Merch Harbor's Top Holiday Card Collections: Winners from Our Annual Design Challenge

## Why Holiday Cards Matter This Season As the holidays approach, selecting the right cards becomes a key part of spreading joy and personal touches. At Merch Harbor, we celebrate creativity through our annual Holiday Design Challenge, where independent artists submit innovative collections. This year, the entries impressed with their diversity and quality. With input from our community, we crowned top winners across categories. These collections go beyond cards, offering matching [holiday cards](/category/stationery-office/greeting-cards/holiday-cards), [wrapping paper](/category/stationery-office/wrapping-paper), stickers, and accessories to streamline your festivities. Whether you're a beginner dipping into holiday stationery or an advanced planner coordinating full themes, these picks provide inspiration. Start simple with versatile cards, then layer in complementary items for a polished look. ## First Place: Vintage Retro Merry Christmas by S C DESIGN Leading the pack as both our judges' top choice and customers' favorite, S C DESIGN's Vintage Retro Merry Christmas collection captivates with its typography-focused elegance. Explore a range of card layouts in multiple color palettes, ensuring a fit for any aesthetic. This isn't just cards—extend the retro vibe to your table with paper napkins, [wrapping paper](/category/stationery-office/wrapping-paper), gift tags, and even wine bottle labels. **Beginner Tip:** Pick a single card design to announce your holiday gathering. **Intermediate Use:** Match cards with napkins for cohesive party invites. **Advanced Strategy:** Customize labels for personalized wine gifts, tying into our [gifts](/category/gifts) selection for a branded touch. This collection embodies timeless appeal with modern adaptability, ideal for [retro](/retro) enthusiasts. ## Second Place: Minimal Modern Holiday Quote by Petrichor For those prioritizing personal photos, Petrichor's Minimal Modern Holiday Quote shines. It offers fully editable photo card templates accommodating one family snapshot or a collage of memories. Pair them seamlessly with understated [wrapping paper](/category/stationery-office/wrapping-paper), gift tags, and [stickers](/stickers) for a clean, contemporary set. **Actionable Advice:** Beginners, upload one cherished photo for instant impact. Advance by blending multiple images with subtle quotes, then apply stickers to packages for extra flair. This collection suits minimalist decorators seeking photo-forward designs without overwhelming details. ## Third Place: Citrus & Floral Holiday by Orabella Prints Orabella Prints refreshes classic holiday palettes with Citrus & Floral Holiday. Subtle nods to holly and berries blend vibrant citrus tones and florals, merging tradition with innovation. Cards, tags, and accents create a fresh tablescape or mailing ensemble. **Pro Tip:** Start with cards for mailing, then elevate gifts using the floral motifs. For experts, layer with neutral [ornaments](/category/home-living/ornaments) to balance the brightness. Perfect for those tired of standard reds and greens. ## Editors' Picks: Exceptional Collections for Every Taste Our editors selected additional standouts, each offering unique angles on holiday cheer. These provide advanced options for themed events or personalized gifting. ### Definition of The Holidays by Happy Apple Canvas Happy Apple Canvas delivers pure simplicity in Definition of The Holidays. Clever word definitions like 'mistletoe' and 'merry' adorn cards, paired with matching labels and envelopes. This bridges classic charm and sleek modernity. **Customization Guide:** Beginners define your holiday vibe with ready cards. Pros edit text for family in-jokes, coordinating with [holidays](/category/gifts/holidays) gifts. ### The Edit by Stacey Meacham Stacey Meacham's The Edit fuses traditional holiday hues with bold modern edges. Comprehensive from cards to tags, it's a one-stop seasonal solution. **Shopping Hack:** Pair with [Christmas stickers](/stickers/christmas) for envelopes. Advanced users mix colors for custom [gifts for her](/category/gifts/gifts-for-her). ### Retro Christmas Ornaments by Shelby Allison Shelby Allison channels ornament nostalgia in Retro Christmas Ornaments, bursting with red, yellow, and green. These cards demand display space, evoking tree-trimming magic. **Enhance It:** Beginners send as-is; experts add [retro stickers](/stickers/retro) to gifts. Link to [retro canvas prints](/canvas-prints/retro) for home decor extensions. ### Mele Kalikimaka | Island Christmas by Lise Provencher Lise Provencher transports you tropics-side with Mele Kalikimaka | Island Christmas. Lush, palm-infused designs suit beachy holidays or escapist vibes. **Versatile Pairing:** Use for invites, match with tropical [gifts for him](/category/gifts/gifts-for-him). Beginners love the fun; advanced creators adapt for luau parties. ### Minimal Graphic Holidays Collection by Citronella Citronella's Minimal Graphic Holidays mesmerizes with striking red graphics. Versatile cards handle photos or solo statements, plus [wrapping paper](/category/stationery-office/wrapping-paper) and labels. **Pro Move:** Customize graphics for branding, add [custom stickers](/category/stickers-magnets/custom-stickers). ### Oh What Fun Colorful Abstract Christmas Collection by Tina Tina's Oh What Fun bursts with pink, green, and typography in abstract glory. Classic phrases get vibrant updates, including tags, napkins, and [stickers](/stickers). **Host Essentials:** Beginners for cards; pros for full party kits. Pair with [abstract stickers](/stickers/abstract) for flair. ### Ugliest Sweater by Chelsi ChelSi celebrates sweater parties with Ugliest Sweater—invites, vintage sweater cards, and prize buttons. **Event Planning:** Beginners invite via cards; advanced design custom prizes with [gifts for kids](/category/gifts/gifts-for-kids). ## How to Choose and Coordinate Your Holiday Collection **Beginner Steps:** - Assess needs: Mailing volume, photo inclusion. - Browse [holiday cards](/category/stationery-office/greeting-cards/holiday-cards) by style. **Intermediate Layering:** - Match cards with [wrapping paper](/category/stationery-office/wrapping-paper) and [stickers](/stickers). - Theme around colors or motifs. **Advanced Customization:** - Edit templates for personalization. - Integrate with [ornaments](/category/home-living/ornaments) or [canvas prints](/category/wall-art/canvas-prints) for decor. - Bulk order for events via our print-on-demand. These strategies ensure cohesive, memorable holidays. Explore [holidays](/category/gifts/holidays) for more. ## Get Ready for the Holidays With these collections, Merch Harbor equips you for seamless celebrations. Which design speaks to you? Share thoughts below as we anticipate next year's creativity.