You've Got Mail!
We are SO LUCKY to have so many options, especially since Covid, for connections near and far. Here are fun snail mail options for reminding the Grandkids that you are thinking of them. Start with stamps – the post office always has new options to start the fun right on the envelope. T-rex stamps, monster stamps with fun add-ons, and most recently, Charlie Brown and Snoopy, celebrating Charles Schulz. Who wouldn’t be delighted by Snoopy mail?! It is also fairly simple to print a custom return address sticker through the Avery label site for extra visual recognition that Hurray!, this mail is from Grandma!
Send an opening story line to have them finish, or make and send custom coloring pages from an adventure you’ve had together with Adobe Capture. Or just a note about the rabbit you’ve seen in the garden, just to let them know you are thinking of them. Or some coloring pages from Google images to go with your stamp theme. HERE is a link for a free custom word search generator that would be fun for school-age Grands. I have as much fun making these as Jack has puzzling them!
Have you seen the little book Letters to my Grandchild with 12 writing prompts for YOU? The notes are to inspire you to tell the grandchild some about your life and memories, to be mailed now or later.
DeeDee from MoreThanGrand.com is offering 12 PDF printables with monthly connection prompts. Susan and Amanda (a mother-daughter team) from OverTheRiverLife.com sell their writing prompt templates on their etsy site.
Touchnote is another great option - you can send photo postcards right from your phone! After selecting a photo, you can reposition it, rotate it or zoom using your touch controls, just how you would expect it to work on a smartphone. Postage is “free” when sending TouchNote — but not really. You're going to pay a monthly fee based on how many cards you want to send each month. Two cards a month will cost $4.99, six will cost $9.99 and if you want to pay as you go, you can send one at a time for $3.19 for each card. Touchnote also has greeting card options.
Another photo service I just learned about is Nanagram.com where you subscribe with a unique number and email address (you can share it with other contributing family members) and the recipient gets sent 3 classic, printed 4"x6" photos, perfect for framing, albums, and the fridge. Your loved one doesn't need any tech. They get hard-copy prints in the mail and you can even caption them. They include a free cover photo which lists out the names and, phone numbers, and mailing addresses of everyone on the account. Might not be for tech-savvy you, but a great Grandma or Grandpa!
The creatively brilliant Lea Redmond started the World’s Smallest Post Office in 2008 in downtown Oakland, CA. Her brick and mortar operation was hit hard by Covid, but you can still order charming tiny packages, and Tiny Stationery Sets from the website Leafcutter Shop. Lea is always coming up with a creative new idea - be sure to sign up for her illustrated newsletter. She has just gotten the keys to a new shop - stay tuned for fun!
Of course, I have greeting card options too! I am always adding to my line of encouragement cards. Don’t forget you FREE SHIPPING discount as a newsletter subscriber!
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Did you know there is a FREE LEGO Magazine?
Whether those Grands are near or far, getting something in the mail each month is always something to look forward to, especially something that can be read and reread, and subscribed especially for them and their interests. I started them with Babybug, a boardbook-style magazine usually based on a theme, and National Geographic Little Kids, with animal info for the toddler age.
Hello Magazine is an adorable new magazine for babies and toddlers put out by the Highlights Magazine Group. The Cricket Magazine group has magazines for many ages and interests, always chock full of literary and artistic talent – subscribe by age, reading level, or interests in science and nature, history, archeology, and people around the world.
HERE ARE SOME MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION DISCOUNT LINKS…
(some may be affiliate links with a small amount supporting Grandycamp - Thank you!)
https://www.highlights.com/store/highlights-magazines-for-kids
https://www.highlights.com/store/highlights-magazines-for-kids/hello-magazine