I love bringing joy to somebody with a ridiculous gift in their mailbox. It is FUN! It is unexpected! It’s fabulous! Our family has been mailing silly little things for a few years. We called it Hendrix Happy Mail. When my mother-in-law had a beach ball delivered to her front door last year, she thought I was nuts. Having a catching slogan gives it a little purpose. Before I give you some ideas of how to delight a friend in this manner, let me explain the postal guidelines.
Postal Guidelines for Happy Mail
- It must be 13 ounces or less to qualify for first class postal delivery . ( I have mailed items heavier than 13oz and it the price jumps so much, it is no longer happy mail) Most of the items I have mailed require just under $2 postage. Here is a link for exact numbers : USPS Postal Costs)
- Chose items that can withstand being on the bottom of a pile and not be damaged
- Clearly mark the To and From on the item.
- It does not have to be in a box or envelope.
- You can drop it in your mailbox, a mail drop or take it into the post office.
IDEAS of items to mail:
Roam the dollar store and think fun size and lightweight.
– balls “Have a ball on your birthday”
– beach bucket, shovel “I dig you”
– nail polish “hoping to add a little sparkle to your day”
– dust pan “Happy Spring!!…..cleaning”
– Frisbees “Have a super fly birthday”
– Plastic Easter eggs
– gum “Sending a big smack your way”
– oversized foam letter/number – like a giant 7 for a child’s birthday. Write messages on it
– fake flowers (daisy, sunflower)
– toys
– pool noodle
– plastic container filled with stickers, candy, etc
thehouseofhendrix 
How did you send the nail polish… In the glass container? Did you have to box it?
I made a label and then sealed it with thick clear packing tape. Hole punch and attach to top of bottle with string. Same idea as the bunny picture above. I have also mailed nail polish in empty plastic peanut butter jar. Wash it and tape a cute label on outside for a Peek-a-boo gift.
Wow! This is so much fun! Thanks for sharing!!