16 Festive Holiday Cards To Send This Season

There’s a good chance that by the time the holiday season rolls around, your gift list has become astronomically long. The more people you need to get gifts for (or at least send a seasonal greeting to), the more unique holiday cards you need to buy. Even if you don’t buy every single acquaintance a gift this season, it really is the thought that counts, so a sweet message in a card can make a whole lot of a difference and bring a smile to someone’s face.

You’re bound to receive several types of holiday cards this winter, from family portraits to pet photos, but you can never go wrong with a simple, pretty card. But instead of running to your local drugstore to scope out the card aisle, consider searching Etsy and online shops for cards that are actually unique — you don’t want to send everyone the same old Santa card this year. Planning ahead is the key to a successful holiday card round-up, and that’s why we’re picking out cards out now.

Of course, if your to-do list does bog you down so you save your cards for the last minute, you can also buy some print-out holiday cards. But for now, you still have time, and these 17 holiday cards are a pleasure to send and to receive.

1. Cozy Holiday Wishes Set

Tiny houses and tiny trees make a sweet, unique card.

Cozy Holiday Wishes Set, $18 for six cards, leifshop.com

2. Polar Bear Holiday Card

If you're not quite feeling like sending another penguin or snowman card, this polar bear makes a cute alternative.

Polar Bear Holiday Card, $5, poketo.com

3. Tree Trimmings Card Set

Instead of sending another photo of your own Christmas tree, try out this card that recipients will love to display in their own homes.

Tree Trimmings Card Set, $18 for eight, anthropologie.com

4. Elf Card

You can't really go wrong with one of the most beloved holiday movies of all time.

Elf Card, $5.50, urbanoutfitters.com

5. Snuggly Salutations Notecards

These adorable foxes will brighten anyone's day.

Snuggly Salutations Notecards, $9.99 for 10, modcloth.com

6. Joy To The World Card Set

Pretty lettering and gorgeous flowers make this card mantel-worthy.

Joy To The World Card Set, $19 for eight, etsy.com

7. Snowman Card

This isn't your usual frosty — this simple snowman is perfectly cool.

Snowman Card, $5, poketo.com

8. Happy Holidays Card Set

Spread the holiday spirit far and wide with this festive card.

Happy Holidays Card Set, $10 for 10, etsy.com

9. Baby, It's Cold Outside Card

Send this card to someone you're crushing on, and maybe you'll be in for a cuddle sesh.

Baby, It's Cold Outside Card, $4.50, etsy.com

10. Tis The Season Card Set

I can never resist cute animals, but cute animals in scarves? Even better.

Tis The Season Card Set, $18 for eight, etsy.com

11. Good Cheer Card Set

This non-denominational card knows what the holiday season is all about.

Good Cheer Card Set, $10 for eight, etsy.com

12. Winter Wishes Card Set

If you've got a long list, then this pretty card set is your go-to.

Winter Wishes Card Set, $18 for 20, anthropologie.com

13. Cactus Holiday Card

Because a green Christmas isn't a bad Christmas at all.

Cactus Holiday Card, $5, poketo.com

14. Warmest Wishes Card

Wintertime is for hot cocoa, blankets, cozy nights inside — and of course warm puppies.

Warmest Wishes Card, $8, etsy.com

15. Popcorn Garland Card

Mimic the look of your favorite Christmas tree tradition with this garland-inspired card.

Popcorn Garland Card, $4.50, etsy.com

16. The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Sometimes, simple is best, as this lovely cursive card shows.

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, $16 for 10, etsy.com

For more holiday ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: etsy.com (10); leifshop.com; poketo.com (3); anthropologie.com (2); modcloth.com