Gift Ideas for Pen Friends

Pris, Florida - This year most of my shopping for family and pals will be gift certificates, rubber stamp catalogs, etc.... things I can order.... In one of xxxxxx's letters to me, she mentioned the name of her "favorite r/s store" - so I called them, gave the very nice clerk my credit card info and she mailed me a Gift Certificate. I think this will be a Big surprise to my special pal. In past years I have bought gift certificates from Michael's, and favorite restaurants I know they have in their area.

Sue W., Michigan - One of the things I try to put in letters are magnets, homemade flat book marks, like from the Craft shows. I buy Crocheted things and they are flat... I bought some today. I send teas and cappucino out all the time. I pick up old time fancy hankerchiefs from antique stores and send them...

Faith M, WA - Sometimes I send sheets of craft paper, stickers, pictures and once in a while a couple of postage stamps.

June - I have received "tea bags" and "coffee" samples, Have gotten to try some really good teas this way.

Jeanne - I've not received any unusual gifts but some of the things I send my pen pals are book marks, stationery, confetti, stickers, little address books, flower seeds, stamps, magnets or free coupons (for groceries). None of these are unusual but easy to mail.

Donna T - I like to send Calendars. Not altogether original, but easy to send and can be very interesting. I have gotten some from my English Pen Pals and enjoyed them. It is fun to send Calendars featuring your area. Or you can find one on a topic that would interest the recipient. The other day I found a neat Calendar at the Grocery Store. I bought one for a Gift. It is a "Magnetic Memories Calendar" for 2003. This one is titled "My Grandchildren" and each month you have a colorful framed pocket (or sleeve) to put a picture in. It has a nice Magnetic strip on the top. It was only $8.Folded it is 8" by 8 ", so opened it would 8x16. This one is made by Avalanche Publishing Inc. www.avalanchepub.com. I know the Current Catalog sales Calendars that give you spaces to put pictures in for each month. Even thought about sending for one and then I came across this one in the grocery store and snapped it up. Current also has a web site.

Dolores - I believe I have sent every item mentioned so far. Here are some more that I include: fall leaves, packets of seasonal sachet, envelopes of herbs (lavender), light rings (scented to put on your light bulbs), air fresheners, envelopes of cider and cocoa, sticks of gum, those little aprons you put on detergent bottles, shampoo and cologne samples, blank recipe cards and canning label stickers, pencils, ribbon, gift tags, embroidery thread, buttons, doilies, individual paper dolls, scrapbooking supplies, plastic and brass stencils, wallpaper border, post cards and post card stamps, even, Breathe Right Strips.

Melanie - The cutest thing I ever got as a tuck in was a friendship coin. It has a web addy on the coin: www.baudville.com where you can buy this "cheerful change".

Rosie T., Michigan - I've sent new and cancelled postage stamps (cancelled if they're a collector), decorative envelopes, sometimes with postage already affixed, address labels, business size "thought/message" cards, photos, magazine articles, post-it-notes, candy, maps, paperbacks that I've read, gift certificates (esp. paid up n/l sub. for them), votives, postcards, recipe cards filled out with favorite recipes, air-fresheners for the car, embroidery threads, nice writing pens.

Nicola - UK - Notelets, post-casrds pens,and stationary

Brenda B., Texas - Stickers, bookmarks, fridge magnets, potholders (bought and homemade) book of stamps, note cards, address books, candles.

Tracy L., Illinois - I've put in little sachets that come in Victorian envelopes and they smell real nice I've also put in teas and magnets calendars of old victorian pictures that have a magnet on the bac to go on the fridge. Little things I have made lie ornaments. Little lacy doilies its just so fun and there are so many things that can fit in an envelope little plastic prayer cards little angel pins.

Phyllis S., PA - Home-Made Address Labels... that are very unique looking "using my own graphics &/or pictures or poetry labels using my own poetry!

Danielle, USA - I send my pen pals stationary, stickers, and some of the other normal things. Also, if they are from a different country (which most are) I cut out different outfits and fashion styles from my magazines and tape or glue them all to one sheet of paper and decorate it. It looks neat and gives them an idea of our culture. You can do that with anything. I also exchange recipes with penpals. That is so fun because you can try soooo many new meals from all over the world. I like to draw and I do a lot of other types of art, so I send my pen-pals some of my flat artwork too. Thin books or quote books are cool to send too. Home-made jewelry(or boughten) is always a good surprise. well, hope I gave you some new ideas!

Janet S., Ohio - My pen pal sent me a magnetic book mark ... they're great! Go to www.magneticbookmark.com. Not expensive at all, and so pretty!

Diane M., PA - Recipes, holiday craft or decorating ideas, cartoons, jokes, copies of cute or inspirational poems or short stories,pretty stickers, coupons.

What have you received from Pen Pals as a Gift? What have you tucked into your letters to penfriends? Any great ideas for small gifts for penfriends birthdays or Christmas, etc? What have you mailed to international pals (postage is costly)?

Your ideas will help others to make that simple pen pal letter shine! Please consider your pen pal gift tips and ideas for tuck ins here...