Writing cards and notes to people is very near and dear to my heart. Growing up my mom always had us take the time to write thank-you cards, birthday cards, and get-well cards to family. I loved getting little notes from my grandparents and other family over the years. Unfortunately, with the advent of the internet many people have lost the art of writing cards, but it seems like most people still love getting cards.
If you long to get back in the habit of handwriting and snail mail, here are some of my helpful tips to make it easier to do!
1. Keep a stash
I think one of the most helpful things to keep in touch is to have a stash of cards for any and all occasions and particularly some blank ones. I find that places like Michaels, dollar stores, craft stores, currentcatalog.com, and DaySpring always have great packs of cards for relatively little money. Having all of these things on hand makes it that much easier to keep in touch. I don’t know about you, but I don’t particularly have the brain power to remember that I need to go pick up a card for someone.
2. Keep it all together
I have a couple of boxes above my desk in my office that contain different cards and note paper. They’re sorted out so that if I need a birthday card or a sympathy card, I know exactly which box I need to look in. This also helps me keep inventory of what I have, so that when I need it I’m not short.
3. Keep stamps on hand
Having stamps on hand is another way to motivate yourself. You never have the excuse to NOT send something because you don’t have a stamp at hand. I love stamps and will place an order every few months for some of the fun stamps that you can get on usps.com. The great thing with purchasing from there is that I don’t have to go to the post office and for $1 they’re delivered right to my house. I always feel that stamps are another way to perk up my mail. If I’m mailing a birthday card I use a Celebrate stamp.
4. Splurge on a nice pen
I don’t think there is much worse than trying to write (anything) with a crappy pen. If my pen doesn’t glide and scratch the way I want it too or if the lines aren’t the proper thickness I get really frustrated. Having a perfect pen is one of my most important things with writing a card, because the appearance of the writing {to me} is just as important as what you’re writing. {These are my favorites!}
5. Take the time to write clearly
Sometimes I go through a card or two before I’m happy with how the writing actually LOOKS. Growing up I would spend time practicing my handwriting, developing my signature. My handwriting is far from perfect, even now, but it’s a great improvement from what it used to be. Penmanship is one of those really important things when it comes to writing a card, I really wish they still taught this in school. HOWEVER, if you don’t have perfect handwriting don’t let that stop you: As long as things are spelled properly and there aren’t things crossed out, then it works.
6. Keep addresses on hand
Again, this falls into the convenience category. If you have to look for things to write a note to someone you’re NEVER going to do it. Having addresses at the ready is a huge help. I keep a running address label document in word with all of the addresses that I ever mail anything to. This way, all I need to do is open a file and search for the persons name and there it is.
7. Return address labels
I love making my own return address labels in a printing program on my computer. It’s such a great way to dress up the envelope a bit more. Plus it’s so much fun to pick my own graphics and fonts, making them all my own. If you don’t want to DIY labels, then invest in labels or in a stamp. Something that you can look at and be pleased with. I always think of the outside of an envelope as a first impression: If it looks nice people will be excited to open it.
8. Keep a calendar of events
Instead of writing birthdays and anniversaries on each month’s page in your calendar have one smaller yearly calendar where you can always see it. That way you’re never taken by surprise. I created a spreadsheet with each month/date on it, then filled in the information for birthdays and anniversaries.
9. Don’t ever underestimate
Never think that you don’t have a good enough reason to write someone. Very often I will just send someone a note letting them know I was thinking of them and hope that they’re doing well. It doesn’t have to be wordy or in depth: Just a few words shows someone that you took the time to think about them. Everyone knows that everyone else is busy, so knowing that someone else took the time out of their day to let you know that you’re important to them means a lot.
10. DO IT!
All of these can be great tips but if you don’t actually DO THEM you won’t be any closer to actually writing to anyone. Pick someone, anyone, for any reason and send them a card or a note in the mail. I guarantee that you’ll put a smile on their face.
