Like video killed the radio star, it’s easy to feel that texts and emails have spelled the end of letter writing.
Sure, the simple act of putting pen to paper is a rarer occurrence today than it was - for some Gen Zers it may as well be as primitive as etchings on a cave wall - but there’s a quiet, enduring beauty in hand-inked script that you just can’t replicate on machines, no matter how advanced.
Whether the last handwritten note you saw was from a foreign language pen pal back in secondary school or scrawled on a colleague’s leaving card, getting things down with ink leaves an imprint in your mind that will last much longer than a hastily punched-out text or email.
There’s a whole industry dedicated to deciphering individual scrawlings: your handwriting can give away so much, from mood and emotions to characteristics.
It’s a much more personal way of correspondence and means you’re fully present, considering each sentence, comma and full stop. It is any wonder so many writers favour penning the first draft of their novels, and lovebirds prefer the intimacy of handwritten? Some things are worth preserving.
Then there’s the actual stationery, which folks of a certain ilk (ourselves included), will go wild geeking out on. Papier has the widest, chicest collection around with extras like matching envelopes and bespoke letterheads on offer, but there are options across the scale for varying price points.
Taymoor Atighetchi, Papier’s founder & CEO said: “The act of writing is the most meaningful and thoughtful way of connecting with friends or loved ones. Millennials and Gen Z are returning to analogue ideals and buying more stationery as they in particular are discovering the mental health and mindfulness benefits that can come from it. Taking the time to write a letter, as well as the joy of surprising people with something so thoughtful is really meaningful. Time is such a precious asset in today's busy world so when we see somebody taking the time to write, it means so much more than a quick text.”
Papier's top letter-writing tips:
- Stationery matters: the experience of receiving a letter starts from the moment they open the envelope, so be sure to put as much care into your paper as you do into your words. Whether it’s modern and minimal or whimsical florals, pick one that reflects your own personality, or opt for something that you know they’ll love.
- Write from the heart: it doesn’t need to be formal, just because it’s physical. Letters can be as casual and contemporary as a text message or voice note would be, so don’t labour over what to write. Even the simplest of handwritten notes can mean so much.
- See it as self-care: Taking the time to write a letter is as much a mindfulness exercise for you as it is a mood-boost for the person you’re sending it to. Make sure you recognise that, and enjoy the process. Plus, take joy from knowing that you’re putting a smile on someone’s face.
Whether you’re looking for thank you notes with a personal touch, you like the idea of fresh stationery for your home office, or you want to keep in touch with loved ones in the old-fashioned way, we’ve gathered the finest letter writing sets to buy now. Word.
See our picks below
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Smythson Gift Box
For the wordsmith in your life, few gifts will ellict such glee than this bow-topped gift box from luxe stationer Smythson. It opens to reveal a set of notecards with tissue-lined envelopes, a Panama notebook and a leather keyring. A class act.
Buy now £225.00, Smythson
Papier Mushrooms Writing Paper Set
Whatever tickles your fancy, you’re bound to find a design you like at modern guardians of stationery style, Papier. From block colour borders to papers framed with flowers and jungle cats, they’ve nailed the design spectrum, from minimal to maximalist. Business types may appreciate the clean lines of the Mushrooms set, which sports a whimsical illustration of its namesake title above the bespoke letterhead. One for fun-guys (hey dad jokes are free).
Choose between 20 sheets + 10 envelopes, 30 sheets + 15 envelopes, 50 sheets + 25 envelopes, with the design printed on textured Mohawk paper with 118gsm. All sets can be personalised with name, initials, address or a fun phrase or your M.O if you prefer.
Buy now £30.00, Papier
Mount Street Printers Bees Notecards, Set of 10
Simple but seriously luxe, Mount Street Printers know a thing or two about stationery that’s a cut above. This set, though not personalised, is made to leave a lasting impression with an orange lined envelope and a bee motif embossed in gold.
Buy now £38.00, Fortnum & Mason
Cottage Rts Hand Finished Bumble Bee Letter Writing Paper
Having letter writing as a hobby means you need to make room in your schedule for dedicated time to actually do it - busy bees, that means you too. This writing set, though simple, is beautiful, using the humble bumblebee as decoration. Choose from 4 - 10 pages of paper with a choice of plain or embossed envelopes to go with them.
Our advice? Get the latter, the gold detail adds an extra something.
Buy now £3.20, Etsy
Papier Spinning Parasol Writing Paper Set
Bringing the marble trend to the deskside is this Spinning Parasol design from Papier. The clashing colours and artful swirls bring to mind 70s catwalk fashion, making this a delightful addition for vintage style-seekers in particular.
As with all Papier’s writing sets, this is available in three volumes: 20 sheets + 10 envelopes, 30 sheets + 15 envelopes, 50 sheets + 25 envelopes, with the design rendered on textured Mohawk paper with 118gsm.
Buy now £30.00, Papier
Belle Vous Writing Stationery Paper with Envelopes
If you’ve ever experienced the zing of excitement upon receiving air mail, now’s your chance to do it to someone else. Regale friends and family with tales of your adventures on trips away with this travel-themed writing set which comes with a set of matching envelopes. The vintage look has 48 sheets of premium paper with the same number of envelopes. It’s a fun way of keeping in touch with loved ones when you’re out exploring the world.
Buy now £12.29, Amazon
Smythson Kings Writing Paper
If it’s luxury you’re after, it really doesn’t get much smarter than Smythson. The brand is world-renowned for its luxe stationery which spans everything from small leather goods and annual diaries to personalised writing sets.
Kings is Smythson’s signature paper, hand printed in Wiltshire with enough space for up to six lines of text and watermarked envelopes part of the package. Personalisation is offered - name, address, email and the like, although there’s not much stopping you from inputting something unusual - and your finished design is available to order in runs of 50 at a time.
Prices start from £217.
Buy now £217.00, Smythson
Papier Italian Summer notecard set
Live la dolce vita all year round. It's easy with Papier's charming Italian summer notecard set, which comes with envelopes for the premium cards edged with blue botanicals.
Buy now £21.00, Papier
MIDORI Letter Set 917 Giving A Color letter set
This Japanese-made set offers an easy way to brighten up your desk with three colours to choose from. Four envelopes complete the package. At this pocket-friendly price, it's a great gift to hand over to a budding writer.
Buy now £7.00, Selfridges
