45 Beautiful DIY Christmas Cards You Can Easily Make at Home
The simplest way to spread holiday cheer.
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You finally captured the perfect photo of you and your squirmy baby in matching holiday pajamas for your annual Christmas card, but it's going to cost more than $100 to print enough for your friends and family. And to make matters worse: The bundle might not get there in time if you didn't plan far enough ahead. You could just close your eyes, hit purchase, and cross your fingers—or you could make the cards yourself.
DIY Christmas cards aren't as hard—or time-consuming—as they sound. It's a fun holiday activity, and with a little guidance, even the most elegant ideas are pretty easy to make at home. You can choose from free printable photo templates and card ideas that only require a printer loaded with ink and paper (use cardstock paper for the best results!). Or you can opt for a more unique method—like using a Cricut machine or a finger paints to make a baby handprint "tree" that's complete with fun button ornaments.
Whichever route you go, one thing is for sure: Your beautiful DIY Christmas card is sure to do just what it's meant to, and that's bring a smile to your loved one's face during the holidays.
Pop Up Christmas Card
The outside of this card is pretty enough, but the inside is what makes it really unique. When your recipient opens the card, they'll uncover a stunning pop up poinsettia.
Get the tutorial at A Piece of Rainbow.
Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal Card
Take a funnier approach to holiday cards with this printable watercolor inspired by the classic Christmas movie Home Alone.
Get the printable at Fox and Hazel.
EEJamesStationery Rustic Christmas Card Making Kit
Get the custom feel of homemade Christmas cards without all the effort of gathering the right supplies. This kit includes all of the paper you need to assemble mix-and-match holiday cards.
3D Christmas Tree Cards
A free template guides you through the folding process. And when you're done, the eye-catching design folds completely flat, so you can stick it in an envelope.
Get the tutorial at One Little Project.
Happy Holidays Poinsettia Card
You don't need any painting skills to create artful DIY Christmas cards—just a printer and a pair of scissors.
Get the printable at Fox and Hazel.
Paint Chip Christmas Card
Paint chips are a unique and simple way to design gradient Christmas trees for homemade cards. Just cut them into triangles of varying sizes and decorate with sequins or glitter.
Get the tutorial at One Little Project.
Graphic Printable Card
Instead of splurging on Christmas stationery, print these graphic cards at home—for free.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Paper Cut Card
For a cool paper cut design, you'll need a cutting machine—but the result is well worth the investment, especially if you are someone who likes to craft all year round. Plus, it couldn't be easier: You simply download the free file and print.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.
DIY Coloring Page Card
Print these holiday-inspired coloring pages, fold into a card, and then let the recipient reap the therapeutic benefits. (A real gift in itself!)
Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle.
Watercolor Cards
Believe it or not, you don't need any artistic skills to DIY these elegant Christmas cards. Simply paint around letter stickers, then peel them up to reveal a nice, crisp message.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.
Modern Handlettered Card
Don't have the best handwriting? Don't worry! Simply download a free PDF to trace or decoupage onto seasonal paper for a festive, professional-looking Christmas card.
Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle.
Santa Claus Card
A cutting machine, like the Cricut, makes it even easier to assemble this cheerful Santa. However, with a steady hand, you could achieve a very similar result.
Get the tutorial at White House Crafts.
Christmas Tree Shadow Box Card
All you need is spray adhesive and colorful paper to create this beautiful multi-dimensional card that is sure to wow any recipient.
Get the tutorial at Jennifer Maker.
Family Bunting Christmas Card
Family cut-outs strung on a piece of baker's twine is a funny and unique twist on the traditional Christmas card.
Get the tutorial at Delia Creates.
Watercolor Christmas Socks Card
Dig out your watercolors, and use this elegant card as a reference to create your own seasonal greetings.
Get the tutorial at Life-athon.
Coloring Page Card
Print free holiday-inspired coloring pages, then attach them to greeting cards using foam squares to make the beautiful design really pop.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.
Wooden Decals
You can easily create an array of unique cards using mini laser cut wooden shapes and a little bit of craft paint.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch Blog.
Gift Card Holder
For an A+ in presentation, download this printable gift card template. After that, the only thing you need to do is use a craft knife to cut a spot for the card.
Get the tutorial at Printable Crush.
Paper Nutcracker
This is another unique handmade card that's possible to free-hand, but made much easier with a cutting machine.
Get the tutorial at Love the Day.
The Grinch Handprint Card
Memorialize your baby or toddler's handprint with a card that's sure to make anyone's heart grow at least two sizes.
Get the tutorial at I Hearts Arts n Crafts.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
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