The 2026 Holiday Card Roundup: Splurge, Classic, and a Good Deal

Written By Persimmons & Quince

I adore holiday cards - choosing them, receiving them, sending them - less so writing them. But they’re better than a text - no one saves a text.

If you're sending cards this year, now is a nice time to choose them with a little leisure to the process. Also, many of the most striking boxed sets sell out before Thanksgiving. I've rounded up my favorites in three tiers, so you can find something gorgeous at whatever budget fits your year.

The Splurge: Heirloom-Quality Cards

Saturn Press

Saturn Press cards are swoonworthy. This letterpress studio was founded off the coast of Maine in 1986 - and now operates out of Kent, Connecticut in the Litchfield Hills. Each card is pressed on heavy paper - you can feel the design with your fingertips. Every box holds eight cards with envelopes and they run about $35.

To consider:

Crane & Co.

Crane has been making fine paper since 1801, and their engraved cards are the gold standard. Their cards are pressed by hand on century-old machines, printed on 100% cotton paper. A box of ten runs about $42.50.

  • New for 2026: engraved designs featuring a cardinal, a stag, and an illuminated letter.

  • Christmas Morning Tree is festive and a lovely weight - makes an impression.

  • Pepperberry in vase. Red and gold - celebratory and memorable.

  • Joyful Wreath. A classic, with gold-lined envelopes.

  • Also lovely: Noel, Three Kings, Calligraphic Peace, and Nordic Tree.

Ginny's reminder: Splurge cards don't have to go to everyone. Save them for the people who will treasure them, like grandparents, godparents, and your oldest friends.

The Classic: Beautiful Without the Splurge

  • Christmas tree in Watercolor - this pretty design is classy and classic on a budget. -

  • Paper Source. Their Winter Toile and Season's Greetings letterpress sets look far more expensive than they are, and the Holiday Garland set is $18.50 for ten.

  • Hammerpress. The Holiday Treats card is pure joy for the bakers in your life.

  • Choosing Keeping. Their Fox in the Snow card is a winter scene that's lovely enough to frame.

  • Etsy letterpress shops. Look for the All Is Bright boxed set and the vintage Shiny Brite tree card. Shopping small makers makes your card feel even more personal.

The Value Pick: For the Long Mailing List

If you're sending to everyone from your college roommate to your mail carrier, there's no shame in a great boxed set. Hallmark's vintage Santa and vintage red truck designs hit this year's nostalgic trend at a fraction of the price, and they're running buy-one-get-one-free deals right now.

What's Trending for 2026

  • Vintage and nostalgic designs. Old-fashioned Santas, red trucks, and vintage postal motifs are everywhere.

  • Deep, rich colors. Think dark red and deep navy, with gold and silver accents.

  • Woodland creatures and toile. Foxes, deer, and juncos are having a moment.

  • Scandinavian simplicity. Clean lines, simple trees, and lots of white space.

  • Sustainable paper. Recycled and cotton papers feel good to send and to receive.

  • Year-in-review cards. More families are using their cards to share milestones, like a new baby, a move, or a new puppy.

When to Order

Plan to order your cards in early November and address them over Thanksgiving weekend. That way they're in the mail by the first week of December, and you can enjoy reading the ones that arrive at your door.

Tell me: are you a letterpress lover, a photo card family, or a "grab a box and go" sender? There's no wrong answer, as long as you send them.

With love and a little tinsel,
Ginny

This post contains affiliate links. If you shop through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Persimmons & Quince
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