77-79_Trends.qxp_Grid 23/12/2023 20:56 Page 77
International Cards Focus Focus on…Christmas
Something Special Extra-special cards look to be the way to go for Christmas 2024 with publishers from the giants like Hallmark through to indies such as Stormy Knight, all picking up on the trend. “It seems like the trends are showing people are sending less cards so are prioritising those who they’re closest to,” Stormy Knight director Sarah Jackson explained. “So, my focus for Xmas 24 is extra-special cards for nearest and dearest. We’ll be expanding our popular Bauble collection – these cards have a die-cut bauble on satin ribbon that can be popped out and hung on the tree so can be kept for years to come.” With colours, Sarah’s remaining traditional on her upcoming designs while looking to add festive foil in reds and greens, rather than just the more widely-used gold. Intricate formats, pop-ups and 3D designs allow Hallmark to offer cards with “warmth and a
touch of mantelpiece magic”, as writing director Emma Bragg explained, with the Belle Noël collection including a laser-cut foiled keepsake bauble. For the publisher and its customers, charity is very important in the festive season and were delighted by its Barnardo’s designs created from working with children from the charity, while the Royal National Institute Of Blind People (RNIB) collaboration led to the Better Connected, an accessible collection featuring braille and other inclusive elements. Carte Blanche’s Me To You brand also has that extra
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…okay, we’ve only just come out of the 2023 festive season according to the calendar, but many greeting card publishers have their 2024 offer well underway. So, with retailers champing at the bit to see the latest designs and put their learnings from Christmas just past into action, PG takes a look at the design trends, packaging developments, caption changes, and whether traditional palettes are winning out over contemporary colours. Above: Christmas cards spread joy, so designers get their product out early and this one from Ricicle Cards combines traditional colours and sentiments with a contemporary design. Left: A festive dog has convinced Stormy Knight to expand its Bauble range. Below midde: This Hallmark’s 3D Paper Wonder Elf design ties in with something special. Bottom left: CBG’s Me To You collection has keepsake bauble cards. Bottom right: Humour and style from UKG.
something with its latest Photo Finish range of lenticular design The Night Before Christmas featuring a Tatty Teddy Santa getting everything ready for the magical day, along with some extra-special bauble-shaped keepsake cards to treasure. Along with signature range Enchanted Forest featuring shimmering gold accents across luxury boxed cards, pop-up and handmade, with matching dressings, there’s also a fresh modern twist with Merry Berry Christmas showing festive foliage and cosy tones of pink and red finished with hints of gold foil. Nostalgia and traditional values are the essence of Christmas 2024 according to GBCC creative director Lucy Ledger, “creating a festive atmosphere that harks back to cherished memories of Christmases’ past and a focus on the enduring values that make it a season of joy, togetherness, and timeless tradition” with the colour palette and subject matter reflecting this. The impact on the planet is also key, with a heightened focus on nature and eco-friendly practices, and Lucy added: “Christmas is incorporating more natural elements and nature as a whole reflects strongly on our range with a continued focus on our beautiful flora and fauna.” On the colour front over at Dandelion Stationery, Jo Wilson said: “We saw a lot of love PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE 77