Online Photo Christmas Cards: Design, Print, and Send from Your Laptop

No store runs needed. Pick a service, prep your file, and send—print or digital. If your background is messy, fix it online before ordering.

Service picks

• Vistaprint/Shutterfly: Good quality; wait for 40–50% sales.
• Minted: Premium papers/foil; higher cost.
• Costco/Walmart: Budget-friendly, in-store pickup options.
• Digital-only: Email/text sends; keep file small (under 2 MB).

Prep your photo

• Window-lit, clear faces; turn off overheads.
• sRGB, 300 DPI, 5x7 (or chosen size); faces/text 0.25" inside edges.
• If the scene isn’t clean, upload and generate 18 polished backgrounds in 60 seconds—export print-ready.

Design tips

• One hero photo; short greeting; readable fonts.
• Leave breathing room; don’t cram lots of text/photos.
• Matte/satin 130–150 lb feels premium; avoid cheap glossy if you can.

Ordering and shipping

• Order by Nov 20 (calm) or Dec 7 with rush.
• Compare total cost (cards + shipping); pickup can save time/money.
• Order 10–15% extras for late additions or reprints.

Digital sends

• Use portrait/square for phones; under ~2 MB.
• Add one personal line per group/recipient; avoid mass-blast feel.
• Optional: QR to a short private video or album.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Low-res/social-media images for print—use originals.
• Tiny script fonts; hard to read on screen/print.
• Ignoring safe zones; don’t let faces/text hug edges.
• Overly busy templates; keep it clean.

Final checklist

• sRGB, 300 DPI, correct size; margins checked.
• Proof if possible; check color and text alignment.
• Mail domestic by Dec 10; send digital anytime if late.

One good photo + clean design beats overstuffed templates. Use online tools to polish the scene and card without leaving your desk.