Before You Print: A Checklist
- Type the amount in the small box marked with a dollar sign.
- Replace the grey prompts Recipient Name and Sender Name with real names, or delete them for handwriting.
- Replace the date format mm-dd-yy with your own expiry date.
- Check the greeting. It says MERRY CHRISTMAS, so change it if you need a more general message.
- Print one test copy on plain paper to check the dark colours.
- Choose matte card stock to avoid fingerprints on the navy.
The Design
This voucher is 8.5 x 4 inches in landscape. The background is a deep midnight navy with a subtle repeating pattern, only just visible, and a thin cream line with notched corners frames the edge, like an old-fashioned ticket. A second, finer red line runs just inside it.
The artwork on the left is a pair of big golden bells in a hand-drawn style, with dark outlines and a bright red bow on top. On the right, the heading MERRY CHRISTMAS is set in warm gold capitals, and the words Gift Certificate follow in white. Below that is a short form: an amount box with a dollar sign, and lines for To, From, Valid and Signature, each with a red underline.
Why Navy and Gold Works
Red and green are the expected holiday colours, so a navy and gold card stands out in a pile of presents. Navy feels calm and a little formal, and gold adds warmth. Together they are a popular choice for churches, law firms, banks and boutiques that want a dignified holiday gift. The bells say Christmas without any cartoon characters.
Editing Tips
The form text, headings and lines are all editable. The bells are a picture, so you can replace them with a different image or remove them. If you want a different colour scheme, recolour the background and the frame. A dark green with the same gold works well for a traditional look.
Giving It as a Present
Because the certificate is large, it looks best in an envelope or tucked inside a card. A gold or cream envelope sets it off nicely. Add a ribbon, or place it inside a small box with a gift for an extra surprise. Print on 250 to 300 gsm card stock, and remember that 8.5 inches is the full width of a letter sheet. Use Fit to page if the edge looks clipped.
Writing on a Dark Card
A gift certificate is more personal with a line of handwriting, but dark navy needs the right pen. Use a gold or silver gel pen on the To and From lines, because black ink disappears on this background. Test the pen on a spare copy first, since some metallic inks smudge on glossy stock. Matte card stock takes metallic ink best and keeps the navy deep. If you prefer to avoid handwriting altogether, type the names in the editor before you print.
Similar Designs
The snowman Happy Holidays certificate in warm gold is a friendlier choice for children. For a cream and brown elegant frame with Santa, look at the elegant border gift card. Everything is collected in the Christmas gift certificate templates category.
