There’s something about a handwritten postcard that feels timeless. In the middle of a busy season—raising two little ones in a tiny home— Postcrossing became a small, quiet way to slow down, connect with strangers around the world, and add a little joy to our mailbox.
I didn’t expect to get into what some might call an “old-fashioned” hobby—but Postcrossing turned out to be the perfect blend of connection and creativity.
What is Postcrossing?
Postcrossing is a global postcard exchange where you send a postcard to someone in another country, and once they receive it, you’ll get one in return—from a completely different person somewhere else in the world.
You write a little note, pop it in the mail, and wait to see what comes back.
You can sign up for free at postcrossing.com, and they walk you through how it works. It’s simple, easy to start, and honestly kind of addicting in the best way. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Why I Started
After becoming a mom, I found myself craving slower moments. Something about writing out a postcard by hand became a peaceful pause in my day—just for me. And while I love to travel, I know I won’t be able to see the whole world—but receiving postcards from all over gives me a little glimpse.
There’s a rhythm to choosing the right card, writing a thoughtful message, maybe adding stickers or washi tape, and dropping it in the mailbox. It’s a small act of creativity and connection. It reminds me that joy doesn’t have to be loud or complicated. Sometimes it’s a handwritten hello from a stranger in Finland that makes your day.
Even if I only send one card now and then, Postcrossing adds a little spark of connection and intention into my week.
Where I Get My Postcards
My favorite postcards lately came from a cozy little shop called Yardstick in Algoma, Wisconsin. It’s one of those places that instantly feels welcoming—books, coffee, and beautiful stationery tucked into every corner.
I took a photo of the postcards I bought there and shared it on Pinterest without thinking much of it… and it became my most-viewed pin! I guess I’m not the only one who loves pretty paper goods. If you’re local, definitely stop by Yardstick. If you’re not, try your local bookstore, art co-op, or even a thrift store—so many unique cards hide in unexpected places.
✨ Bonus: My best friend also has a beautiful selection of printed watercolor postcards in her Etsy shop, Wild Hearts Art by Autumn. (They’re dreamy and one-of-a-kind.)
How to Get Started with Postcrossing
If you’re curious about trying Postcrossing yourself, here’s what you’ll need:
- A handful of postcards (anything from scenic photos to artsy designs)
- Stamps (start with a few domestic postcard stamps and a couple international stamps)
- A few quiet minutes to write a message
That’s it. Sign up at postcrossing.com, request an address, and off you go. You’ll receive a new postcard in return soon—and every one feels like a little gift.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving something slower, something meaningful, or just a reason to finally use that pretty stationery you’ve been collecting—this might be the sign you were waiting for.
Let me know if you try it! I often share my outgoing and incoming postcards over on Instagram and TikTok, especially in my stories. It’s been such a sweet part of my week to send and receive little bits of kindness in the mail.
Until then, happy mailing. ✉️
PS
If you found this post from Pinterest—welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoyed this, you might also like more of my blog posts here.
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