Looking for the best deal on a custom photo calendar? A few simple choices can make a difference in the final price. The calendar format you choose, the size, the paper type, and available promotions all play a role in how much you’ll pay.
Whether you’re creating a calendar for yourself or as a gift, these tips will help you save on a custom photo calendar while still showcasing the photos and memories you love.
1. Choose a Desk or Easel Calendar for a Lower Starting Price
If you’re looking for a lower-cost way to create a personalized calendar, start with our desk calendars and easel calendars. Both have a lower starting price than wall calendars while still giving you 12 months to showcase your favorite photos and memories.
Display one on a desk, shelf, or countertop, or create a gift that brings family photos into a loved one’s day. Their compact size helps keep costs down while still giving you 12 months to showcase the photos and moments you love most.
2. Pick an 8×11 Wall Calendar to Save on Size
If you want a calendar to hang in your kitchen, home office, or another shared space, choose our 8×11 wall calendar for a lower price than the 12×12 size.
You’ll still be able to showcase your favorite photos throughout the year and personalize important birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates. The smaller size helps keep costs down while fitting easily into more compact spaces.
3. Keep Standard Matte Paper for a More Affordable Wall Calendar
Our wall calendars are available in two paper options. Choosing standard matte paper keeps the price lower in either wall calendar size:
- Standard matte paper: Smooth, matte-coated paper that shows your photos with vibrant detail.
- Premium cardstock: Thick, smooth, uncoated cardstock with a luxurious feel and elevated finish, available for an additional charge.
Standard matte paper is a great choice when you’re focused on value. It showcases your photos beautifully while keeping the cost of your calendar lower. If you’d like a thicker, more premium feel, you can upgrade to premium cardstock for an additional charge.
4. Check Current Shutterfly Calendar Deals and Promo Codes
Before ordering, visit our Special Offers page for current calendar sales and eligible promotions. A discount can help you save on your preferred format, from a desktop calendar to a larger wall calendar.
Check which calendar types are included, when the offer expires, and whether a promo code is required. Some discounts apply automatically, while others need a code entered before checkout.
Signing up for Shutterfly promotional emails can help you stay updated on offers. If you have more than one available promotion, review the terms to see which can be combined, then confirm the savings in your cart.
5. Watch for Black Friday and Cyber Monday Calendar Deals
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are good opportunities to check calendar offers as you plan holiday gifts and get ready for the coming year. Compare the available savings on the format and quantity you want, including shipping.
Get your project ready ahead of time by choosing a design, uploading photos, and adding special dates. Save it so you can finish your purchase when you find an offer that fits your budget.
Earlier sales are worth considering, too. If you’re happy with the price and delivery timing, you can order without waiting for a later shopping event.
6. Explore Bulk Calendar Savings for Larger Orders
Creating calendars for a business, school, sports team, fundraiser, or a large gift list? Our bulk calendar program offers volume pricing on qualifying orders of 15 or more wall calendars.
Bulk pricing is available for both 8×11 and 12×12 wall calendars and includes free economy shipping. Whether you’re creating calendars for customers, employees, team members, or family and friends, ordering in larger quantities can help lower the cost per calendar.
Visit the bulk calendar page to review current quantity tiers, offer details, and instructions for placing your order.
7. Consider a Calendar Magnet or Mouse Pad for an Even Lower-Cost Option
If you’re looking for one of the most affordable ways to combine a favorite photo with a calendar, consider a calendar magnet or mouse pad calendar. Both display the year at a glance, making them a practical choice for a refrigerator, workspace, or home office.
These formats can also make thoughtful small gifts for teachers, grandparents, coworkers, or anyone who would enjoy seeing a favorite photo throughout the year.
If you’d rather feature different photos month by month, a wall, desk, or easel calendar may be a better fit.
8. Plan Ahead to Keep Calendar Shipping Costs Down
Ordering early can help you save on shipping costs and give you more delivery options at checkout. It’s especially helpful when creating calendars as holiday gifts, birthday gifts, or year-end keepsakes for family and friends.
Planning ahead also gives you time to review your photos, double-check special dates, and make any last-minute updates before placing your order.
If you’re creating multiple gifts, consider ordering them together. Combining calendars with other items you already plan to purchase may help reduce overall shipping costs.
Fill Your Year With Favorite Memories for Less
Creating a personalized calendar doesn’t have to mean choosing the largest size or every available upgrade. From desk and easel calendars to smaller wall calendar sizes and standard matte paper, there are plenty of ways to create a calendar you’ll enjoy all year while staying within your budget.
Whether you’re highlighting family vacations, milestone celebrations, or everyday moments that make you smile, the right calendar keeps those memories close month after month. Explore our custom calendars and browse the latest Shutterfly offers to find a style and price that work for you.
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