snail mail is back (a mini-guide)
because i just decided
An art lost amongst the digital age. So I’m here on the internet to talk to you about it.
There is something deeply moving and heartfelt when you receive a letter from a friend, lover, or family member. Maybe what makes it feel special is that, these days, its a rarity. But also, that someone slowed down and took the time to pick the pen they’re going to write you with- maybe purple glitter gel- chose or made a card and picked an envelope to match (or maybe they have custom stationary that’s become their signature), and thought about the sentiments and feelings they want to convey to you: the ginger tea they’re drinking while they write, gentle opinions about your slightly-shitty boyfriend, longing thoughts for springtime, how you should take that trip to the hot springs together soon, the way their relationship with their parents has been so confusing since they turned 27… all tied together with an XOXO written in their favorite eyeliner, maybe even a spritz of their favorite perfume.
Not to mention, I’ve been thinking about our connections lately. And how we’ve lost touch with the art of slow thoughtfulness- and it’s not even our fault, social media was designed that way. We feel rich with connections but poor in intentionality. For that reason, and many other reasons, I feel called to making 2025 a little more analog. Slower, more meditative. I think we should do it together.
So: Here’s how you can become the aforementioned friend, lover, or family member. And don’t worry, the section on postage rates and mailing is ludicrously, unfortunately detailed.
Plus— chic and mysterious address books, stationary, and stamps; selected special for you.
step one - the address book
Being a snail mail connoisseur is to remember people’s addresses. Or at least, have a book that remembers them for you. In an era of digital uncertainty where many of us are striving to reclaim our sentimental agency, returning to personal bookkeeping feels like a natural step. Going a step further than snail mail alone, I would highly recommend keeping a log of phone addresses too. Perhaps that’s my fear of digital obsolete-ness talking, but phones and contacts get lost all the time! I’d also like to make a motion to normalize getting your dear internet friends phone numbers. Whether local or abroad, I “text” SO many friends just on social media that if a given platform were to disappear (or if I decided to disappear from it), I wouldn’t have any way of contacting them. Let’s take matters into our hands, and create our own personal yellow pages, and find a cute address book to call our own. (PS: I found some address books, vintage and contemporary, just for you; above.)
step two - stationary
Gather your materials. Fundamentally, find a favorite pen, and a simple card and envelope set. You could even snag some envelopes and turn a piece of construction paper into your card if that makes more sense for you! If you’re into it, you can find so many gorgeous stationary sets online. And if you’re getting serious, you can customize a ton of them. I decided on getting this set, and then after I’m finished with this set of 12, I’ll try something new- maybe personalized with my name or a picture of my cat or something. Here’s some options for you to peruse:
And of course, to expand upon pens, consider getting a fun set too. Maybe a fundamental black pen, sure, but perhaps some glitter gels too- depending on the vibe and needs of said snail mail. Maybe you like to watercolor or use colored pencils to illustrate your cards. Which leads me too…
step three - a thoughtful write
Use this time to connect with yourself, and of course, the person you are writing to. There are no rules to a thoughtful write. Allow the strange and simple to come to you naturally. Maybe a traditional “Hi, thinking of you” style feels juicy to you. Perhaps the words aren’t flowing, and you’d rather express your thoughts with a doodle or tiny painting. Maybe you send your lover your grocery list ideas. It can be as complicated or as frivolously simple as you’d like. Write your grandma about what’s inspiring you this month, and ask her the same back. Use it to spar dialogue and curiosity. Maybe you have a signature- a lipstick kiss, a spritz of perfume, always writing in red, the aforementioned XOXO in eyeliner. Get to know yourself and your creativity through how you write others.
step four - stamping, addressing, & mailing
The world of stamps, and frankly sending mail correctly in general, mystified me for longer than I’d like to admit. But I wasn’t sending handwritten letters at age 7, and by age 17, smart phones were the norm. And very cool (before they took over our brains). So it only makes sense that a return to snail mail and a stamp awakening would happen in my 20s.
Let me teach you about stamps.
Stamping level 1, the introductory course
Forever Stamps are your best bet for standard first-class mail (a regular snail mail letter in an envelope! Can be up to 1 oz in the US). They never lose their value, no matter how much postage rates increase. If you’re overwhelmed with the world of stamps, I’d recommend starting with a cute sheet of up-to-date forever stamps.
If you’re sending internationally, you can snag global forever stamps.
If it’s heavier than 1oz (which it probably wouldn’t be unless it’s more than a regular letter, something like a small package or beyond), you’ll probably need additional ounce stamps. You can purchase additional ounce stamps so you don’t have to use up another forever stamp.
If you’re a postcard queen, you can get special postcard stamps: they are cheaper than sending a letter with an envelope [by way of forever stamps] too!
And btw… here are the current US postage rates (as of January 28th, 2025)
First-Class Mail (1 oz. letter): $0.73 AKA what a forever stamp covers!
Each additional ounce: $0.28 AKA what you can add to a forever stamp or two as needed
Postcard: $0.56
Large envelopes (flats) starting at: $1.50
International letters (1 oz.): $1.65
Stamping level 2, for advanced snail mailers
Let’s talk the non-machinable surcharge surprise and their stamp counterpart. If you’re envelope is (A) an unusual shape, (B) square, which is not unusual but is to the USPS, (C) rigid due to something thick inside the envelope or some kind of magnet or trinket or decorative element that prevents it from bending, (D) generally has an uneven surface like a wax stamp (learned this the hard way), or (E) has a unique clasp or button closure… you’ll probably need a non-machinable stamp. And okay, technically, you don’t need this stamp. But if you don’t use a non-machinable stamp, you’ll still have to pay for a non-machinable surcharge. Basically, it means that your envelope can’t go through the regular machines and needs special handling. Hence, the non. Here’s the breakdown:
So, the current non-machinable surcharge is $0.40. Surprise! I bet you thought adhering to postage rates would be enough, but no. There are secret rules like this one. This means if you’re sending a standard 1 oz letter that is non-machinable, the total postage is $1.13 (forever stamp + surcharge).
But! You can snag non-machinable stamps that already sit at the correct rate of $1.13, so you don’t have to calculate extra postage. These stamps are usually really fab too, a lot of them are round. Which feels chic and dramatic.
You also can literally disregard all of this and just use a combination of forever stamps and additional ounce stamps to cover the surcharge too. Or you can just pay the surcharge.
Another stamp option in case you don’t want to worry about postage math? Flat-rate options, babes. Your classic first-class mail is NOT flat rate, because it’s priced by weight and size (AKA why sometimes you need extra ounce stamps on top of a forever stamp). But when it comes to flat rate, it’s… the rates are flat. Flat-rate options, AKA USPS Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express, are most commonly used for something that’s larger or heavier (ie. a small gift, a stack of papers, or just something generally important or urgent)- something that can’t be squished into a regular envelope. With flat rate options, you pay a set price no matter how much the package weighs or how far it’s going (as long as it fits). No weighing required—huge win. Here’s the breakdown of both options and their postage rates…
Priority Mail: This is the middle ground: it gets there in 1-3 business days and includes tracking and insurance. It’s great for when First-Class just won’t cut it, but you don’t need overnight speed.
Regular Priority Mail (priced by weight & distance): starts at $9.25
Flat Rate Envelope: $9.95
Small Flat Rate Box: $10.70
Medium Flat Rate Box: $17.10
Large Flat Rate Box: $22.80
Priority Mail Express: This is the VIP of USPS services. It’s the fastest option, with overnight delivery guaranteed in most cases. If you’ve ever panic-shipped something last minute, you’ve probably used this. It also comes with tracking, insurance, and Flat Rate options for specific envelopes and boxes.
Regular Priority Mail Express (by weight & distance): starts at $30.45
Flat Rate Envelope: $30.45
Legal Flat Rate Envelope: $30.95
Padded Flat Rate Envelope: $31.55
Stamping level 3, gold star stamp enthusiasts only
One sheet of stamps and its a slippery slope straight to stamp collecting (hoarding). Also, this is where I tell you that YES you can use vintage stamps. They don’t expire. But! You may have to use more than just one as postage rates have gone up, so vintage stamps are usually worth less. As long as you use enough to add up to the correct postage rate amount, you’re solid.
There’s an unbelievable amount of cute stamps out there, I found some for you above. I especially like ones like this where each stamp is a piece of art and you can learn about the artist on the back. Ugh, and these ballet ones. Please!!! Recently, I ordered this sheet of horse stamps. But I’m in the market for some the 2001 floral forever stamps too. And by the way, the highly anticipated 2025 Goodnight Moon stamps will be coming out soon… keep your eyes USPeeledS.
Now we’re actually at the part where we put all of this into action. First, where does the stamp go? The upper right corner, ofc. Non-flap side.
Fab. We’ve mastered stamps. Now it’s time to get addressed up. See the above example for how to correctly format and write your return address and your dear recipient’s address on the back of your envelope (the back to me is the part without the flap… but Hallmark disagrees? I digress).
Your address should live the top left corner of the non-flap side. But, it is also acceptable to put it in the middle of the flap on the other side.
Your recipient’s address should be in the center of the non-flap side.
Both should be formatted like:
Line 1: Your full name
Line 2: Building name (if a college dorm, for instance), business name, or apartment or suite number, if applicable
Line 3: Street address
Line 4: City State Zip Code
If you want to really sweeten the deal and make things easier for USPS, they suggest you…
Print neatly in all capital letters.
Don’t use commas or periods.
Use the Zip Code™ (AKA your zip code, but the dramatic version)
Leave about a half-inch of blank space across the bottom, because the post office will put a bar code there.
Gorgeous.
You’ve sealed your envelope, added your stamp, and written your addresses. You’re ready to mail now. The easiest part! Simply leave it in your mailbox for your mail carrier to pick up. If you’re worried about speed or security, or you just feel like it, you can also drop it off at your local Post Office or into any blue USPS box.
Now go doodle a portrait of your best friend on an envelope and tell her 5 things you did today in a glitter gel penned letter. And don’t forget a lipstick kiss.
<3, Emma
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