For our incarcerated loved ones, tangible items are cherished and appreciated because it gives them a physical reminder that they are loved. In addition to written letters, there are a variety of creative things you can mail to your loved one to give them a reminder of home. Receiving mail is something special regardless of someone’s love language, especially for those who may be struggling due to the separation from their friends and family.
Keep in mind that every facility has their own rules and regulations, so make sure you review the specific facility’s mail policies before sending. Here are some of our favorite mail ideas that include creative items to remind your friend or family member of your love and appreciation.
Children’s Drawings and Artwork
Sending a handmade and personal piece of mail is one of the best ways to remind an incarcerated person how much they are loved back home. Creating a drawing or piece of artwork is a simple way for children to comprehend making something for someone who is in a facility.
This piece of mail can be anything from a painting to a simple sketch that the child decides to create for the incarcerated person. A one-of-a-kind personal creation is both a great way for a child to express themselves, and a way to give the recipient a unique reminder of the artist’s love for them. Consider asking the child to draw themselves and the loved one, encouraging them to think of their family member or friend even while they are apart from one another.
Acceptable Food, Clothing, and Gifts
Giving a gift in the form of a care package is another great way to show your appreciation and love for an incarcerated individual. These items must be sent through private vendors and prison catalogues in order to abide by facility standards.
Items that seem simple to us can be greatly valued by those in facilities, because they do not have access to the same thing they would have while living at home. These types of gifts do not have to be complicated, and are an easy way to remind someone of home.
Photographs through Pelipost
Pelipost allows you to send pictures to your incarcerated loved ones through an easy three step process. With your incarcerated loved one’s mailing address and inmate ID number, you can upload a photo that will then be printed and delivered through Pelipost. Pelipost is also the top-ranked mobile app to send photos to incarcerated persons for its ease and affordability. It is important that you feel supported throughout the process, so our customer support team is here to help via email at support@pelipost.com.
Our program is a simple and affordable way to deliver pictures right to your loved ones, and it is made possible by an experienced team who understands what it is like to have someone you love in a correctional facility. The app was born out of first-hand personal experience, and you can read more about the Pelipost origin story on our blog.
FEDERAL PRISONS CAN’T HAVE ANYTHING COLORED AND THE CARDS YOU SEND HAS TO HAVE TO BE IN A WHITE ENVELOPE. YOUR LETTERS HAVE TO BE WRITTEN IN PENCIL. JUST A HEADS UP TO ALL THE FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOVED ONES DOING TIME IN THE FEDERAL PRISONS. U CAN SEND BOOKS THROUGH AMAZON AND SEND THEM CARDS BUT THE CARDS HAVE TO BE IN THOSE WHITE ENVELOPES NOT THE COLORED ONES. BUT U CAN USE PELIPOST AND SEND TONS OF PICTURES AT VERY AFFORDABLE COSTS. SO LOVE YOUR INMATE AND SEND HIM TONS. I’M SURE HE OR SHE WILL APPRECIATE IT. PEACE LOVE AND LIGHT 🙂
Hi, Shantle! You’re right- every facility has their own unique guidelines for what they will and will not accept. It’s important to double-check your facility’s guidelines before sending any mail or packages. On our app, we have the guidelines for each facility listed. Thank you for choosing Pelipost! We couldn’t be us without customers like you!