80

That's the the number of cards I use to send out each Christmas season. In recent years the number has dwindled. I know a lot of people figure you can get updates via Facebook or Instagram and so they are saving a few bucks by not mailing a card. But for me the fun has been finding the perfect card, along to go with just the right family photo.

The past two years I've gotten away from the usual photo card on photo paper and went with the stationery approach. Many places are now giving you more room to put in a personal touch when it comes to your card but for someone like me, I just look for the card that grabs me and begs me to place our family photo in it. And I've found a place where the designs are fabulous. And I'm not just saying that. I actually clicked the link and ooed and ahhed. Go ahead and take a peek. Am I right or am I right? I had heard of Minted before but hadn't taken the time to really look. Boy, have I been missing out. People are talented and this is definitely proven because the designs you see? That's right, they are submitted and then voted on by folks like you and me. How cool is that? But what really impressed me? The sheer amount of cards they had, just every kind of design you could dream up. I spent a good hour just looking and wishing I had ordered my cards from them this year.

Maybe sending Christmas cards isn't your thing, Minted has tons of other items as well. From journals to actual stationary and party favors. All of it beautifully designed and inspiring. I was truly pleasantly surprised by all that Minted has to offer. Here are a few of my favorite items:

Festive Reindeer - Griffin Bell Paper Co.

This is a great card for those that aren't really into wrangling the family into a photo for the sake of their Christmas cards. Best part is that you can change the color and the actual shape of the card. And you can do that with all their cards. How's that for personalization?

Storybook Holiday - Jody Wody

Maybe you want to include a bit about the family's year? This is a great way to do that without sending a long letter and being too pretentious! Again, you can change color, edges and even make it into a folded card.

This is a new style that I started seeing last year and is fun, because who doesn't need another ornament on the tree? Especially if you can get a cute picture like the one above. A-dor-able, with the capital A!

Two BIG things about Minted...they will address your cards for you. That's right, FOR YOU. Just log in and start an address book and your cards will come to you already addressed. That is a genius idea. The other thing they do is let you see your photo in the cards without going through all the rigamorole of creating one card. Upload your photo and suddenly you can see your shot in every card on the page. It truly saves you some time trying to decide if you have either the prefect card or the perfect photo.

Minted asked if I would be interested in doing a review for their recently launched 2013 holiday collection and I agreed. While I am being compensated, all opinions are my own.