13:39, 06 December 2024
Words by Devinder Bains, Staff Writer, London
It’s the time of year for caring and sharing, and nothing warms a snowy winter heart like receiving a thoughtful Christmas card. Whether you like sending cards with cute animals, silly Santas, arty designs or messages of peace, there’s more choice than ever. Better still, why not double the festive cheer by getting your Christmas cards from a charity or organisation that helps others? The great news is that some of the coolest cards available are actually the ones that give back to those in need of a helping hand.
With plenty of time to get your cards to loved ones (the cut-off date for 2nd class post is 13th December, 1st class is 18th December and DPD is 20th December), order your favourite design now. Not sure where to look? Worry not, we’ve trawled the internet for you and found 10 of the best charity Christmas cards on offer…
If you want your Christmas cards to stand out from everyone else’s (quite literally) then these gorgeous pop-out reindeer cards from Shelter are for you. The lucky recipient not only gets a Christmas card but also a bit of playtime as they cut out the deer pieces and craft a stand-up model of the magnificent animal. You’ll bring joy to your loved one and also give to a great charity that helps homeless people and campaigns for housing justice.
£4.99 for 10 cards, buy here or if you’ve run out of time, send an e-card from here
Maybe you want festive cards with a more heartfelt and universal message if you have loved ones who aren’t celebrating a traditional Christmas but you still want to let them know you’re thinking of them. In that case, the peace-themed cards from the British Red Cross might be just what you’re looking for. The two designs featuring doves are particularly poignant, and the money you spend will go towards helping those who are facing humanitarian crises abroad and those who need social care services in the UK.
£3.75 or £3.99 for 10 cards, buy here
Macmillan Cancer Support has a truly stunning selection of cards that cover everything from nativity scenes and snowy trees to robins and, more randomly, a family of regal-looking penguins. But the ones we love the most are the Christmas cards that have a personal touch when sent to the right person. Do you know someone who loves hiking, carol singing, Christmas jumpers or maybe they’re driving home for Christmas? There are cards for all of those and more. Also, a special shout-out to the cute Macmillan coffee morning card, which is a nod to the charity’s famous fundraising efforts.
£4.30 for 10 cards,buy here
Nothing says a cool Christmas like ice-skating under a giant Christmas tree, so why not put that festive scene on your own Action Aid Christmas cards? This contemporary design feels fresh, different and very cute! And to top it off you’ll be helping women and girls living in poverty.
£4.25 for 10 cards, buy here
If you have a soft spot for the big man, then head to the Crisis online shop and take your pick. From dancing Santas, Rudolph and Santa sharing a hug or Santa and his sleigh busy at work; there are also a fair few cartoon cats and dogs if that takes your fancy. All the money you spend will go towards the charity to help people who are experiencing homelessness.
£3.99 for 8 cards, buy here
If you want to give your loved ones a bit of a LOL, head to the UNICEF online shop for a variety of funny cards. From partying sheep to teddy bears and reindeer dressed as Christmas trees to our very favourite card of carol-singing vegetables that ask to ‘sleep in heavenly peas’, there’s plenty to choose from. Best of all, every penny raised will help improve the lives of children all around the world.
£5.00 for 10 cards, buy here
If cute dogs are your thing, and there’s a good chance they are, then head to the All Dogs Matter online shop and pick out your favourite design. In the same pack, you can have cartoon Westies, fluffy friends - featuring an adorable kitty - and a more traditional style London cityscape with doggies in the foreground. All money raised by the charity goes towards rescuing and rehoming unwanted and abandoned dogs (and the odd cat) from the UK and abroad.
£5.00 for 10 cards, buy here
If you’re looking for something that’s a little less bells and whistles and a little more laidback joy, this stunning collection of art cards from human rights organisation and charity Amnesty International UK is just beautiful. Designed by Iranian painter Nima Javan who took refuge in the UK in 2019, the cards are a showcase of contemporary abstract art with a Persian influence.
£6.95 for 10 cards, buy here
Step away from the traditional card by opting for these wooden Christmas postcards, that could double up as stocking fillers, from mental health charity MIND. Choose from traditional festive scenes or pets playing dress up - though our favourites are the bold graphic designs that can be kept and used as annual decorations. These are great for that special someone who deserves a knockout card.
£4.95 for one, buy here
Retro robins, traditional nativity, and vintage dogs and children are just some of the old-school designs on the Christmas cards from the humanitarian organisation Save the Children. There are also a fair few cute animal cards from pets looking out for Santa to snowy polar bears, with funds raised from the cards and other gifts online helping children across the world.
Prices vary from £2.10 upwards for packs of cards, buy here
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The British Red Cross. This charity helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. They are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts. Support them here.
CARE International UK. CARE is there to help people when they need it most. They are one of the world's leading humanitarian agencies, delivering life-saving assistance when disaster strikes. Find out more here.
Goods for Good. This is an organisation which offers global humanitarian aid by transporting donations such as industry overstock from generous partners to help communities in need. Learn more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnerships for the Goals.
