shutterfly
✔ Best for SMALL Orders	Mpix, Minted, & Shutterfly
✔ Best for Business Branding	Vistaprint & Millers

💡 Bonus tip: Choose a message that feels personal, even if it’s short. “Warmest wishes from the (Your Business) team” or “Thank you for making our year brighter” goes a long way.

Keep an eye out for my own family holiday card reveal next month! It’ll hit your inbox in December!

How to Leave a Lasting Impression with Your Holiday Greeting by Kelly Heck Photography

Pst… It’s Never Too Late to Send Your Greetings

Let’s be honest… the stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas can feel like a sprint, especially for business owners. If you missed that traditional window for sending your company’s holiday greetings, here’s your friendly reminder: it’s not too late.

The New Year is actually one of my favorite times to send cards. A “Happy New Year” message feels fresh, intentional, and often lands in your clients’ hands right when they’re clearing out their inboxes and planning for the year ahead.

It’s the perfect moment to stand out… while everyone else’s holiday greetings have already been opened, yours arrives like a bright, cheerful reset.

So if your December calendar got away from you (and whose doesn’t?), don’t panic. January is your second chance to connect, and honestly, it might even leave a stronger impression.

(Hint: Now’s a great time to schedule a quick photo session for your 2025 greetings. You’ll thank yourself later!)