I love to send and receive snail mail. I know that I’ve mentioned this before! I do then chat to people who tell me how much they’d like to get into sending and receiving letters, too. I think there can be a real pull to put pen to paper and do things the old-fashioned way sometimes. It’s often a favourite #BringBackPaper subject, so today I’m sharing with you my guide to Getting Started with Snail Mail, how to get started with sending happy mail, getting pen pals and putting a snail mail starter kit together.
Snail Mail Supplies
I’ve built up my snail mail supplies over a couple of years, and it’s now fully ingrained in me to be on the lookout for pretty writing sets, bargain washi tape, little treats that will easily fit into envelops and the like. But if you’re new to all of this and want to get going initially, I’d recommend getting in the following supplies:
A sturdy box. You’ll be housing an ever-growing mail collection, along with your happy mail bits and bobs.
Writing paper. Obviously. You can go for plain paper, scrap paper, free downloadable paper, recycled wrapping paper, note cards, postcards and good old-fashioned writing sets (my addiction and my stationery weakness!)
Pens. A plain old biro will do, but I’d suggest having a few brightly coloured and sparkly pens in there, too, as it makes it more fun!
Stickers/stampers/washi tape. You’ll want to pretty up those envelopes, and these are all also a great way of brightening up plain writing paper, too. Very versatile.
Stamps. Yep, you’ll need those.
I’d suggest a trip to places like Paperchase (always)! TK Maxx (fab for boxes, as well as the stationery) and The Range/The Works/supermarkets tend to have pretty and inexpensive items on offer. You can also check out my Amazon store here, with a section devoted to pen pal purchases!
To post things that are a little different to just letters, you could also try Pocket Letters or Mail Tags, so do take a peek at my posts all about those. Do also look out for my post next week sharing ideas for snail mail inserts – cheap and cheerful little pressies that you can add to your letters, further brightening up your happy mail.
Who to Write to?
OK, so you have your kit, you’re eager to write, but who to?
Well firstly do have a think about whether any of your friends or family would appreciate a handwritten missive.
If not, or you’re simply craving more, then here are a few ideas:
PostCircle
This was my first exploration back into writing letters, having written to a few people as a teen. Postcircle got me hooked!
PostCrossing
The only one of these suggestions I’ve yet to actually use myself, but I know several people that have, and it’s an ever-growing international community.
PostPals
A wonderful charity inviting you to send one off or regular letters and packages to children with life-limiting or life-threatening medical conditions and their siblings. I shared more about it here.
Instagram
I’ve found new pen pals this way, along with one for my daughter. There are loads of people on there who write regularly, and many will say that they’re looking for pen pals, or through chatting pretty stationery and common interests, you can agree to write. I’d suggest searching using #snailmail #happymail #penpals #outgoing or similar and you’ll find a huge community there, huge!
#BringBackPaper
You can use our very own #BringBackPaper to find people. I do run one-off pairings periodically (you can check this page for details of monthly activities), but you can also put a shout out using the hash tag to find people to write to yourself – I’m all for getting people sending happy mail! So do feel free to use it, and I’ll be sure to retweet/share it if I spot it, too.
So you’re now writing, but what do you write?! Check out Snail Mail: What to Send for inspiration.
Do also pop over and check out my Letter Writing Pinterest board, as it’s crammed with creative ideas, free printables, and pretty pics. It is a collaborative board, so just ask if you’d like to be added to that one.
So how about it? Do you fancy sending some snail mail?
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links
If you’re new to Bring Back Paper, you can find out more about it all here. You can join our Facebook group here and you can sign up to join my mailing list below, for all the latest news, updates, ideas and activities.
Don’t forget The Lady Writers Society! X
Of course! X
Oooh love snail mail. I was trying to find a kids penpal club but it doesn’t seem to exist anymore. x
No, I can’t find one either. My daughter has 3 pen pals, though, that we’ve found through social media. She loves her snail mail! x
Hi. How old r ur kids. Mine r 4,8 n 10. If u r interested fr penfrndship. U cn always contact us
I love all your stationary bab! And I was telling my friend the other day about your post box in your girls room. Such a good idea! x
Oh, that is one of her very favourite things! She does get a surprising amount of post for a 6 year old! x
Pingback: Bring Back Paper in 2016 - The Reading Residence
Pingback: #loveisAtoZ - The Reading Residence
Pingback: Writing Sets Guaranteed To Get You Snail Mailing - The Reading Residence
Pingback: How to Make a Pocket Letter
Pingback: Envelope Art for the Unartistic - The Reading Residence
You’ve got me inspired!
That’s what I like to hear! Have fun with it!
Pingback: The Pen Pal Sign-Up - The Reading Residence
Pingback: The Pen Pal Sign Up - June 2017 - The Reading Residence
Pingback: The Pen Pal Sign Up - September 2017 - The Reading Residence
Pingback: The Pen Pal Sign Up January 2018 - The Reading Residence
Hello. I realize this is dated 2015 however it just popped up on Pinterest. Very interested in snail mail but mail Art is where my love has been for over 20 years belong to IUOMA. My
Town just changed its name and to get the word out I put a. #Mailartcall out for anyone
Who loves to decorate, cartoon or just try out their creativity on a. None threatening oc of paper the envelopes.
Please send to
Mail Art / City Hall
7 n Dixie Hwy.
Lake Worth Beach. fl. 33460
Envelopes are not opened. Your e mail on back. So we may notify you of its arrival and exhibition . Thanks
This sounds like a lot of fun, a great idea!