Bringing Back Snail Mail: Why I Still Send Handwritten Postcards

Hi, everyone!

On February 14, after months of neglect, I finally opened my mailbox. Inside it were three holiday cards from my friends abroad. Yay! These days, I rarely receive snail mail since bills and notifications arrive via email, unlike before when handwritten letters and postcards were common. However, I had sent a few postcards to my friends abroad last December, which reminded me how much I miss traditional mail.

In this blog, I’m sharing why I’ve rekindled my love for sending handwritten greetings and why you might want to try it too!

1. Handwritten Cards Are Personal and Intentional

There’s something special about choosing a card that suits a friend’s taste, writing a heartfelt message, and mailing it. It takes effort, but to me, this effort is a tangible way of saying, “I care about you.” Unlike a quick text or email, a physical card carries warmth and intention, making it more meaningful.

2. A Creative Way to Use My Art Supplies

I’ve had tin box of postcard-sized watercolor papers sitting in my stash for a while, so sending out postcards became a great reason to finally use them. Lately, my youngest son and I have been painting on these cards, and I plan to send them out soon. It’s a wonderful way to share a bit of our creativity while also making sure my art materials don’t go to waste.

3. Writing With Fountain Pens Is a Joy

The tactile experience of writing with a fountain pen is something I truly enjoy. The smooth ink flow, the slight resistance on paper—it’s a small but satisfying ritual. If you haven’t tried using one yet, I highly recommend it! I even wrote a blog about budget-friendly fountain pens for beginners, which you can check out below:

My personal review of beginner and budget-friendly fountain pens

Since postcards aren’t sealed in envelopes and might get wet in transit, I use water-resistant inks like Rohrer & Klingner SketchINK or D’Atramentis Document Ink to prevent smudging.

4. Snail Mail Is Affordable and Worth It

While sending a quick message on social media is free, mailing a postcard in the Philippines costs only Php 14, and a regular greeting card is just Php 50. Considering the joy of receiving a handwritten note, I think it’s a small but worthwhile expense to stay connected with friends overseas.

5. Supporting the Post Office

Although I haven’t heard of our postal system shutting down, I’d like to think that by sending mail, I’m contributing—no matter how small—to keeping postal services running. It’s a simple way to show that we still value traditional mail. I just might be saving our mail men’s jobs!

6. A Touch of Home for Loved Ones Abroad

For friends and family living overseas, receiving something from home—even a simple postcard with a beautiful Philippine stamp—can mean a lot. I know this because when I was away for nearly two weeks in Australia, I felt homesick by Day 4! A postcard might not cure homesickness, but it could bring comfort and a smile to someone far from home.

7. The Joy of Receiving a Card in Return

There’s always a chance of getting a postcard back! I’ve received some from friends before, and I realized that grad school kept me so busy that I never had time to return the favor. Now was my time to reciprocate.

8. A Beautiful Keepsake of Friendship

One of my favorite postcards came from a friend who visited a museum in New York. She wrote that she thought of me during her visit because she knew how much I love art. Another friend in Japan sent me a pop-up postcard, knowing that I collect pop-up books. These thoughtful gestures remind me that friendship is kept alive by the little things we remember about each other—even when miles apart.

9. A Timeless Way to Stay Connected

I don’t think I need to say much about this: handwritten letters and postcards keep friendships alive, even when we rarely see each other.

Below are some of the beautiful postcards and holiday cards in the last 3 years, along with the hand-painted ones my son and I have been working on which has also become part of his homeschooling tasks. I can’t wait to send them out soon!

In a world where everything moves fast and digital messages disappear in an instant, handwritten postcards offer something different—a pause, a personal touch, a lasting connection. Whether it’s the joy of selecting the perfect card, the act of writing by hand, or the excitement of receiving one in return, snail mail carries a sense of nostalgia and sincerity that no email or text can match. So, if you have a little time and a friend who would love a surprise in their mailbox, why not send a postcard? You never know—it might just make their day. 💌✨