Five sources of free holiday cards
What has worked in past seasons, and what each one costs you in the end.
| Source | What you get | How to get it | What it costs you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo printing sites | A small batch of printed photo cards | New-account and app-install promo codes, most often in November | Shipping is rarely included, and the free batch is small |
| Drugstore and big-box photo counters | Discounted or free photo cards on promo days | Order online for same-day store pickup | Pickup avoids shipping; check the promo's card size and quantity limit |
| Charities on your mailing lists | Holiday cards and address labels in the mail | Arrive after you donate to, or sign a petition for, many nonprofits | They hope for a donation, but you can keep and use them |
| Card swaps and pen pal groups | Cards from strangers and other families | Join a holiday card exchange online or in a parenting or hobby group | Free to join; you pay postage for the cards you send |
| Library and community craft days | Cards you make yourself with free supplies | Check your library's December events | Free; bring your own stamps |
Card offers TrySpree listed last year
Most have ended, but the same companies tend to run card promos again, so this shows who to watch.
| Offer | Cost | How you get it | Listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Nativity Christmas Cards, Share the True Meaning of Christmas! | Check the terms | Join the program or app | |
| Engineer Some Holiday Joy, Get 3 Free Christmas Cards | Check the terms | Request on the brand's site |
Tips for free Christmas cards
- Read the quantity and size."Free cards" promos often cover a handful of small cards.
- Choose store pickup when you can. It removes the shipping charge that makes most deals cost something.
- Save charity cards for next year.They often arrive after you've mailed yours.
For kids, see how to get a free letter from Santa. More holiday freebies are in Christmas freebies and free calendars.
How do you get Christmas cards by mail for free?
The usual way is a photo card promo: printing sites hand new accounts a few free cards in November, though you normally pay shipping. Charities also mail free holiday cards to people on their lists, and card swaps bring cards from other families.
Are free photo Christmas cards really free?
The cards are, the shipping usually isn't. Choosing store pickup at a drugstore or big-box photo counter is the common way to pay nothing at all.
Why do charities send free Christmas cards?
They send cards and labels hoping you'll donate. You don't have to pay for them, and you can use them however you like.
Where can I send Christmas cards for free?
Postage is never free, but many nursing homes, children's hospitals and military support groups welcome holiday cards. Call or check their site first, since many ask for cards without glitter and only by a set date.
When do Christmas card deals start?
Photo card promos ramp up in early November and peak around Black Friday. Order by early December to mail cards in time.
About TrySpree
TrySpree is a free sample site, running since 2013, that lists free sample offers from real brands and checks the links; it's free to use and supported by ads. See how offers are checked, or skip the survey sites with free samples without surveys.
More TrySpree guides
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- Companies That Send Free Samples: Which companies send free samples, how to email a company for free stuff (with a template), and the brands with a sample form open right now.
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- Free Letter From Santa: How to get a free reply from Santa: Canada Post's Santa letters, USPS Operation Santa, the North Pole postmark, town Santa mailboxes and printable letters.
- Black Friday Freebies: Which Black Friday and Cyber Monday freebies are really free and which need a purchase, plus live offers.