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Earlier this week my son and I were out doing a little shopping when we came across a bargain. I am still a sucker for an old school disposable camera. It takes me back to summer camp and the last day of the school year in middle school. And while I love and adore and cling to my DSLR as one of my greatest earthly possessions, you have to admit there is something about having all those pictures waiting inside the camera that has its charm.
We picked up a pair of cameras and thought we’d mail them to a pair of our favorite people.
I considered mailing them out of box, as is, and think I might have if they’d been going to someone a little older than 12. I would love to see any creative photographic work by postal workers. But to be safe for our little friends, we decided to mail these in bubble wrap, back to back.
It might be possible that we took a few photos of our own before wrapping them up.
The benefit of sending two cameras, besides the possibility that we were sending this to two people and they each might like a camera of their own, is this little trick. I’ve heard that by lining a couple cameras up just so, you can try shooting in 3-D. Check out the tutorial here, along with how to view your 3-D masterpieces. The 3-D camera set up:
So there it is. One package, two cameras, and just a few surprises waiting to come out during development.
and incase you’d like to see a little more, here is my favorite fun mail inspiration from the archives (or follow my 13 oz or less Pinterest board, or see it all right here):
A Sponge | A Tube of Bert’s Bees | A Wreath and Twinkly Lights | A Disguise | School Supplies | A Pair of Flip Flops | A Big Ball | Plastic Eggs 1 and 2 | Silly Putty |Shovel & a Bucket | Ribbon Sticks | Bubblewrap Hopscotch | Fan Mail | Waterbottle Care Package | Bouncy Balls | Sticky Notes | Jr Mints | Frisbee | Mini Banner and Mini m&ms
find postage rates for happy mail right here along with other mailing details
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I absolutely love your blog and your amazing ideas! You’re such a great inspiration for a snail mail lover like me.
Hope you have a fun weekend! ;D
Miki.
This is my new favorite blog! I am always looking for gifts to mail to my nieces as well as little extras for my own kids! Thank you so much for sharing. I hope you continue to have great ideas!!! ; )
What a wonderful idea! Love the concept of the 3-D shooting. I’d seen where the postal workers were “asked” (via writing) to shoot photos as they sent it, but with children as the recipients I can see why you chose not to.
Hi! There’s an article in the October issue of Martha Stewart Living called Special Delivery about a woman who sends “mail art.” Your ideas are much more fun than hers, but it still made me think of you and your “happy mail.”
I love happy mail! Today I mailed to my son (a college freshman) the plastic pumpkin that kids put their candy in while trick-or-treating. The post office lady was very entertained and said she can’t wait to see what I’m mailing next! Of course she warned me it may get crushed, but I told her I am convinced it will bring so many smiles everyone will be extra careful with it. If it works, I will be mailing more. Thanks so much for the great idea!
Michelle! This is too cool. I absolutely love it!! What fun (for your son and the postal worker too!)
I just found your blog via Pinterest. SO GLAD I DID! I’m in love with your posts about everything you mail!! This is so AWESOME! I’m worried the post office will send me away if I try this, so I might just find a blue mailbox until I can work up the nerve.. :) Thanks for sharing these with the world!!
Thanks for the sweet note, Melly!! And you are too cute. go for it! The blue mailbox works just fine! Though if you get the right postal worker, going into the desk is kinda fun too. good luck!!
Just came across this happy mail thing, and I absolutely love it. I do not know if you have thought about this at all, but I think you should see about publishing a book filled with 13 ounces or less ideas. I would definitely buy one.
Thanks Mallory, for completely making my night!!
My sister and I are planning a birthday party for our mother and used this site as inspiration for our invitations. We sent MARACAS thru the mail! Each one cost just over $1 to send, and the post office worker was super carefule to not cover the information or the artwork with address labels or stamps. We’ve had so many compliments!!!
I need a suggestion or two to mail my son who is deployed! I really want something that will brighten up his day!