TEN IDEAS TO SEND TO YOUR PEN FRIEND
Note: I took a pause from posting for a few weeks for my own mental health. Being a black person in the midst of the current movement was taking a toll on me, and in turn, my family. I had already written this series, so that’s why some of the timing seems off. Please excuse.
This is an extension on last week’s post How to Get Started With Your First Penpal, because I wanted to dive a little deeper into some fun goodies to send to your new snail mail friend. I am still only a couple of months into this new hobby but the extras I send along are sometimes my favorite part. I like to coordinate the entire package so that it all flows together with one theme. This sometimes sparks an idea for a little something extra to add in, but it also helps me focus when I’m putting everything together.
I usually try to make whatever it is relevant to what we’re talking about. Otherwise, it’s purpose is usually to help my penpal get to know me a little better.
I try not to send things just for the sake of sending something. I don’t write unless I’m in the mood to, and if I have nothing nice to send along with my letter that day, that is ok.
That said, I almost always have something I am excited to share with my pen friend. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Bag of tea or dried flowers
- Include the date and weather on your letter
- Unpopular opinions you have
- Five fun facts about yourself
- “Currently” card (list things you are loving, eating smelling, seeing, not loving, etc.)
- Quarantine events, outfits, or favorite snacks
- Playlist
- Song lyrics or a quote you love (or that speaks to the letter)
- Self care ideas
- Face mask or trial-sized moisturizer
I also opened up a sticker shop and sent a few “practice” sheets to my new friends. This helped me get over the fear of others seeing my work, but also they gave constructive feedback about the stickers! This information was so valuable. My penpals are interested in similar things so I was able to get honest opinions that I could trust, since they are major sticker users too.
