Christmas cards... it's so lovely to hear from friends and family at this time of year, especially if you haven't seen them in a while. But what are you supposed to do with all those beautiful cards when the turkey has been eaten and the gifts have been packed away? Instead of chucking them immediately in the recycling bin, why not try one of our ideas below?
We've put together a useful list of 17 wonderful ways to reuse your Christmas cards. Hope you like them!
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1. Make gift tags out of Christmas Cards
Talk about being prepared! Here's a great way to use your old Christmas cards AND save a lot of money for next year. Cut out tag shapes from all those cards and tie some string from them so you can easily attach them to future Christmas presents. Store them in a nice big envelope and stick them with next year's Christmas decorations, so you'll be all set as soon as Christmas Shopping time appears again.
2. Turn them into bookmarks
This is a super-easy project and you really don't need much to complete it. All you really need to make a simple, yet gorgeous bookmark is some wool, cardboard and some scissors. It's completely up to you how you design your bookmark, whether you choose to cut a lovely design out of it, or keep it intact and use the main image. Whichever decision you choose, cut your card into a bookmark shape and then thread some wool through it.
3. Scrapbook material
Store all your old Christmas cards in a tin so that visiting children can entertain themselves with some scissors and glue. When it gets closer to Christmas again they can make their own cards out of all the scrap material you've got. Who needs TV when there is crafting to be done?
4. Christmas card bunting
This is a super-cute way to use all those Christmas cards. Bunting can be brought out every year, along with the tinsel! Follow the instructions from DIY Hellopie and make your own.
5. Create a Christmas card book
Can't bear to part with your Christmas cards? Use an old book cover and collect all your Christmas cards to keep inside. It's a cute idea so you can look back on all those great cards from friends and family.
6. Postcards
How Christmassy are your cards this year? If they're not too Christmas-like and show winter scenes, then why not use them as postcards? Even better - instead of forking out for stationary to write your thank you letters on, use your Christmas cards to send your message. What a marvellous use for your cards!
7. Frame your favourites
If you've received a particularly pretty or special card, then don't rush to get rid of it. Instead, pick a frame up from a cheap shop and stick the Christmas card in. I have found lovely old Christmas cards to my relatives that I made when I was a child and it was such a joy to look at them again. If you've been sent a homemade card that you can't bear to part with then frame it!
8. Place settings
Have you planned some after-Christmas dinner parties to suck as much festive joy out of the season that you can? Good news, I have an excellent use for your Christmas cards - as table settings! There tend to be lots of characters on Christmas cards and these make an easy target to cut out and make a beautiful place setting card.
9. Create Christmas ornaments
Yoyomax12 shows you how to make some wonderful Christmas decorations on her YouTube channel including Geodesic Paper Ball Ornaments and Christmas Balls. These are some wonderful videos for you to watch and I can't wait to try out one of these beautiful decorations for myself.
10. Wine gift label
Run out of gift tags? Don't worry, reach for a Christmas card and make your own. Cut an opening for the neck of the bottle to slip through and if write a greeting on the back of the card. This is a wonderful way to reuse your cards and it saves you nipping out to the shop.
11. Get the kids to create some art
If the children need entertaining while you're busy with Christmas tasks, then clear the table, grab some paper or card, scissors, felt tips and some glue. It's time for the kids to get their creative juices flowing and make some spectacular artwork. A bit of bribery might help - tell them that some chocolate will be awarded to the best... and then give some to all of them!
12. Make a new Christmas card
Why waste money on Christmas cards next year when you've got a whole load of some already in your house! There are two ways to create new Christmas cards:
- Cut a piece of paper or card and glue it to the inside of the card, covering the handwriting inside.
- Cut the front design of the Christmas card out and attach it using glue to new, folded piece of card.
13. Christmas card photo ornaments
This is so easy, the kids could do it! Cut out some old photos into circles and stick it to your Christmas card with glue. Cut around so it has a lovely Christmas card border, then add the a back to it. This way it will swing around and still look pretty!
14. Recipe cards
This is a wonderful idea to make as a present for someone special or keep for yourself. Cut your Christmas card in two and using the blank side, write out some recipes. You can add them to food hamper gifts, or in cards to people. Why not make some homemade biscuits as a present and include the recipe for them on the card?
15. Make a festive bag
This is super simple and you can use the bags to fill with sweets, small gifts or anything you fancy, over the Christmas holiday. Cut out the design you like and glue it onto the front of your paper bag.
16. Christmas card box
Make pretty boxes but stitching together old Christmas cards with wool. Just punch holes on all sides evenly and thread the wool or string through. You've instantly got yourself a pretty gift box to put presents in!
17. Hamper food decoration
If you've made some delightful homemade jar gifts, such as chutney or jams, why not use old Christmas cards to decorate the top? Just cut out a circle and glue it to the top. It will set your homemade gift apart from the rest of the Christmas food.
Phew, now you have lots of ideas for all those special Christmas cards. Which one will you try first?
I never buy gift tags at Christmas. I cut out all the lovely designs from the cards I have received before. I even use the greetings inside to make gift tags for small presents. It's amazing how many gift tags you can get out of one card sometimes and I have quite a few so I can match each tag to each individual - and I love cutting out! I've always loved cutting out from a child and am now 66 !
Ha ha Linda, I like cutting out too - fun for all ages!
I have been recycling Christmas cards as gift tags for about 10 years. I can't remember the last time i bought them.
It's a great tip isn't it Katie!
I've always done this too and I'm 66 now.I always have too many made so I put them in little bags of 10 and donate to charity shops.
That's a great idea Shirley, how wonderful!