At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the mailbox is an important place to show up for your grandchildren – not least because you are very likely the only person sending them anything by mail – but also because it is something you can do consistently over time.
And when you do things consistently over time, this is how you quietly but impactfully nurture trust with your grandchildren.
Letters to your grandchildren let them know that you are indeed there – even if you are thousands of miles away – and even if it feels like it’s actually millions of miles some days. I created a very special list of 62 things to mail to your grandchildren.
This mom asked her parents not to buy anything for her kids for their birthday but instead to write them a letter.
I asked my parents to stop buying junk for my kids and give them this instead
But, as a mom and after working with thousands of long distance grandparents….I still think tucking a little something in the envelope or package is valuable for connection.
I’m not talking about expensive or large gifts for your grandchildren.
Here is what I mean: if your grandchild loves cats or cows or dogs – adapt the list below to incorporate cat themed items such as cat decals, stickers or even a funny poem about cats!
Because whenever possible you are trying to send things that signal ‘ I know you, I’m listening and I care about the things you care about.’
Plus, if you are going to spend money on postage, I want you to get the biggest connection bang for your buck!
Now of course, the letter matters most so check out this blog for tips to writing to grandchildren of any age:
5 Tips for Writing to Grandchildren of Any Age
And if you are a member of The Long Distance Grandparent Society, go to your members only portal and look for the April 2024 Connection Pack because there are several printables with letters to send your grandchild that will surprise and delight them – and will provide an extra connection boost!
Here is the list. Check it out and let me know what you think. Save it somewhere with your stationary so the next time you go to write a letter to your grandchildren, you will have some ideas about what to tuck into an envelope or care package.
62 Lightweight Items to Mail Your Grandchild in your letters
- Mini gloves
- Nail stickers
- Play jewelry
- Fishing Bait
- Head band
- Wrist band
- Hair elastics
- Book bands
- Facial mask
- Stick of gum
- Fruit leather
- Breath mints
- Lip Balm/Gloss
- Pokemon cards
- Mini ink stamps
- Affirmation cards
- Your fave poem
- Mini change purse
- Corner bookmarks
- Gold or silver marker
- Temporary tattoos
- Friendship bracelet
- Mini nail emery board
- Brightly colored pencils
- Scented sachets or potpourri.
- Necklace made out of cheerios
- Fun shaped post it notes
- Finger puppets for imaginative play.
- Erasers in various shapes and colors.
- Shoe charms or Croc charms (jibbits)
- Riddles for them to share with friends.
- Mini notebooks for doodling or writing
- Magnifying glass for outdoor exploration
- Seed packets for planting flowers or herbs
- Stickers of animals, sports, fave characters
- Bookmarks featuring cute designs or quotes
- Single packet specialty tea or hot chocolate
- Bookmark with a built-in LED light for reading
- Decorative washi tape for crafting or decorating
- Keychain featuring fun shapes or their fave things
- Decal stickers to add to water bottles or electronics.
- Fridge magnet frames with photos of them with you or a parent
- Postcards from cities or countries you’ve lived or they’ve lived
- Glow-in-the-dark stars or stickers for decorating their room.
- Miniature photo frames with photos of parent at their age
- Collectible trading cards of their favorite sports or characters,
- Keychain buddies (look these up on Etsy or Amazon, so fun!)
- Inflatable globe marked with where you each live
- An acrostic poem using their name on special paper
- 5-dollar gift card from their fave coffee, cookie or ice-cream shop
- Mini leave in hair conditioner packets
- Paper dolls with a word on each doll that makes a message
- Paper crown/hat and meet for a royal video chat
- Mini foot or hand spa cream (most drugstores have these)
- Fun Socks with theme of something they love
- Colorful paper clips (so many cute ones out there!)
- Animal or heart shaped sticky notes
- Recipe card (family recipes are great to share!)
- Animal themed or colorful stationary (for them to write back!)
- DIY postcards with blank space for drawing or writing
- Pipe cleaners bent into shapes or people
- Coloring page (for kids or adults)
