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Handmade Greeting Cards

💰 £30-£100 ⏱ Ongoing 📊 Beginner

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What is it?

Creating handmade greeting cards is a fantastic way for teenagers to raise funds for their trips by combining creativity with community spirit. These cards can be sold at school events, local markets, or to family and friends, offering a personal touch that mass-produced cards often lack.

Why does it work?

People love supporting young creatives and appreciate the uniqueness of handmade cards, especially during holidays and special occasions. The personal effort shows care, making buyers more willing to pay a fair price. Additionally, cards are affordable and easy to carry, encouraging impulse buys and repeat customers.

What you'll need

  • Cardstock or blank cards
  • Colouring materials (pens, markers, watercolours)
  • Decorative items (stickers, ribbons, glitter)
  • Envelopes
  • Scissors, glue, and tape
  • A workspace with good lighting
  • A camera or smartphone for taking photos of your cards
  • A sales display (e.g., small stand or box)

Step-by-step plan

1
Research popular card themes and designs by browsing online, visiting card shops, or asking friends what occasions they need cards for (birthdays, thank you, congratulations, etc.).
2
Gather your materials and set up a tidy, well-lit workspace where you can comfortably create your cards.
3
Start designing and making a small batch of cards (10-20) focusing on neatness and originality. Experiment with different styles to see what you enjoy and what looks best.
4
Take clear, attractive photos of your cards to show others or post online.
5
Decide on a fair price, typically between £1.50 and £3 per card depending on complexity and materials used.
6
Set up sales opportunities: approach your school for permission to sell at events, book a stall at local markets, or offer to friends and family.
7
Create an eye-catching display with your cards neatly arranged; consider grouping by occasion or theme.
8
Engage with potential customers by explaining the purpose of your fundraising and the effort behind each card.
9
Keep track of sales and feedback to tweak your designs or pricing for better results.
10
Continue making cards regularly to replenish stock and maintain momentum, especially ahead of peak card-buying seasons like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

How to advertise it

  • Post photos and descriptions on social media with hashtags like #HandmadeCards and #SupportLocal
  • Ask your school if you can include a note in newsletters or on noticeboards
  • Send messages to family and friends via WhatsApp or email with your card catalogue and prices
  • Create simple flyers to hand out in your community or at local shops with permission
  • Set up a small online shop on platforms like Etsy or Instagram to reach a wider audience

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to earn between £30 and £100 by selling handmade greeting cards over a few weeks, especially when targeting events or seasonal occasions. Earnings increase with consistent sales and good marketing.

Top tips

✅ Focus on quality over quantity — neat, well-made cards will sell better and earn repeat customers.
✅ Ask for feedback from buyers to improve your designs and appeal.
✅ Offer personalised cards with names or messages for an extra fee to increase earnings.
✅ Plan your production around upcoming holidays or events to maximise sales.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Using poor-quality materials that make cards look cheap or easily damaged.
⚠️ Pricing cards too high or too low without considering costs and time invested.
⚠️ Not promoting your cards enough, relying only on chance sales.
💡 TOP TIP — easyfundraising

When buying your card-making supplies online or in-store, use easyfundraising to get cashback on your purchases, which helps add extra funds to your fundraising total!

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