Snail mail is just a card or letter sent through the post office instead of a screen. It takes a few minutes and a stamp, and it is one of the few things people still keep in a drawer for years. Below are snail mail ideas, people who would love a letter, a simple way to write a letter to a friend, and what to write when you are not sure where to start.
Article contents
- Why Send Snail Mail?
- Snail Mail Ideas
- Who Would Love a Letter
- How to Write a Letter to a Friend
- What to Write When You Do Not Know What to Say
- Keeping a Pen Pal
- National Card and Letter Writing Month
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Send Snail Mail?
A text is gone in a scroll. A card sits on a counter, gets read twice and sometimes ends up on the fridge. Writing by hand also slows you down, so you tend to say the thing you actually mean. And for a lot of people, the only mail they get is bills, which makes a handwritten envelope stand out.
Snail Mail Ideas
- Send a card on a random Tuesday, with no reason at all.
- Mail a note to a friend who just moved, so their new mailbox has something good in it.
- Write to a grandparent and ask them a question about when they were your age.
- Send a thank you card to a teacher, coach or mentor from years ago.
- Mail a card from a trip instead of posting a photo.
- Pick one person a week and write them a short note.
- Tuck a card into a lunchbox, a suitcase or a coat pocket for someone to find.
- Send a card on the anniversary of a hard day, like the loss of a parent.
- Start a letter back and forth with a niece, nephew or grandchild.
- Keep a box of blank cards and stamps by the door so it is easy to send one.
Who Would Love a Letter
- Grandparents and older relatives, especially anyone who lives alone.
- Friends who moved away.
- Kids at camp or college.
- A neighbor who helped you out.
- Service members far from home.
- Someone recovering from surgery or an illness.
- A friend going through a divorce, a job loss or a hard season.
- An old friend you have lost touch with.
For cards to veterans and service members, see our guide to holiday cards for veterans.
How to Write a Letter to a Friend
- Open with their name and a warm hello. "Dear Sarah" or just "Hi Sarah!" both work.
- Say why you are writing. "I was thinking about you this week" is reason enough.
- Share a little news. One or two things going on in your life, the way you would over coffee.
- Ask about them. A question or two gives them something to write back about.
- Bring up a memory or something you miss.
- Close warmly and sign. "Love," "Talk soon," or "Your friend" are all fine.
Example: "Hi Sarah! I was cleaning out a closet this weekend and found the mixtape you made me in 1998. It still plays. The kids are back in school and I finally started the garden I keep talking about. How is the new job? I want to hear everything. Miss you. Love, Jen"
What to Write When You Do Not Know What to Say
A card does not need to be long. Any of these is enough on its own.
- I was thinking about you today and wanted you to know.
- No news here, just missing you.
- This card reminded me of you, so it is yours now.
- Hope this note finds you well and having a good week.
- Writing a real letter felt like the right way to say hello.
- I owe you a phone call. Until then, here is a card.
For more ideas, try the Message Finder or our thinking of you messages.
Keeping a Pen Pal
- Agree on a rough rhythm, like one letter a month, so neither of you feels behind.
- Number your letters. It is fun to look back and see how far you have come.
- Answer their questions and ask a couple of your own each time.
- Tuck in something small and flat: a pressed leaf, a photo, a recipe card or a sticker.
- Keep their letters in one box. Years later, you will be glad you did.
National Card and Letter Writing Month
The U.S. Postal Service marks April as National Card and Letter Writing Month. It is a good excuse to send a few cards to the people you have been meaning to write to all year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does snail mail mean?
Snail mail is regular mail delivered by the post office, as opposed to email or text. The name is a joke about how much slower it is.
How much postage do I need for a card?
A standard rectangular card in a regular envelope usually mails with one first class stamp. Square envelopes and thick or bulky cards cost more. See our guide to addressing an envelope and postage.
How do I start a letter to a friend?
Start with their name and a simple reason for writing, like "I was thinking about you this week." Then share a bit of news and ask how they are.
Our boxed sets come with 12 blank cards and 12 envelopes, so it is easy to keep a stack on hand. See our note cards, assorted greeting cards and friendship and just because cards.
