Had big plans to send handmade cards this holiday season, but just ran out of time? You can still add a unique personal touch to standard store-bought cards to make them extra special. Try these ideas:

Add extras

Anything added to a flat card surface instantly makes it look extraordinary. Hit the craft store and check out embellishments like tiny pre-tied ribbon bows, sequins, buttons and google eyes. Does your card have an illustration of a gift box? Add a bow. Dot red sequins or buttons (as “berries”) on wreaths, add a gold star sticker to the top of a tree, give a snowman or reindeer google eyes. Use a liquid glue pen with a fine tip or mini-glue dots for precision and extra staying power.

Make a message

Choose holiday cards that are blank inside. (Or, choose a greeting that can easily be covered up with a heavier paper.) Using your computer, type out the holiday greeting each member of your family wishes to send. For example:

• Peace and love to you and yours — Julie
• Let it snow! —Jack
• Santa Claus is coming! — Kyla
• Moo goo boo bloo — Matthew
• Woof! — Sebastian

Select a font and ink color that complements the card, and make sure to use a font size of 18 points or more. Print your messages onto a colored piece of paper or cardstock. Tear the edges (a ruler helps as a guide) or use a paper trimmer, and glue onto the inside of the card.

Jazz up the envelope

Buy or borrow a couple of rubber stamps, available at craft stores, that work with your card theme. Mittens, snowflakes, gift boxes, santa hats, stars or phrases like “ho ho ho” are good possibilities. Stamp a couple on the bottom right corner of your envelope, using a festive ink color. Or, stamp around the perimeter of the envelope, making sure that the addresses and stamp are still clearly legible.

Tie a bow

Pick up a couple spools of pretty ribbon that complement your card. Sheer “organza” type ribbon, often edged in gold or silver, looks luxe but actually only costs a total of a dollar or two for six to eight yards when you buy at the dollar store. Even more inexpensive options are metallic yarn, crochet thread and embroidery floss, or twine for a country look. Just tie the ribbon, yarn or twine around the spine of the card and you're done. Use a knot rather than a bow for ribbon, as a bow will get crushed in the envelope. Don't use bulky ribbon, such as velvet, as it will just make your envelope lumpy (and will possibly require extra postage).

Find out more about card display, personalizing store-bought cards and creating one-of-a-kind photo cards.

Plus, don't miss our selection of handmade gift ideas in our Christmas activity guide and gift guide.

Want to talk about crafts? Go to our crafts and activities Message Board.

Back to the Holiday Card Making Guide for more fun homemade card ideas.