Hobby Hoppers (vol. 3)

Hooray for Happy Mail

There’s a quote that says that “a handwritten note is a hug you get to keep,” and I couldn’t agree more! I’ve always loved letters, cards, and everything “snail mail,” but the more we replace the analog with the digital, the more I crave the simple beauty of a note in the mailbox. And, the good news is, I don’t think I’m alone.

A few years ago, I started sending out “happy mail.” I had so much fun decorating the envelopes and picking out small items to include in each one. I had pen pals in different states and our school even started a notecard ministry for a local nursing home.

But this past school year has been hectic, to say the least (moving online, then re-opening in a new location), so my “happy mail” came to a screeching halt. However, a few months ago, a few students and I started a tiny book club (one of my absolute favorite things in my life right now…so, if my “bookish besties” are reading this, consider this your official shoutout!), and we love it when our book club is an experience that extends beyond the covers of the book and the rich discussions we have about all things literary. So, we started sending sweet book-related packages to each other in the mail.

We’ve included bookmarks, quotes from our current book, stickers, hair ties, and so much more! It’s just so amazing to think that someone took the time to write you a note by hand and pick out tiny (“mailable”) items just to make you smile. And while I know it’s impossible, it always seems to happen that the happy mail hits the mailbox at just the right time.

Imagine ending a long day by opening up your mailbox to find a little “paper hug” waiting for you. Just TRY not to smile…I dare you! :)

If you’re looking for small things to include? Check out this list:

• tea bag

• bookmark

• washi tape sample

• postcards

• stickers

• recipe

• magnet

• photos

• playlist

• flower seeds

• sticky notes

• mini painting

• jewelry

• hair accessories

Another fun thing to do it to play “mail tag.” To play, you “tag” your pen pal asking a few questions or requesting a few things. You might ask them what their favorite color/book/movie is (great for future “happy mail” ideas). You might also ask them to complete little tasks like sending you their favorite recipe, making you a playlist of their favorite songs, or drawing you a picture of something. It’s such a fun game that can go on forever it seems.

So, now it’s your turn. Whose day can you brighten with a postcard, letter, or note? And if you need another pen pal, here’s where you can find me…

That’s it for this week, Hobby Hoppers. This is your “Side Quest Sister” signing off.

Happy…”happy mailing.” :)