The best Christmas cards of 2019
by Precious AdesinaWhen the Christmas card was invented in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, a civil servant who helped set up the Post Office, his intention was to get regular people using postal services. It's hard to tell if he knew at the time that he would be creating a new tradition that would carry weight worldwide almost two centuries later.
That said, sending Christmas cards seems to be slowly going out of vogue as technology and social media take over, but we're here to bring it back. There's nothing better than a beautifully designed hand-written card being sent to you by someone you care about.
Read on to take a look at our pick of the best Christmas cards of 2019, including charity, romantic, luxury, funny and multi-pack ones. Whether you'll be sending one or dozens, we've got options for you.
The best charity Christmas cards
1. Museums & Galleries Virgin and Child Christmas Card - pack of 8
Nothing says Christmas like a painting of the Virgin and Child on the front of a card. Best of all, 10 per cent of the selling price is split between NSPCC, British Heart Foundation, Mind, Marie Curie, Shelter.
2. Paperchase Pudding Charity Christmas cards - pack of 8
This is a pretty but generic design and with every sale a contribution is made to Water Aid, a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of people all over the world by helping to improve access to clean water and hygiene.
3. Museums & Galleries Partridge in a Pear Tree Christmas Card - pack of 5
Five golden rings, four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree! Not only is this card tasteful, but it will also remind recipients of a classic Christmas song. Ten per cent of this one also goes to NSPCC, British Heart Foundation, Mind, Marie Curie, Shelter.
4. John Lewis & Partners Santa and Friends Charity Christmas Cards - pack of 24
These adorable cut out cards of Santa Claus, Rudolph the Reindeer and a festive donkey are ideal for giving to the little ones in your life. And with 25 per cent of the price being split between Marie Curie, Alzheimer's Society, Together for Short Lives, RSPCA and St Mungo's you'll be spreading the love far and wide.
Read our round-up of the best charity Christmas gifts for even more inspiration.
The best luxury Christmas cards
5. Original Crown Mill Tree With Presents Christmas Cards - pack of 6
If you're after a good quality card then this one made specifically for Harrods by one of the top papermakers in the world is for you. This thick, cream-coloured card which comes with a tissue-lined envelope is made to impress.
6. Paula Skene Toy Sleigh Christmas Cards - pack of 8
A festive sleigh filled with presents adorns these luxury cards by Paula Skene. They're hand embossed and blank inside so you can compose your own greeting. Won't they look elegant on the mantelpiece.
7. Julie Bell London bauble Christmas card - pack of 10
Julie Bell's cards are handmade in the United Kingdom and we love this card of a bauble with a London landscape inside. Send to those who appreciate the big city.
8. Paula Skene Snowy Forest Boxed Cards - pack of 8
This card just feels as if it has a story attached to it. Maybe a little less traditional than some Christmas cards, but it most certainly is very elegant with the snowy scene and gold reindeer. Also, the little red birds will make this stand out on the mantelpiece.
The best Christmas cards for loved ones
9. First Christmas Together Christmas Card
Make your beloved feel extra special by reminding them that you're happy to be spending your first Christmas together. Hopefully there are many more holidays to come.
10. Scribbler I Love You Deerly Christmas Card
Nothing says I love you, or Merry Christmas, like a good pun. If they've got a great sense of humour then this card is most certainly perfect for them.
11. Five Dollar Shake Cute Christmas Glitter Card
'Let's Do Cute Christmas Things Together'? That's our kind of romance. And it's super sparkly too.
12. Museums and Galleries L'hiver fashion plate Christmas cards - pack of 8
Send this to your significant other and you'll both be feeling loved up. If they're keen on art, they'll appreciate this card with George Barbier's L'Hiver (1925) on it.
The best personalised Christmas cards
13. Papier Christmas Calligraphy Photo Upload Cards
Upload three of your favourite pictures from the last year, customise the text and Papier will create a truly personalised card for you. A great option if you also like to include a family newsletter about what you've all been up to.
14. Superfumi Personalised Family Christmas Card
£5 for one, Not On The High Street
Select each family member and their features (hair, outfit etc) from a drop down menu to create an illustrated portrait that'll make your cards really stand out this year.
15. Funky Pigeon Jon Snowman Personalised Christmas Card
One for the Game of Thrones fan in your life. Add their name to the speech bubble above Jon Snowman's head and they'll love you forever.
16. Eucalyptus Merry Christmas Cards
You can have your name or custom message written on the front of the card. Best of all these cards are handmade so you know they'll be extra special and the makers send you a proof.
The best multi-pack Christmas cards
17. Paperchase Traditional Father Christmas cards - pack of 10
According to Paperchase, "These cards are just screaming roasted walnuts, Christmas carols, crinkly wrapping paper, and the smell of pine," and we agree. They've also glitter on them.
18. Card Factory Boxed Value Christmas Cards - pack of 30
Does your child insist on giving a card to every single classmate? Then snap up this value box of 30 cards from Card Factory. They're bright and cheerful and cheap as chips.
19. Bumper Box of 40 Assorted Christmas Cards
This set of 50 cards from Amazon includes a nice mix of traditional and cute designs and they could all be yours by just a click of the button. At 14 pence per card it's a bargain.
20. National Trust Large Value Pack Christmas Cards - pack of 30
Who would've thought that the National Trust would want in on those value packs. Support your favourite places of historical interest in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by getting your cards from here.
The best funny Christmas cards
21. Sketchy Print Co Snoop Dogg Christmas Card
Twas the night before Chrizzle, and all through the hizzle, not a creature was stirring not even a mizzle. Yes Snoop Dogg, and a very Merry Chrizzle to you.
22. John Lewis & Partners Cutsie Cats Mini Charity Christmas Cards - pack of 24
If you're looking for something both cute and funny then these will be purrrfect. We don't know about you, but these funky looking cards would have us giggling for days.
23. Sarah Burns Prints 100 per cent Glitter Free Christmas Card
A little bit of sarcasm never hurt anyone. Even at Christmas. And, seriously if you really think about it, all that glitter can't be any good for the environment.
24. Scribbler Millennial Christmas Card
Speaking the truth this festive season. No cookies and cow's milk for anyone. Get Santa what really wants: almond milk and avocado.
For more Christmas features and gift guides, see www.telegraph.co.uk/christmas
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