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In today's digital age, where our lives are increasingly managed through screens, the charm of physical calendars, diaries, and planners still holds a special place in many hearts. There's a unique pleasure in using a tangible calendar: the feel of turning over a fresh page to reveal a new month, the satisfaction of writing down events and appointments, and the joy of physically crossing off completed activities.
For those who cherish personalization, custom calendars with photos add a sentimental touch to daily planning. However, finding a good selection of paper calendars in local stores can be surprisingly challenging. It's no wonder that this shift in availability makes online calendar shopping an increasingly popular choice.
Wednesday, September 18th
For an unmatched variety of calendars at great prices, Calendars should be your top choice. With over three decades of experience, this online shop specializes in wall, desk, and 18-month calendars, as well as planners, featuring popular brands like Lang. Alongside calendars, they also provide a selection of games and puzzles for added home entertainment.
Categories for many special interests
You can shop by calendar format (like wall, mini-wall, or desk) as well as use filters to narrow results down by category, height, and subject - and there are nearly 200 of these subjects to choose from, meaning that Calendars does right by people with special interests. One endearing review we found says, "Have been buying from this website for several years. Have always had a good experience. Quite aside from the fact that Lighthouses are my favorite things on the planet.” Some other fun categories to check out include Dad Jokes, Folk Art, and TV.
Cat lovers rejoice
The 50 most popular calendars here include a page-a-day calendar featuring photos of cats submitted by their owners. Initially, we doubted how interested anyone could be in seeing a different cat photo daily (and having to remember to flip the page every day), but the charm of these photos lies in the evident love the owners have for their pets. Sometimes the photo of the day includes a cat-themed quote or fun fact. And if you're a dog person, there's a dog-a-day calendar just like this one for sale, too.
Other gifts sold here
Calendars also sells planners, journals, candles, mugs, and stickers. You can even buy gag gifts like buzzers and Funko Pops or plush stuffed animals. Puzzles and games are sold here too. However, none of these items match the designs of the calendars, so don't set out expecting to find a coordinating set.
Check for discounts
When we visited the site, we spotted a one-day-only 30% off discount. We would recommend checking out the site yourself to see which deals you might be able to take advantage of because it seems they change regularly. Pricing seems to range from $10.99 for discounted calendars to $22.99, with most calendars costing $17.99.
No customized photo calendars
If you were attracted by Calendar's affordable prices and were hoping to find a similar deal for a custom calendar, we're sorry to tell you that they don't offer those here. You'll need to check out one of the other websites in our review for that.
30-day satisfaction guarantee
Calendars offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for returns or exchanges. Items must be in their original condition and shrink wrapping, and customers are responsible for return shipping costs. The return process takes up to 5 business days, or 7-10 business days during December and January. If your order arrived damaged or incorrect, it should first be reported to customer service. For products purchased between December 26 and January 31, only exchanges are allowed at the seasonally-discounted price.
Free shipping on $30-worth of calendars or $49 of anything
The Calendars Ship Free promotion applies to calendar purchases of $30 or more. If you only want to buy one calendar but still want free shipping, your order will qualify after you reach $49 - consider stocking up on some mugs or stationery to meet that amount. During the busy season, you can expect your order to process within 4-5 days. Shipping itself will take 7-10 days and starts at $5.99 for calendars.
Very trustworthy
Calendar has a 4.3 rating average from over 700 reviews on Trustpilot. Customers are pleased with the quality of the products as well as how easy it is to shop on the website. In the rare instance where there was a complaint, customer service responded promptly and in detail. The company has been in business since 1986 and has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 1994, with an "A+” rating.
Top pick
Looking for a new calendar should be a hassle-free, enjoyable, and affordable experience. Calendars delivers on these aspects, boasting an impressive array of calendars in various styles and themes. They also provide a user-friendly return policy and offer gift options to complement your purchase. This store is our top choice for those shopping for a calendar to ring in a new year.
Making your own personalized calendar is a breeze with Mixbook, a company that excels in bringing photo stories to life. They've thoughtfully crafted their platform to simplify designing not just calendars but also photo albums, greeting cards, and more. Since its inception in 2006, Mixbook has produced over 55 million products for more than five million satisfied customers.
Aesthetically pleasing designs
Mixbook offers very professional layouts and designs of calendars that can be used as templates or customized to your heart's desire. In contrast to some other companies that simply slap text in any font over an image, Mixbook takes a more thoughtful approach to create visually appealing calendars, making use of design elements like borders, cropping, backgrounds, and font choices.
Cute art calendar
Themes you can explore include Simple, Photo-Centric, Modern, Illustrated, Botanical, and Designer Selection. One of our favorite options in this last category was a Crayola-themed design meant to display a different work of your child's art every month. What better way to show your artistic child that you're proud of their individuality and creativity than to showcase a new piece of their art every month?
You don't have to wait until December
Start in any month and create a year-long calendar that can be used immediately. When you click the "Create your photo calendar" button, you will be taken to a screen with customizable designs on display. You can filter these results by dominant color and style (Classic & Formal, Whimsical, or Bohemian, to name just a few). There are two size options: 12"x12" and 11"x8.5".
Start with seasonal snaps
Begin by selecting photos that match each season for your calendar months. With Mixbook's editor, it's easy just upload and drag your photos where you want them. Go for a standout single photo or mix it up with a collage. Remember to mark down all the holidays you celebrate, and maybe even those you don't. It's handy to know when they are, for everything from wishing others well to planning around busy periods.
Remember birthdays - or gift it for birthdays
Or, how about giving a custom photo calendar as a present to your nearest and dearest? If this calendar is a gift for friends and family, include their birthdays and anniversaries. Making one just for your immediate family? Add in birthdays of teachers, local business owners, and even elderly acquaintances or distant relatives.
Schedule life's moments
Perfect for family organization, a Mixbook calendar can hold school and sports schedules, and you can color code for each child. Regular events like book clubs or gym classes, as well as special family nights, can all find a spot. And don't forget to add any planned trips. Consider printing multiple copies for different spots in your home and office, keeping everyone in sync. (All you need to do is increase the quantity at checkout.)
Fun visual elements
With the important dates set, jazz it up. Add photos and Mixbook stickers to the calendar grid for a visual treat. Soccer balls for practice days, pizza slices for pizza nights, crosses for church days - you get the idea. You have the option to cover a whole day on the calendar with a single picture, which could be a delightful way to build anticipation for a child's upcoming birthday.
Pricing reflects quality, but discounts are available
The price for an 11x8.5" calendar is $34.99, and for a 12x12" calendar is $49.99. However, when we visited, we found an offer for 40-50% off almost everything, plus free shipping on orders of $59 or more, with the code COUNTDOWN. You'll probably be able to find similar deals whenever you visit the site, so don't despair at the price tag just yet.
Transparent shipping fees
Wondering about shipping costs? Mixbook stands out from competitors for its transparent shipping fees. Their website features a handy shipping link where you can either use a cost estimator for your items or refer to a detailed pricing chart. Shipping rates vary, starting at $6.99 for Budget, $8.99 for Standard, $12.99 for Priority, and going up to $24.99 for Express delivery of a small calendar. For additional calendars, the cost increases by $1.49 each. These rates slightly increase for larger calendar sizes.
Your satisfaction guaranteed
Mixbook's commitment to customer satisfaction is underscored by their "100% Happiness Guarantee." If you're not entirely happy with your calendar, they're ready to rectify it, offering either a credit for future orders or a full refund. The timeframe for this guarantee isn't explicitly mentioned, but it's likely to be both reasonable and accommodating.
Flawless customer reviews
You probably won't ever need to use this guarantee, judging by the overwhelming number of positive reviews. With over 31,400 5-star ratings, customers regularly praise Mixbook for everything from their responsive customer service to the impeccable quality of their print work. This high level of customer satisfaction is echoed by the Better Business Bureau, which awards Mixbook an outstanding "A+" rating.
Best choice for personalized calendars
If you're on the hunt for an easy-to-use site to create a custom calendar, you should check out Mixbook first. They've got a whopping selection of over 100 templates, plus you can go wild with your own photos and creative touches. Topped with their solid satisfaction promise and a stellar track record for quality, Mixbook is a no-brainer as an excellent choice for personalized calendars.
VistaPrint has been a familiar name in the online printing service industry since its inception in 1995. Originally, they catered to the needs of small businesses, providing them with customizable business materials in smaller quantities. Today, they're not just about business cards; they offer promotional items like flyers and brochures, various marketing materials, personalized products such as mugs and t-shirts, and yes, calendars.
Prices start at $13.99
VistaPrint has wall, desk, magnetic, and poster calendars on offer, with Wall Calendars starting at $13.99. To start browsing Wall Calendars, select that category, then from the drop-down menus provided, choose your size. Your options are Classic with Middle Binding or Top Binding in 17”x11' sizes, or Large with Middle Binding in 22.5” x 14.5”, or Small with Top Binding in 11.5” x 8”. Then choose your quantity. After 9 calendars, you'll start qualifying for cheaper unit prices. The more calendars you buy, the more you'll save.
No categories or filters
You'll find between 40 and 72 results depending on the style you choose. The recommended and most common style is Classic with Middle Binding, so that's what we'll be looking at in this review. While some photo calendar services' catalogs are over-cluttered, VistaPrint takes a more minimalist approach, which could be refreshing to those easily overwhelmed by a wealth of options. However, there are no subcategories of styles like "retro," "botanical," or "classic" here. If you're after something specific, you'll have to hunt it down yourself. But don't worry - it won't be that difficult because there are only four calendars to a row, and there is no other information about the calendar displayed (such as a title or a designer name) except for the price.
Bare-bones editing tool
When you've decided on your design, click on it and you'll be taken to the editing tool. None of the example images from the result page thumbnails will be there, providing a blank canvas that some people might prefer, but we thought it might have been nice to keep them as placeholders for inspiration when selecting your own photos. For example, you might be unsure which family photo to choose for December, but then you see the example calendar has a cute photo of a family pet in an ugly Christmas sweater and remember you have a similar image of your cat that could be used. This choice by VistaPrint probably won't be a dealbreaker for anyone, but it was something we noticed.
See calendar proofs before pulling the trigger
You can enhance your design by adding clip art, frames, and masks. If you're starting with a blank template, you can utilize the Smart Layouts tool to easily drag your photos onto the calendar pages. The tool will automatically arrange your images in a way that makes the most sense. At any point, you can review your calendar to make sure that you're executing your vision as intended.
Shipping rate information is available
Once you're done with the design process and you're ready to check out, you'll be prompted to choose between the Standard Matte style (no extra cost) or the Premium Glossy finish ($1.50 extra). You'll also see an estimated arrival date at this stage in the process. If you want to know exactly how much shipping is going to cost, you do need to create an account and enter your address. Otherwise, you can find an estimate on their shipping rates page. For an order up to $25 and Standard shipping, you'll be looking at paying $5.99. Once your order reaches $100, you're eligible for free shipping. Also, consider signing up for text messages from VistaPrint to unlock 15% off your next order.
Satisfaction guaranteed
At VistaPrint, customer satisfaction is their top priority. If you open your order and are not happy with it, VistaPrint will take full responsibility, either reprinting it or crediting the amount to your account. If you have an issue, they promise you'll get a response within 24 hours of emailing them.
Customer service is responsive and skilled
VistaPrint has earned an impressive "A+” rating from the BBB and boasts a stellar 4.1 rating average based on over 1,400 reviews on Trustpilot. Customers have been raving about their exceptional design assistance, mentioning consistently receiving fantastic support whenever they needed it. One reviewer particularly appreciated the site's chat feature, where they were promptly assisted by a knowledgeable representative who understood what they were trying to do and swiftly stepped in to take care of it.
Simplified custom calendar tool
If you're not a particularly creative person and you just want to get in and out while still ending up with a finished photo calendar product that looks personalized and cute, VistaPrint might be the right choice for you. With a fantastic satisfaction guarantee, reasonable prices, and great customer service, they're overall a very solid choice for calendars.
Zazzle emerged as an early player in the DIY print shop sector, debuting in 2005. It showcases creations from independent Designers and Makers, and also offers the opportunity for customers to craft their own projects from the ground up.
Visually cluttered
If you're feeling overwhelmed by starting out in the "All Calendars" section, Zazzle does break things down into subcategories like Photos, Modern, Minimalist, Family Pictures, and Simple. However, we didn't feel like there was much of an aesthetic difference between the options represented from one category to another. We felt that overall, Zazzle's impression is that of clutter. Even the way the pricing is listed is distracting: every calendar has a struck-through "comparable value" price and then a "discounted" price in red below it. We'd much prefer to see just one price to reduce visual mess and streamline the browsing process than be subjected to cheap tricks to make us think we're getting a deal when really, that calendar has always been that price and probably always will be.
Pricing is decent
Speaking of pricing, Zazzle is neither the most expensive nor the cheapest option out there. The majority of their most popular customizable photo calendar designs are around $20. A pop-up notified us that you can unlock 25% off your order when you sign up for Zazzle's mailing list.
Filters to narrow things down
Zazzle has lots of calendar sizes to choose from, unlike some competitors that only offer one or two. They also have a wider range of prices - you can filter to see only calendars under $15, which brings up mostly single-page calendar photo cards. We wondered at the option to filter for calendars $100 and over, not being sure what features a calendar could have to justify that price. It turned out that there was only one result there… and it was a calendar featuring a selection of near-nude photos, which appeared to be a custom design from a freelance designer listed in an attempt to make some money. Quite shocking, Zazzle!
Creator Program means catalog is huge but less curated
Indeed, Zazzle actually has a Creator Program that lets members, known as Makers, create and monetize their own product designs. This includes calendars, greeting cards, and even throw pillows. That's why they have such a huge catalog of calendar design options, although sometimes they may not hit the mark, since the designers aren't employed by Zazzle as a professionally trained and curated team united by the same design standards.
Use designs as templates
To save calendars you like for later, simply click the heart icon to add them to a list. Once you've decided on a design, you can go into the editor and swap out the example photos with photos of your own. Just click the blue "Personalize” button. While you generally won't be able to make major changes to it, you can choose different grid styles, the wire binding color (black or white), and one- or two-page layouts.
Design tool may be unintuitive
Here is also where you'll be able to select which holidays you celebrate: your options are United States Events and Holidays, United States + Christian Events and Holidays, United States + Jewish Events and Holidays, or None. Zazzle does seem to allow users the flexibility to mark their own special events and occasions (such as birthdays or regular appointments) by toggling on Calendar Grid Transparency and opening the more advanced Design Tool. However, we had a difficult time figuring out how to do it. You might have an easier time marking those with a sharpie after you receive your order, the old-fashioned way.
Start with a blank canvas
If you're feeling particularly creative, you do have the option to start with a completely blank calendar and let your imagination run wild. This gives you the freedom to design a calendar that truly reflects your personal style and preferences without someone else's influence. The possibilities are endless. Just click the blue "Customize This Design” button and you can upload photos, choose from preset backgrounds, add icons and overlays, and insert text.
30-day returns and 100% satisfaction guarantee
Zazzle provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which means customers can exchange, receive credit, or get a refund for all orders - even customized ones. They have an extended holiday return policy for purchases made between the start of October and the end of December, allowing returns until the last day of January. For purchases made before the beginning of October, they can be returned within 30 days of receipt.
Shipping costs not readily available
To get an accurate shipping quote on Zazzle, you'll need to go through the checkout process, which involves creating an account and entering your shipping and billing addresses. Only then will the shipping options and pricing be displayed, along with the overall order price. We wish Zazzle were as transparent here as some of their competitors. However, we did appreciate that when browsing their calendar selection, you can sort your results by delivery date, which is nice if you need to know if something will arrive by Christmas.
Rated highly by customers
A mark in Zazzle's favor are their great Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau rankings: 4.3 stars on average and an "A+”, respectively. People are happy with the quality of their products, and customer support appears to be responsive wherever there are customer complaints.
Patience is a virtue
One of the key reasons we rate Zazzle so highly for purchasing calendars is their excellent return policy. Despite the shopping experience being a bit clunky, the sheer variety of pre-designed and fully customizable templates means there's something for almost everyone. Plus, if the final product doesn't turn out the way you hoped, their hassle-free refund process has you covered. So, if you don't mind navigating through the multitude of choices and tweaking your calendar to your liking, chances are you'll end up with a calendar from Zazzle that you adore.
PS Print is a renowned online print production and design company that has been in business for more than 30 years. They're part of the Deluxe Corporation family, a brand widely recognized for its business services and products. At this retailer, you won't come across pre-made calendars, but it's a great place to look if you're interested in creating custom calendars and having them printed in bulk.
Interface is utilitarian
PS Print has a fairly basic, somewhat outdated interface, which might appeal more to businesses that just want to get the job done and are using it as a tool to create promotional materials. (What better way to get your business or brand in front of customer eyes than by giving them a free calendar?) However, for an average mom looking for a website to design a cute calendar with family photos to proudly display in the heart of her home, it may not offer the same level of charm and user-friendliness that she would prefer for her personal project.
No native editor
To get started, you'll select from dropdown lists your preferred size, months (12, 18, or 6), paper material, binding, hole drilling, and quantity. Next, you'll need to upload your file. If you're on this tab and thinking, "Wait, what file, I haven't even seen an editing tool yet,” you haven't missed a step - there is no native editing tool as far as we could tell. Instead, you'll need to search for the webpage with free PDF calendar template downloads, although these are not creative designs, just blank grids. You'll have to edit your template in software of your choosing and upload it where indicated. Printed proofs will cost you extra - a "small additional charge” of an unspecified amount for up to 3 physical copies.
Helpful guides
Unsure about paper thickness or what foil stamping is? They've got you covered. Just click on the blue link with "Details” in the name under each step of the process. Also, it's a good idea to explore the Print Guidelines and Tips & Ideas sections, particularly if you've never designed a calendar before. These resources are really handy for beginners.
Bulk orders in increments of 25
While buying in bulk doesn't make sense for the average individual, there are some for whom PS Print will come in handy. For instance, consider a local pet shelter planning to design an adorable calendar for a charity drive, showcasing different animals each month, or an office team putting together a humorous calendar as a unique end-of-year present for colleagues. With PS Print, the possibilities are vast, provided you're okay with a minimum order of 25 calendars. They offer set quantities like 25, 50, 100, 150, all the way up to 3,000, but unfortunately, there's no flexibility for custom order sizes outside these preset options in the dropdown menu.
$16 per calendar
An order of 25 calendars in the 8.5”x11” size with the default selections for interior paper and binding will cost you $438.45. That comes out to $16 per calendar, which is lower than what you'd pay another service for a single calendar, but keep in mind how much more design work you'll have to do with PS Print to achieve a similar look to one of those more expensive calendars. We also noticed an offer for 15% off your first purchase when you sign up for PS Print's mailing list.
Ship directly to you or to a list of recipients
In the production time section, you can decide how long it will take us to get your order ready for shipping, mailing, or pick-up. (The shorter the time frame you select, the higher the price.) You have options for delivery, either shipping the order directly to you or distributing it to various addresses from a mailing list. Shipping and handling on the example order we gave you above came out to $16.37 after we entered our zip code, bringing the total up to $477.42, including tax.
Don't forget to factor in shipping and production times
The estimated time of arrival for your order depends on when you upload your design, the production time you pick, and your choice of shipping or mailing method. If you're in a bit of a hurry and need your order sooner, you can always opt for quicker shipping, mailing, or production options. For example, if you go for a 3-day production time combined with UPS Two Day shipping, expect your order to reach you within 5 business days from when you upload your design.
20-point quality checklist
It's impressive that PS Print includes a comprehensive 20-point quality check for each calendar order, at no extra cost. This thorough review ensures everything, from artwork dimensions to text placement, is just perfect.
Your satisfaction is guaranteed for a week
PS Print also offers customer-focused advantages, like their satisfaction guarantee. If you're not happy with your order, you have a week after delivery to get in touch with their customer service. They'll help sort things out, but remember that they can't fix personal design choices you later regret. Their detailed checklist helps catch most issues before they even hit the print stage. At the time of our last review, PS Print had a Low Price Guarantee, but we couldn't find a mention of it this time.
Well-reviewed
PS Print enjoys a strong rapport with its customers. With around 80,000 reviews, they boast an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5. Many of these glowing reviews come from long-term clients who rely on PS Print for their professional printing needs, including calendars and business cards. The Better Business Bureau rates them an "A+”, underscoring their reliability.
Best for bulk
While PS Print is a fantastic choice for bulk orders, it might not be the go-to for someone wanting just a few calendars. They excel in meeting the needs of businesses and organizations seeking large quantities of customized calendars, backed by their free quality assurance. However, for individual customers looking for a single calendar with personal photos or cute designs, options might be limited. PS Print is a dependable and high-quality service, but more geared towards larger orders.
Mega Calendars began over two decades ago in Orlando as a modest, physical store selling calendars. Since then, it has moved its operations to Michigan, maintaining its standard of quality and customer service. This family-run venture shows a strong commitment to helping kids and the community, evident in its contribution of photographs for various projects and participation in fundraising efforts.
Fewer categories
Mega Calendars doesn't have quite as many calendar subjects as some competitors, but that does mean it's not as overwhelming to shop here. Here are some of the categories they have to offer:
Fewer calendars
Digging into each category, we felt a bit let down by the slim pickings. Take the Art & Architecture section - just a few choices like Castles, Monet, and Van Gogh. Mega Calendars' competitors usually offer way more, sometimes even hundreds, in just that category.
See what other people are buying
You might get a bit sidetracked by those notifications popping up in the bottom left of your screen, letting you know which calendars someone else just snagged and their location. It is kind of fun though, and it might spark some ideas for your next calendar. While we were browsing, people were buying calendars with 70s superbikes, chihuahuas, and vintage pin-ups.
"Unique Gifts” category weirdly hidden
Since our last review, Mega Calendar has not greatly improved their Unique Gift category - and it's harder to find now, requiring you to first navigate to the Prosperdog brand tab at the top of the page. The Unique Gifts on offer are still a bit disappointing, containing only about a dozen pet-themed items like a dog travel bag, a memorial wind chime, and a couple of pairs of socks.
Lackluster greeting card selection
Also since our last visit, Mega Calendar has added a Greeting Cards category, but this leaves more to be desired than the Gifts. There is only one dog-themed design: the word "JOY" with various dog breeds photoshopped a bit lazily in front of the lettering. A pack of ten cards is $29.97, although it is a buy-one-get-one deal. If you really need greeting cards, we wouldn't tell you to check Mega Calendar first.
Costs a dollar more on average
Price-wise, Mega Calendars is a tad more expensive. Most places sell wall calendars for around $14.99, but here, most of them go for $15.99. It's not a massive jump, but it's noticeable.
Shipping is not free like advertising states
Figuring out shipping costs is a bit of a guesswork game until you actually load up your cart. For a single calendar with standard USPS First Class delivery, you're likely looking at about $5.70. We're a little confused about the shipping charge, because there is a highly visible black bar across the bottom of the homepage advertising "free shipping," along with other things that they think make them stand out, like free returns, best quality, and safe checkout.
7 days for returns
Their return policy here isn't as lenient as others. You've got just 7 days to return your purchase for a refund, and it must be unopened and like new.
Customer reviews are hard to find
We only found a few customer reviews, and they weren't great, though they're mostly from a while back. On the upside, Mega Calendars has a solid "A" rating from the BBB, so that's something.
Unimpressive
Mega Calendars just doesn't stand out from the competition. To effectively rival other calendar stores, Mega Calendars should significantly expand its calendar assortment, provide more transparent shipping fees, and perhaps reevaluate its strict return policy.
Since its establishment in 1999, Shutterfly has made a name for itself in the personalized photo service market. The company provides a broad spectrum of customizable products such as photo books, greeting cards, stationery, various prints, thoughtful gifts, artful decor, and items for weddings. Their lineup also includes calendars, which allow customers to infuse personal memories into practical daily use. With Shutterfly, you can create items that are uniquely yours, whether for keeping or giving.
Wall, easel, desk, and poster calendars
When choosing a calendar, Shutterfly gives you different options in terms of style and functionality. Photo wall calendars display personal memories and serve as wall decor. Easel calendars are compact and stylish for desks. Desk calendars are flat, easily accessible, and can be personalized. Poster calendars have a minimalist look and show the entire year at once.
Regular deals ease sticker shock
We'll be looking at Wall Calendars for the purpose of this review. At Shutterfly, you can choose between two standard sizes: 8x11 and 12x12. Shutterfly's prices are about the same as its direct competitors'. The smaller calendar size starts at $34.99 and the larger size starts at $44.99, although while we were shopping, Shutterfly was running a deal for 50% off. As longtime customers of Shutterfly, we can tell you there are deals throughout the year, so you may want to consider designing your photo calendar and waiting to purchase until one of these deals comes up again. You can also sign up for text messages for an instant 20% off.
92 designs
Shutterfly lets you choose from a selection of pre-designed templates of various aesthetic sensibilities. You can filter for these styles, which include Classic, Colorful, Modern, Rustic, Watercolored, and Whimsical. There are 92 designs to choose from, which is comprehensive without being overwhelming. And, if none of these pre-made templates call to you, you always have the option to start with a blank canvas.
On-trend, bold designs
One of our favorite calendar designs was the one titled "The Future is Bright”, which stood out with its fresh and vibrant aesthetics. During our research, we started to notice that templates from competing services often recycle the same old motifs and lack the creative spark that this design ignites. They may stick to the tried-and-true formulas that, while reliable, miss out on the current trends and the personalized storytelling that Shutterfly brings to the table. We like this template's modern and personalized feel, with its dynamic mix of typography and playful design elements that evoke optimism and joy. The "good times” sticker-like additions and the varied photo shapes give it an on-trend, scrapbook vibe that's both engaging and personal, turning each page reveal into a delightful discovery, rather than just a mere flip of the calendar. If this particular template doesn't fit your personal style, you're still sure to find something equally as unique and trendy in Shutterfly's catalog.
You'll need to create an account
Once you've found your template, just click the orange "Personalize” button to make it your own. You'll need to sign in next so that your progress doesn't get lost between sessions. When you upload your photos, you can select them from your local files on your computer, or even from social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as well as Google Photos and Art Library.
Personalize holidays and events
Shutterfly is one of the better tools in terms of customization capabilities. For calendar creation, you have the flexibility to begin your calendar from any month of your choice, and there's room for personalization with editable text and a variety of font options. You can add personal events, unique holidays, and even add photos to mark important dates - think a photo of the Epcot Ball underlaid behind the date you leave for your family vacation to Disney World. As an add-on, you can also purchase a set of colorful stickers with simple symbols on them to indicate appointments, lunch dates, grocery shopping days, and more.
Create harmonious variations on your chosen theme
The editing tool thoughtfully includes "idea pages” and "embellishments” that match the aesthetic of your chosen template, ensuring any personal touches you add complement the design, and making it easy to add your own flair while maintaining a consistent style. For example, if you've chosen a rustic-themed template, the idea pages might feature earth tones and natural textures, while the embellishments could include elements like leaves, wood grains, or vintage frames.
No BBB rating, poor Trustpilot score
When it comes to customer reviews, Shutterfly's got some ground to make up. While their product listings are individually reviewed right on the site and usually receive favorable ratings, the overall picture isn't quite as rosy. It seems they're not making friends over at the Better Business Bureau (they're not rated), and the word on Trustpilot is a bit grim with a "bad" rating from 28,000 reviews.
Delivery is often late
Some of the reviews we came across were quite disheartening. Customers express significant frustration with delayed shipments and unmet delivery promises, even when additional fees for expedited services were paid. This reflects poorly on Shutterfly's reliability and fulfillment of customer expectations.
Satisfaction guarantee is vague
Shutterfly does offer a "100% Happiness Guarantee," but when you click on the policy page for this, it's suspiciously empty, with no details about what this means or how they'll enforce it other than a vague promise to "make it right" if you're not satisfied. One customer reported having been sent a photo book of poor quality prints where resolution had been reduced somewhere during the printing process. Despite Shutterfly offering to reprint the book at no charge, they didn't take steps to assure the customer that the quality issue could be improved, so the customer would have been in possession of two poor-resolution photo books.
Discrepancy between what you design and what you get
Other customers have called into question the quality of the received products - specifically printed photos - based on issues with cropping and color reproduction. It seems like there can be a discrepancy between the digital preview and the final printed product. We don't think Shutterfly is taking as many steps for quality assurance as some of their competitors with robust checklists are.
You could lose your photos
We would also warn you against using Shutterfly as your primary method of keeping treasured memories safe, even though they try to present themselves as this type of cloud service. One customer reported that Shutterfly deleted her account with no warning or explanation, and she lost the only copies she had of her children's baby photos as a result.
Too unreliable to recommend wholeheartedly
We really like Shutterfly's interface and the range and quality of the calendar templates they offer, but their customer satisfaction has declined a lot in recent years. If you decide to go with Shutterfly, you might be in for a lot of frustrating back-and-forth about delivery dates and product quality. For these reasons, we have to give them a lower rating than we'd like to.
Shop Calendars is based in The Netherlands and is a relatively new retailer, having been established less than a year before the time of this review. Consequently, there are not many customer testimonials or complaints available on the internet.
Adult content on the landing page
This site is based in Europe, and you can really tell by some of the choices they've made for their featured products on the landing page. You'll notice quite a few calendars there that are a bit on the racy side - think Playboy and similar themes - which seems in line with a more open European attitude towards such content. This could be a bit surprising, especially for folks in the States where we're a tad more conservative about these things. So, just a word to the wise: if you're planning to browse their site, it might be best to do so in a private setting, especially if you're in a coffee shop or have kids playing in the background.
Wide variety of categories and subcategories
If you're scrambling to get away from that risqué homepage, there's an easy fix: just click on the handy hamburger menu located at the top left corner. This is your gateway to a world of more specific, and perhaps more family-friendly, calendar categories. Under the "Calendars [current year]” section, you'll find a large selection of subcategories to explore. These include options like General Dog Calendars, Pedigree Dog Calendars, a variety of Other Animals, an assortment of Cats, and even Cars & Motorcycles calendars. If you're interested in home decor, check out the Home & Garden section. For those who appreciate natural beauty, the Landscape & Nature category is a must-see.
More and more categories
There's also a section for those who are into personal wellness, aptly named Mind, Body & Spirit. The Countries, Cities & Regions category offers a geographic twist, and for art enthusiasts, there are sections like Janneke Brinkman, Anne Geddes, and Other Artwork. Pop culture fans aren't left out either, with calendars featuring Music & Pop Stars, as well as Films & TV. And of course, there's something for the little ones with Puppies Calendars, Comics & Characters, and Children's themes. Fans of classic art will enjoy Anton Pieck and Rien Poortvliet's works. So, no matter your taste, there's likely a calendar that fits your style just a menu click away.
Sizing uses metric system
At Shop Calendars, you're spoiled for choice with over 2,500 calendar options. Just a heads-up though, as you sift through these, remember they use European measurements. So, when you see something like 30 x 60 cm, you might need to do a quick conversion to get the size in inches - that's about 11 x 23 inches, by the way. They've got other sizes too, like 34 x 60 cm and the A3 to A7 range. If you're not familiar with metric measurements, keeping a conversion tool handy or a ruler that has both cm and inches could be a big help. To switch your currency settings from Euros to USD, you may need to go into the settings at the top of the page.
Advent and 3D calendars
When browsing Shop Calendars, sorting by price can give you a good sense of the range available. Their prices vary, starting from as low as 3.95 euros and going up to around 34 euros. In USD, this is roughly $4.30 and $36.40. (The currency setting doesn't seem to stick, so you may need to also keep a currency converter handy while shopping.) On the more affordable side, you can find delightful chocolate Advent calendars - perfect for counting down to the holidays. If you're eyeing something unique, the higher end of the spectrum includes cool 3D calendars. Think along the lines of Surfer Stitch or Marvel's Groot, where you get to configure blocks marked with days and months to set the date each day for a fun, interactive twist on the traditional calendar.
Most popular calendars are $11-$16
Just a little tip: if you choose to sort by popularity, be prepared to see those Erotic calendars make an appearance again. They seem to be quite the hit on this site. The majority of the calendars fall in the sweet spot price-wise, usually between 10 and 15 euros ($11 and $16).
Shipping is impractically expensive outside of Europe
You may have already guessed that shipping will cost a small fortune here, and you would be correct. When we did a test with the "Dream Harry Styles” calendar for $12.53 to be shipped to Florida, we were presented with two options for shipping: UPS Expedited for $25.96 or UPS Express for $34.15. We don't think many people would be able to justify paying twice the value of the calendar in shipping fees alone, no matter how much they love Harry Styles. If you're not based in Europe and you don't have money to burn, you might want to consider an American company. As far as returns go, the Delivery & Returns page is blank, but in Dutch on the sidebar they advertise a "30-day reflection period” and free returns for residents of the Netherlands.
Bet for residents of Europe
Overall, we wouldn't recommend Shop Calendars to people who aren't residents of Europe. Shipping is just too expensive to be practical, and on top of that concern, this website is so new with so few reviews across the web that we can't really give you an accurate idea of what your experience shopping here would be if you did decide you absolutely had to have that Harry Styles calendar. We dock them further for being indiscreet with adult content. For your calendar needs for the upcoming year, we think you should check out one of the better-ranked services in our review.
Many retailers have reduced their in-store offerings, making it hard to find calendars that are both unique and appealing, no matter when you're shopping. On the other hand, online stores offer lots of options, from stunning landscapes and animal themes to motivational quotes and artistic designs.
Whether you need a wall calendar for the family kitchen or a compact desk calendar for your office, the selection online is extensive and varied. Plus, prices online are often more competitive than in physical stores, and if you're looking to create a custom calendar with personal photos, many online retailers offer fun and user-friendly design tools.
When choosing which online calendar store you want to shop with, you should consider the following factors:
Top Consumer Reviews has thoroughly reviewed and ranked the best online calendar retailers available today. We aim to help you find the perfect calendar that not only organizes your year but also adds a touch of personal or aesthetic value to your space.
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