How to Receive a Letter in Your Mailbox
I’m willing to bet most of you haven’t written a letter—an actual, handwritten one—and dropped it in a mailbox in over a decade. And chances are, it’s been just as long since you’ve received one. Some of you may have never known the quiet thrill of finding a beautiful envelope nestled among all the junk mail, addressed to you in familiar handwriting, with a thoughtful letter tucked inside. Honestly, I think that’s a little heartbreaking.
But here’s the thing—you can change that. You can flip the script. Sometimes, to receive a letter, you have to write one first.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Even if I took the time to write someone, they probably wouldn’t write back.” And you’re not wrong—there’s no promise of a reply. But don’t let that stop you. Something magical happens when you put pen to paper and send a bit of yourself out into the world.
What if you sent just one letter a week, to someone new each time, for a whole year? You might be surprised at who responds. Friends, acquaintances, old teachers, your favorite barista, that chatty cashier at the grocery store—you don’t need a deep connection to start a meaningful one. Sometimes, all it takes is a few kind words on paper, even if it does seem outdated.
If asking someone for their mailing address feels a little too bold, don’t worry—you’ve got options. Consider joining a mail swap, a correspondence club, or even subscribing to a letter service that delivers beautiful words straight to your mailbox.
Letter writing isn’t dead—it’s just been napping. And there are still plenty of ways to bring it back into your life. It might cost you a few bucks here and there but trust me: the joy of finding a heartfelt letter in your mailbox is worth every penny.
Screenshot of my Postcrossing profile page
If you’re ready to dip your toes into the world of snail mail but aren’t sure where to start, there are some wonderful communities out there. Two of my favorites are Swap-Bot.com and Postcrossing.com. Both are completely free to join and make it easy—and fun—to connect with fellow letter lovers around the world.
Whether you’re exchanging postcards, handwritten notes, or creative mail art, these sites are a great way to reignite the lost art of personal correspondence, one envelope at a time.
And here’s a little secret: writing letters isn’t just about making someone else’s day—it has a way of uplifting yours too. There’s something grounding about slowing down, choosing your words, and connecting on paper. It’s like mindfulness, but with stamps.
I’ve been writing letters for as long as I can remember—literally. I wrote my very first one when I was about four years old. Of course, I didn’t know how to read or write yet, so it was just scribbles across the page. But according to my mom, I was speaking the words out loud as I “wrote,” fully convinced that my letter to Mamaw and Papaw made perfect sense.
That early spark never left me. There’s always been something magical about turning thoughts into something tangible—something you can hold in your hands, tuck away in a drawer, or rediscover years later.
Over the years, I’ve filled an entire footlocker with letters—some from family, some from friends, and a few from old flames. Every now and then, I’ll open it up and sift through the words of my past.
Sometimes I laugh. Sometimes I cringe. But every single time, I’m grateful. Those letters let me see myself through someone else’s eyes. They remind me of who I was, how far I’ve come, and in some ways, how much I’ve stayed the same
You can start your own time capsule, one letter at a time. It doesn’t have to be fancy or poetic—just honest. Write to someone you care about, or even to yourself. Tuck those words away. One day, you’ll open a drawer or a box and rediscover pieces of your life you might have forgotten. And trust me—future you will be so glad you did.
So go ahead—pick up a pen, find some paper, and send a little piece of yourself out into the world. You never know whose day you might brighten… including your own.
Letter writing may feel like a lost art, but it’s not gone—it’s just waiting for you to bring it back to life, one envelope at a time.
More letter-writing tips, heartfelt stories, and inspiring resources are coming soon—so stay tuned and keep those pens moving.
Reading this post brought back a flood of memories. I remember the joy of finding a handwritten letter in my mailbox—the unique handwriting, the feel of the paper, and the anticipation of unfolding someone’s thoughts meant just for me. In today’s digital age, that personal touch feels more precious than ever.
Your suggestion to send a letter a week is both inspiring and doable. I’m curious, have you found that recipients are often surprised or touched when they receive a handwritten note in the mail? Also, do you have any favorite stationery or writing tools that make the process even more enjoyable?
Thank you for reigniting my love for letter writing. I think it’s time I dust off my stationery box and start connecting the old-fashioned way again.
Thanks for your feedback and for your questions.
Recently I read an article in one of my favorite magazines, In Her Studio. The article was showcasing a woman who builds doll houses and works with miniatures. I tore the article out and sent it to a friend who also works with miniatures. She was very surprised and delighted to get my letter with the article. Although she didn’t write back, she did send me a text message expressing how much she loved it.
I always make my own envelopes from scrapbook paper or magazines, and I add embellishments as an added touch. It makes it more fun and visually appealing.
I hope you do start writing letters again.
Hello JarieLyn,
I just finished reading your beautiful article, “How To Receive A Letter In Your Mailbox,” and I must say, it left me feeling inspired and nostalgic. Your words have a way of transporting the reader to a simpler time when the art of letter writing was cherished and celebrated.
Your personal anecdotes, like the story of your first letter to your grandparents at the age of four, add a touching and relatable element to the piece. It’s clear that letter writing has been a significant part of your life, and your passion for this timeless tradition shines through in every paragraph.
I particularly loved how you encouraged readers to take action and start writing letters themselves. Your suggestions, such as joining mail swaps or correspondence clubs, provide accessible entry points for those who may feel intimidated by the idea of putting pen to paper.
Your article serves as a gentle reminder that in our fast-paced, digital world, there is still immense value in slowing down and connecting with others through the lost art of letter writing. The way you describe the joy of finding a heartfelt letter in your mailbox is both refreshing and enticing, making me want to dust off my stationery and start writing to my loved ones.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us, JarieLyn. Your words have the power to reignite a love for letter writing in your readers, and I have no doubt that your article will inspire many to pick up a pen and start their own time capsules, one letter at a time.
Keep up the wonderful work, and I look forward to reading more of your heartfelt stories and letter-writing tips in the future.
All the Best,
Eric
Hi Eric,
Thank you so much for your beautiful and thoughtful comment. Your words truly touched me, and I’m deeply grateful you took the time to share your reflections so generously.
I’m especially glad that my story about my first letter resonated with you. Letter writing has indeed been a lifelong passion for me.
Your encouragement fuels my passion to keep writing and sharing. Thank you again for your kindness and support. You reminded me why I love sharing these experiences in the first place.
All my best,
JarieLyn
There’s something special about receiving a handwritten letter. It’s such a personal and thoughtful gesture in today’s digital world. I’m curious, how do you suggest encouraging friends or family to participate in regular mail exchanges, especially if they’re used to instant messaging? Also, are there any creative ways to personalize your mailbox setup that might inspire more correspondence?
Encouraging friends and family to embrace snail mail can feel a little tricky at first, especially in a world where instant messaging rules. My best advice is to be the spark. Start by writing to them without any expectations of getting a letter back right away. Sometimes, just receiving a heartfelt note can inspire them more than any words of persuasion. If they don’t reply right away, don’t be discouraged — continue to surprise them with cheerful postcards or thoughtful letters from time to time. You may find that one day, when you least expect it, they’ll return the favor with a postcard, a thank-you note, or maybe even begin their own letter-writing habit.
To make your mail even more irresistible, infuse your personality into every envelope. Draw little doodles, add stickers or washi tape, or paste on fun magazine clippings or words. Think of the envelope as part of the experience — when it arrives in their mailbox, you want it to make them smile before they’ve even opened it.
As for your mailbox setup, why not make it inviting and playful too? Add a charming sign that says “Letters Welcome Here,” or decorate it seasonally with ribbons, garlands, or little handmade touches that show you cherish snail mail. When friends visit, they’ll notice, and that quiet invitation might just inspire them to start writing too. That may be more difficult if you have a community mailbox.
I absolutely loved this piece. It made me feel nostalgic and inspired at the same time. There’s something so deeply human about receiving a handwritten letter, and I agree that it’s a joy we’ve almost forgotten. I never thought about starting a letter exchange with everyday acquaintances. That idea really stuck with me. Do you think letter writing could make a comeback in this digital age, or will it always stay a niche passion?
Hi Kavitha, thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. I absolutely think that letter writing will make a comeback. Too many people are craving a deeper connection than text messages and emails don’t provide. On the Postcrossing site alone, there are 804,885 members. That may seem like a small number, especially since there are 211 countries that participate. However, the total of postcards that have been sent through the Postcrossing website since its inception in 2005 is 81,645,390.
You can go on Instagram and search Snail Mail and get many users who showcase their incoming and outgoing mail.
I made a new penpal through the writing site, Medium. I wasn’t looking for one. I had written a couple of articles focused on dinner menu ideas, and another writer reached out to me and asked if I would be willing to swap recipes with her through the mail because she wasn’t going to be on Medium anymore. Because I admired her work and had a lot in common, I agreed.