Writing Letters Is the New Texting—Stationery Sales Are Skyrocketing

We’re all looking for new ways to connect to our loved ones. In the past couple months, we’ve been sending care packages, planning Zoom dinner parties, and now writing letters. According to our favorite paper brands, this old-school method of communication is on the rise. Smythson reports an 80 percent increase in stationery sales, and Papier says paper and note card sales are up 300 percent—the highest numbers in the company’s history.

Anna Bond, cofounder and CCO of Rifle Paper Co., is seeing a similar sales spike. “We have more than tripled our greeting card sales in the past couple of months,” she says. “We’ve always strongly believed that sending cards and letters by mail is a meaningful way to communicate with those we love. Now more than ever, people are realizing that we need to connect in impactful ways while we have been separated physically. A real letter in the mail feels so much more thoughtful than a text or email.”

Ready to put pen to paper yourself? If you’re new to the art of snail mail, don’t worry—we’ve rounded up our favorite stationery options to get you started. They’re so much fun that you may never go back to texting again.

If You’re a Maximalist at Heart

Lively Floral Assorted Card Set, Rifle Paper Co. ($18)

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An eye-grabbing design makes getting a letter all the more exciting. Rifle Paper Co.’s whimsical floral prints will put a smile on your pen pal’s face before they even read your heartfelt words. 

If Spring Is Your Favorite Season

Monogram Rick Rack, Papier ($22)

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Papier’s candy-colored note cards come monogrammed to add a personalized touch to the already sweet design.

If You’re Out to Impress

Bordered Correspondence Cards, Smythson ($35)

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A royal red border makes everything fancier, and with matching tissue-lined envelopes, you’ll feel posh enough to write to the Queen. 

If You Want Your Stationery to Double as Wall Decor

Abstract Flora Postcards, Poketo ($7)

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Poketo’s muted postcards were made to adorn the walls of any millennial or artsy plant lover. 

If Modern Art Is Your Thing

Blue Grid Set, Moglea ($20)

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The hand-painted grid lines are pretty enough to live on the fridge for months to come. 

If You’re Gifting

Grand Orange Letterpress Silk Stationery Box, Etsy ($200)

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A 100-note stationery box set with custom letterpressing? You just won “best wedding present” by a landslide. 

If You Aim to Brighten Someone’s Day 

Nicole Fuller Interiors Stripes, Dempsey & Carroll ($60)

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When you’re feeling down, what could be better than receiving a rainbow-lined letter from a loved one? Instant mood booster. 

If You’re Writing From the Beach 

Coral Note Cards, Pickett’s Press ($42)

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Summer is nearly upon us, and a coral motif that screams “wish you were here!” is the best way to extend a warm-weather greeting. 

If Your New Pen Pal Is More Elegant Than You

Simple Thank You Cards, Sugar Paper ($28)

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Simple cards with a neat black border are not only the epitome of chic but also let your words shine without a distracting design stealing the show.

If You’re Corresponding With the Whole Squad

Thinking of You Small Set, Mrs. John L Strong ($45)

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Odds are, it will be hard to stop at just one letter. With this set of five vivid cards, you can match color to personality and make sure everyone gets some snail-mail love.