Times are tough but don’t let holiday cards be a budget casualty this year. Keep spirits up and friendships close by sending seasonal greetings to all your friends, family, customers and business partners, even if you might think them an unjustifiable expense.

Consider these money saving holiday card tips:

A holiday card is a very personal approach to staying connected and much more valuable than an email or phone call. You can purchase a lovely personalized card for less than $1.50 each, including postage for 200 names on your contact list. You can save even more with larger quantities.

For less than $1, and that includes the stamp, you can send charming holiday postcards. The personal gesture of friendship is still there and your thoughtfulness is certain to be appreciated.

Send a holiday card with a gift card enclosed or mention of a donation to a charity instead of the usual basket of fruit this year.

Holiday calendar cards are affordable and will be proudly displayed for the entire year. With your company name or logo printed on it, this is certainly affordable advertising and money well spent.

When personalizing your holiday cards, go ahead and print a money savings coupon right on the card itself. This is a great way to send thoughtful wishes for the season and encourage business at the same time.

Continue the holiday card tradition and maintain and grow friendships while staying within budget this year. The joy and pleasure you bring to others will come your way in return.

On the sixth day of Thanksgiving I gave this to a friend:

Six fall colored trees

Five decorative wreaths

Four peaceful bridges

Three horns a plenty

Two American flags flying

And a card with some orange pumpkins.

Order your Thanksgiving cards now!

Joy to the World is the message this “Design of the Week” brings. Another in our series that runs through the holiday season, this international greeting is printed on 100% recycled brown Kraft card stock for a greeting with worldwide appeal that is also earth friendly.

This exclusive CardsDirect design features dark brown ink on the brown recycled paper showing a world globe and the sentiment for the perfect message all can appreciate this year. Your custom imprinted verse and personalization is included in the price of each card and a matching recycled envelope is also included.

Type “Design of the Week” into the search box on the CardsDirect.com website to see all the designs offered in this exclusive design series and check back each week to see what new card has been added. Now is the time to order your cards for the holiday season and these printed on recycled card stock are especially attractive and environmentally friendly.

On the fifth day of Thanksgiving I gave this to a friend:

Five decorative wreaths

Four peaceful bridges

Three horns a plenty

Two American flags flying

And a card with some orange pumpkins.

Order your Thanksgiving cards now!

With all the talk about the upcoming presidential election and working in the greeting card industry, I wondered what Christmas cards the presidents have sent in years past.

The range has been from a simple presidential seal on a solid background to photo Christmas cards to commissioned fine art illustrations. It seems the First Lady drives most selections. Here are samplings:

In 1931 Hoover sent this signed photo greeting. Mrs. Hoover had an extensive collection of prints and chose her favorites. Here the President is pictured in the White House Rose Garden:

The official 1942 greeting from the Roosevelts was similar to their 1935 card. Sitting outside the Oval Office, this one-sided black and white card was simple and direct with a wish for a “happier” New Year.

Kennedy sent this simple card in 1961 featuring the Presidential Seal with a green border across the top. The sentiment inside read, “The President and Mrs. Kennedy Wish you a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.” Elegant and tasteful, Mr. Kennedy must have had a hand in this selection.

In 1970 the Nixon card was straightforward and elegant. The selection for 1971 featured a reproduction of an N.C. Wyeth painting of Washington inspecting the White House under construction.

Hillary Clinton certainly orchestrated the greeting sent in 1993. According to an article published in the Wall Street Journal on March 20, 2008, Mrs. Clinton first met with a staff of four to discuss the upcoming holiday card on May 13, 1993. The discussion lasted 50 minutes with a follow-up meeting on May 25 that lasted an hour. So, it appears you can never begin too soon when considering what card to send for the holidays!

Although the President wasn’t in the meetings, he was in the photograph taken on November 11. Here is the 1993 Christmas card sent by the Clintons:

Last year President Bush and Laura Bush sent this illustrated greeting. The First Lady chose the illustrator and the painting is of a statue in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden at the White House. The card was quite controversial, not for the image, but for the message included inside.

I wonder what this year’s card will bring? Check back often as I promise to post it just as soon as an image is released!