The design isn’t the only thing that makes an impression when your Christmas cards arrive. The paper you choose affects how your card feels in hand, how photos and colors appear, and the overall presentation of your holiday greeting. From everyday cardstock options to premium finishes and extra-thick paper, here’s how to choose the right Christmas card paper type for your style and budget.
Which Christmas Card Paper Type Is Best?
For most families, Signature Smooth Cardstock is the most popular choice because it offers a thicker feel than Standard Smooth and supports premium features like foil stamping and decorative trims. If you’re unsure where to start, Signature Smooth is a reliable option.
Standard Smooth Cardstock
Standard Smooth Cardstock is Shutterfly’s most affordable paper option. It features a smooth matte finish and bright white surface that helps photos and designs look crisp and clear. If you’re looking for a classic Christmas card without additional upgrades, Standard Smooth delivers quality at an accessible price point.
Key Features:
- Most budget-friendly cardstock option
- Smooth matte finish
- Bright white cardstock
- Available in formats such as tri-fold, gate fold, and large format cards
Signature Smooth Cardstock
Signature Smooth Cardstock is Shutterfly’s most popular cardstock option. It’s noticeably thicker than Standard Smooth and supports additional customization options, including decorative trims, foil stamping, and glitter accents. For many families, it offers the best balance of quality, customization, and value.
Key Features:
- Shutterfly’s most popular cardstock
- Thicker feel than Standard Smooth
- Smooth matte finish
- Supports foil stamping and glitter accents
- Available with decorative trim options including scallop, bracket, and ticket cuts
100% Recycled Cardstock
100% Recycled Cardstock offers a bright white finish and substantial feel while being made from 100% post-consumer fiber. It provides a similar thickness to Signature Smooth Cardstock while offering an option for shoppers who prefer cardstock made from recycled materials.
Key Features:
- Made from 100% post-consumer fiber
- Bright white cardstock
- Similar thickness to Signature Smooth Cardstock
- Smooth matte finish
- FSC® certified
- Processed chlorine free (PCF)
- Recyclable
Pearl Shimmer Cardstock
Pearl Shimmer Cardstock features a subtle shimmer finish that adds dimension and elegance to your design. The semi-shine surface catches the light and can help decorative elements, typography, and artwork stand out. It’s a popular choice for holiday cards with a more polished or elevated look.
Key Features:
- Shimmer, semi-shine finish
- Elegant, luminous appearance
- Pairs well with foil-stamped designs
- Available with decorative trim options
Luxe Double-Thick Cardstock
Luxe Double-Thick Cardstock is Shutterfly’s thickest cardstock option. At 280 lb. and 35 pt., it offers a substantial feel that stands out immediately when recipients hold the card. If you’re looking for a premium presentation, Luxe Double-Thick is designed to make an impression.
Key Features:
- Thickest cardstock available
- Premium, keepsake-worthy feel
- Smooth matte finish
- Supports foil stamping
- Bright white cardstock
Matte vs. Shimmer Finishes
Most Shutterfly cardstock options feature a smooth matte finish, including Standard Smooth, Signature Smooth, 100% Recycled, and Luxe Double-Thick cardstock. Matte finishes offer a clean, classic look that keeps the focus on your photos and message.
Pearl Shimmer Cardstock features a subtle semi-shine finish that catches the light and adds a touch of elegance to your design.
How to Choose the Right Christmas Card Paper
- Choose Standard Smooth if keeping costs down is your top priority.
- Choose Signature Smooth if you want Shutterfly’s most popular cardstock and access to premium design options.
- Choose 100% Recycled Cardstock if you prefer cardstock made from recycled materials.
- Choose Pearl Shimmer if you want a subtle shimmer finish.
- Choose Luxe Double-Thick if you want the thickest cardstock available.
Related Resources
From affordable everyday cardstock to premium keepsake-worthy options, the paper you choose can shape how your Christmas card looks and feels when it arrives in the mailbox. Taking a few minutes to compare finishes, thicknesses, and customization options can help you find the cardstock that’s right for your design and budget.
Additional Resources:
