It’s the pawliday season and that mean’s it is time to send Christmas cards to family and friends! Over the past 6 years we’ve had Teddy’s Instagram account, we have made friends with pups from all over the world. This means that Mr. Teddy has created quite the address book. Sending Christmas cards can be quite pricey during a time of year we are typically spending more on holiday festivities and gifts. If you’re dog obsessed like me and you want another reason to make people look at photos of your pup or if your pup wants to share cards with their furry clique, keep reading for our tips on creating a holiday card at home on a budget.
Flashing back to Teddy’s first Christmas card. Just a few months old!
We love receiving Christmas cards from our pup friends! To keep ours budget friendly, I usually will buy packs of Christmas cards when they are on sale for 50-75% off after Christmas. I save them for the next year. Hobby Lobby typically does 50% off Christmas supplies during the holiday season, so you can always search there. This year, I found a few packs of cards from Home Goods, which were a good price too, but were more than we usually spend.
Inside the cards, we write a message from Teddy and insert a small wallet sized photo of him. I like to have our photos printed at our neighborhood Walgreens because they usually have a discount code this time of year where you can get 50% off your photo orders!
Here’s What You Will Need For Your At Home Photo Shoot
- Wrapping paper- I love using wrapping paper for photo backdrops. My personal favorite places to find wrapping paper are Home Goods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. You can find good and thick paper for around $3. I usually will either unroll the paper and wrap it around something for our backdrop. There have definitely been years where I taped it around a mirror or cut a big piece of the paper. The best thing about using wrapping paper is that you can use it to wrap gifts!
- Fuzzy blankets or jackets make great backdrops or things for your pet to sit on!
- Any holiday themed decor you have around the house. Shop your own holiday collection! There’s something about tinsel, lights, and trees that really set the mood.
- Something fun for your pup to wear or let them go au naturel! Teddy is comfortable in over the collar bandanas and bow ties. I can tell he really feels handsome when he is all dressed up.
- Incorporate your pet’s toys and favorite things! Teddy is often photographed with his favorite toy and on one of his soft blankies.
- Utilize your wrapped gifts! These make your photos look great!
Our tips for creating your own Christmas Cards
- If you are going for a more posed look, take your dog on a walk, play with their favorite toy, give them belly rubs, whatever you can do to relax them!
- Take your photos with natural lighting for the best results. Sometimes we even set up our props and background outside. I like to photograph in the early mornings or late afternoons around 2-3 pm, just because that is typically when our yard gets the best lighting.
- Utilize your holiday decor that you have around the house! A lot of our decor is from Target, Wal-Mart, and The Dollar Tree!
- Incentives work wonders! When taking any pictures of your pup, have their favorite toy or treat to capture their attention
- Know your dog’s limits. Teddy does NOT like wearing clothes, so I try to stick to bandanas or bow ties for the most part.
- Ease them into. Let your pet sniff around your set up before you try to take your photos. This will help them get comfortable in the setting.
- Keep it short and don’t force it. Our pets can get tired of posing just like we do. I try to do Teddy’s photos quickly. I get everything set up first. Then we go on a walk or play, and then I get him set up in the spot I want. Once he is posed, I take a bunch of photos using my phone, as quickly as possible. It only takes about 1-2 minutes, if that. Listen to your pet and read their body language. This year, it took me 3 different attempts at getting a good photo of Teddy because he wasn’t feeling like have a photo session done.
- Reward with a treat! Teddy knows once his photos are done, it’s time for me to pay up!
You don’t always have to take a brand new picture of your pet! Life is busy and not everyone has time to dedicate to having a photoshoot with their pet. Search through your phone’s photo archives and use some of your favorite photos of you pet from the year!
Use a photo from your travels! Earlier this year, Teddy traveled to the beautiful Smoky Mountains, so you know I had to snap this photo of him and his bestie!
Not all pups will sit still for photos! Take a photo of your pet in their natural habitat or in a space where they feel safe. I snapped this photo of Teddy on a walk one day earlier this fall. His smile here would be perfect for a card!
Find a pretty mural in town and snap a photo of your pup in front of it! Murals always make for a pretty photo background.
Utilize your tree! Once it is up, you have the most festive spot for a quick holiday photo!
Head to a local shopping center or area that has nice holiday decor. If you’re local to Baton Rouge, Perkins Rowe has a giant tree that we love each year! I recommend going early in the morning to avoid holiday shoppers.
We hope these tips were helpful! Do you send a holiday card from your pup? If so, share your tips below!
