Simple, Cost-Effective Gift Card Carriers for The Tantum Trust

16 minutes ago
3 min read

At Print and Design It, not every project is about large-scale print runs or complex production. Sometimes, the most impactful work comes from simple, thoughtful solutions, especially when budgets are tight and the end goal really matters.

This was exactly the case when we worked with The Tantum Trust.

The Brief

The Tantum Trust provides support to families in need, including distributing gift cards to help cover food costs over the Christmas period.

They approached us with a clear requirement:

They needed a way to present these gift cards in a more structured and branded format.

However, there were a few important constraints:

The solution needed to be as low-cost as possible
It had to include space for instructions
It needed to carry their branding clearly
It had to be practical for handling and distribution

This wasn’t about luxury finishes or premium materials, it was about creating something functional, clear and affordable that could be produced at scale.

The Challenge

At first glance, attaching a gift card to a printed piece might seem straightforward.

But without the right approach, it can quickly become inefficient or costly.

Some of the potential challenges included:

Overcomplicating the format and increasing production costs
Creating something too small to include clear instructions
Using fixing methods that are difficult or time-consuming to assemble
Producing a solution that doesn’t feel organised or professional

For a charity distributing these at scale, simplicity and efficiency were critical.

Every additional cost or extra step in assembly would have a direct impact on time, budget and overall usability.

Our Approach

Rather than overengineering the solution, we focused on what was truly needed.

We asked a few key questions:

What is the minimum size needed to include clear information?
How can we make assembly as quick as possible?
What’s the most cost-effective format to print?

The answer was a simple but highly effective solution: an A7 carrier card.

This size struck the perfect balance. It was:

Large enough to include essential instructions
Compact enough to keep print costs low
Easy to handle, pack and distribute

We then paired this with glue dots, allowing the gift cards to be securely attached without the need for complex finishing processes like slots or bespoke holders.

Why This Worked

The strength of this solution lies in its simplicity.

By using a standard A7 format, we kept production efficient and cost-effective. Standard sizes reduce paper waste and allow for smoother printing processes, which directly impacts cost — a key consideration for any charity project.

The use of glue dots also made a significant difference. Instead of requiring specialist finishing or additional manufacturing steps, the cards could be assembled quickly and easily by the The Tantum Trust team. This saved both time and money, while still delivering a clean and secure result.

The design itself remained clean and focused, ensuring that:

Instructions were easy to read
Branding was clear and visible
The overall presentation felt organised and professional

The Result

The final product delivered exactly what was needed.

A simple A7 carrier card that:

Clearly communicates important information
Holds the gift card securely in place
Maintains a professional and branded appearance
Keeps production and assembly costs to a minimum

Most importantly, it provided a practical solution that supports The Tantum Trust in distributing help efficiently to families who need it.

What This Highlights

This project is a great example of how effective print isn’t always about complexity — it’s about suitability.

When working with charities or cost-sensitive projects, every decision matters.

By focusing on:

Standard sizing
Simple assembly methods
Clear, functional design

It’s possible to create solutions that are both affordable and highly effective.

The Importance of Practical Design

In many print projects, it’s easy to focus purely on how something looks.

But in reality, how it works is just as important, sometimes more so.

For The Tantum Trust, this wasn’t a marketing piece. It was a practical tool used to deliver support to families.

That meant the design needed to:

Be easy to understand
Be quick to assemble
Be reliable in use
Stay within budget constraints

By keeping these priorities front of mind, we were able to deliver a solution that performs exactly as required.

Final Thoughts

Working with organisations like The Tantum Trust is a reminder that print can play a small but meaningful role in much bigger initiatives.

This wasn’t about creating something elaborate, it was about creating something useful.

A simple A7 card and a glue dot might not sound groundbreaking, but when designed and specified correctly, it becomes a practical, scalable solution that supports an important cause.

At Print and Design It, we believe good print is about more than just appearance. It’s about understanding the purpose, the constraints and the end use and delivering something that works.

If you’re looking for cost-effective, practical print solutions, whether for a business or a charitable initiative, we’re here to help you find the right approach.