A to Z of Unusual Items to Include in a Pen Pal Letter (Creative Snail Mail Ideas)
If you’re looking for pen pal letter ideas that go beyond the usual, you’re in the right place. I’ve been penpalling for over 20 years, and one of the most fun parts of snail mail has always been the surprise extras tucked inside. These thoughtful, flat enclosures make opening mail an adventure and show off your personality and creativity.
Below is an alphabetised A–Z list of unique items you can include in a pen pal letter—most are lightweight, inexpensive to send, and delightfully unexpected.
A – A pressed flower from your garden, laminated into a bookmark for a natural keepsake.
B – Brochures from local shops or attractions—perfect for an international pen pal.
C – Clean candy wrappers or cardboard packaging from snacks and cereals for collage lovers.
D – Directions from your home to your favourite local spot. Let them walk a mile in your shoes!
E – Embroidery thread in fun colours for crafting, bracelet making, or DIY projects.
F – Favourite recipe you love—especially charming handwritten on a recipe card.
G – Greeting card handmade by you that they can send to someone else.
H – Hot cocoa sachets, especially cozy in winter—one of my favourite things to receive!
I – Ink blot drawings you’ve created. Abstract art that can inspire stories or emotion.
J – Journal made from index cards or small pages—adorably homemade and creative.
K – Kite made from paper, folded flat for mailing. A nostalgic craft gift.
L – Little paper puppets to use for shadow play with a flashlight.
M – Map of your neighbourhood or town, hand-drawn for a personal touch.
N – Novelty bandaids, flattened for cheap postage and sure to make them smile.
O – Once upon a time… Start a story and send it back and forth until it’s finished.
P – Paper doll, handcrafted with extra outfits and accessories.
Q – Questions for them to answer—great for getting to know each other.
R – Ribbons in fun patterns or textures. Ideal for crafting or journaling.
S – Spice or sauce mixes that you regularly use—share your kitchen with your penpal.
T – Ticket stubs from recent events, concerts, or movies.
U – Undercover message written in a code or cipher.
V – Vintage ephemera like old maps, book pages, or game pieces for junk journaling.
W – Wooden ornaments for holidays—flat ones from local shops add a special local flair.
X – X-rays of something unique (yes, you can get them of inanimate objects!).
Y – Your local newspaper or just a favourite article or section.
Z – Zine made by you—a mini magazine of your thoughts, drawings, or short stories.
Why Add These Items To A Penpal Letter?
These snail mail surprises create excitement, spark connection, and add personality to your letter. They turn a simple note into an unforgettable experience. Whether your penpal is across the country or across the globe, these ideas will help your mail stand out.
Bonus Tip: Journal Prompts or Letter Enhancers
Many of these pen pal ideas double as journaling prompts or penpal writing ideas. Add a few questions or story starters to encourage deep connection and creative responses. Or, collect these items in a journal for your own memory keeping!
Final Thoughts:
Including unusual and creative items in your pen pal letters is a joyful way to share your world. They’re fun to make, exciting to receive, and often cost little to no extra postage. Try one or more on your next mail day—and let me know what surprises you’ve loved sending or receiving!
