Custom Playing Cards for a Company Giveaway: Where to Begin

To create custom playing cards for a company giveaway, you need four decisions and a print-ready file: (1) quantity (15-deck minimum, most giveaways run 100–1,000), (2) card size (standard poker, 2.5" × 3.5"), (3) stock (310gsm black-core paper for most giveaways, 100% plastic for outdoor or heavy-use events), and (4) finish (smooth, linen air-cushion, or matte). Submit a print-ready PDF with 1/8" bleed and a safe zone, get a free file review, approve a digital proof, and your decks ship in 2–3 weeks.

This guide walks you through each decision in the order you'll actually make them.

Step 1 — Decide quantity and budget

The per-deck price drops sharply as quantity goes up:

• 10–50 decks: ~$15–$25/deck — good for executive gifts or small client appreciation
• 100–500 decks: ~$5–$10/deck — typical for sales kickoffs, trade-show handouts, partner gifts
• 1,000–5,000 decks: ~$2–$5/deck — conference swag, customer mailers, brand campaigns

Budget the tuck box too — full-color is included; rigid boxes and foil add 20–60% to the deck cost.

Step 2 — Pick the size

For a giveaway, standard poker (2.5" × 3.5") is almost always right. It fits standard card sleeves, looks familiar to recipients, and works for both gameplay and display. Bridge (2.25" × 3.5") is narrower — only pick it if your audience plays bridge specifically.

Step 3 — Pick the stock

• 310gsm black-core paper — the default. Snaps, shuffles, and feels like a premium retail deck.
• 100% plastic — waterproof and tear-resistant. Pick this for outdoor events, golf outings, or recipients who'll actually use the deck heavily.

Step 4 — Design the deck

Your deck has three design surfaces: card backs (one design repeated across all 54 cards — this is where your brand lives), card faces (standard suits + court cards, often subtly branded), and the tuck box (six panels of full-color real estate — front, back, top, bottom, and two side flaps).

Minimum requirements:

• Artwork at 300 DPI minimum
• Bleed of 1/8" past the trim line
• Important text and logos inside the safe zone (1/8" inside the trim line)
• Vector logos (.ai, .eps, .svg, or vector PDF)

If you don't have a designer, our in-house team can build the deck and tuck box from your logo and brand guidelines.

Step 5 — Submit, proof, print

Upload your PDF, we run a free print-ready file review (color, bleed, resolution, dieline fit), send a digital proof of every card and the tuck box, and start the press once you sign off. Standard turnaround is 2–3 weeks; rush is available if you share your event date up front.

What to send the printer

When you request a quote, share:

• Quantity
• Card size
• Stock preference (paper or 100% plastic) — or ask us to recommend
• Event date or in-hand date
• Logo + any brand guidelines
• Whether you need a designer or are sending print-ready files

That's enough to lock pricing and timeline on the same day.

Start your giveaway deck

Get an instant quote or send us your project — we'll confirm timeline, pricing, and file requirements within one business day.

FAQs

What is the minimum order for a company giveaway?

10 decks. Most corporate giveaways order 100–1,000 decks depending on event size.

How long does it take to print custom branded playing cards?

2–3 weeks from approved proof for standard runs. Rush options are available — share your event date when you request a quote.

What information do I need to start?

Quantity, your logo or artwork (vector preferred), card size (standard poker 2.5" × 3.5" is most common), stock (paper or 100% plastic), and your event date.

Do I need a designer?

No. You can use our free templates with bleed and safe zones, or our in-house team can lay out backs, faces, and the tuck box for you.

Can the tuck box be branded too?

Yes. The tuck box prints in full color on the outside and can be printed inside as well. Custom rigid boxes are available for premium giveaways.