I’m the worst at sending cards. It’s a direct rebellion against my family’s obsession with cards for all occasions, writing notes in cursive inside and always, always, handwritten addresses on the envelope. They arrived on the day of or the day before whatever special time was being celebrated.
And this wasn’t something that just started after I moved away from my family either — we all lived within a few blocks of each other growing up, yet cards took the physical manifestation of how thoughtful and considerate my family wanted to be.
Fast forward to me moving across the country, and then across the world. The very idea that I’d be able to find or make a card here in Beijing, then mail it in time for prompt holiday arrival is laughable.
That got me thinking: there must be great internet-based card-sending services, so I can easily share pictures of my kids in a more thoughtful way than simply spamming them through social media. Sounds like a win-win situation for the prodigal child.
Here is a sample of the card-sending services I found that may work for you!
Fizzer
Fizzer is the most helpful website and app I’ve found so far for expats, because it delivers cards all over the world. They even have a cute blog that talks everything from family topics to places to travel to holiday lore. Their selection of cards is delightful, and I found Fizzer’s interface the most enjoyable to use.
Shipping: all countries
Website: https://app.fizzer.com/
Breeze through the site in French or English!
Paper culture
This company is my current favorite, mainly because they plant a tree for every card that you order. To date, they claim to have planted more than 1 million trees around the world, and they do this to offset the production and delivery of their product. Even the paper they use is made out of 100% recyclable materials. Guilt-free holiday shopping, here I come!
Shipping: International orders can use the “Mailed for You” service for an additional USD 1-2, but only with a credit card that has a US billing address.
Website: www.paperculture.com/
Paper culture presents a more refined look.
Moonpig
The Moonpig app is available for download in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. They offer both pre-made cards and a selection of different photo cards to upload. One thing that sets Moonpig apart is that you can sign up to get reminders of special days for your special people — then it’s just a few clicks away from sending a card. You also get discounts for using their app, although you are able to order on their website.
Shipping: International shipments are available, but give yourself 20 days from the time you want it to arrive.
Website: https://www.moonpig.com/
Moonpig has a very sweet selection of cards.
Ink Cards
This product is available via an app (both iOS and Android) by Sincerely, whose tagline is “Helping the World Be More Thoughtful”. Perfect! That’s just how I want to be. Although their apps rate high, I did see quite a few complaints in reviews about the quality of work, so proceed cautiously.
Shipping: Anywhere in the world
Website: https://www.sincerely.com/ink
Ink cards only works via the app, but their website previews the product nicely.
Touchnote
This service is clear cut: you purchase a membership that allows unused credits to roll over into the next month. They also have a few more stickers and graphics options, plus the ability to add a personalized stamp and map to your postcards. Definitely worth a check for a cutesier look to add to your photos!
Shipping: international shipping available
Website: https://touchnote.com/us/
Touchnote offers a couple of little extras that any Grandma would love
Will these card services make me a better long-distance daughter/cousin/auntie? We shall see, but anything is better than nothing, which is what I’ve done most years.
KEEP READING: Stay in Touch!: Tips for Maintaining Long-Distance Friendships From China
Photos: pexels and courtesy of websites
