How to Send Letters to Your Grandchildren They will Actually Love to Receive

From Plain to Priceless: How to Send Mail Your Grandkids Will Treasure

In a world full of digital pings and emojis, there’s still something magical about a piece of mail showing up just for you. Especially if you’re a long-distance grandparent, sending something in the mailbox is more than just a gesture — it’s a way to stay present, playful, and personal.

But here’s the thing: not all mail is created equal.

What turns a regular piece of mail into something your grandchild keeps in their treasure box? Here are a few tried-and-true ways to make sure your snail mail stands out — and sticks around.

Turn a Plain Card into a Keeper with Photos

Personalize a card by adding printed photos of your grandchild, you, and ideally—photos of you together. One of the great aunts in our family does this every single time. When my youngest son recently held an envelope from her in his hand, he said ‘oh, her cards are always the best”.

Bonus: I caught this on video and sent it to her!

He expects something special—and she delivers. It’s become a ritual they both love. He knows he will see himself, literally, on or in the card. I call this making a card less Hallmark and more GRANDmark! Leave a mark, because this ritual adds up over time.

Add a Little Magic: Cards that Sing, Light Up, or Surprise

If your grandchild associates you with the card that plays “Happy Birthday” or explodes into a mini fireworks show, you’re not just sending a card—you’re sending an experience. My kids know their nana always sends a singing card, and it’s the first thing they look for.

I’ve linked to the card nana sent this time – when you “blow out the candles,” you get a fireworks display! So fun. You can find it here: Fireworks Card

Stand Out in the Mailbox with Colorful Envelopes

Make your envelope look as fun as what’s inside. Use bright colors, doodles, stickers, or sparkly pens to decorate the outside. Choose their favorite color – or the color of their favorite food right now. And of course, be sure to mention that on the envelope:
‘I’m sending you a yellow card because you were eating a banana on our last chat!

Or, ‘ I chose a blue envelope because you love blueberries!’.

Get creative and write something on the back like ‘nana mail’ with a funny doodle or even a photo of you to seal the envelope.

In a nutshell, be the envelope that beats out the real estate flyers and electricity bill!

You can find colorful envelopes in most craft stores or on Amazon. These are the ones I’ve purchased and used: Colorful envelopes here.

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Print—Don’t Use Cursive—for Young Readers

Watching a child read their own mail is seriously just so rewarding as a parent. If they’re early readers though, printing your message instead of using cursive can make a big difference. I recently watched my son light up while reading the printed messages- and then hand over the cursive ones to me. Not a crisis, of course – but it’s an easy tweak to make to your next letter or card.

Final Thought About Why to Go the Extra Mile with your Mail

Sending mail to your grandchild isn’t about perfection – it’s about connection. It’s a fun and meaningful ritual you can return to again and again, creating moments they’ll remember and look forward to. Try different things to see what they love – and this applies to teenagers as well. A well placed baby photo in a sweet 16 birthday card can really amp up the connection value of a simple card.

So, the next time you’re about to grab a plain card and pen… pause, print a photo, pull out a sparkly pen, or press play on a singing card. You’re not just sending mail. You’re sending love – with glitter.

Finally, if you are ready to make fun and meaningful mail a tradition, check out The LDG Ideas Club. Each month, I’ll send you a digital printable pack full of creative mail to choose from – along with engaging, research-based ideas to make your virtual connections more fun for your grandchild and for you!