25 things you can send to your pen-pals

I've had pen-pals since I was about 10 years old; I've lost several along the way, have met a good few in person and have gained a lot ever since I moved to this country. I suck at calling or video-chatting with my friends and family in Argentina, so snail mail kind of makes it up for my suckiness in that department.

Whenever I write a letter, I try to send it along with some little goodies for my recipients. Such items are usually inexpensive and sometimes even for free. Wanna see my stash? ;)

Domestic shipping is obviously way cheaper than international shipping and lets me play more with size, shape and weight. I have to admit that the American postage system works marvelously and is very reasonable priced; that's why I don't fear when I need to send items that a bit heavy.

1. Candy. I'm kind of obsessed with conversation hearts. If I want to send sweets abroad, I choose lighter ones such as individually packed Twizzlers.

2. Erasers. I bought this 4-piece set for 99c at Walmart.

3. Hello Kitty playing cards. You can find a wide assortment of cute novelty cards at Party City.

4. Fortune cookies. You can buy them at the store, but I've used some I got when we had Chinese. They're light, but since they're fragile you can only send them in a box.

5. Scrabble tiles. I like to send names or words. I bought a complete lot for cheap on E-Bay.

6. Origami paper. I send sheets of paper or actual origami.

7. Stamps. They're really cheap on E-Bay and Yardsellr.

8. Seeds. I'm really into the idea of sending seeds! I think it's cool to grow something that came from far away :p.

9. Assorted infusions. I love tea! I like drinking and giving tea bags, hehe.

10.  Words. Yeah, you heard me. Nice phrases and good wishes :).

11. Printed material. There are so many awesome free printables out there! The one you can see here is In caffeine we trust, a board that lets you keep track of how much coffee you're consuming. Another website that offers awesome free resources is Scout Creative.

12. Mixed CDs. Of course, part of the fun consists of making the case/envelope yourself.

13. Samples. I always save the make-up and perfume samples that come in magazines. The latter I cut into squares or strips.

14. Paper clothes. I send them for my recipients to use (not wear, unfortunately, hehe) and I also make garlands or glue them to my letters. 

15. Paint chips. I particularly love the Mickey Mouse ones :p; I found them at Home Depot. They're for free and you can do a lot with them; you can use them as cards, bookmarks and create colorful shapes with the help of a craft punch (or confetti if you only have a regular punch).

16. Temporary tattoos.

17. Die cut pieces. Made with craft punches.

18. Band Aids. I like to buy limited editions when I see them.

19. Coasters. Yep, cardboard coasters from bars.

20. Instant photos. Taken with my Diana F+ Instant back.

21. Tickets and movie stubs.

22. Sticky notes. To be used as bookmarks.

23. Stationery. Because who doesn't like to get it, right? ;)

24.  Free postcards. I'm a huge fan of free postcards; I had a big lot of postcards and clothing tags in Argentina. I brought a lot, but I had to leave some at home :/.

25. Stickers. I'm currently in love with Scandinavian matchbox stickers.

Places where you can get these supplies

* Craft stores, naturally. I always go to Michaels, especially when I have discount coupons or there are special deals. Always check your branch's site for coupons before going.

* 99c stores. They have a ton of stuff you can buy!

* Party City  has a great variety of candy that;s individually wrapped (which makes it more convenient to send), favors and trinkets.

* E-Bay. Try the words "Japan" or "China" and you'll find an unbelievable number of auctions starting at $0.01.

* Yardsellr. I've talked about this site before, but in case you missed it, it's a mini version of Amazon which gives you the advantage of accumulating points that can be used as money. You get such points when you log in and like people's articles. I collected so many points that I only spent $1 when I purchased washi tape, stamps, clothes and scrapbooking materials.

* Etsy. It's not as cheap as E-Bay, but there are a lot of inexpensive and neat things out there.

* Your local library. Most libraries (at least here in Southern California) have a book sale area. I happen to volunteer in this area so I get to see the most amazing bargains. We sell books as well as magazines, maps, toys, DVDs, Cds, tapes, etc. Prices range between 10c-$2.

There are so many cool things you can send!

What do you like to send or receive?

May you all have a very happy day! ;D

A little reminder: if you want to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway, you have time till June 25th!