Snail Mail Starter Kit: What You Need [2026 Guide]

Why a Snail Mail Starter Kit?

Want to get started with snail mail, but not sure what you need? This complete guide will help you get started right away with everything you need to send personalized, handwritten mail.

Whether you want to surprise a friend, send a thank you, or simply experience the magic of slow living, with the right materials, snail mail becomes a delight.

The Basic Essentials

1. Paper & Cards

Stationery: Choose quality paper of at least 80-100 grams. This feels more luxurious and bleeds less when writing.

• A5 format for standard letters
• Postcard size (10x15cm) for short messages
• Blank, lined or with subtle patterns

Where to buy: Find quality stationery on Bol.com (free shipping from €20) or discover unique handmade stationery on Etsy.

Greeting Cards: Have a collection of blank cards for different occasions (birthday, thank you, just because).

💡 KOJO Art tip: Want unique art in your mailbox every month? Discover the Print Club. - limited-edition art prints perfect for forwarding or keeping for yourself.

2. Writing tools

Pens that don't leak:

• Gel pens: Muji 0.5mm gel pen or Pilot G2 - smooth and reliable (shop gel pens on Bol.com)
• Fineliner: Stabilo Point 88 or Staedtler - for neat handwriting
• Fountain Pen (optional): For a classic touch – find vintage fountain pens on Etsy

Tip: Always test your pen on a scrap of paper first to prevent leakage.

3. Envelopes

Provide different sizes:

• C6 (11.4 x 16.2 cm) - standard for folded A5 paper
• C5 (16.2 x 22.9 cm) - for larger cards
• Square envelopes - for a special effect

Material: Choose envelopes of at least 90 grams for a luxurious look. View envelope sets on Bol.com.

The Nice Extras

4. Decoration & Personalization

• Washi tape: For decorating envelopes and letters - shop washi tape sets
• Stickers: Sealing stickers, decorative stickers or vintage stamps - find unique stickers on Etsy
• Stamps: Wooden stamps with your initials or fun motifs
• Colored pens/markers: For accents and drawings

🎨 Make it extra special: Add a KOJO Art print to your snail mail for an unforgettable surprise. My abstract prints fit perfectly in an envelope and are a work of art in themselves.

5. Organization

• Storage box or folder: For your paper, cards and envelopes - view storage boxes
• Address book: To keep track of addresses (or digitally in your phone)
• Stamp stock: Buy a set of beautiful stamps in advance from PostNL

Budget-Friendly Starter Kit (€15-25)

Start small with these essentials:

• 1 pack of stationery (€3-5) - shop on Bol.com
• 20 envelopes (€2-4)
• 2-3 good gel pens (€3-6)
• 1 roll of washi tape (€2-3)
• Stamps (€5-10)

💰 Budget tip: Find complete starter sets on Bol.com or visit your local bookstore for personal advice.

Premium Starter Kit (€50-75)

For the real snail mail lover:

• Luxury stationery set (€15-20) - discover handmade stationery on Etsy
• Varied envelope collection (€10-15)
• Fountain pen + ink (€15-25)
• Stamp set + stamp pad (€10-15) - find custom stamps on Etsy
• Washi tape collection (€8-12)
• Storage box (€5-8)

🎁 Ultimate gift idea: Combine your premium starter kit with a Print Club. subscription —a new limited-edition art print delivered to your mailbox every month. The perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.

Where Do You Buy This?

Online (with fast delivery):

• Bol.com - wide range, free shipping from €20, next day delivery
• Etsy - Unique, handmade items from makers worldwide
• KOJO Art - limited edition art prints for your snail mail

Physical stores:

• Local bookstores and stationery stores
• Art supply stores
• Vintage markets for unique finds

Tips for Beginners

1. Start simple: You don't need everything at once. Start with paper, a pen, and envelopes.
2. Collect gradually: Build your collection with items you really like.
3. Quality > Quantity: Invest in good pens and paper – the pleasure of writing will be much greater.
4. Make it personal: Choose materials that suit your style.
5. Enjoy the process: Snail mail isn't about perfection, it's about taking the time to care for someone else.

Ready to Get Started?

With this starter kit, you're all set to send your first snail mail. Remember: it's not about perfection, but about the personal touch and the intention behind your words.

Next Steps

Want more inspiration? Check out these articles:

• Snailmail: What It Is, Why It's Valuable & How to Get Started - For Beginners
• 10 Creative Snailmail Ideas to Make Yourself - Practical Inspiration
• 5 Reasons Why an Art Gift by Mail Is the Best Letterbox Gift

Have fun with your snail mail adventure! 💌