Wreath made from recycled holiday card circles pasted on cardboard circle by Trashmagination

Holiday & Greeting Card Reuse

You can put most in paper recycling, but some holiday and greeting cards require more creative reuse. Get tips on where you can send used holiday and greeting cards to help others, or get inspired to make holiday decorations from them.

You can listen to my podcast episode on creative reuse of holiday and greeting cards in this YouTube video. It originally aired in December 2018.

Where to Send Used Holiday or Greeting Cards

St. Jude’s Hospital – job creation program for teens at the hospital

Sainsbury’s in the UK has an annual holiday card collection program from the end of December and to mid-January – Based on card donations, they make a financial donation to the Forest Stewardship Council UK. In 2017, they gathered 98 tonnes of holiday cards[. They also take wrapping paper.

Community Cards – Seniors make new cards from old ones and sell them for 50 pence each at community centers. This program has made almost 15,000 pounds since 2013.

Cards for Soldiers sends handmade, blank cards and signed Christmas, thank you, and get well cards to deployed units or service members overseas for the soldiers to use to write to family and friends

Local art programs – your local creative reuse center, art teachers, Sunday school teachers or day care centers

Greeting card section at the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse
Greeting card section at the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse

Can you sell vintage holiday cards for profit?


Crafts to Make with Holiday and Greeting Cards

Gift Cards and Boxes

Monogram Gift Labels

Wreath Ideas

Wreath made from recycled holiday card circles pasted on cardboard circle by Trashmagination
Wreath made from recycled holiday card circles pasted on cardboard circle by Trashmagination

Ornament or Gift Decoration Ideas

Mantle or Shelf Decorations

Holiday card basket sewn from recycled holiday cards and warp ends by Trashmagination
Holiday card basket sewn from recycled holiday cards and warp ends by Trashmagination
Holiday card basket sewn from recycled holiday cards and warp ends by Trashmagination
Holiday card basket sewn from recycled holiday cards and warp ends by Trashmagination

Ways to Creatively Reuse Printed Photo Cards

Crocheted Holiday Crafts

Holiday Traditions

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