Tis the season for businesses to engage in some holiday customer appreciation. You may want to send a thank-you card to your partners or a special offer to your customers. Or maybe you’re just hosting a local Christmas party and want to send out invitations. Regardless of what the project is, you might want a nice card for the occasion. These holiday card ideas will give you a head start in getting your business ready for the season.

Staff Photo Cards

The holidays are the perfect time to force your camera-shy staff together for a group photo. If you don’t want to gather everyone for a group shot, let everyone take their own individual holiday headshots and then put them together. Bonus points if everyone is wearing the ugliest of Christmas sweaters.

holiday staff photo ideas
Via SimplytoImpress.com

Keep it simple & minimalist.

A card is typically two panels, but who says you can’t simplify? Postcard inserts can go into customer products you ship out during December. Whether it’s a special offer, a simple holiday greeting, or a heartfelt thank-you, it’s sure to grab the recipient’s attention. Research shows 40% of consumers post social media photos after receiving a unique package from a business.

Irresistible offers

Maybe it’s not a holiday greeting or thank-you note you’re looking to create. Advertising a holiday special is another winning idea. If your offer is high-value and well-suited to your target audience, it’s well worth the effort. You can also stock them at the checkout counter if you have a brick-and-mortar store. Special offer cards can be sent out to long-term customers as a thank-you for their loyalty.

promotional postcard for businesses
Promotion by Penji designer

Does it even have to be a card?

If you’re bored by Christmas cards or feel that they’re played out, there is hope. These companies put their own weird spin on the classic holiday Christmas card. For example, ad agency Exit10 threw snowballs at each other and filmed it in slow-mo. Who says holiday card ideas have to be professional – or even physical cards? Maybe you don’t have the budget or equipment of an ad agency, but you can still get some inspiration from these weird and wonderful Christmas cards.

Yes, it can just be a card.

On the other side of the fence, maybe you’re totally disinterested in reinventing the wheel. In that case, a classic Christmas card will do. Now all you have to figure out is your messaging. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a novelist – There are plenty of ideas online. Check out these holiday card messages for businesses.

holiday card ideas
Card created by Penji designer

Custom Tags

Wanna go even more minimalist? Don’t have enough space on your packaging for a regular-sized card? Custom tags are a great holiday packaging idea that won’t break the bank. A beautifully-designed, on-brand tag is enough to delight customers with a little extra touch.

Custom Illustration

Do you have the perfect holiday card idea but no time or skill to actually make it? Not everyone is a graphic designer, and you shouldn’t have to be. Your great idea can become a Christmas card overnight with the help of a Penji graphic designer. Get your designs back quickly, request revisions, and be on your way, graphics in hand.

Draw your staff

If you’re looking for something lighthearted, getting your team custom-drawn is a fun option. No one has to pose for a photo. All you need are some existing pictures of your staff that are of decent quality. Working with a freelance illustrator will help you get this project done in no time.

holiday staff card illustration
Custom illustration by Penji designer

Embossed Holiday Card Ideas

There’s something about an embossed card that gives it more flair. It stands out from the crowd of generic Christmas cards and shows you put some thought into the design. Fortunately, Etsy is jam-packed with creators who make embossed holiday cards – have your pick! Choosing a product from a smaller creator online is also a great way to avoid picking up the same holiday card pack as other businesses in your area. Originality always wins.

Event Invitations

Hosting a digital or in-person event? If so, this holiday card idea is the way to go. People are often overwhelmed with party invitations during this time, so the simpler, the better. Don’t overwhelm with too many details and get right to the point – what’s in it for them. If you’re hosting a staff office party, consider these corporate holiday party ideas to kick off your planning.

office party invitation
Via AmbrosiaPrints on Etsy