The holiday season is our busiest time of year. It is also the most unpredictable for shipping. Carriers handle record volumes, weather disruptions pile up, and sometimes a parcel just sits in a depot for reasons no one explains. Here is a clear guide so you know what to expect and how to avoid last-minute headaches.
Order Early
The single most important tip is to order early. Prints and greeting cards usually ship quickly, but once December starts, carriers slow down everywhere. If you want your order to arrive before the holidays, we recommend placing it by the end of November. After that, parcels can still make it on time, but the risk of delays grows with each passing week.
Multiple Studios
We work with trusted print studios in North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe. This means orders are often produced close to where they are headed, which cuts down on long customs waits. Splitting production this way is one of the best tools we have to keep deliveries moving even when couriers are stretched thin.
Packaging That Protects
Every art print is slipped into a sleeve, wrapped with archival tissue, and rolled into a sturdy tube. Greeting cards ship in rigid mailers. We avoid bubble wrap and plastic fillers in favor of simple, protective materials that keep the artwork safe without creating waste. You can read more in how we package your art prints.
Tariffs and Customs
Customers in the United States should be aware that new tariffs affect certain categories, including greeting cards. Because of these rules, some items cannot currently be shipped to the US. We explain the details in our latest US shipping update. For customers in Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand there should be no problems with tariffs, and orders move through standard customs processes without extra charges.
Couriers Can Be Unpredictable
Even with the best planning, couriers sometimes misplace parcels, deliver them late, or hold them in facilities for days without explanation. It is frustrating, and we share that frustration. The good news is that most parcels do eventually arrive, even if they take the scenic route. If you notice your tracking has stalled, contact us. We will step in to nudge the carrier and help resolve the issue.
What You Can Do
- Place holiday orders before the first week of December
- Keep an eye on tracking once you get your shipping confirmation
- Build in a little buffer time for gifts that need to arrive by a specific date
- Let us know right away if a parcel seems stuck
Shop Early, Stress Less
If you are shopping for someone who loves animals, explore our cat and dog portraits. If you prefer something timeless, browse our still lifes. Or pick up greeting cards to send personal notes across the miles. You can always view everything in our full print collection.
The holidays should be about connection, not stress. By ordering early and knowing what to expect, you can enjoy the season while we handle the shipping.