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Send a postcard

Send a postcard
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Design and decorate a homemade postcard, write a friendly message, address and stamp it, then mail it to a friend or family member.

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Step-by-step guide to send a postcard

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How to make a card envelope | super easy envelope for postcards | colorful paper

What you need
Adult supervision required, coloring materials such as crayons markers or colored pencils, glue stick or tape, pen or fine tip marker, postage stamp, ruler, scissors, stickers or magazine cutouts (optional), stiff paper or blank postcard

Step 1

Gather all your materials and put them on a clear workspace so everything is ready.

Step 2

Use the ruler to measure and mark a rectangle about 4 inches by 6 inches on the paper for your postcard shape.

Step 3

Cut out the marked rectangle carefully along the lines to make your postcard base.

Step 4

Decorate the front of your postcard using your coloring materials stickers or glued cutouts to make it bright and fun.

Step 5

Let any glued pieces or wet markers dry completely so nothing smudges.

Step 6

Turn the postcard over and draw a straight vertical line down the center to separate the message side from the address side.

Step 7

Write a friendly message on the left side using your pen or marker and tell the person something nice or a fun story.

Step 8

On the right side write the recipient’s full name and mailing address clearly.

Step 9

Write your return address neatly in the top left corner of the right side.

Step 10

Place the postage stamp in the top right corner of the address side.

Step 11

Show your finished postcard and stamp to an adult to check that the address and postage are correct.

Step 12

With an adult go to a mailbox or post office and mail your postcard so it can travel to your friend or family member.

Step 13

Share a photo of your finished postcard and tell the story of who you mailed it to on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have 4x6 paper or cardstock for the postcard base?

Use a cleaned cereal-box or thin cardboard and measure and mark a 4-inch by 6-inch rectangle with your ruler and marker, then cut it out as the postcard base.

My glued pieces keep slipping or my markers smudge—how can I fix that during decorating?

Apply glue sparingly (a glue stick or small dab of white glue), press glued cutouts flat and let them and any wet markers dry completely under a heavy book before you turn the postcard over.

How can I adapt the steps for different ages so it's safe and fun?

For younger children, pre-measure and pre-cut the 4x6 rectangle and let them decorate with stickers while an adult writes the address and places the stamp, and for older kids have them use the ruler to measure, cut the rectangle, write the full message and address, and take the postcard to the mailbox with supervision.

How can we extend or personalize the postcard activity to make it more special?

Personalize the decorated front by gluing a small printed photo, pressing a flower, or adding foil or textured paper, write a creative story on the message side, then mail it and share a photo of the finished postcard on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to send a postcard

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How to Make a Postcard in Canva | Postcard Design Tutorial Free | Step-By-Step Process #canva

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Facts about mailing and letter-writing for kids

✉️ The world’s first government-issued postcards appeared in Austria-Hungary in 1869 — that’s how postcards began!

📏 A common postcard size in the U.S. is 4 × 6 inches (about 10 × 15 cm) — a perfect little canvas for drawings and stickers!

💸 Postcards often cost less to mail than letters because they don’t need envelopes — great for low-cost snail mail!

💌 Studies show receiving handwritten mail can boost happiness and feel more personal than digital messages.

🔖 The most valuable stamp ever sold was the British Guiana 1c Magenta, fetching about $9.5 million at auction.

How do I make and mail a homemade postcard with my child?

To make and mail a homemade postcard, start by cutting a sturdy piece of cardstock about 4x6 inches. Let your child decorate one side with drawings, stickers, or collages. On the other side, draw a faint vertical line to separate the message area and address area. Help your child write a short friendly message, then clearly write the recipient’s address and add a stamp in the top-right corner. Drop it in a mailbox or take it to the post office.

What materials do I need to make a postcard for mailing?

You'll need sturdy cardstock or pre-cut blank postcards, markers, colored pencils, crayons, stickers, glue, safety scissors, and a ruler. Also keep a pen for the message, the recipient’s address, and postage stamps. Optional supplies: washi tape, photos, laminating or clear tape to reinforce edges, and an address book. Check local postal size/weight limits so the postcard qualifies for standard postage before mailing.

What ages is making and mailing a homemade postcard suitable for?

Suitable for ages 3–12, with adult support varying by skill. Ages 3–5 enjoy decorating and choosing stickers while adults write or scribe messages and addresses. Ages 6–8 can write short messages and help address the card with supervision. Ages 9–12 can plan messages, format the address, and manage postage mostly independently. Adapt difficulty: younger kids focus on art, older kids practice handwriting and letter-writing skills.

What are the benefits and safety tips for sending homemade postcards, and any fun variations?

Sending homemade postcards builds writing skills, creativity, empathy, and confidence while teaching how mail works. Safety tips: never post your child’s full home address or personal data online, supervise writing and addressing, and confirm the recipient’s permission and correct address. Variations: create themed postcards (holiday, nature, travel), make a postcard swap with classmates or pen pals, or scan designs to make prints. Track delivery times and record responses to encourage ongoing c
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