6 Flat Things to Include in a Greeting Card for Book Lovers

November 21, 2024

Sending mail is a great way to keep in touch, but more importantly, it makes people feel cared for and important. Adding little extras to a gorgeous card, especially in line with a hobby or theme they love, will make the recipient feel even more valued and appreciated. It’s a simple, but powerful way to nurture your friendships. So, what should you include with a greeting card for book lovers?

Book-Themed Greeting Cards

First, you’ll need the perfect card. I have many greeting cards for book lovers, including one you can send ‘just because’ for any occasion. You’ll also find a couple of bookish birthday cards, a new job card, and some Mother's Day, Father's Day, and thank-you teacher book-themed cards.

6 Flat Things to Include in a Greeting Card for Book Lovers

While you’re paying for a stamp, you may as well use the full 5mm / 100g you have at your disposal. Generally speaking, a card and envelope will weigh no more than 20g, so you have plenty to work with, as long as your little extra is nice and flat so as not to exceed the maximum 5mm thickness. Here are some ideas to get your started…

1.A Bookmark or Two

Make your own or choose a design they’ll love. As well as my watercolour bookmarks, I love the ones offered by Susanna Banks. I actually purchased a set for my daughter last year! You’ll find lovely bookmarks in your local independent bookshop or Waterstones too.

2. A Book-Themed Sticker

And Hope Designs Book Themed Vinyl Sticker

Stickers are perfect for decorating a Kindle, reading journal or notebook. I have a growing collection of small and large vinyl stickers featuring fun bookish puns and watercolour illustrations. Bookishly’s collection is also worth a look if you’d prefer a slightly different style.

3. A Piece of Patterned Paper

Find some gorgeous book-themed wrapping paper, or a pretty pattern you think they’ll like, and cut a square for them to fold into a bookmark corner or an origami butterfly. Don’t forget to include a link to the tutorial in the greeting card.

4. A List of Recent Reads

And Hope Designs free digital book review sheet

Is there anything better than a solid book recommendation from a friend?! Why not download my digital book review sheet, print it off, fill it in, and share the completed page? This is the same book review sheet included in my reading journals. They won’t fit in a greeting card envelope, but they do make the perfect gift for a book lover!

5. A Teabag or Coffee Sachet

overhead photo of book open on a woman's lap Send some extra comfort and cosiness for the recipient to enjoy next time they’re curled up with a good book. Share your personal favourite or choose from the options below.

Marks and Spencer Empress Grey - Like earl grey but more citrussy, and less floral, this tea is especially good with a dash of oat milk. The teabags do not come individually wrapped so you’d need a little envelope to tell the recipient what it is and keep it in good shape.
Twinings - This familiar brand is widely available and has some fun blends, including Cherry Bakewell and Salted Caramel Green Tea. The teabags come in their own individual packaging, so they’re perfect for posting.
Local tea - Sending something that’s blended locally can feel extra special. My sister-in-law once sent me a red berry tea from Norfolk where they live.
Your own bespoke bag – One of my favourite tea shops, Eteaket, sells a lovely range of loose-leaf tea and empty teabags you can fill. Why not make up a teabag and pop it in a little envelope detailing what’s inside?
Don’t forget the coffee lovers! - Paddy and Scott’s sell coffee in what they call ‘brew bags’. They’re light and slim enough to fit in the post. Other larger, well-known companies also offer small sachets of coffee.

6. A Clipping from a Newspaper or Magazine

‘I saw this and thought of you’ is such a powerful sentiment. You probably do it all the time online, forwarding links and digital content you think your loved ones will appreciate. Taking the time to cut or tear out an article and send a physical copy in the post takes this experience to the next level.

I’d recommend clipping interesting articles when you see them and storing them safely in a folder. Then, next time you’re writing to a friend, you can flick through and choose something they’ll enjoy. Look out for book reviews, author interviews, articles about literary adventures, or lists of bookish towns and bookshops to visit.

My favourite magazine for finding this type of clipping is The Simple Things. I love reading My Day in Cups of Tea, an interview in which someone shares about their day and the tea they drink throughout. It’s always so interesting and inspiring as they often interview creative business owners, just like me! They also feature a shop and a maker each month. The shop is often a bookshop, which makes me dream of travel and exploration.

A Bonus Idea – National Book Tokens

I haven’t included these in the main list as sending ‘money’ in the mail can be less straightforward than the lightweight, low-cost items I’ve suggested above. However, I wanted to remind you they’re an option as National Book Tokens make such a great present. They’re the only gift cards accepted in all major bookselling chains and independents across the UK and Ireland, including WHSmith, Waterstones, Blackwell's, Easons, John Smith, Foyles and all good independent bookshops.

To send a gift card safely, you might want to use a padded envelope and a more secure service such as Royal Mail Special Delivery or Signed-For. I would also recommend writing your return address on the envelope.