I just received an email from our reader, Gretchen. She needs your help with finding the best deals on photo cards:
My friends are finally receiving guardianship of an adorable little 7 year old boy who has lived a pretty tough life so far. But they would like to have a huge party to celebrate and introduce him to everyone they love. I need to make 50 invitations and need to do it on the cheap. I was thinking a photo card and would be ever so appreciative if you could help me. Just let me know if you see or hear of any great prices. Thank you so very much. I’ve been looking all night and can’t figure it out really. Thanks again!
If you have any advice for Mary, please leave a comment!
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I second photoshop. I made a super cute baby shower invite for my sil and had them printed as a 4×6 photo. A lot of time shutterfly offers 101 prints for free, just pay shipping. Walmart sells a box of 50 envelopes that will fit the 4×6 for under $5. Stamps to mail them is what will eat the budget!
On the remote chance that you’ve been involved in the Pampers Gifts to Grow program, look there. You can use your points to get great quality Shutterfly photo cards for free. I usually cash in on those around the holidays. (I’ve received similar free codes in the past as catalinas at Safeway.) When I don’t have these free points, I use Costco.
Technically you can mail a 4 x 6 as a postcard and just affix a sticker on the back with the addressee and any info you want on the invite. Way cheaper that making cards and you can use cheaper postage as well
Walgreens is great (although a caution-different stores vary in their quality-if you are picky, like I am & like realistic color ask around-if you aren’t so detailed, you will be fine)-can order online-or via app (see details below) & pick up locally -so no mailing fees, plus will be done in an hour or two.
Looks like both options are 40% off: use code:
ALLSITE40
Good until Saturday (you don’t have to pick up by then-just order by then).
Order from your phone-use the app: look here:
http://photo2.walgreens.com/walgreens/storepage/storePageId=Mobile?ec=hncx51723_40poffdesktop&ep_rid=AAJRIJ&ep_mid=_BTYmetB85zdOxF
or online (just upload photo you want to use at walgreens.com-choose photo, you will need to make an account also).
Another option is to create your own card. I create the card and picture on the computer and print it off. Then, I attach it to fancy paper with a glue stick. I look super fancy and crafty. We have a local paper store that I get clearance fancy paper at. Good luck! And you are a sweet friend to do this 🙂
I was going to suggest Costco, too. They do a great job, offer quick turn-around, and the everyday prices are hard to beat!
If you or someone you know has access to Photoshop or something similar, I would make a 4×6 or 5×7 invitation, then send it somewhere like Costco or Walgreens and have them printed out as photos. I was able to create and customize my baby’s birth announcement this way for about 20 cents each!