Holiday Card Mailing Cost Calculator

Budget your holiday card send before you order.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to mail 50 holiday cards?
At current USPS rates ($0.73/stamp), postage alone for 50 cards runs about $36.50. Add typical card costs ($1.25/card = $62.50) and envelopes if not included ($0.10/each = $5.00), and a 50-card send often totals $100–$120.
What is the current cost of a first-class stamp for holiday cards?
As of 2024, a standard USPS first-class Forever stamp costs $0.73 for cards up to 1 oz. Oversized or square cards may require a non-machinable surcharge, bringing the postage to $1.14 per piece.
Are square holiday card envelopes more expensive to mail?
Yes. USPS charges a non-machinable surcharge ($0.41 as of 2024) on square envelopes because they cannot run through automated sorting equipment. A square card that would normally cost $0.73 to mail will cost $1.14.
Should I include the cost of stamps in my card order budget?
Absolutely. Postage is often the largest single line item in a holiday card budget, especially for large mailing lists. For 100 cards at $0.73 each, postage alone is $73.
What is the cheapest way to print return address labels?
Printing on Avery 5160 or compatible label sheets at home is one of the most affordable methods — a sheet of 30 labels costs roughly $0.15–$0.30, so each label is about $0.01. Alternatively, a personalized self-inking address stamp ($20–$35 upfront) costs nothing per impression after purchase and pays for itself after about 300 cards.

How to Budget Your Holiday Card Mailing

Sending holiday cards is a cherished tradition, but the costs can add up faster than expected when you factor in every supply. This calculator breaks your total spend into four components — cards, envelopes, postage, and return address labels — so you know your exact budget before placing a single order.

The Four Cost Components

Cards: Prices vary widely. A box of store-bought cards typically runs $0.75–$2.00 per card, while professionally printed photo cards often cost $2.50–$5.00 each.

Envelopes: Many card sets include envelopes, making this cost $0. If you buy separately, expect to pay $0.07–$0.15 each.

Postage: As of 2024, a standard USPS first-class stamp costs $0.73. Square, oversized, or oddly shaped cards may require a non-machinable surcharge of $0.41 on top of the base rate.

Return Address Labels: Personalized labels from Avery or similar brands run $0.03–$0.10 each when bought in sheets.

Tips to Reduce Your Holiday Card Budget

  • Buy cards the day after Christmas for up to 75% off — stock them for next year.
  • Order stamps online through USPS.com to avoid a trip to the post office.
  • Consider a digital card for distant acquaintances and reserve physical cards for close family and friends.
  • Batch your card-stuffing and addressing into one session to stay organized.

When to Order

For cards to arrive by December 25, most mail-order printers recommend placing your order by December 1–5. Aim to drop cards in the mail by December 18 at the latest for standard delivery.