We think that National Letter-Writing Month is particularly relevant right now when we are all sheltering in place, some of us far from loved ones. Connecting with friends and family is so important, but virtual communications can become their own burden. A break from our screens is necessary, and writing a letter opens up an opportunity to feel present, take time and infuse a little creativity—not only into our daily rituals but into the lives of the people we choose to write to! In addition to telling a story or communicating a thought, letters can include doodles, drawings, fun calligraphy, ephemera, even seeds or other special items. Then there is the prolonged excitement of waiting for our favorite people to get the messages.
Account Manager Cassie Brehmer got to letter-writing within days of her city’s shelter-in-place order. So far, she’s sent a total of 30 cards, using a stockpile of “Happy Birthday” and “Congratulations on your Baby” cards from impulse purchases, and crossing out words to make them relevant. “Happy Birthday Shelter in Place” “For your Birthday Quarantine, Lets Make Cake,” and “Hello Baby Corona” cards went to friends that would appreciate the quip, and cards from local artists with lighter sayings went to others. These letters have been sent to family members, friends who gave their addresses on a social media call out, old friends whose addresses she still has on hand, and co-workers! For little ones, she’s including small gifts like packets of easy to grow seeds (available at the essential grocery and hardware stores) photos of her cats (because aww) and small drawings. Remember to use a damp towel rather than a mouth to seal the envelopes.
Three Letter-Writing Kits Customers Will Love
So how can you support creatives in your community during National Letter-Writing Month? Create stationary bundles that people can order online! Here are three kit ideas:
- The Lettering Pro: For the fancy letter-writers who revel in a fountain pen, brush tip and touch of glamour. Include stationary and calligraphy paper with enough room for multiple paragraphs, a fancy pen, go-to lettering pens and a touch of gold for embellishment. Some great pens for customers to consider:
- Manuscript Master Writing Set
- Manuscript Callicreative StyluScript Pens
- Manuscript Master Italic Fountain Pen
- Manuscript TRIO Italic Fountain Pen
- Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pen Set
- William Mitchel Calligraphy Starter Set
- Urban Sketcher’s Delight: For those who are more visual, less verbose, homemade postcards are the way to go. Invite customers to capture scenes from their windows or, if they can get outside, a snapshot of their daily stay-sane walk around the block. Include watercolor postcards, water brushes, a compact watercolor set by Winsor & Newton, Sakura, Koh-I-Nor or Van Gogh, a waterproof fineliner (consider Pigma Microns, Le Pen Flex Pens or Drawing Pens, or the COPIC Multiliner) for inking in and addressing. Add in a fixative to protect the art on its way to the recipient! This on-the-go pen set is a great addition, too.
- Baby’s First Letter: So that even the littlest kiddos can participate, too! Stamps, crayons, stickers and construction paper. Send all that goodness to delighted relatives, teachers and school friends!
Sidenote: It’s Still National Unicorn Day This Week
As you may have noticed last month, we’ve already prepared social media assets for National Unicorn Day on April 9th. In light of Coronavirus and the impacts the outbreak is having on businesses across the country, merchandising unicorn-related items in your store as we suggested may not apply to you anymore. Here’s an alternative idea: why not invite customers to draw unicorns on their front walks with chalk or hide unicorns in their windows for neighbors to find on their daily walks? Get inspired by what other stores are doing with custom kits and delivery: consider putting together a unicorn bundle, complete with sidewalk chalk, modeling clay, shimmer slime, unicorn tchotchkes and window-friendly drawing utensils could be a great way to celebrate.
