What’s out in your mailbox right now? If you’re like most of us, it’s probably nothing fun, right?
You may have a few bills and some junk mail, but when did you last receive something that made you smile?
We’re on a mission to encourage others to send happy mail — small gifts that you can mail to your friends to brighten their day.
It can be a small gift that you purchase or one that you make yourself.
The idea is to spread a little bit of cheer without expecting anything in return.
If you’d like some inspiration for cheap gifts and creative ideas to send via snail mail, look no further. You’ll find 21 of the best gift ideas here.
Small Gifts Anyone will Appreciate
Let’s kick off this list with gifts that are suitable for almost anyone from pen pals to your best friend to your mom!
Whether you’re looking to finish up your Christmas shopping list, want to send something for a friend’s birthday, or would like something for no occasion at all, we’ve got you covered.
A small “thinking of you” gift can be just as amazing as a large or expensive one.
We all need to know are friends and loved ones are thinking of us. It feels good and spreads joy.
1) Handwritten Note
When’s the last time you received a handwritten note in the mail?
In an era when most of us only get junk mail, a simple thoughtful message or handwritten letter can mean so much. Tell your friend how much she means to you or give her a word of encouragement. Write your letter on pretty stationery, and send her some as well.
Receiving a handwritten note or handmade card will mean more to her than you know.
Just remember that you don’t have to wait until someone is going through a particularly hard time to send a lovely handwritten notecard. A special letter received from you JUST BECAUSE is just wonderful because not many people do that these days!
2) Cool Pens
Call me nerdy, but there’s nothing better than trying out a new pen for the first time and watching that ink glide across the page. It’s one of my favorite things.
If your friend or family member feels the same way, a pack of cool pens will make the ultimate gift. Seriously—and you can get great ones for just a few bucks.
My personal favorite are Pentel EnerGel pens, but you can’t go wrong with G2, Sharpie S-Gels, or Micron pens, either.
I would love to receive a cool set of pens as a Christmas or birthday gift via mail!
3) Tea Bags
Send along these DIY tea bags from Burlap and Blue to the tea lovers in your life, and you may find an invitation to tea not long after!
The printable tea tags are cute and simple but can really make this simple gift special.
Our favorite tea tag is the one that says, “Let’s spill the tea.” Get it? You get it. 🙂
4) Key Ring
A keychain is a great gift that your friend can carry around and think of you every time she sees it.
Make one yourself if you’re the DIY type. This tassel keychain from Lovely Indeed is a cute choice that’s made with leather (real or faux) and a few other simple materials.
However, if a handmade key ring isn’t in your wheelhouse, you can always get gorgeous personalized key rings on Etsy.
It’ll save you a trip to the post office by having it mailed directly to the recipient!
5) Gift Card to a Local Coffee Shop
There’s nothing better than getting a gift card to your favorite coffee spot. Put it in a crocheted coffee mug gift card holder to make it extra special.
The crocheted coffee mug will last long after the gift card is gone and can be used to keep other gift cards or a credit card in.
After you’ve used it the recipient can hang it on their Christmas tree as an adorable decoration.
Gift certificates to a local restaurant are another great way to do something nice for a friend while also supporting small businesses!
6) Bookmarks for the Avid Reader
The bookworm in your life will love some pretty bookmarks, especially handmade ones.
These pressed flower bookmarks from Lovely Indeed are gorgeous and are way better than earmarking your books or using scraps of paper to save your place.
A good book is also a terrific idea for a reader — try a new release in your friend’s favorite genre.
7) Earbuds Pouch
For the friend or family member who can never keep up with her AirPods, an earbuds pouch is one of the best gifts ever.
This DIY earbuds pouch from Happiest Camper is small, but oh-so-handy!
Send an iTunes gift card along with the pouch for your friend to use on her subscriptions or music. This is the type of gift that will get used every single day!
It is such a genius but simple idea. I wish I had thought of it.
8) Seed Packets
Send some seed packets to your friend with the green thumb to brighten her day.
You don’t have to send carrots, strawberries, or other seed types that require a full-on garden.
Even those who live in apartments can grow real plants, such as herbs, to add a little greenery to their windowsills or patios. Flower seeds are excellent, too.
These DIY seed packets from Handmade Charlotte are a creative way to send seeds or a gift card to a local plant nursery.
9) Stress Balls
For the friend who’s feeling stressed, a stress ball can put a smile on her face—especially one of these DIY emoji stress balls from Natural Beach Living.
This is a fun idea for kids and adults.
This is a fun project for little kids to get in on. They will love to make them for you to send.
10) Cord Organizer
Okay, I know that a cord organizer doesn’t seem like gift material, but it totally is!
Here’s a DIY leather cord organizer from Sustain My Craft Habit that’s as pretty as it is functional.
There are so many ways to use this in the home (think charger cords or TV cables) or in the car for all the charger cords you have there.
You can also use it to bundle other things like pencils, straws, etc.
11) Drink Koozie
A drink koozie may seem like a practical gift, but it they’re lots of fun to make and can be personalized based on your friends’ interests.
These DIY koozies from Angie Holden are a cute, easy gift that’s cheap to make.
Plus, any excuse to use your Cricut to create something is a great!
Gifts for the Fashionable or Beauty-Minded Friend
If your friend is into makeup, jewelry, accessories, and pampering, here are several little things she may enjoy that’ll fit neatly into an envelope or small package.
12) Bracelets
Who says you have to be a child to gift a friendship bracelet?
These layered beaded bracelets from Makes and Takes are a fashionable, grown-up version of this childhood classic. Make one for yourself and your best friend.
You can use the tutorial to make ankle bracelets, too.
13) Bath Salts
A spa day sent via mail is the perfect gift. Bath salts are one of many spa-like bath and body goodies you could send to a friend who needs a little pampering.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything prettier than these unicorn fizzy bath salts from Lydi Out Loud.
Add your favorite essential oils to them — lavender is great, but you can create your own blend, too.
Put some in a small, cute jar, pack it well to keep it from breaking, and send it off with unicorn wishes to your BFF.
Include a small scented candle for a dreamy bath experience.
14) Lip Balm
Give the gift of soft lips with a homemade lip balm that only takes 10 minutes to make.
You have unlimited options when it comes to flavor and color, so whip up a bunch to have some to give to friends and family later.
They’ll make terrific stocking stuffers for Christmas or birthday party favors for little girls. You can also include them in a tiny care package.
This recipe from Happiness is Homemade makes 15 small containers.
Perfect for gift-giving for any holiday or celebration!
15) Handmade Scrunchies
Scrunchies are back, baby! Bet you’d never see that day again.
Your bestie could probably use a few to throw her hair up into a messy bun or ponytail on busy, hectic days.
It’s super easy to make homemade scrunchies yourself in about 30 minutes or less. The fun part is all the different fabrics and patterns you can use.
A scrunchie to go with every outfit in your closet? Yes, please!
16) DIY Headbands
Here’s another fab accessory for keeping hair out your face. You can never have too many of those, really.
These DIY headbands from Mindy Makes are so versatile.
Wear them with the bow or without, depending on if you want to dress the headband up or down.
They’re perfect for women and little girls alike, so make lots of them to gift to friends and their children.
17) Foodie Friendship Necklaces
Surprise your favorite foodie with a fun piece of jewelry that encapsulates their love of all things yummy.
These foodie friendship necklaces from Studio DIY are the cutest thing.
I especially love the card that goes with the donut version that reads, “I wouldn’t be ‘hole’ without you.”
18) Cozy Socks
Warm, fuzzy socks are an essential for the winter. Try some super snuggly plush slipper socks.
They come in all sorts of colors and patterns and will make a great gift.
Small Gifts for the Cat or Dog Parent
If your friend has a pet, consider sending something along for their fur-pals, too. Acknowledging their pets, who are important members of their family, is so thoughtful.
19) Homemade Dog Treats
An easy thing to do for a dog owner is to shower their pet with treats!
Hungry, hungry Fido will love these yummy peanut butter dog treats from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt. Make them with peanut butter, eggs, whole wheat flour, and other wholesome ingredients.
Get creative and try a few other recipes, too. You can find loads of recipes online for chicken, bacon, and even veggie dog treats, among others.
I bet any pup would love these sweet potato and leftover turkey dog treats after Thanksgiving.
20) Dog Bandanas
DIY dog bandanas are an excellent choice for a stylish dog. They’re fun to make and are relatively easy even for beginners, especially if you have a Cricut cutting machine.
This version is personalized and is double-sided, so their dog gets two fun looks in one simple piece of cloth.
21) Catnip Toys
Don’t forget about their kitties! Sew some simple felt catnip toys, add catnip, and you’re done.
The materials for these toys from Dream a Little Bigger are inexpensive and simple to work with, so make a whole bunch for just a few bucks.
We hope you enjoyed this list of small, mailable gifts with loads of ideas to make your friends and family smile.
Pick one idea from this gift guide and send a fun surprise today!
Sending a bit of happy mail is a sweet way to show you care without spending too much.
There’s no better feeling than spreading a little love and heartfelt kindness to a friend who needs it.
BONUS! Small Gifts to Have Mailed to Someone on Your Behalf
Did you know you can have care packages and monthly subscriptions sent still?
If you sign up for the sticker of the month club or something similar you can really make someone’s life more colorful and happy.
Happy Mail Supplies
I found some really neat supplies to use when sending small gifts or letters in the mail!
I’m going to buy some of these to have on hand for when I want to send a “cheer me up” note to a good friend!
- Extra Small Custom Gift Boxes
- Happy Mail Packaging Stickers
- Brightly Patterned Corrugated Boxes
- Teeny Tiny Envelopes to Send in the Mail
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