What Is a Snail Mail Club? A Beginner's Guide
Share
If you've stumbled across the term "snail mail club" and thought, wait, what even is that?, you're not alone! It's a question I get a lot, so I wanted to write up a simple guide explaining exactly what these are and why so many people (myself included) are completely obsessed with them.
What is a snail mail club?
At its core, a snail mail club is a subscription that sends you physical mail every month. This usually includes art, letters, or little handmade goodies picked out by the artist or creator running it. It's the opposite of everything else in your inbox. No ads, no algorithms, just something someone made, sent straight to your mailbox with your name on it.
Every club looks a little different depending on who's running it. Some focus on stationery, some on stickers, some on art prints. Mine happens to be built around my pen and ink artwork featuring bright colors and nature themes.
What do you typically get?
This depends entirely on which club you join, but most snail mail clubs include some combination of:
- A physical item (postcard, print, stickers, small gift)
- A handwritten or personal letter
- Some kind of bonus extra, like a coloring page or note card
The idea is that it feels like getting something lovingly made by a person, not a company. That's really the heart of it.
Why are snail mail clubs becoming so popular again?
We live in such a loud, fast, digital world. Constant notifications, endless scrolling, messages piling up before we've even read the last one. And I don't think that's slowing down anytime soon.
So when something shows up in your actual mailbox that isn't a bill or an ad, it feels different. It feels like an opportunity to pause and appreciate something tangible that doesn't just exist through a screen.
I see this reaction constantly at art markets. Someone will pick up one of my postcards and say something like, "I forgot how much I love getting mail." That reaction is exactly why I think these clubs have found their moment.
Who are snail mail clubs for?
Honestly, almost anyone! But they tend to resonate most with people who:
- Love art but aren't always ready for a big purchase
- Grew up loving pen pals, birthday cards, or letters
- Want a small, consistent moment of joy each month
- Like supporting independent artists and small businesses directly
If any of that sounds like you, a snail mail club might be exactly the kind of little happy mail moment you didn't know you were missing.
How do you choose one?
With more snail mail clubs popping up, it's worth thinking about what matters most to you. Is it the art style? The price point? What's actually included each month?
For me, I wanted to create something that felt personal and affordable, so people could enjoy original art without a big price tag attached. My club, for example, includes a postcard or print made from my own artwork, a letter about that month's piece, an extra rotating goodie such as a sticker or recipe card, and a digital coloring page so you can create right along with me.
If that sounds like your kind of thing, I'd love to send you mail every month! You can read more and join here.
-Courtney
FAQ
How often do snail mail clubs typically ship? This varies by club, but many (mine included) ship once a month, usually all together at the end of the month.
Is a snail mail club a subscription? Yes, generally! Most snail mail clubs, including mine, run on a monthly subscription model.
Can I cancel anytime? Depends on the club, but most, including mine, allow cancellation at any time. Just check the specific club's policy before signing up.