Join the Letter-Writing Renaissance
Supplies to send happy mail to pen pals near and far
In the age of digital overload, there’s something refreshing — even nostalgia-inducing — about sending and receiving real, personalized mail. While an email can disappear into a metaphorical trash can within seconds, physical mail seems to linger longer…and communicate care and instill connection in a deeper way than any click can create.
As you dive into the letter-writing renaissance, we've got the supplies and tips you need to send a little love to pen friends new and old.
Stationery for letter writing
The biggest thing you need to start sending happy mail is, of course, paper. And as obvious letter lovers ourselves, we're partial to great stationery. USPS stationery sets feature designs from official stamp artwork, celebrating the tiny masterpieces made to adorn envelope corners. And every colorful set comes with corresponding stamps tucked inside, so you've got all you need to get started.
We're currently loving the apt Happy Birthday notecards, the colorful Sunflower notecards, and the zany SpongeBob SquarePants writing kit, among others. Keeping a stash of stationery on hand means you're ready to write whenever the mood (or mail) hits.
Pen pal club goodies
A common practice among pen pal/mail art clubs is to send a little novelty or two along with your message. Consider including a few stickers, some stamps, a tea bag, a poem, a tiny art print, or the like — feel free to get creative and show personality.
Whether your pen pal is a big Betty White fan, an avid Dungeons & Dragons player, or a lover of baby wild animals, chances are we've got a tiny trinket that can help personalize your mail. We also happen to think that a USPS bookmark — marked with a canceled stamp for an extra postal nod — makes for a perfect, flat gift.
Stamps for sending happy mail
We're of course partial to stamps, but it goes without saying that the right stamp for the job is needed to get your mail successfully delivered to your pen friends. We've got fun, colorful options for whatever your mail might need!
- Forever® stamps — A Forever stamp is always valid for mailing a standard domestic First-Class Mail® one-ounce letter, regardless of when it was bought or what the current rate may be. These stamps are called “Forever” because their value will forever equal the current First-Class Mail postage rate.
- Postcard stamps — Postcard stamps offer a lower price point for mailing standard-sized postcards domestically via USPS First-Class Mail. A cheaper alternative to standard Forever stamps for postcards, they remain valid for this rate even after prices increase.
- Nonmachineable Surcharge stamps — While most standard cards/letters warrant only a single Forever stamp, heavier, decorative, or irregularly sized mail may need more. A nonmachineable surcharge stamp might be needed for your mail due to its shape (such as a square) or certain embellishments like a wax seal or ribbon.
You can also use any stamps as long as their total value (either alone or with additional postage) meets or exceeds the current rate requirement. That means you can cobble together as many stamps as you'd like to cover the postage needed for your mail — combine a currently available stamp with older, even vintage stamps for a layered look that's both coordinated and creative!
If we might be so bold, we'd suggest starting with a pane of Postcrossing stamps. Not only are they fun and unique for their triangular shape, but they also work for both domestic and international mail (both postcards and letters).
What else do I need?
With stationery, possible trinkets, and stamps, you should have all you need! Simply add the address of your pen pal to your envelope, and you are good to go.
One important reminder: Whether you're intricately decorating your mail or sending it along in a more bare-bones fashion, the analog nature of your message is what truly sets it apart. Real mail from a real person is infinitely more charming than anything on a screen.
