The best Christmas card for grandparents from the grandkids shows their faces and carries their voices: a recent photo, a note in the kids' own words or handwriting, and a short video of them saying "Merry Christmas, Grandma and Grandpa." Grandparents keep cards like these for years, so make it personal, sign every child's name, and mail it early.
Ask most grandparents what they want for Christmas and the answer is usually the same: time with the grandkids. When you can't all be in the same room, a Christmas card for grandparents from grandkids is the next best thing. Below are card ideas by age, messages kids can copy or adapt, video ideas, and tips for sending to more than one set of grandparents.
Why a Card From the Grandkids Means So Much
Grandparents tend to save anything the grandkids made. A card from the kids does three things a store-bought card can't:
- It shows how they've grown. A fresh photo is a snapshot of this year they can compare with last year's.
- It sounds like them. Wobbly handwriting, a silly drawing or a mispronounced word is exactly what makes it precious.
- It can be replayed. A card that holds a video lets them hear the kids' voices whenever they miss them.
Christmas Card Ideas for Grandparents From Grandkids
1. A photo card with the kids' video message
Choose a favorite photo of the grandkids, write two short lines, and record a video of up to 90 seconds: the kids singing a carol, showing the tree, or telling Grandpa a joke. When your parents scan the card, the video plays right on the photo. The Christmas Card from Closer Prints (formerly Closer Cards) is printed and mailed for you, straight to their door.
2. "Then and now" photo
Recreate a photo from last Christmas, or from when the grandparents were with you, in the same spot and pose. Put the new one on the card and mention the old one in the message.
3. A card designed by the kids
Let the kids draw the family, Grandma's dog or Grandpa's famous pancakes. Photograph the drawing and use it as the card image, then add the kids in the video so the grandparents see the artists too.
4. "Things I love about you" list
Ask each grandchild for one thing they love about their grandparents and write the answers as a list. "You give the best hugs." "You let me stay up late." "You know all the card games."
5. A year-in-review card
Older kids can share three highlights of their year: a sports win, a new skill, a school project. It gives grandparents something to ask about on the next phone call.
Messages Grandkids Can Write
For little ones (you write, they sign or scribble)
- "Merry Christmas, Grandma and Grandpa! I love you this much (arms wide open)."
- "Thank you for the cuddles and the cookies. Love, your little elf."
- "My first Christmas card for you! Love, Mia."
For school-age kids
- "Merry Christmas, Nana! I can't wait to bake cookies with you again."
- "Thank you for coming to my recital. You were the loudest clapper. Love you!"
- "I learned to ride my bike this year. Next time you visit I'll show you."
- "You're the best grandpa in the whole world. That's a fact."
For teens
- "Thanks for always checking in on me. Merry Christmas, I'll call you on the 25th."
- "I still have the sweater you knitted me. Wearing it in this photo, as proof."
- "Love you both. Save me a seat at the table next year."
From the whole family
- "Our tree has your ornaments on it and your photo next to it. Merry Christmas from all of us."
- "The kids made this card for you, and they want you to press play."
Video Ideas the Grandkids Can Record
Keep it short, natural and in good light. Some ideas that grandparents love:
- Each child says "Merry Christmas" and one thing they're excited about.
- A carol or a holiday song, even if nobody remembers all the words.
- A quick tour of the decorated tree or the cookies you baked.
- A toddler's first "I love you, Grandma."
- Older kids asking a question to answer on the next call: "What was Christmas like when you were my age?"
Record a few takes and pick the one with the biggest smiles. Your video can be up to 90 seconds.
Sending to More Than One Set of Grandparents
Many kids have two, three or even four sets of grandparents and great-grandparents. Use the same photo and video, and change the two text lines for each household so every card feels personal. When you order several printed cards together, multi-card discounts apply automatically at checkout across any mix of designs. If you're looking for a bigger present to go with the card, see our list of personalized Christmas gifts for grandparents, and if they live in another state, read our tips on Christmas cards for family far away.
When to Mail It
December mail is slow, so give yourself room. Closer Prints prints cards within 1 to 2 business days and ships within the US. For Christmas 2026, order by December 14 for Christmas delivery, or by December 16 with Priority shipping. If you're short on time, or Grandma lives outside the US, the Digital PDF version ($3.99) arrives instantly by email so you can send it to her to print. The printed card is $15.79. See every design in the Christmas collection or browse all greeting cards.
FAQ: Christmas Cards for Grandparents From Grandkids
What should grandkids write in a Christmas card to their grandparents?
Something short and in their own words: Merry Christmas, one thing they love about their grandparents, and something they're looking forward to doing together. For example: "Merry Christmas, Nana! I can't wait to bake cookies with you again."
How can toddlers or babies make a Christmas card for grandparents?
Use a sweet photo, let them scribble or add a handprint next to their name, and write the message for them. A short video of them waving or saying "Grandma" makes it even more special.
Can I put a video of the grandkids in a Christmas card?
Yes. A Closer Card combines a printed photo with a video of up to 90 seconds. Grandparents scan the card and the video plays right on the photo, and they can watch it again whenever they like.
What's a good Christmas card for grandparents who live far away?
A printed card mailed to their door with a recent photo and a video message from the grandkids. For Christmas 2026, order a Closer Prints card by December 14 for Christmas delivery in the US, or by December 16 with Priority shipping.
How do I send cards to several sets of grandparents?
Use the same photo and video and change the short message for each household. Ordering several printed cards together unlocks multi-card discounts automatically at checkout.