The Lost Art of Snail Mail
- haleyjvogel
- Sep 21
- 3 min read
When I was little, I used to race to the letterbox the moment I heard the postie’s motorbike buzz down our street. Most of the time it was boring stuff — bills, catalogues, envelopes for Mum and Dad.
But every now and then… there’d be something with my name on it.
Maybe a birthday card from Grandma, maybe a postcard from a travelling cousin. It didn’t matter what was inside — the thrill was in knowing someone thought of me. I’d carry that envelope around like treasure, opening and closing it a dozen times, just to feel that excitement again.
Fast-forward to today, where most of our messages are digital. My phone pings constantly, but honestly? It’s not the same. And for kids, who grow up surrounded by screens, that little spark of joy when they get real mail is even bigger.
Here’s why snail mail still matters for kids — and why they love it just as much as we did.
Kids Crave the Tangible
In our world of instant everything, there's something revolutionary about mail that takes weeks to arrive.
Watch a child hold their first real letter—they examine it like treasure, run their fingers over their name in real ink, maybe even smell the paper. This isn't just mail, it's a multi-sensory experience no screen can replicate.
They can carry it around, show friends, tuck it under their pillow. It whispers "this is real, this is yours, this was made just for you."
The Beautiful Power of Anticipation
We've raised kids who expect everything instantly. But here's what we've lost: the character-building joy of anticipation.
Remember how Christmas morning felt when you were seven? The anticipation was half the magic.
When children know something special is coming to their letterbox, every day becomes a mini-adventure. Will it be today? Tomorrow? The waiting isn't torture—it's excitement stretched over time, making the arrival even more precious.
It sparks connection
When a child receives mail, it’s not just about the paper and ink — it’s about knowing someone out there thought of them.
That little envelope might be from a grandparent who lives far away, a cousin who just went on holidays, or even a pen pal they’ve never met in person. It creates a bridge between worlds — helping kids understand relationships, empathy, and belonging.
Unlike a text message that disappears, real mail can be pinned to a corkboard, tucked into a drawer, or carried around in a backpack. It becomes a keepsake, something they can return to again and again, strengthening that sense of connection each time they hold it.
It’s screen-free wonder
Screens are everywhere — in our pockets, classrooms, even cars. And while they have their place, they can’t replace the tactile joy of opening an envelope.
Mail gives kids a different kind of experience. They get to touch the paper, peel the stickers, hold the postcards, and maybe even smell that “new stationery” scent (you know the one!). It’s sensory, hands-on, and sparks imagination in ways digital can’t.
It also slows things down. Opening an envelope is a ritual: carefully sliding your finger under the flap, peeking inside, pulling each treasure out one by one. That small act of slowing down helps kids savour the moment, instead of rushing on to the next tap or swipe.
Real mail doesn’t beep, vibrate, or vanish into the cloud — it stays. And in that staying power, it creates space for wonder.
Creating Letterbox Magic for the Next Generation
As I sit here at 33 weeks pregnant with my third baby, I keep coming back to those simple magical moments. That's why I'm launching Bush Buddies Mail Club—because every child deserves to feel special, to have adventures delivered to their letterbox.
Every month, kids will discover:
A letter from a bush buddy
Custom stickers
Print-At-Home activities
Die-cut Passport collectable stickers & Curio Collectors Cards
A tiny surprise (and even the odd treat for parents!)
Launching in January 2026, Bush Buddies is my way of bottling up that childhood thrill and sending it out to families who want more joy, connection, and curiosity in their days.
Because sometimes the smallest envelope creates the biggest smile. And in our fast-paced world, that's exactly the kind of slow magic our children need.
Join our waiting list to be the first to know when memberships open—and to follow along as this very pregnant mama tries to launch her dream project before baby arrives!
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