Every year, the cards start arriving—bright, cheerful, full of personality—and every year, the same question comes up: where do I put them all?

If you’re tired of taping cards to walls or cluttering countertops, it’s time to try a creative and reusable solution. With just a few neodymium magnets, you can create a DIY magnetic holiday card display that’s simple, stylish, and damage-free.

 

Why Magnets Are Perfect for Holiday Displays

Magnets make it easy to decorate for the season without nails, tape, or clutter. Strong, compact neodymium magnets can securely hold greeting cards on any magnetic or metal surface—such as refrigerators, doors, picture frames, or even decorative metal strips. Plus, when the holidays are over, your display comes down in minutes with no cleanup required.

 

How to Create a DIY Magnetic Holiday Card Display

You’ll Need:

  • Neodymium disc magnets (we recommend ½" x ⅛" for most cards)

  • A magnetic surface like a metal board, refrigerator, or galvanized wall strip

  • (Optional) Decorative ribbon or twine

  • (Optional) Adhesive-backed metal discs if you want to hang cards on non-magnetic surfaces

Steps:

  1. Pick your space. Choose a high-traffic area like your kitchen, hallway, or entryway.

  2. Arrange your backdrop. Use decorative ribbon or garland to make your card display feel festive.

  3. Attach your cards. Place a magnet on the front of each card and let the magnetic pull hold it to your surface. For cards that don’t have a fold, use a second magnet on the back to “sandwich” the card in place. One of our favorites is our clear jewel magnet pins; they add just the right sparkle to your display without distracting from your holiday cards.

  4. Mix and match. As new cards arrive, rearrange or layer them for a full, cheerful display.

Display Ideas

  • Metal Picture Frames: Turn an old frame into a seasonal gallery wall by adding a metal sheet behind it.

  • String Display: Stretch a length of decorative twine and use bendable silicone magnetic clips to secure cards in place.

  • Door Garland: Attach cards along a metal door frame using duckbill magnets or flathead pins for a festive entryway.

 

Magnet Tips

  • Use coated magnets (such as nickel or plastic-coated) for added protection against scratching metal surfaces.

  • Match the magnet strength to your cards. Lightweight cards only need small discs; heavier or folded cards may need a stronger pull force.

  • Store your magnets safely when not in use. Keep them apart or separated by cardboard to prevent snapping together.

A DIY magnetic holiday card display is the perfect blend of creativity and practicality. It keeps your favorite greetings visible all season long without damaging walls or cluttering counters. And when the holidays are over, you can reuse the same setup year after year—just swap out the cards for family photos, art prints, or seasonal decor.

Shop neodymium disc magnets, adhesive-backed magnets, and coated magnets for your next DIY project at ApexMagnets.com.

 

Safety Warning: Magnets can be dangerous. Neodymium magnets, especially, must be handled with care to avoid personal injury and damage to the magnets. Fingers and other body parts can get severely pinched between two attracting magnets. Bones can be broken by larger magnets. Children should always be supervised when using magnets. Visit our Magnet Safety page to learn more.