Being the super-thoughtful person you are, you understand the value of a well-stocked stash of stationery essentials. Having the right note cards and envelopes makes it easy to dash off a timely thank-you note or birthday greeting. It’s kind of like having a closet full of exactly the right clothes for any occasion. 

Here are four different curated design directions we love: simple and sophisticated, playful and modern, pretty and pink, and bold and bright. Plus we had to show off some of our favorite Just Because Minis, which are perfect for hiding around the house, tucking in lunches, and adding to care packages.

SIMPLE & SOPHISTICATED STATIONERY ESSENTIALS

1. Gold Leaf Blank Note Cards  |  2. Beyond Grateful Blank Note Cards  |  3. Confetti and Tulle Blank Thank You Notes  |  4. Grey and Gold Border Note Cards  |  5. Gold Floral Illustrated Note Cards

We love the sophistication of these on-trend pastels with gold foil accents. You could almost get by with the box of Signature Assorted Notes alone: There’s a basic thank-you card, a simple “hello” for reconnecting or more formal messages, a festive “hooray” for things like birthdays and good news, and an all-purpose “congrats.”

Want to send someone a compliment or pick them up when they’re feeling down? “Hello, Beautiful” is a great lead-in.

And it’s also handy to have some muted looks on hand. The gray and mint cards are appropriate for formal, serious, and even somber occasions.

Pro-tip

Need a little help with what to say in a note? Hallmark writers have your back with advice on what to write in almost any situation.

PLAYFUL & MODERN STATIONERY ESSENTIALS

1. Assorted Everyday Cards |  2. Thanks a Bunch, Banana Note Cards  |  3. Yasss! Blank Note Cards  |  4. Abstract Half Circles Blank Note Cards

Again, we start with a box of basics and add a few blank notecards and some fun, flexible messages. Thank-you notes with a little whimsy might just tempt you to send them more often—and “YASSS!” is so much fun to say you’ll find more reasons to say it.

Pro tip

You’ll send more notes if you have everything you need on hand—and that includes stamps. Go to USPS right now and pick out a few designs you love.

PRETTY & PINK STATIONERY ESSENTIALS

1. Gold Floral Blank Note Cards  |  2. Your Kindness Means So Much Thank You Notes  |  3. Gold Glitter Dots on Pink Note Cards |  4. Oana Befort Assorted Floral Note Cards |  5. Blush Pink Gold Wave Blank Note Cards 

We rounded up a whole bunch of lovely here because we just couldn’t resist. Who wouldn’t love the sincerity of “your kindness means so much” as a slightly stepped-up way of saying “thanks.” You’ll also notice a couple of the sets come with notepaper instead of cards—perfect when you’re writing a love letter, updating a pen pal, or just feeling a little more wordy.

Pro tip

You’ll love writing long letters when you have the right pen. Experiment to find the ideal weight, thickness, ink flow, and design—and when you sign your name, you’ll do it with flair.

BOLD & BRIGHT STATIONERY ESSENTIALS

1. That Was So Kind Thank You Notes  |  2. Bold Cut Paper Floral Note Cards |  3. Laser-Foil Blank Thank-You Notes  |  4. Hello, Sunshine Blank Note Cards

Are you the type who brightens up every room you walk into? Dreams in technicolor? Even thinks in exclamation points? Then your stationery should reflect your colorful personality.

We suggest supplementing these note cards with a stash of individual greeting cards that fit your look and are personally picked for the people you’re sending them to. We think you’ll love our little 100 Fold cards (the “thanks” notes above are part of that line) and the Signature collection for extra fancy moments.

One last pro tip

That brings us to our final bit of advice: Keep a little stack of greeting cards on hand for situations you know come up a lot, like birthday cards co-workers, “you got this” cards for friends going through times, and silly just-because cards for kiddos. Around here, we talk about the “calendar flip”: When you turn the page to a new month, make a list of all your family and friends’ big and small occasions and get thee to the card shop.

OH, AND ALSO: THESE ADORABLE “JUST BECAUSE” MINIS

1. Mini Good Vibes Rainbow Encouragement Card |  2. Mini Heart Pop-Up Blank Card |  3. Mini Thanks a Bunch Card  |  4. Mini You’re a Good One Thank You Card  |  5. Mini Human Sunshine Blank Card  |  6. Mini Hang in There Sloth Blank Card  |  7. Mini Nice Buns Love Card  |  8. Mini Kick Butt Today Good Luck Card

You’ll be shocked and surprised to hear we do a lot of thinking about the effect getting cards and mail can have on people. Two things we know: It feels as good to send a card as is does to receive one, and “out of the blue” cards have a big impact. Even if they’re teeny. That’s why we made a whole line of Just Because Minis—tiny little messages to drop on a desk, tuck in a pocket, or slip in a bunch of flowers. All of them have cute designs inside—some have pop-ups. Go look.

Send or get anything good in the mail lately?  Share it with us on Facebook or Instagram and tag it #pswritebacksoon.

— Trish B.