As the holiday season approaches, many businesses begin to think about how to show appreciation to their clients, partners, and employees. While emails and digital messages have become common, a carefully designed holiday card can offer a more personal touch.

But what makes a holiday card truly memorable, especially in a B2B context? Let’s explore how uniquely creative holiday cards can strengthen business relationships and why they still hold value in today’s fast-paced, digital world.

1. Creating a Memorable Experience

In the age of quick digital communication, receiving a physical card can leave a lasting impression. However, a standard card might not stand out. Creative holiday cards, with unique designs, interactive elements, or even personalized touches, can make the recipient feel valued. These are cards that people keep, display, and remember long after the season is over.

For businesses, this is an opportunity to make a lasting connection. A well-designed card that reflects care and thought can communicate appreciation more effectively than a standard email blast.

Starfish Medical Augmented reality mailer

StarFish Medical celebrated the holiday season in grand style with a card showcasing an elaborate dimensional tree enhanced by augmented reality. Unfolding the initially flat card reveals a surprising interior—a multi-layered, dimensional paper tree that gracefully emerges in the center upon opening. The call-to-action encouraged recipients to scan the code on the card and direct their phone cameras towards the paw prints, unveiling a 3-dimensional polar bear on the card. Watch a video here.

2. Reflecting Your Brand and Values

Holiday cards are more than just a greeting—they offer an opportunity to showcase your company’s personality. Whether you prefer sleek, minimalist designs or something more bold and playful, a well-thought-out holiday card can mirror your brand’s identity.

For example, companies known for innovation might opt for cards with modern, unconventional designs or elements like pop-ups or fold-outs. Others might choose a more traditional, classic look to align with a refined corporate image. Either way, the card serves as a subtle reminder of who you are as a business and what you stand for.

Liebherr Group Pop Up Holliday Card

The Liebherr Group pushed the envelope for the holiday season and selected a remarkable holiday card gift box to extend warm wishes to their valued customers. The box, initially shipped flat and unfolds to reveal an array of intricately designed, holiday-inspired die-cuts at its center. Liebherr leveraged one end of the gift box to convey their heartfelt holiday message to their customers.

3. Strengthening Business Relationships

Sending a holiday card isn’t just a seasonal gesture—it’s a way to reinforce relationships. In B2B settings, where maintaining strong connections is essential, a personalized card can stand out as a thoughtful act of appreciation. This small effort can help keep your company at the forefront of your clients’ and partners’ minds, setting a positive tone as you head into the new year.

Taking the time to add a handwritten message, the recipient’s name, or specific details relevant to your shared business relationship can go a long way in showing that you genuinely value the partnership.

Astellas Spinning Tree Card

Astellas used this Spinning Tree holiday card design to wish employees a happy holiday season. The die-cut tree that appears on the cover of the card automatically spins and dimensionalizes when you open up the card. Inside, employees used the space to personally hand-sign their greetings.

4. A More Sustainable Approach

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in business decisions. Many companies are choosing eco-friendly holiday cards, made with recycled materials or printed using sustainable methods. This reflects a growing awareness of environmental responsibility while still allowing companies to engage in a personal, tactile form of communication.

For recipients, knowing that the card they received aligns with their own sustainability values can also deepen the connection they feel with your brand.

GLG Communications sent customers this Shadowbox Holiday card. The card, which shipped flat, transformed into a three-dimensional shadow box, featuring a captivating winter holiday scene at its center. The card encouraged recipients to “bask in the brilliance of Earth’s Greatest Light Show: The Northern Lights”, by scanning the QR code, and placing their smartphone underneath the mailer to see the light show come to life. The card was also used to inform recipients that a donation was made to The Nature Conservancy of Canada on their behalf.

5. A Thoughtful Close to the Year

The holidays are a time for reflection and gratitude, and sending a unique holiday card is a thoughtful way to wrap up the business year. Whether the card is simple or intricate, it’s an opportunity to express appreciation for the year’s successes and look forward to continued collaboration. For many businesses, this small gesture can be a way to maintain a personal connection, even in a largely digital world.

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