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What To Do With Old Christmas Cards
When it’s time to clean up your collection of old holiday cards, it’s important to know your options. Whether you decide to recycle your greeting cards or turn them into decorations for the holidays, you’ll want a game plan. Check out the options below to find the option that works best for you.- Go to a Recycling Center. If you’re looking to get rid of a bulk pile of cards, go green. Take your collection to the local recycling center to make sure the material doesn’t go to waste. However, it’s important to note that certain materials (such as glitter, foil, felt, and ribbon) are not excepted by recycling centers.
- Upcycle Them Into a Christmas Card Craft. If you want to transform your old greeting cards into a forever keepsake or fun holiday decorations, we have you covered. Just check out the following section to get started with our favorite Christmas card crafts.
- Donate Old Greeting Cards. Some nonprofit organizations, such as St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, accept old Christmas cards as donations. They then transform these used cards into new cards to distribute.
Homemade Christmas Card Crafts
Ready to start crafting? If so, pull out your collection of old Christmas cards and pick a craft from those listed below. Or use the following ideas to inspire a craft of your own imagination.1. Recycle Christmas Cards into New Cards
For this craft, start by cutting out your favorite elements from old Christmas cards. This may be a cute wreath, a sweet phrase or sentiment, or any other seasonal element. Then take these cutouts and glue them onto fresh new cards or blank cardstock paper. You’ll end up with a collection of fresh, original Christmas cards for all your loved ones. 2. Christmas Card Crafts For Kids
Looking to get the little ones involved? Ask them to cut (using kid-safe scissors) old Christmas cards into Holiday Shapes to use as decorations. Cut a variety of shapes including Christmas trees, snowflakes, snowmen, and Santa hats. Then, string the shapes together to create a seasonal garland. And if you’re looking for more kid-friendly ideas, make sure to visit our resource on Christmas crafts for kids. 3. How To Make A Christmas Tree Out Of Christmas Cards
Make sure none of your old family Christmas cards go to waste with this fun Christmas card idea. Simply cut old cards into various sizes and hold them together with a stand to create this card inspired Christmas tree. For specific instructions, make sure to visit our resource on how to make a Christmas tree out of Christmas cards. 4. Ornaments Made From Christmas Cards
Christmas cards can be transformed into great ornaments because they represent different events and memories. Make sure to include the part of the card with the year so that you’ll always have the memento. Simply cut out a section and tie the embellishment with a ribbon onto a Christmas bulb. This craft also makes for a great Christmas gift for friends and family. 5. Christmas Card Wreath
Transform your favorite Christmas cards into a sweet seasonal wreath. That way you’ll always have your loved one’s seasonal greetings cheerfully displayed in your house. Just buy a wireframe or base for your wreath at a local craft store, and tie or glue the Christmas cards in whatever order you like.
6. DIY Christmas Card Garland
A DIY Christmas garland is as cute as it is simple to make. While your choice for garland material can differ (tinsel, string, ribbon or other), the only other materials you need are old Christmas cards and pins. 7. DIY Christmas Card Holder Using Wood
If you’re looking for a way to turn your Christmas cards into Holiday decorations, consider creating a Christmas cardholder. By creating a DIY Christmas card holder, you’ll have a festive stand that will help you showcase Christmas cards throughout the entire season. Additionally, you’ll be able to use this decoration year after year. 8. Recycled Greeting Card Magnet
Refrigerators hold untapped potential for showing off old and beloved Christmas cads. Save space by upcycling your Christmas cards into magnets. You can create your own by uploading a photo of your Christmas card into your Shutterfly account and then ordering a set of photo magnets. Plus, they’ll last much longer than a Christmas card. 9. Holiday Card Coasters
Coasters can be made from a variety of materials including coaster-sized cuts of wood, marble, and ceramics. To create a holiday card inspired coaster, simply use an Exacto-knife to cut a Christmas card into the shape of the coaster. Then, using Mod Podge, coat the bottom and top of the Christmas cards and place them on top of the Coater. Alternatively, you can upload photos of the Christmas cards and order a set of photo coasters that are sure to last. 10. Upcycled Gift Tags
For this craft, Christmas cards become the gift that keeps on giving. To start, pick out a set of Christmas cards that you’d like to feature for git tags. Then, using scissors, cut out into various holiday shapes. As an added touch, you can glue these shapes to a cardstock or construction paper backing. Then, use a hole puncher to punch a hole through the design so you can loop a ribbon through it. 11. Greeting Card Placemats
DIY Christmas placemats are easily created by running a set of Christmas cards (arranged in your chosen size and pattern on construction paper) through a laminator. Alternatively, you can order a set of photo placemats with all of your favorite holiday cards. 12. Christmas Bunting
Looking to transform your old holiday cards into the perfect Christmas decoration? If so, consider creating DIY Christmas bunting. This straight forward project starts by finding twine or string, scissors, a hole punch, and your old holiday card collection. Then cut your cards into the desired shapes for your Christmas bunting. After that, you a hole punch to punch two holes on either end at the top of each piece of bunting. Finally, run the string through the holes in your desired pattern. 13. Photo Book of Christmas Past
If you’re looking for a way to save space, while saving all your favorite Christmas cards, consider making a photo book or scrapbook with all your old cards. It’ll help you condense your collection while also providing a meaningful hub for the cards from your loved ones. Simply upload photos of your favorites and craft the perfect Christmas card photo book. 
