Creative Inspiration by Vistaprint

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Kristen Johnson — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 19:14:56 +0000

When it comes to your holiday shopping, are you someone who shops early or last-minute? If you are a last-minute kind of shopper, then we have the perfect gift guide for you full of great present ideas from Vistaprint! Everything on our gift guide is priced under $20 so you won’t need to break to bank either. Additionally, our gift options are all completely customizable so you can create a truly unique present for someone special on your shopping list. Here is our 2013 last-minute gift guide!

1. Tote Bags – these great canvas bags come in a number of fun designs and are large enough to carry around your books, computer, beach gear or any other variety of things! Not only are these great for personal use, they’re also a terrific way to promote your business.

2. Mug – this is a gift that will come in handy every morning! Our collections of mugs are completely customizable too. Sort through our hundreds of available designs and add a special photo or personalized text to make it unique.

3. Photo Book – sentimental gifts like a photo books are always appreciated. Add meaningful photos to highlight some great memories that you’ve shared with the person receiving this present.

4. Notebook – do you have a writer on your holiday shopping list? A custom notebook is sure to make their day!

5. Phone Case – phone cases are becoming more than just a means to protect your smart phone; they are now seen as an accessory! And what better way to dress your phone than with a custom case, made complete with photos or patterns that reflect who you are.

6. Wall Calendar – each year I create a custom calendar full of photos that I give to my friends and family so that each month they are reminded of another fond memory from the past year. I am always told that these presents are especially special because of the personal touch that goes into each one. They’re fun to create and always well received.

7. Note Card – this is a practical gift that is always needed. Note cards come in handy in a pinch when you need to rattle of a quick thank-you note or message. Make these an even better gift by adding personal touches like a monogram or change up the color combination.

Do you like our last-minute gift guide? Which of these gifts would you be happy to receive this year?

Find the Perfect Invitations for Your Holiday Party

Kristen Johnson — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 19:12:04 +0000

Are you hosting a holiday party this year? Whether you are having a traditional family gathering or a modern holiday bash, we’ve got you covered on the invitations. Here are some of our favorite Christmas party themes with festive invitations to match. Which would you choose?

Ugly Sweater Party:

Trim the Tree Party:

Christmas Cookie Swap:

Christmas Lights Party:

Gift Exchange Party:

Classic Holiday Dinner Party:

Did we miss any of your favorite holiday party themes? If so, share with us below!

3 Creative Phone Case Uses

Kristen Johnson — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 16:17:58 +0000

Phone cases today have taken on a far greater purpose than to simply protect your favorite hand-held device from harm’s way — they have become a new means of self-expression. There are many types of mobile cases out there, from the indestructible brick cases to sleek minimalistic covers.

What’s even better is that many brands such as Vistaprint offer phone cases that are customizable, giving the consumer an even greater opportunity to create a design that is unique to them. Use your phone case to show your identity in a subtle way. If you need a little help getting started, here are three creative ways that you can use personalized phone cases for.

Promote Your Business: Your phone case can be the perfect tool to promote your small business. By including your company logo on the backside of your mobile phone case, you can help increase brand awareness while you are out and about each day. Next time you’re in line at the grocery store and pull your phone out to answer a call, for instance, it just may lead to a conversation about who you are, what you do and potentially a new customer. Additionally, you could create custom branded phone cases to sell as a new product to your biggest brand loyalists.

Find The Perfect Gift: With the holiday season here, it’s time to get serious about gift giving! A custom phone case is the perfect gift for all of your loved ones. You can make each cover unique to the person by using their favorite colors or elements, such as floral or geometric patterns. Add a photo as well for an extra special touch. This type of personalized gift is sure to please anyone on your shopping list.

Make It Your Own: As I mentioned before, your personal phone case can act as an outlet for self-expression. If you are having trouble finding a case out there that really shows your identity, create your own! Choose your favorite styles and color combinations and if you’d like, add photos as well. The options are truly endless.

What does your phone case say about you? Share with us in the comments!

2013 Holiday Trends: Milestones

Kristen Johnson — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 18:37:50 +0000

New love, new nest, newborn? Share your special milestones with friends and family using your holiday cards this year!

This year, we created many new Christmas cards for newlyweds using joyful messages, such as “Married and Bright.” For recently married couples, here is a sampling of some of our favorite cards made just for you.

Merry and Married Holiday Card:

Married & Bright Christmas Card:

If you are a new parent this year, choose one of our adorable cards to show your baby’s first Christmas. Some of our options feature multiple photo fields so you won’t have to settle on just one shot of your bundle of joy! Here are a few ideas to look at below.

Baby’s First Christmas Card:

We Traded Silent Nights For a Bundle of Joy Holiday Card:

Did you move into a new home this year? Use your holiday card as a way to share the exciting news with your loved ones!

Happy Holidays From Our New Home Card:

This year, make sure you choose a Christmas card that feels special to you. If the milestone trend doesn’t resonate with you, download our Holiday Card Trend Guide for more inspiration or visit our Pinterest boards.

2013 Holiday Trends: Unexpected Colors

Kristen Johnson — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:28:38 +0000

During the holidays, red and green always seem to steal the show — but not this year! We’ve opened up a whole new palette of brights and pastels along with lively, stylized type. The combination creates a unique, soft look with the perfect amount of personality. These fun Christmas cards feature an array of unexpected colors to give your holiday cards a modern and distinctive look.

This season, why not pick out a card with a colorful backside or handwritten font as well? The options are truly endless! Take a look at some of our holiday cards that fall under the unexpected color theme and share with us your favorites.

Merry & Bright Holiday Card:

‘Tis the Season Holiday Card:

Warm Winter Wishes Holiday Card:

Peace Joy Love Holiday Card:

Happy New Year Card:

Here is our latest Vine that shows one of our brightly colored cards.

Working on a new #holiday card design means a bright start to our weekend! #VistaprintHoliday https://t.co/O8MSM827aT

— Vistaprint (@Vistaprint) November 27, 2013

Do you like the unexpected color trend for the holidays or do you prefer a classic Christmas color scheme? Let us know! For more colorful holiday inspiration, come explore our Pinterest board!

2013 Holiday Trends: Whimsical

Kristen Johnson — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:35:25 +0000

When creating our new holiday card collection this year, one of our favorite themes that we focused on was the whimsical trend. Using non-traditional colors and catchy festive phrasing, this fun trend is easy to love! You can even incorporate this theme into your holiday decorating, using pops of color, playful ornaments and other modern elements.

When it comes to your holiday cards, do you prefer a more traditional Christmas design, or would you go for a whimsical card this year? Here are some of our favorite designs from the whimsical collection of cards.

Whimsical Happy Holidays Card:

Whimsical Christmas Card:

Merry & Bright Holiday Card:

Happy Paw-lidays Holiday Card:

Bright and Beautiful Christmas Card:

Happy Paw-lidays! #VistaprintHoliday #HolidayCards #pets https://t.co/05cvhVmmou

— Vistaprint (@Vistaprint) November 20, 2013

Let us know in the comments which one you like the best! For more whimsical inspiration, check out our Pinterest board.

Fun & Easy Children’s Party Ideas

Kristen Johnson — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 16:05:41 +0000

Do you have any birthdays coming up? If you are in the process of planning a kid’s birthday, we are here to help you make it special. When coming up with the theme for your child’s birthday bash, you don’t need to go too crazy with a creative and unique idea. A birthday theme can be a simple as a color scheme or food selection. However, if you are looking for some trendy ideas that we’ve been seeing lately, here our some ideas to consider based off our newest birthday card invitations.

1. Floral Party – If you are throwing a party for a girly girl, this theme is a great idea. Use pink and purple accents for food and decorations. A fun craft idea for the party is to have a fresh flower buffet where the guests can pick out flowers of their choice and create their own personal floral arrangements to bring home.

2. Monster Party – It’s a monster mash! This type of party is fun for all. Why not look into a cute monster pinata that can double as a fun centerpiece and a party activity.

3. Train Party - If your child just loves trains, use this as your theme. Have a “build-a-train” station that the kids can play with at the party or set up a cookie decorating table where the kids can frost train shaped treats for dessert.

4. Parisian Party – Here is a party for the sophisticated youngster. Incorporate french food and design into this party and even try to make home-made macaroons as an activity.

5. Ice Cream Party – Who can resist a party based around ice cream? This party is fun for all ages! Be sure to have a do-it-yourself ice cream sundae station and it will be a guaranteed success.

6. Circus Party – You can get pretty creative with a circus or carnival theme for a birthday party, from the food to the activities. Try to include some basic staples, such as cotton candy and peanuts. Hand out tickets to the kids that they can use to play fun games and receive prizes.

Hopefully this list will help to get the ball rolling with your party planning process. If you are still looking for more inspiration, check out our Pinterest boards!

2013 Holiday Trends: Handcrafted

Kristen Johnson — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 16:55:19 +0000

Take the “do-it-yourself” mentality to the next level this holiday season with handcrafted cards and gifts. Show off your creative side with chalkboard, kraft paper, natural textures and fun patterns to help give your Christmas gifts a personal touch. Take advantage of popular scrapbooking tools, such as washi tape and twine to help add decorative elements.

At Vistaprint, we loved this trend so much that we created many new holiday cards with the handcrafted look and feel. Here are a few of our favorite handcrafted Christmas cards to share with you. If you want the card for yourself, click through to the link to personalize.

Handcrafted Happy Holidays Card:

Handcrafted New Years Card:

Chalkboard Happy New Years Card:

Handcrafted Merry Christmas Card:

Holly Jolly Christmas Card:

Here is our latest vine that also shows the handcrafted trend. Are you on Vine? If so, be sure to follow Vistaprint for some more holiday magic!

Our #holiday card designers really know how to think outside the box! #VistaprintHoliday #vinemagic https://t.co/TZSDIW6wug

— Vistaprint (@Vistaprint) November 12, 2013

2013 Holiday Trends: Multi-Photo

Kristen Johnson — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 20:07:50 +0000

With the Holidays right around the corner, it’s just about that time to decide which photo to select for this year’s holiday card. What was the one moment from the year that you want to share with friends and family that you think truly encapsulates the year? How do you even begin to choose?

Luckily this year the multi-photo theme is very trendy! It’s becoming more and more popular to customize anything, from Christmas cards to gifts, with multiple photos in order to make the finished product extra personal. For your holiday card, select one that has multiple photo options so that you can pick and choose various moments throughout the course of the year.

In terms of the design, if you need a little inspiration, here are some Vistaprint Christmas cards that all fall under the multi-photo theme. If you like what you see, follow the link above each design to customize the card for yourself! For additional multi-photo ideas, check out out latest Pinterest board.

Multi-Photo Holiday Card 1:

Multi-Photo Holiday Card 2:

Multi-Photo Holiday Card 3:

Multi-Photo Holiday Card 4:

Multi-Photo Holiday Card 5:

Here is one of our fun holiday Vines that shows the multi-photo trend!

Our designers had a little fun with the #multiphoto #holiday card trend this year #VistaprintHoliday https://t.co/uKJLJX3oFr

— Vistaprint (@Vistaprint) November 4, 2013

When it comes to your holiday card, would you select a multi-photo design? If you need any tips about snapping a great photo for your cards, check out this post.

Vistaprint is on Vine!

Kristen Johnson — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 20:03:11 +0000

We are very excited to announce that we have just joined Vine! Vine is an exciting new mobile service that lets you capture and share 6-second looping videos. We’ve decided to join in the on the fun with Vine just in time for the holiday season. Here is our first Vine below.

It's our #firstpost on Vine! #myfirstvine https://t.co/QskoWuk2Ar

— Vistaprint (@Vistaprint) October 30, 2013

Yesterday for Halloween, we shared this fun Vine that flips through some of our cute, minimalistic Halloween content. If you like what you saw, visit the Vistaprint site to see more festive Halloween designs.

Happy #Halloween from Vistaprint! https://t.co/DCF0WfRv3X

— Vistaprint (@Vistaprint) October 31, 2013

1) Go to the app store and download Vine to your phone

2) Create a profile (you can sync up with your existing Twitter and Facebook accounts)

3) Search for Vistaprint in the “Explore” tab

4) Then follow us!

Are you on Vine? Stay tuned for more fun and creative videos soon.