What Makes an Excellent Christmas Card? 10 Brilliant Picks from Prickly Cards
Not all Christmas cards are created equal. The excellent ones spark a real reaction — a belly laugh, a blush, or a warm glow — and they feel good in the hand too. Here’s a simple checklist for choosing better cards this year, plus ten shoppable examples from Prickly Cards.
1) A clear voice that sounds like you
The perfect card matches your personality (or the recipient’s). If your humour leans spicy, lean in.
Merry Christmas, Prick
Brutally direct and very British. A guaranteed mantelpiece talking point.
You Make Me Wet
Cheeky wordplay for partners who appreciate a wink and a nudge.
2) A twist that breaks the mould
Great cards subvert the usual robins-and-snow clichés with a pop-culture nod or a left-field gag.
Below Deck: Don’t Embarrass the Boat
For your favourite reality-TV addict. Captain-approved chaos.
Fairytale of New York
Nostalgic, pub-energy irreverence — best enjoyed with a sing-along.
3) Proper materials & print
Excellent cards feel premium — heavier stock, crisp print, and a clean finish — so they look great on the mantel.
It Isn’t Going to Lick Itself
Bold cover. Blank inside. Quality hammered cardstock to elevate the filth.
This Card Sucks (But I Swallow)
Naughty by nature, nice by finish — printed in Manchester, UK.
4) Re-read value (the second chuckle test)
The best cards reward a second look: a layered gag, a perfectly timed punchline, or a glorious groan-worthy pun.
I Want to Lick Your Candy Cane
Sweet on the surface, scandalous underneath.
All I Want for Christmas Is a Good Pounding
Perfect for the friend who can’t resist a pun (or three).
5) A card they’ll keep (or at least display proudly)
When a design becomes fridge-worthy, you’ve nailed it — function and décor in one.
A Little Extra Stuffing This Christmas
Festive innuendo with tidy typography — the culinary chaos choice.
Santa Isn’t the Only One with a Bulging Sack
Utterly indecent — and absolutely mantelpiece-worthy.
How to pick quickly (and well)
- Match the vibe: Sweet for Gran, savage for your best mate, pop-culture for your telly obsessive.
- Think display: Bold covers and quality stock = more time on the mantel.
- Leave room inside: Blank interiors let your own message land.
- Order a mix: Keep a stash for last-minute drop-ins and office swaps.
Browse the full Christmas range | Shop the rude edit
All cards are printed in the UK on premium hammered cardstock and arrive with envelopes — ready to send.
