It’s finally here: the 2nd annual #sendcardsspreadlove challenge for National Card & Letter Writing Month! Squeeeee! We’re so excited and full of gratitude that you’ve joined us. As a reminder, make sure you sign up to receive all the info and special bonus content that won’t be shared on the blog. PLUS, join us in our Facebook group.

#sendcardsspreadlove Challenge Tips & Tricks

For the #sendcardsspreadlove challenge I’m asking you to send 4 cards out into the world this month, based on the 4 weekly prompts provided, plus a few bonus challenges. Totally do-able, right? The intention with this challenge is for you to connect with the ones you love in a fun way, while bringing back the joy and beauty of real communication…that still fits into your fast-paced lifestyle.

I know you have limited time, so I’ve provided tips, resources, inspiring guest posts and prizes (cuz who doesn’t love prizes?) to help you send cards quickly and easily.

A few things to keep in mind to be entered for prizes and eligible to win:

• Make sure you’re following @prettybypost on IG
• Join the Facebook group
• Follow the weekly theme prompts in the picture below
• Enter each week by the deadline
• Help spread the word about the challenge by using the #sendcardsspreadlove hashtag
• Encourage and support one another! Check out, like and comment on the guest posts on the blog, IG and Facebook.

So let’s get started.

Week 1 Challenge: Thinking Of You

The challenge this first week is to send a card to someone you’ve been thinking of. The prize is your choice of one of the single curated collections (themed and special collections excluded). To be eligible, share your week 1 challenge card and/or note on IG (remember to follow us) or in the Facebook group, tag @prettybypost and use the #sendcardsspreadlove hashtag.

Deadline: April 10th.

To make the challenge go smoothly, I suggest you pick out your cards and any other writing supplies before beginning. If you signed up already, than you received the bonus content on getting organized and ready for the challenge a week ago. And if you’re not signed up, make sure to get on the list here.

I want to make sending cards as easy as possible, so I’ve provided a list of reasons to write one below, for when you’re stuck on who to send a card to or even what type of card to send.

On Wednesday, we’ll be back with a list of resources on what to write when you don’t know what to say, which is a common roadblock to sending cards.

And for even more inspiration: did you know that there are many benefits to sending cards and writing letters, like increasing creativity, enhancing relationships and creating lasting memories? You can read more about the 5 top benefits in our previous blog post here.

Big List Of Reasons To Send Cards

1) THANK YOU

Send a quick note of gratitude for a gift, someone’s friendship, advice you received, a specific event you attended (i.e. party, book club, baby shower, etc.), letting you vent, making an introduction, helping you move, being a mentor, outstanding performance from a local business, client or employee.

2) THINKING OF YOU

Let someone know when they popped into your head. Did you hear a song that triggered a memory? Or a movie scene/book passage/poem that reminded you of a specific event or a person? Or a specific memory. Reach out to family, friends, partners, spouses or childhood friends to share the story/memory.

3) LOVE

Let someone know how much he/she means to you. This can be both romantic and non-romantic love.

4) CELEBRATING QUIRKY OR UNUSUAL HOLIDAYS

Do you have a friend who loves pancakes? Than National Pancake Day on March 8th is a must. For the pet lover, send a card on Dress Up Your Pet Day (Jan 14th) or for the marshmallow lover, celebrate Toasted Marshmallow Day on August 30th. Go here for a list of weird holidays.

5) CONGRATULATIONS

Celebrate all those special occasions: graduation, anniversary, birth of a baby, wedding, new job or business and job well done are great examples.

6) IN REMEMBRANCE OF

Acknowledge the passing of a loved one or pet.

7) CHEER SOMEONE UP

If someone is sick, in the hospital, struggling, going through a rough patch, ended a relationship or didn’t get the job.

8) ARRANGE A DATE

Old school style correspondence: send someone an invite the old-fashioned way to get coffee, brunch, dinner, or go to a movie.

9) SEND WITH A GIFT

Make that gift card or box of salted caramel chocolates even more special with a handwritten note.

10) SEND INFO

Clip an article from a magazine or newspaper (yes, some people still receive these). Copy a passage from a book, poem or quote. Send a recommendation for a book (bonus points for sending the book, too – see “Send With A Gift” above). Share a recipe or one of your original creations.

11) REACH OUT TO FORMER ACQUAINTANCES

This could be teachers, mentors, colleagues, co-workers, family and friends.

12) RECONNECT OR NURTURE A FRIENDSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

Reach out to someone you miss or wish you were still in touch with.

13) CREATE

Write a poem, create a handmade card, decorate the envelope, send a sketch or drawing.

14) SEND YOURSELF A LETTER IN THE FUTURE

Get a letter from yourself Marty McFly style. Share inspiring words, your current goals, your dreams, etc. Try Futureme.org or Letter to My Future Self for emails OR for handwritten letters, check out this book from Chronicle Books.

15) FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Write letters with memories, favorite things and about life in general. Save and give it to them when they will cherish it most.

16) JOIN A GROUP

Join groups like InCoWriMo, Letter Writers Alliance, Post Crossing Project and Bullet Journal Pen Pals for inspiration.

17) WRITE TO A FAMOUS PERSON (#FANGIRL)

Want to send a fan letter to Aziz Ansari, Taylor Swift, Harrison Ford, Jerry Seinfeld or the CEO of Starbucks? Then get their addresses here.

18) WRITE TO A SOLDIER OR SERVICE PERSON

Check out Operation Gratitude, A Million Thanks or Soldiers’ Angels.

19) WRITE TO A STRANGER

Check out last year’s guest post by Josh Solar and leave an encouraging note for someone to find.

20) THANK YOU TO A BUSINESS

A local business, mail carrier, hairdresser, UPS driver, crossing guard, school lunch lady, babysitter or store clerk.

21) COLLECT CARDS FOR A PURPOSE

Check out last year’s 300 Spring Hearts post from Lauree Ostrofsky and see the hearts I made here.

22) WRITE TO HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN

If you make your own cards, than you’ll love Cards for Hospitalized Kids.

23) WRITE FOR AN ORGANIZATION

Show love and appreciation with Love for the Elderly, Cards of Hope for foster youth and Stamp Out Hate.

24) WRITE TO A CHILD

Instill the letter writing habit at an early age: check out last year’s guest post for tips on writing to children and the card I sent to a friend’s son.

25) WRITE TO A POLITICIAN

Did you know that President Obama writes 10 letters a day? If he can find the time, than surely we can too.

26) EXPRESS ADMIRATION

Can be to someone you know or not, such as a celebrity, author or entrepreneur.

27) SYMPATHY

For a recent loss of any type (death, divorce, job, illness).

Can’t Wait To See Your Entries

I hope you found this list helpful. We’ll be back on Wednesday with resources for what to write when you don’t know what to say. Can’t wait to see your #sendcardsspreadlove challenge entries on IG or in the Facebook Group!