I’ve been thinking about a kids mailbox project for quite some time. Remember how much fun it was to receive mail as a kid? It’s still fun as an adult…when it’s fun mail. Though if you’re like me, most of your mail is bills and junk. Yuck!
For this project I wanted a personalized mailbox to hang outside of their bedroom door. A fun way to leave them surprises, messages or packages. Bring the fun of receiving mail inside, so to speak.
The idea came to me a while back via a Facebook image someone had shared. I remember at the time that it wasn’t linked to the blog it originated from so I’m not sure who to credit for the idea. I also wasn’t able to read their post to see how they were using it. So I came up with my own version, a kids mailbox project. How I envisioned it being used.
Here is Melia’s mailbox. It is made out of a galvanized metal envelope I had bought at Target ($10). I personalized it a bit for her with her initial and a flower.
Next comes the fun part. What do you put inside? Below are 5 ideas for you. It doesn’t have to be every day, keeps the surprise factor alive. For some added fun, they can leave you return mail.
Mail Ideas:
- Actual Mail – I think this is a given. Start a pen pal type exchange with friends, cousins, grandparents. Even if they live in the same town, it is still fun. You can send a letter, post card, draw a picture, send a card. Anything! As it arrives in your mailbox, just deliver it to theirs.
- Celebration Notes – Little notes or cards from you just to say you are proud of them. You can celebrate their little wins. Or just simply tell them you love them.
- Treats – This could be in the form of something you bought them (candy, dollar bin items, books). Or something you baked/made that is wrapped up special for them.
- Coloring/Activity Pages – I like to go to Education.com to download and print pages. A basic account is free. You have access to filter by age/grade, subject, holiday. There are tons to choose from.
- Something-A-Day – Put in a joke-a-day or a fact-a-day. Play a game with them using a word-a-day. See how many times they can use the word in a day (without getting crazy). Try to break past records.
Have fun with it!
