The festive season brings with it an abundance of joy, connection, and creativity. For schools across Ireland, from small rural classrooms to bustling city academies, it’s also the ideal time to raise much-needed funds while engaging students and families in a meaningful project.
SchoolCards.ie offers a creative fundraising initiative that combines artistic expression with community support: personalised Christmas cards designed by students themselves.
This unique fundraiser not only encourages creativity but also allows schools, PTAs, creches and clubs across the island—from Dublin to Donegal—to generate funds in a simple, low-risk way. Whether you’re a parent looking for school fundraising ideas, a teacher planning festive activities, or a principal seeking new ways to engage families, this Christmas card project offers a fun, effective solution.
The Idea Behind Personalised School Christmas Cards
The concept is straightforward yet impactful: children design their own Christmas cards, which are then printed and packaged into professional-quality packs to be sold to parents, guardians, relatives and friends. Each card becomes more than a seasonal greeting—it becomes a keepsake.
The initiative nurtures creative development while helping schools raise vital funds. Whether a child draws a snow-covered Irish village, Santa on a tractor, or a festive school playground, the finished card holds both sentimental and practical value.
This project has been embraced by schools across counties such as Kerry, Mayo, Westmeath, and Wexford, offering an alternative to traditional fundraising methods like bake sales, raffles, and sponsored events. The programme allows schools to engage their communities with pride while generating meaningful income before the end of term.
Step-by-Step: How the School Christmas Card Programme Works
Participating in the SchoolCards.ie project is easy and efficient. Here’s how schools get involved:
Step 1: Register Your School or Group
Schools, playgroups, clubs and creches across Ireland can register interest online. There’s no upfront cost to register, and early sign-ups (before October 1st) receive a discounted rate of €6 per pack. Normal pricing is €7 per pack.
Step 2: Create the Artwork
Once registered, each student receives a drawing template and guidelines. Children are invited to design their own festive scene, from nativity displays and snowy cottages to reindeer, robins, and stars. This doubles as an enjoyable in-class art activity, helping to mark the holiday season with creativity.
Step 3: Receive Sample Cards
Once artwork is returned, sample cards and order forms are printed and sent to the school. These proofs allow families to preview the product and place their orders. The printed samples showcase each child’s design and help drive strong parental engagement.
Step 4: Final Print and Delivery
Once all orders are collected, SchoolCards.ie prints and delivers the final packs directly to the school. Packs are clearly labelled by class and student name, making distribution simple for school staff. This local print-to-doorstep service ensures fast turnaround and stress-free delivery across Ireland—from Sligo and Waterford to Dundalk and Ennis.
What’s Included in Each Card Pack?
Every child’s pack includes:
- 10 square-format Christmas cards (150mm x 150mm when folded)
- Matching white envelopes (10 per pack)
- The child’s unique design printed in full colour on the front
- The school’s name and crest printed on the back
- Packaged neatly for easy handout
Each card is professionally printed using high-quality paper and inks, ensuring a polished look that reflects well on the school and offers excellent value to families.
Cost and Fundraising Breakdown
The cards are affordably priced with fundraising in mind:
- €6 per pack for early-bird registrations (before October 1st)
- €7 per pack after the deadline
- Minimum combined order of 80 packs per school
- Suggested resale price: €10–€12 per pack
This allows most schools to generate a profit of €4–€6 per sale. Since there are no upfront costs, schools only pay after cards are delivered and parents have already paid—minimising financial risk.
Additional Benefits for Irish Schools
- A fun, inclusive activity that enhances the school’s Christmas calendar
- Flexible enough for small schools, large schools, and multi-class setups
- No pressure on teachers or administrative staff—full instructions, forms and support are provided
- Helps build connections between home and school through shared creativity
- Makes use of existing school infrastructure—no extra space or equipment required
This makes it ideal for principals and PTAs seeking primary school fundraising ideas that don’t take up extra teaching hours or classroom resources.
No Upfront Costs
An appealing aspect of this programme is the lack of upfront costs. Schools do not have to make any initial payments. Instead, they only pay for what they ordered after receiving the Christmas cards. This allows schools to collect payment from parents and staff in advance, using that money to cover the order cost.
Meet the Team
School Cards is backed by Print Ready, a family-run printing shop with over 50 years of combined experience serving communities in Ireland. The dedicated team, takes pride in providing a no-fuss service that ensures quality printing and timely delivery. Their commitment to customer satisfaction has made them a trusted partner for schools across the Emerald Isle.
Who Can Take Part?
This programme is open to:
- Primary schools
- Junior schools
- National schools
- Pre-schools and creches
- Sports clubs and after-school groups
- Montessori centres
Any group working with children and wishing to fundraise before the Christmas break can take part. Customisation options and minimum order requirements make it practical for both small and large groups.
Local Schools, National Reach
The SchoolCards.ie initiative has reached communities throughout Ireland:
- In Dublin, schools from Drumcondra to Tallaght enjoy quick delivery and personalised support.
- In Galway, creative kids from Salthill to Tuam send their cards to cousins and grandparents across the world.
- From Tralee to Tipperary, parents delight in seeing their child’s artwork turned into a printed memento.
As more schools across Ireland search for sustainable and easy fundraising ideas, the appeal of personalised Christmas cards continues to grow.
The Broader Impact: A Community Celebration
Aside from raising money, the programme offers schools an opportunity to:
- Celebrate the artistic talents of their students
- Provide families with keepsakes that last beyond the season
- Strengthen the relationship between school and home
- Send messages of kindness, joy, and creativity across generations
Grandparents, aunts and uncles in Ireland or abroad receive a card with personal meaning. Children feel proud. Parents get involved. And schools raise the money they need—without raffles, calendars or donation drives.
Ready to bring joy and funds to your school this Christmas? Register now and let us handle the rest! For any questions or further assistance, feel free to reach out via email at hello@printready.ie or call (01) 858 1000.