Kids love mail. I think I love sending them mail almost as much as they love receiving it! Identifying flat things to mail is always on my list and I am constantly on the lookout for simple things to tuck in an envelope. I know the delight it brings when they open their mailbox and see a letter from Amma.
Mailing flat things is affordable and fun. It’s also repeatable as you can customize a lot of the ideas to correspond with current interests and what is going on in their lives. Our grandkids will be delighted with these small surprises, and below we’re sharing 16 ideas to get your ‘flat mail’ game off and running.
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Benefits of Snail Mail for Bonding with Grandchildren
In our digital age, the art of sending and receiving snail mail has become a cherished and meaningful way to stay connected, especially with our grandchildren. While video calls and text messages are convenient, there’s something uniquely special about the tactile experience of opening a letter or package. Here are some key benefits of using snail mail to strengthen your bond with your grandkids, along with some creative ideas for flat things to mail:
1. Tangible Memories
Sending physical letters and packages creates lasting keepsakes that your grandchildren can treasure. These tangible items can be stored in a box or scrapbook, allowing them to revisit fond memories of your thoughtful gestures.
2. Personal Touch
A handwritten note or a carefully curated package shows a level of effort and care that digital communication often lacks. This personal touch helps in bonding with grandchildren by making them feel valued and loved.
3. Excitement and Anticipation
The anticipation of receiving mail adds an element of excitement to your grandkids’ lives. Unlike instant digital messages, snail mail creates a sense of mystery and surprise, making each delivery a joyful event.
4. Encourages Thoughtful Communication
Writing letters encourages both you and your grandchildren to take time to think about what you want to say. This thoughtful communication can lead to deeper and more meaningful exchanges, enhancing your relationship.
5. Educational Benefits
Snail mail can be a fun way to promote literacy and writing skills. Your grandchildren can practice reading and writing by sending letters back to you, making the process of bonding with grandchildren both enjoyable and educational.
6. Consistent Connection
Regularly sending mail establishes a routine and creates consistent touchpoints in your relationship. This consistency helps maintain a strong connection, even when you’re physically apart.
7. Cultural Appreciation
Introducing your grandchildren to the tradition of snail mail can help them appreciate the history and culture of letter writing. It’s a wonderful way to share your own experiences and stories from a time when snail mail was the primary means of communication.
Now that we’ve highlighted the benefits, let’s explore some creative flat things to mail to make your grandchildren’s day!
6 Creative Flat Things to Mail
Artwork: Draw or paint something special just for them, and share the story behind your creation.
Stickers: Kids love stickers, and there are a lot of great designs out there! My littlest ones appreciate quantity, while the oldest is thrilled with one special sticker that she can add to a notebook or a water bottle.
Photos: Send a photo of yourself. Or something they love at your house. Or a photo together. Maybe your pet. Our first granddaughter literally carried a photo with her and slept with it. It was completely tattered, but treasured.
Bookmark: Create or purchase a special bookmark to send their way. You might consider purchasing matching ones. Then when you read a story together virtually, either of you can mark your place with your special bookmark.
Recipes: Do your grandkids love spending time in the kitchen? Send a simple recipe for them to prepare. You can include an invitation to cook ‘together’ virtually. To make the recipe extra special you could create a step-by-step guide with pictures from your own kitchen!
Paper Crafts: Pretty patterned papers, and origami instructions for older grandkids. OR, if you are the origami expert, send them something already created. You could double the fun and fold a dollar bill into a fun shape. If you’d like to make an origami corner bookmark, here’s a fun tutorial to get you started!
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5 Inexpensive Flat Things to Mail
Sticky Notes: My grands have SO much fun with these! A full pad is most likely too thick to mail, however, you can send a partial pad, or arrange the notes in the envelope so it isn’t as thick.
Puzzles: My grandkids love puzzles. Purchase a simple one, and send a few pieces at a time. You could do the same with a photo printed on cardstock.
Nail Appliqués: With your grown kids’ approval, send some nail appliqués. There are so many to choose from on Amazon.
Nail File: A seasonal themed nail file is a great gift for the pre-teens and teens in your life.
Face Masks: Another great older grandkid idea. There are so many types of sheet masks available at an affordable price!
More Ideas for Flat Things to Mail
Bandaids: Got some accident-prone grandkids? They’ll heal up a little faster (at least in spirit) with some fun colored/themed bandages.
A Fun Story/Article: Print out a story or article you read online, write a note about how the piece made you think of them, and send it on for them to enjoy.
Poetry: Write a poem just for them! It doesn’t have to be long and could even relate to your latest adventure together.
Gift Cards: This goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway because they are just easy. Look for something that is specifically ‘them’. For example, we have a local shaved ice spot in town the kids love. I could send them two gift certificates to go get shaved ice while they are visiting. Yes, we would probably do it anyway, but I feel like the certificate adds to the anticipation and extends the window of fun.
Sticks of Gum: Again – this one should probably have your grown kids’ approval. You don’t even need to send the whole package. Write “I ‘chews’ you!” or “I’m stuck on you!” on a fun piece of paper and attach a few pieces. Instant gift!
Plus Packs: We can’t complete the list without mentioning our Over the River Plus Packs. They are full of flat things to send your grandkids’ way. Post cards, greeting cards, pen pal templates, activity pages, and interactive games are all part of the pack that our members receive directly to their inbox each month!
PLUS Packs: Themed Flat Things to Mail Every Month!
We can’t complete this list without mentioning Over the River PLUS Packs. Each month, our members receive a collection of printable activities designed specifically for grandparents to send to their grandkids. These include:
- ✔️ Postcards & greeting cards
- ✔️ Pen pal templates & activity pages
- ✔️ Interactive games & conversation starters
👉 If you love sending mail, but also love connecting via video chat or in person, PLUS Packs make it easier! Get a free sample below.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask!
Check with your local post office about any item you are questioning. They will be able to let you know if your letter will be machinable in a regular envelope, or if it would be better to purchase a padded envelope and pay the extra postage.
We’d love to hear your ideas! What flat things to mail have you sent in the past? What are you planning to mail your grandchildren to make their day?
Happy Mailing!