Stuff in Envelopes

You CAN get something for free!  A letter.

All you need to do is ask the creative folks over at Stuff inEnvelopes.   I will let their words do the talking

“We think that getting an unexpected, friendly letter in the post is one of the best things in the world. We also think that not enough people send letters any more. We want to fix this. In fact, we want to fix it so badly that we’ll send you a letter for free (only if you want us to, of course, we’re not stalking you. Although you are very attractive.).”

When I was visiting (snooping) through their site I laughed more than once.  Their writing style—witty, refreshingly funny, smart— has that effect on you.   You need to go take a peek, if only to have your daily smile.

I spoke recently with the two founding letter writers, Shane and Rachel,  and we chatted about how this little endeavour got started.   Rachel, who recently moved to Vancouver from England, realized the power of a letter  has when keeping in touch with family and friends who are far way. Stuff in Envelopes was birthed out of a sentiment to connect people in a personal way and a desire to foster more letter writing.  They opened up shop, not so long ago,  in May of 2013.

So, here’s how it works,  you simply ask for a letter.  You can specify what topic you would like them to write to you about or they are happy to choose a topic for you.  Stuff in Envelopes does two mail outs per month.*   And there you have it, that simple!

What I found fascinating was the range of  topics that people ask Rachel and Shane to correspond about.   Everything really, including 19th century medical practices to Bruce Springsteen.   One request that seems to come up often is people wanting a letter written to their new born baby. Shane then dispenses some life advice and inspiring words to this wee little one. The other common thread weaving through the requests for a letter is about snail mail, power of letters, and mail art itself.

Of course, you just know that I had to request a letter.  I wasn’t disappointed.

By day, Shane and Rachel work in the food and insurance industries respectively, and at night, they hang out in coffee shops and do research on your topic and write you a letter.   There might even be some mail art from Shane if you are lucky.

I have a feeling that they are on to something and you will be hearing more of this endearing couple who have a passion for writing, letters and all things creative.  Why not request your own letter and see what stuff arrives in your envelope.

*For more details on how to request and receive your very own letter click here.

P.S.  All photos courtesy of Stuff in Envelopes.