Kickstart Your Letter-writing Resolution with These Tools

Letter-writing has been proven to relieve stress, promote creativity, and bring joy, so what better time to make it a habit than in the new year? Picking up a new habit can be quite a challenge, so we’ve put together some tricks and tips to help make it stick.

Tips & tricks for sticking to your letter-writing practice:

  1. Start simple, and be realistic. If you’re out of the letter-writing habit completely, consider starting with a modest goal like one letter a month, spending 15 minutes a week writing letters, or committing to writing cards for each of your friends’ birthdays this year, instead of just shooting over a text message. It can be easy to hit the ground running with a lofty goal, but motivation can quickly fade. Be realistic about what could be a sustainable routine for you, and easy enough to do without motivation.

  2. Get a buddy. Most things are more fun with a good friend along for the ride. Not only can this make shopping for cards, pens, and the latest USPS stamps more fun, but inviting a buddy to join you in your letter-writing goals can help keep you accountable and motivated along the way.

  3. Commit to a schedule, and stay consistent. The more consistent you can be about your practice, the more likely you’ll be to stick with it for longer. Find a time of day, day of the week, or specific place that works best with your schedule. Maybe it’s 20 minutes every Sunday with a cup of coffee in your favorite armchair, or in the evening on the first day of each new month. If you stick to a consistent schedule, your brain will begin picking up pattern cues, and reminding yourself may become second nature.

  4. Stock up on tools to help keep you organized, and energized about your hobby. Dress for success. Stock up on beautiful and practical items that will excite you in your new devotion to letter-writing. To get you started with this one, we’ve cultivated the perfect collection of items to help you kick off your 2018 commitment.
Write_On_Tools

1. Happy Mail Book by Hello!Lucky

Whether you’re just starting out or are a letter-writing pro, the Happy Mail Book is a fantastic guide for all snail mail crafters. It’s packed full of tips and tricks on how to beef up correspondence skills, and to make your own cards. Excellent for teens, tweens, and DIY lovers alike.

2. Cards from Favorite Stationery Brands

Mix and match your favorite cards to make a custom bundle that suits your needs. Visit a Paper Source or your favorite neighborhood stationery shop to pick up some cards! Spotted above: Egg Press and Hello!Lucky cards.

3. Sakura Gelly Roll Glaze Pens

Every letter-writer needs a trusty set of pens. Look no further than Sakura for a wide range of high-quality, water-resistant colors for all ages. They can write on most paper types so you won’t have to worry about bleed-through or shadowing.

4. Vintage Stamp Pack by Send More Mail

The outside of the envelope is just as important as what’s on the inside. Pick up a few of these vintage stamp packs that contain enough unused vintage postage to mail a letter within the US. The receiver will love the added touch.

5. Juniper Ridge Tea

Letter-writing and drinking tea go hand in hand, so grab your favorite blend to help get the letter-writing juices flowing. Juniper Ridge has a huge selection of 100% natural and 100% delicious tea flavors to choose from, and they’re local to the Bay Area. This one is our personal fave, but we suggest going local when selecting yours!

6. Egg Press Social Preparedness Kit Tray Set

Designed to make sending notes easy, these social preparedness kits are made with high-quality American-made materials. Each kit comes with 4 thank you and 4 blank cards with coordinating envelopes, and a fun colored tray to help any budding letter-writer get started.

7. Ceramic Mug from Rare Device

Pair your favorite tea with a handmade ceramic mug, and you’ve set yourself up for some fantastic letter-writing. Better yet, find a local ceramicist when selecting your mug.

8. Egg Press Social Preparedness Kit Weekly Line-Up

In addition to a place for your daily agenda, this undated fill-in calendar helps you keep up on birthdays, to-dos and notes. Don’t forget to schedule some time to write letters to friends and family!