Receiving a card in the mail can brighten anyone’s day. It’s even more fun to find a little something extra in the envelope. Creative tuck-in gifts turn a simple greeting card into a present.
Any small, flat item can be a greeting card tuck-in. But there are things to consider. For example, a fragile item may need a padded envelope instead of a standard one. Depending on it’s size and weight, it may need extra postage.
What’s more, there’s always a risk involved when you send something by mail. Don’t send high-value items without using the appropriate mail service. Click here to read about shipping insurance and other postal services.
Ready to bring a smile to someone’s face? The following gifts can turn your card into something special. They make great stocking stuffers, too!
📋 DISCLOSURE – This page has affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Read more here.
16 Creative Tuck-In Gifts
Surprise someone by tucking a mini gift or token inside your greeting card or envelope. Think about how you can support or celebrate the recipient. Need inspiration? Here are 16 creative tuck-in gifts to get you started:
1. Prepaid Gift Cards
When you think of tuck-in gifts, what comes to mind? Gift cards? While they’re not especially creative, they’re almost always appreciated. Even prepaid debit cards.
To make this gift more meaningful, choose a place that has significance for the recipient. Their favorite restaurant, a neighborhood store, a music streaming service. Or if they like to shop online, an Amazon gift card.
2. Folded Money Origami
Like gift cards, cash is another standard tuck-in gift. But don’t send more than a small amount by mail. And don’t be boring!
Instead of tucking crumpled bills into a card or envelope, get creative with your money gift. Try your hand at money origami, but choose a flat design. This how-to guide can help.
3. Personalized Gift Coupons
If you’re strapped for cash but want to send a gift with your card, consider handmade coupons. They’re original, low-cost, and very personal. Make one or two that your loved one can redeem.
Get creative with your handwriting and design, or grab these designer coupon cards. From fresh baked cookies to free hugs, the offer is up to you. But make sure you honor it!
4. Flat Christmas Ornaments
Little ornaments and decorations are small and light enough to fit in an envelope. If you’re the crafty type, you could make a crochet, cross-stitch, or felt ornament.
If you buy your ornaments, choose a flat design. White glitter snowflakes make ideal tuck-in gifts to send in your Christmas cards. They’re also great for plastic crafts and winter décor.
5. Transparent Sticky Notes
Sticky notes are another good choice. You can never have enough of them! When they have a pretty pattern or design, they make note-writing fun.
See-through sticky notes are even more eye-catching, and they have many applications. The recipient can use them in a daily planner, Bible, textbook, or work document. This kit includes three sizes and a bonus quick-dry pen.
6. Monogram Corner Bookmarks
Ever since I discovered the painted book classics, I’ve wanted to buy the whole library. Alas, that will have to wait – but I can buy a bookmark! Since I don’t like dog-ears, a corner bookmark is the perfect choice.
If your greeting card recipient is a reader, tuck a bookmark into the envelope. These pretty corner bookmarks come in four designs: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
7. Mini Pop-Open Cards
What’s more fun than getting a card in the mail? Getting TWO cards, one inside the other! Make your own little card with a special message, or get these thoughtful pop-open cards.
Each box has 30 mini-cards with uplifting quotes. Tuck one into your greeting cards, hide one in a mailbox, or leave one with a restaurant tip. They’re a fun way to spread kindness and bless others.
8. Cell Phone Card Holders
Cell phone card holders are an easy way to carry your important cards without using a purse or wallet. Since most people own smartphones, card holders make great tuck-in gifts.
These cell phone card holders have a stretch fabric design with a strong adhesive. They come in a three-pack of stylish colors. The double pocket provides separate storage to keep things neat and tidy.
9. Special Recipes
Food brings people together, even across the miles! Recipes are fun little tuck-ins that bring back special memories. Slip one into a greeting card, along with a note about a special dish you shared.
Elegant recipe cards are a great way to preserve and share your recipes. These durable cards are double-sided, water resistant, and easy to write on.
10. Motivational Decals
Do you want to encourage someone, cheer them up, or give them motivation? Send a motivational decal they can place wherever they want it.
Vinyl decals are a fun way to decorate a window, car, or computer. Make sure what you select is small enough for an envelope, or is foldable to fit. This elegant script decal is perfect for a bedroom or bathroom mirror.
11. Wildflower Seeds
Seeds are a gift from the heart, especially if they come from your garden. To some, they represent hope and potential. To others, grace and joy. Some people just like pretty flowers!
This wildflower seed mix is a good gift choice. When you send it by mail, take extra care so the seeds aren’t crushed by post office equipment. Use a bubble wrap sleeve or padded envelope.
12. Thin Cuff Bracelets
Want to send someone a little sparkle? Bangles and bracelets make wonderful mini gifts. No one expects to find them in a greeting card.
This thin cuff bracelet is elegant and stylish. It comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and three finishes (silver, gold, and rose gold). To protect the bracelet during shipment, use a padded envelope.
13. Flat Dangle Earrings
If your card recipient is a jewelry lover, dangle earrings are another option. Thin drop earrings are a lightweight gift to mail.
These copper teardrop earrings are handmade. The floral stamp gives them a beautiful bohemian style. To protect them in the mail, use a bubble wrap sleeve or padded envelope.
14. Facial Sheet Masks
Sheet masks make good tuck-in gifts, too. They’re easy to use, less messy than mud masks, and ideal for most skin types. Plus, they come in thin packets that are easy to mail.
This hydrating collagen mask is Amazon’s Choice in sheet masks. It’s an affordable option, and you can split the 8-count variety pack for gift-giving.
15. Gel Nail Wraps
Gel nail wraps are flat and easy to tuck into greeting cards. With so many design options, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your friend or loved one.
Nail wraps make good self-care gifts for a mom, daughter, or friend. These gel nail wraps are the perfect way to get a clean French manicure. Or choose something bolder and brighter from almost 40 designs.
16. Fine Art Prints
Fine art prints add timeless art to a space. They are a good way to enjoy beauty in the home or office. And they make creative tuck-in gifts.
This Van Gogh print is a fine art reproduction on museum quality paper with archival ink. It’s available as a 5×7 unframed print and is best mailed in a stay-flat rigid mailer.
How to Send Your Card
The United States Postal Service has instructions for sending cards and letters here. In 2022, a First Class postage stamp costs $0.60 at the post office. Extra charges may apply if your card is non-machinable, rigid, or oversized.
When preparing a tuck-in gift for the mail, consider its size, shape, dimension, and cost. Use the right envelope or mailer, and consult the USPS for questions about postage.
Wrapping It Up
Sending a greeting card is a sure way to brighten someone’s day. With creative tuck-in gifts, you can turn any card into a present.
Use the ideas above as a starting point. As you think of little tokens to tuck inside a card, the ideas start flowing. Event tickets. Newspaper clippings. Photos. Coloring pages. Pressed flowers. Tea bags. (I see a sequel coming!)
Bring a smile to someone’s face with a tiny token of love and gratitude. And remember what L.O. Baird said. “May no gift be too small to give, nor too simple to receive, which is wrapped in thoughtfulness and tied with love.” ◻️
Related Posts
- 17 Gifts for Hospice Workers to Show How Much You Care
- Giving Tuesday: What Is It, and How Can You Help Others?
- Hurray for Stepmom Day! How to Celebrate Stepmothers
Now It’s Your Turn
Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. What is your favorite way to turn an ordinary greeting card into a present?
Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a reply, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.
Blessings, Annette
📋 SUBSCRIBE – You are reading “16 Creative Tuck-In Gifts That Turn a Card Into a Present” on Savoring Home. Join my email list and be part of the community.
