It’s that time of year where caps are in the air and a big congratulations are due. After a long time coming, it can feel really good to celebrate your grad in a way that makes them feel special. Minted is our go-to for personalized cards, stationary, invites and gifts because they support independent artists and have super cute AND SUSTAINABLE options. 

This post is sponsored by Minted, a paper goods company that uses FSC-certified recycled paper made from 100% post-consumer waste to create customized invites, cards, journals, notebooks, other stationery and more that’s manufactured using a carbon-neutral process with wind power. As always, The New Knew only works with brands who we trust are making the world a better place.

By: Lisa Fennessy

IN THIS POST:

• Personalized gifts and cards from Minted
• Why Minted?
• Ideas for graduation gifts and cards 
• Exclusive Minted discount code
• FAQ

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In a nutshell, I’m obsessed with Minted. I’ve been using them for 12 years to create our holiday cards, personalized greeting cards and periodically to create custom gifts like personalized framed photos and more. They make my cards look so good that a couple of years in a row, their team reached out to me to ask to feature our holiday card on their site. And I’m like, “It looks good thanks to YOU!” And they are like, “No, thank YOU!” And I’m like, “No, thank YOU!” 

See where this is going? 

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Personalized gifts and cards from Minted

Here is just a snippet of some of the cute holiday cards I’ve created with Minted:

And here are some customized greeting cards I’ve created over the years too. I especially like this option for Father’s Day and Mother’s Day because I can send a card that I know will give their dad and grandparents all the feels. 

I also love the option to create customizable gifts too. Like this birthday gift for my mom where I framed a photo of the boys and added a touching quote. 

But enough about me, let’s talk about you and why Minted is a great option for your grad. 

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Why Minted? Let me count the ways. 

1. Minted has sustainable paper options 

Whether you are sending a personalized card or party invites, there are generally 2-3 sustainable options for each. You will be able to identify these options because they have a little ♻️ recycle sign next to them. These options are all made from 100% post-consumer waste, are FSC-certified and manufactured using a carbon-neutral process with wind power. 

And just because you are going sustainable doesn’t mean you are getting a flimsy or off-colored card. NO! Minted’s recycled cardstock is sturdy, homogenous and luxe looking. In fact you even have the option to choose “smooth signature,” “double thick,” and “triple thick” recycled paper options. 

2. Minted supports independent artists 

I’m a wannabe art enthusiast meaning I love art, I buy art and art makes me happy. But I don’t really know much about art history, or investing or what makes something “good art.” All I know is I love surrounding myself with art and supporting artists. 

But artists and artwork are not just something pretty to look at. At a higher level, some say supporting the arts can improve individual well-being, unify communities and strengthen the economy. One way it can do this is by “bringing people together outside political affiliation and into a different environment that allows for more empathy.” And the New York Times even suggests that art can save the planet. 

And this is one thing that’s always drawn me to Minted as a customer. Their products are actual artwork. Designs are interesting, beautiful and capture a mood. Why? Because cards, stationary, invites and more are designed by independent artists worldwide who earn a portion of every sale.  

3. Minted designs will give you all the feels 

It’s one thing to sign and send a card from the CVS card wall. It’s another to receive a card with a picture of you and your loved ones on it. I mean, nothing compares. And I know this is true because my FIL has ALL of his Minted personalized Father’s Day cards lined up on display on top of his highboy dresser. (He didn’t do this for the CVS ones, lol!) 

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Ideas for graduation gifts and cards 2024

Here are some of my top picks for 2024 graduation gift ideas from Minted and since we live in the south now, some etiquette tips to boot. My son took a cotillion class with Alice Wright Stephens this past winter and I’m so intrigued by her content, like did you know guys are supposed to unbutton their suit jackets when they sit down and button them when they stand up? Who knew?!

Personalized cards and invitations

I don’t have a graduate in my family this year. Well, actually, my son technically graduates from elementary school and goes to middle school next year but does that really count? (Oops, I think it does and I really missed an opportunity here. Sorry Cole! 😩) 

Anyway! You can filter personalized graduation cards by several preferences, like how many photos you want on the front, the design layout and where they are graduating from (high school, college, grad school, etc.). 

Creating a personalized card is an unparalleled way to send sentiment through the mail. I love the idea of doing a “baby photo” next to a “now photo” or a photo of the two of you together. 

I got both of the above cards printed on recycled Double Thick Paper which is a THICK, luxe cardstock. They are truly beautiful and the perfect weight to honor an important event like a graduation. And of course, like with all Minted cards, you can customize photos, colors and text to make them your own.  

Etiquette tip: If you receive an invitation to an event, you should respond promptly! This is called an RSVP. Once you say yes to the invitation, it is important to keep your commitment. —Alice Wright Stephens

Shop Minted’s personalized graduation cards here! 

Shop Minted’s personalized graduation invitations here!

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Personalized notebook

Another thoughtful way to celebrate your grad is by sending a personalized notebook. I still use a notebook daily to keep track of my to-dos and this is such a fun way for them to start the next chapter of their lives. 

It was so fun customizing the Elegant Notes Notebook designed by Iveta Angelova from Spain. I love that I can sit down at my desk each morning and see our own brand name right in front of me. And there is even an option to customize the first page, which of course we did that too. This would also make a nice spot for some words of wisdom or best wishes to the grad in your life too.

Etiquette tip: When you introduce your parents at a graduation party or elsewhere, introduce them by saying their first and last names. For example, “Hello, Coach Stephens. I would like for you to meet my mom and dad, JoBeth and Tombo Hite.” —Alice Wright Stephens

Shop Minted’s personalized notebooks here! 

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Personalized stationery

One of my favorite options to honor the grad in your life is with a gift that keeps on giving. No matter how advanced we get with technology, there is still a need for handwritten notes. In fact the TNK team sends handwritten notes to brands after big collaborations and it’s one of my favorite things to do—especially now with this cute stack! 

I love this design called Sigma by CHOCOMOCACINO from Prague, Czech Republic. Both the back and front of the card can be customized, which we did in The New Knew colors. Again, I went with the recycled Double Thick cardstock option and it’s super thick, luxe boss-babe-esque. So now I’m just over making up excuses to send notes to people like, “Hey, what’s up. Xo, Lisa,” lol. But can you blame me?! 

Etiquette tip: Thank you notes can be as little as three sentences long and for graduation gifts should be sent within a month after graduation. —Alice Wright Stephens

Shop Minted’s personalized stationery here!

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Exclusive Minted discount code

Use code TNKGRAD20 for 20% off graduation cards and select gifts at Minted. Exclusions apply.

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Have you tried Minted’s personalized and cards gifts? What artists are your favorites?

TNK Team Note: This article contains affiliate links. TNK uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. TNK stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.

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FAQ