Charity Christmas Cards Explained

We draw and print our own Christmas cards in the UK and post them ourselves, so the timings and sizes below are the ones we work to every December.

We don't sell charity cards, so there's nothing in this for us either way. That's exactly why it's worth writing down.

Charity cards are a good thing. They're just not all the same thing.

How they work

• Cards sold directly by a charity usually return the most, because there's no middle layer.
• Cards sold by a shop 'in aid of' a charity pass on a stated share, which is often a small percentage of the selling price.
• The donation figure is normally printed on the back of the pack. If it isn't, that tells you something.
• A percentage of profit and a percentage of price are very different numbers.

Checking before you buy

• Read the back of the pack for the exact wording and the amount per pack.
• Compare the donation with the price difference against a normal card.
• Buying from the charity's own shop or website usually beats the supermarket version.
• Registered charity numbers are public - a quick search confirms the charity exists and what it spends on.

Other ways to give at Christmas

• Buy any card you like and donate the difference directly. The charity keeps all of it.
• Write in the card that you've given to a cause in the recipient's name, instead of a gift.
• Local causes - food banks, hospices, animal rescues - often need December help more than national ones.
• Regular small giving is worth more to a charity than a seasonal spike.

Shop Christmas cards

Prints that post flat

A5, A4 and A3 art prints, drawn in house and printed in the UK.

How to write it so it lands

• Buy direct from the charity where you can.
• Percentage of profit and percentage of price are not the same.
• Donating the difference yourself gives the charity more.

Where to shop next

• Christmas card etiquette
• Who to send Christmas cards to
• How many Christmas cards do I need?
• First Christmas cards: baby, home and marriage
• Christmas hub
• Christmas card messages
• Buy Christmas cards
• Card hub
• All guides
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

How much of a charity Christmas card goes to charity?

It varies widely. Cards bought directly from a charity return the most; 'in aid of' packs in shops often pass on a small stated percentage, printed on the back of the pack.

Are charity Christmas cards worth buying?

Yes, if you buy from the charity itself. If the donation is a small share of a higher price, buying a cheaper card and donating the difference gives more.

How do I check a charity card is genuine?

Look for the registered charity number on the pack and search it. Genuine cards state the charity, the number and the amount donated.