Choose Your Own {Holiday Card} Adventure

Red Stamp, December 2013

Inquiring minds want to know :: what does the Red Stamp card-ordering process look like, from log-in to mail-out? Today, we’re giving you an inside look, walking you through the ordering adventure so you’ll know just what to expect!

This year, for the first time ever, I decided to send out a Christmas card to a handful of loved ones. I am, after all, a couple years out of college and establishing a career for myself…so that’s what all good adults do, right? Plus, Red Stamp has so many adorable options, I really couldn’t help myself. Join me on this little adventure of merriment, would you?

Choose a design ::

For quite a while I have sent out Red Stamp cards digitally, without creating a login, but I discovered that by logging in, I can “like” cards while I browse, and they’ll be saved to my favorites to come back to later. So, once I logged in, I bee-lined it to the “Holiday Cards” section to browse the Christmas designs. I perused for quite a while, because I just couldn’t decide which one I liked best. I tested out a couple possible designs with the photo I wanted to use, and after some tough decision-making, I decided to go with a Nordic fair isle design, with a red + white color scheme to make it feel extra festive. I knew I wanted a photo card because it would be a bit more personal. I pulled a photo from my Facebook account {though I was happy to see I could also pull from my camera roll and Instagram, or take a brand new picture and use it on the spot!}.

Personalize the message ::

I then wrote up a short, sweet holiday greeting that fit my personality. And did you know, if you ever need help putting together the right words, Red Stamp is happy to serve as your wordsmith? Many card designs offer pre-written sentiments that are sweet and personal enough to send to all your dear ones. Just tap on that little wording quote in the upper right-hand corner.

Digital or paper ::

Once my design and text were set, I was ready to begin the great send-off! I already knew I could send cards digitally, for free, over text, email, or social media. However, for my holiday cards, I wanted something a bit more sentimental and lasting, so I decided to go the card + envelope route, which allows me to slip in an extra note before sending.

I love how personal a card + envelope is. There’s something so special about seeing your name scrawled across an envelope, and the excitement of opening it to see the magic inside, knowing that someone was thinking of you and took the time to put it together. That’s the feeling I wanted to send out this Christmas, and the idea is even sweeter knowing Red Stamp prints on their famous luxe matte paper, tucked into a sturdy, elegant envelope. And speaking of envelopes, I went with the classic craft paper option, my first decision in the ordering process. This choice elicits strains of “brown paper packages tied up with strings, these are a few of my favorite things…” and my heart just melts. Because how quaint and magical is it to receive a craft paper package in the mail?

The send-off::

Originally, I was planning on having Red Stamp send my cards for me, so that I wouldn’t have to worry about a thing once my order was placed. However, I was a little stumped when I realized I didn’t have all of my addresses collected. So, I ventured over the river and through the woods, ending up with the “ship to me” option. I want to add a special letter with some of my cards, so this is actually the perfect option for me. I did, however, opt to have my return address printed on the envelopes, and for Red Stamp to add the postage for me. I may not have my addresses collected, but that doesn’t mean I have to fight the crowds at the post office too! By the time the cards arrive, I’ll simply slip in my letters, write out the addresses, and send them on their merry way!

I also appreciated the fact that, had I been more organized, I could have had Red Stamp print the “to” addresses on the envelopes and then send to me, so I could still add my special note and then just pop them into a fully addressed, stamped envelope! Next year…

I ordered 17 cards for $1.69 each – bonus for being able to select the exact number I wanted! – and then chose standard shipping, at Red Stamp’s everyday rate of $1.99. I was able to confirm my order and then entered my credit card information, which will now be saved for future orders.

After placing my order, I got an email confirming it, and letting me know that my cards would be printed and shipped out in 2-3 business days, and they’ll let me know once my cards have shipped.

I’m so excited to be able to connect with my loved ones in a special way this year, and I love how easy it was to make that happen. Red Stamp gave me the flexibility to order whenever I wanted without any looming order deadlines, which was so important to me since I tend to run a little last-minute. Even with all of my vacillating over card designs, and re-writing my note about ten times, the entire process took me well under an hour. And now I have the rest of the holiday season to enjoy some cookie-baking, ice skating, and tree decorating with family + friends…once I dig up all the addresses I need, of course!

So, what are you waiting for? Go on, enjoy your own adventure + create your perfect holiday card!