Gifts for Letter Writers - Part 1

This is the first in what I hope will be a series of posts about finding gifts for letter writers (which could include yourself). A lot of "gift guides" are a bunch of sponsored or affiliate links. I don't currently have any associate/affiliate accounts, so anything else I post won't be sponsored, unless stated otherwise. (I wouldn't say no to a sponsorship...)

I'm particularly happy with this present I sent to my friend Anita for Giftmas in 2015. We've been real-life friends for something like 15 years (don't make me do math right now) and have have been exchanging letters off and on for several of them.

• Stationery - all letter writers need something to write on. Unless they have an exclusive stationery or monogrammed cards they buy in bulk, they'll need paper, envelopes, cards, etc.
  
  I like giving personalized stationery as gifts. As far as I can recall, I always give at least one package of PaperSource text-weight paper (they come in such an amazing array of colors), with a monogram, name, etc., and a package of matching (or coordinating) #10 envelopes. An equally good option would be any of their cards (blank or personalized) and coordinating envelopes or a boxed set from anywhere (book stores have a stationery section).
• Stamps - again, all letter writers need stamps. For my birthday this year, a co-worker gave me a sheet of the circus poster stamps. I loved them! Anything but what they sell in bulk if you don't ask (like flags) should be well-received. Better if you know some of their interests and can surprise them with a booklet or sheet of something that will make them smile whenever they use one. Note: Unless you know they're open to using vintage stamps, stick with current issue or Forever stamps (US), since using vintage requires having a variety of denominations in order to mail.
  
  I used one of my custom stamp gift cards to buy stamps for two people in 2015 (one hasn't been received, so I can't share it yet). Anita is all about being a Leo, so she asked for a lion (I blew the surprise to get her something she'd enjoy using). The carrier who delivered the mail that day decided that, even though it was the only thing being delivered, just slightly bending the envelope wasn't enough. He folded it in half and creased it, hard, damaging a whole row of stamps. The company replaced them, and I received them almost in time to get the gift there by Giftmas. One day late. Not too shabby.
• Pens are a slightly different story. They really are a personal choice and preferences vary widely. Some people like heavy pens, others regular old Bic and don't want anything else. I never mind getting pens as gifts, but I use the ones I like.
  
  Having said that, I give the pictured pens as gifts all of the time, and the response has been very positive. These are Pilot "envelope address-writing gel pens" from Japan. available in the US only at Jet Pens, as far as I know. Sending greeting cards is a very big deal in Japan, or so I've heard, and these were supposedly developed just for that need. The flow is just amazing and they work really well on smooth paper. (I signed all of my Giftmas cards with mine, and addressed the envelopes, too.) They come in three sizes & are only $2 each.
  
• Not pictured: I gave this friend, my goddaughter and myself lifetime memberships in the Letter Writers Alliance. They're just $5 each! Members get a cool patch & postcard, plus access to the members-only shop and opportunities to get new pen pals. 

Thanks for reading so far! I'll be back with more gift ideas, for whatever gift-giving occasions come up.