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What is happy mail?
Happy mail is a term used to describe a type of snail mail that is sent with the intention of making the recipient happy. This can include letters, cards, small gifts, craft projects, or anything else that will bring a smile to the face of the person receiving it.
There’s something special about receiving happy mail. Whether it’s a letter from a far-away friend or a care package from a loved one, receiving something in the mail feels like an event.
In an age where we can communicate with anyone in the world at the click of a button, there’s something to be said for taking the time to sit down and write a letter by hand or to put together a thoughtful care package. When you receive happy mail, you can tell that someone took the time to think about you — and that feeling is priceless.
What are the benefits of sending happy mail?
There are many benefits associated with sending happy mail:
1. Sending happy mail can brighten someone’s day, and make them feel loved and appreciated.
2. It’s a great way to stay connected with friends and family.
3. It can help to boost your mood and make you feel more connected to others.
4. It’s a fun way to express your creativity. Some artists create mail art to send to fellow artists and creatives.
Who can you send happy mail to?
Friends
Your friends are the people you rely on and who make your life more enjoyable. Show them how much you appreciate their friendship by sending them some happy mail.
Family
If your family love and supports you through thick and thin, happy mail is a lovely way to show them how much you love and appreciate them and how much they mean to you.
Elderly people who don’t get much company
They could be your grandparents or family friends, or a neighbour. Sending them a heartfelt letter or care package is a great way to show them that you’re thinking of them.
Sick family and friends in hospital or people going through a hard time
Send them a lovely handcrafted letter to brighten their day. Or try and visit them in person to give them a care package. Include some of their favourite things like home-baked chocolate chip cookies, or a couple of magazines or books they can enjoy.
School and college friends, past and present
Let them know what you’ve been up to, and reminisce about all the cool, fun things you and your friends got up to back in the day.
Favourite teacher, coach, or mentor
Write a letter of appreciation to them to let them know how much their guidance and support meant to you.
Penpals
Make new friends from other parts of the world. Write to them and ask them about their interests and favourite hobbies and what they love about where they live. Share the same information about you with them.
Happy Mail Ideas
There are lots of ways to make happy mail special and unique. One way is to use fun and colourful stationery. You can also add embellishments like stickers, washi tape, or stamps.
If you’re feeling extra creative, you can even include handmade items like cards, jewellery, or art.
To make your happy mail extra special, you can personalize it to the recipient’s hobbies, interests and tastes. For example, if they love animals, add a cute cat sticker. If they’re into fashion, include a pretty button or ribbon. You could also add a handwritten note or include a small gift. The more personal the better!
By personalizing your happy mail, you’re making it clear that you took the time to think about the recipient and what would make them smile.
Here is a list of items you could include in your happy mail:
Stationery, scrapbooking papers and ephemera
Scrapbooking papers and ephemera is a great way to spruce up your letters. You can find these items in many different colours and patterns at your local craft shop or online, so you’re sure to find something that will match the style of your letter.
This pack offers lots of cool bits and pieces you can include or use to decorate your happy mail. It’s from TillysVintageBox on Etsy.
Greeting cards
Greeting cards are a great idea for Happy Mail. They can be handmade or store bought, and range in message from fun to sentimental.
You can let someone know you’re thinking of them by writing a lovely note in one of these inspirational greeting cards from Swaygirls on Etsy.
Gift cards
A great idea to give is a gift card. You can purchase these at just about any store, and they will allow the recipient to choose what they want without you having to guess.
Affirmation cards
Affirmation cards are small, inexpensive items that can be included in your happy mail. An affirmation card is simply a small card with an affirmation on it.
Letters
The letter should be personal and could contain a “thank you” for whatever the recipient has done for you or just for being a kind and supportive person. The key to a good letter is make them feel good and appreciated.
Lists of your favourite movies and playlists
It’s nice to share your list of favourite movies and playlists with the recipient. This lets them know you better as well and can help them to find new content they might enjoy.
Badges, pins and fabric patches
Badges, pins and fabric patches are very popular when it comes to Happy Mail. It’s a small item that can be pinned onto clothing or attached to your bag for that extra fun, bling factor.
Dried Flowers
One good idea for a happy mail is to include dried flowers. A packet of wildflower seeds can be included with the dried flowers. This is a great idea for the nature lover or gardener.
Photos
Photos are a great way to add personalization to your happy mail! Include pictures or polaroids of yourself, with family, friends or pets in your letter.
Happy mail stickers
One way to make happy mail even more fun is to include happy mail stickers. These are special stickers that are designed to be used on envelopes or packages being sent through the mail. They add a bit of extra colour and personality, and can really make happy mail stand out.
We’re liking this set of Happy Mail Stickers from StickersByAshleyK on Etsy
Washi tape
Washi tape is often used to seal the envelope with a decorative pattern. It can also be written on, or drawn on to make it more personal and fun! The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing the envelope with washi tape! Washi tape is a great way to add that extra personal touch.
This MT Mina Perhonen Washi Tape features a lovely bird design. It’s available from Kuldlelu on Etsy.
Small treats
A way to make your mail more fun is by adding small treats like candy or a bar of chocolate. You can also include the your or the recipient’s favourite flavour of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. You can usually buy individually wrapped packets of these items so it’s super easy to pop a few of these in your happy mail.
Embellishments
You can add embellishments and other craft supplies such as ribbons, glitter, stickers, stamps, twine, ribbon, clips, confetti, punched-out shapes to make your mail even more personal. You can use embellishments to decorate your happy mail with, or include it for your recipient to use in their happy mail.
Finally
Make your letter or package really stand out when the recipient receives it to give it that extra ‘pop’ factor!
Decorate your envelopes or care package box with colourful stickers, tape and stamps. Write out the address label by hand for that extra touch of personalization.
Once your masterpiece is complete, all that’s left to do is address it and drop it in the mail or deliver it to them in person.
The whole point of happy mail is to make someone else feel good. So send out as much happy mail as you can and watch the smiles multiply!
