The best 2024 Christmas cards by independent artists and designers

The art of sending Christmas cards is more than just a seasonal ritual; it's a chance to connect, share a spirit of creativity, and support emerging illustration talent. In a world where all we do is text and send GIFs to each other, a thoughtfully chosen card becomes a tangible expression of care, a small piece of art that can brighten someone's day and create a lasting memory.

To point you in the right direction, we've picked out some of the best Christmas cards by independent artists and designers. These aren't just Christmas cards – they're miniature canvases that capture the magic, whimsy, and warmth of the holiday season. From intricate linocut prints to playful illustrated scenes, each card represents hours of creative passion, technical skill, and a deeply personal approach to design.

In short, by choosing cards from small, independent creators, you're not just selecting a piece of functional stationery—you're supporting artists who pour their heart and soul into every brushstroke, print, and illustration.

1. Christmas Card Set by Maz Leyden

An illustrator who's worked with brands including Google, Ikea, and the EU, Maz Leyden's cards burst with bright colours and playful squiggly curves. They are designed to spread joy and capture the magical spirit of Christmas. This vibrant set of eight cards features iconic Christmas images, including star, bauble, rocking horse, and moon designs. These cards are more than just greetings; they're miniature artworks designed to spread happiness and capture the magical spirit of the season.

2. Christmas Cards 2024 by Lizzie Lomax

A Brighton-based illustrator and designer, Lizzie Lomax's work is known for her playful, bright and accessible illustrations. We love these Risograph-printed A6 Christmas cards in yellow, blue, and red. Each one showcases her unique style of texture and collage and comes with a recycled brown craft envelope. The occasional printing imperfections add character, making each card a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

3. 2024 NEW Edition Card Collection by Rohan E. Thomson

Rohan E. Thomson is a pop-colour illustrator and animator based in Edinburgh who does a neat line in transforming monochrome scenes into vibrant artworks. Her Christmas collection features Little Elf, Santa's Mince Pie & Milk, and Mrs Claus designs. These cards, printed on recycled paper with kraft envelopes, celebrate small business creativity and environmental consciousness.

4. Seagull Christmas Card by Hello DODO

Screen-printing duo Ali and Jam established Hello DODO as a creative side project in 2021. Their quirky A6 Christmas cards, featuring festive seagulls, are guaranteed to raise a smile. It's a great choice for seaside lovers and those who appreciate offbeat humour. Printed on FSC-certified card with a red envelope, these cards embody Hello DODO's mission of spreading joy through fun design.

5. Christmas Card Tealight Surround by Sarah Morpeth

Sarah Morpeth is a paper artist based in Northumberland National Park. Her work combines various processes, including stitching, bookbinding, hand painting, printing, and hand and machine cutting. Her magical four-panelled concertina card transforms into a tealight surround. When illuminated, it becomes a stunning, sculptural piece that brings warmth to your Christmas décor.

6. Pack of 6 Love & Joy Christmas Cards by Elvira VV Designs

Founded by award-winning designer Elvira van Vredenburgh, this London-based company offers a stunning collection of illustrated stationery. This pack of six whimsical Christmas cards are inspired by vintage patterns and nature. Printed on FSC-credited 350gsm card with a matt finish, these 105 x 150mm cards come with cream envelopes and are wrapped in biodegradable cellophane.

7. Handprinted Christmas Card by Luiza Holub

Based in Sheffield, artist Luiza Holub's practice focuses on the handmade process of traditional linocut printmaking techniques, creating work that is contemporary with a nod to the traditional. Her designs focus on contemporary interpretations of traditional techniques, featuring bold colours and simple compositions. We love this hand-printed scene of carol singers, and there are many other designs to choose from on her site.

8. Greeting Card Collection by Twonks

Twonks is a funny, offbeat webcomic series combining rude and twisted humour with a cast of cute but ultimately stupid characters. It was created by illustrator and cartoonist Steve Nelson in 2023 and has already built up a large following online (currently over 139k followers). This card design offers a hilarious twist on Christmas traditions, and there's another one to check out on his site, too. Featuring the comic's signature rude and twisted humour, these 148mm squared cards are printed on heavy 250gsm paper and come with a red envelope.

9. Christmas Gifting Collection by Harry Brian Studio

An illustrator based in Stoke-on-Trent, Harry Brian is working towards a world where "talking about mental health is as natural as sending a card". This circus-themed Christmas card breaks traditional festive design norms in delightful ways. Featuring a vibrant carousel scene with Santa, elves, and seasonal colours of hunter green, red, and pink, this A5 card is printed on FSC mixed recycled board.

10. 6 x A6 Christmas Cards - Cable Car Cosy by Lucy Hariades

Lucy Hariades is an illustrator and graphic designer based in the Welsh Marches. This nostalgic set of six A6 Christmas cards features charming scenes, including a cable car, a cosy cabin, and a Christmas pudding spread. Printed on high-quality 350gsm recycled, FSC-certified card with ice blue envelopes, each tells a story of festive warmth and celebration.

11. Christmas Card Collection by Joanne Wishart

Award-winning artist Joanne Wishart is known for her vibrant coastal and landscape paintings, prints and gifts inspired by the North East of England. Each of these beautiful Christmas cards features local landmarks under a full moon and snowy sky. These square 15cm cards are printed on sustainably sourced board and come with recycled white envelopes.

12. Retro Christmas Deer Blank Holiday Card by Frank Herbert

All of Frank Herbert's work is created by hand and with love in his home studio in Maryland, USA. We love this set of ten handmade block-printed greeting cards, featuring a retro Christmas deer design. Printed on smooth ivory cardstock in five different colours (green, pink, lilac, red, and blue), these 5" x 6-7/8" cards come with matching envelopes. A kitsch and charming addition to your holiday correspondence.

13. Christmas Party Card by Freya Niamh Design

Founded in 2017, Freya Niamh Design specialises in statement destination prints of locations around the world alongside seasonal stationery and colourful greeting cards. This colourful celebration of festive fun is illustrated in orange, pink, and yellow, with a gold-foil, scalloped border. Printed on high-quality 300gsm FSC-approved board with a silk finish, it comes in biodegradable packaging with a fuschia pink envelope.