7 alternatives to Christmas cards

We've found some great alternatives to Christmas cards

Plantable seed paper
Author: Anna Sky Hulton

Every year loads of Christmas cards are sent and received, but usually they just end up getting recycled after Christmas. Try some of these fantastic alternatives and we're sure your friends will appreciate them.

1. JibJab greeting

JibJab allows you to send your friends animated videos starring you! Just upload your photo and you'll become the star. Check out all the options at www.jibjab.com

2. Make a small present

Make it a bit more personal this Christmas and cook up a little present such as jam or chutney. You can write a Christmas message on the label and it's a lot more personal than a shop bought card. Although it will take longer to make you can do a batch job so you only need to set aside half a day and then you're set for the Christmas season!

Jam

3. Combine your card with a tree decoration

These fantastic little cards come complete with their own Christmas decorations that you can use year after year.

Available from www.madewithlovedesigns.co.uk

Jumper cards

4. eCards

eCards are pretty old skool, but there are still plenty of companies that will allow you to send free eCards. There are hundreds of designs available ranging from funny designs to more traditional ones. eCards are particularly great to send to people in other countries as they won't attract any postage costs and you can usually put a short message in them.

Couple looking at computer at Christmas

5. Plantable cards

Forget recycling your cards, turn them into pretty flowers! With this fantastic alternative to your usual Christmas card you can send a card knowing that it won't go to waste. These great cards are made from seed paper and make a nice floral addition to the recipient's garden. Available from www.plantableseedpaper.co.uk

Plantable seed paper

6. Email newsletter

We're not talking about a company newsletter, we're talking about a personal email that you send to friends and family who you don't speak to that often. Not everyone is on social media, so it's a great way to keep the older generations in the loop with what you've been up to over the last year. Of course it only works if people have access to email, so for those that don't just print out a copy and pop it in the post.

Young woman looking at computer

7. Augmented reality Christmas cards

Use something like Aurasma to create your own augmented reality Christmas cards. It's free to make simple ones and there's even a simple 'How-to' video.

Christmas isn't far off now, check out some of these fantastic advent calendars and new exciting products that are available to buy in the run up to Christmas.

Dog Umbrella

The dog umbrella is now available to buy in the UK. The dog umbrella sounds crazy, but it really is a product that you can now buy for your pooch.

Giant Prosecco glass

Amazingly this giant glass holds a whole bottle of Prosecco! It has a massive capacity of 750ml, making it perfect for Prosecco-lovers.

Bacon Toaster

This toaster can cook up to six rashers of bacon at the same time.

Blacksticks Blue Cheester Egg

Dubbed the 'Blacksticks Blue Cheester Egg', this delicious Easter treat comes with some egg-citing additions. And by that we mean crunchy mini oatcake crackers and a sachet of sweet and sticky caramalised onion chutney (an absolute must-have side-dish for when eating cheese).

KFC Double Down

The KFC Double Down was available last year a limited time only.

Amazon Beauty Calendar

Featuring 24 drawers full of fantastic beauty products, this is the perfect present for anyone who loves a bit of glitz and glamour in their life.

Ben & Jerry's vegan

Three delicious choices of Ben & Jerry's vegan flavours were launched in September, including Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Chunky Monkey and Peanut Butter & Cookies.

Huge Prosecco bottle

This new mega bottle from Aldi is apparently known as a jeroboam and costs ÂŁ39.99, quite reasonable considering its size.

Giant Gin glass

Coming in a gift pack of two, these giant Gin glasses aren't just huge, they are also made with the finest Bohemian Royal Crystal which is internationally recognised for its high quality, craftsmanship and elegance.

Gin & Tonic Ice Popsicles

Discount supermarket Aldi stocked the shelves last summer with gin ice popsicles.

Ben & Jerry's Topped

In March 2018 the new Ben & Jerry's Topped flavours were revealed.

Cadbury Dairy Milk 30% Less Sugar

Available nationwide from July 2019 onward, you can enjoy the classic taste of the iconic Cabury Dairy Milk bar, but with 30% less sugar!

Matching dog and human pyjamas


Prosecco cheese


Mini McFlurry's

McDonald's have revealed the newly-sized McFlurry's!

Slush Puppie Slushie Machine

Enjoy your favourite retro icy drink with B&M Store's Slush Puppie Slushie Machine...
Perfect for the summertime heatwave!

GIANT Inflatable Flamingo Pool Float

Nothing says summer like a massive inflatable flamingo pool float, large enough to comfortably fit two adults. Thanks, Aldi...