135+ Creative “Open When” Letter Ideas (with Writing Tips)

PDF download Download Article
Delight your loved ones with the perfect “Open When” letters
PDF download Download Article

“Open when” letters can be a special way to keep in touch with loved ones and cheer them up—but what sort of “open when” letters should you write? The rules of “open when” letters are simple: create a letter, then write instructions for opening it at a later date on the envelope. For instance, you could tell someone to “open when you’re feeling down” or “open when it’s New Year's Eve.” Ideally, you can make a series of these letters, and the person you give them to should only open one or two per week to make them last. Below, we’ve compiled an extensive collection of “open when” letter ideas, complete with tips on what to include in each letter!

Quick Examples of “Open When” Letter Ideas

  • Open when you need to feel loved
  • Open when you miss me
  • Open when you feel burned out
  • Open when we haven’t talked in a while
  • Open when it’s the day before your birthday
  • Open when you’re bored and traveling
  • Open when you need some extra luck
Section 1 of 10:

Romantic “Open When” Letter Ideas

PDF download Download Article
  1. An “open when” letter (or a series of them) can be an adorable romantic gesture to give your significant other. After all, saying “I love you” and showing your partner support and appreciation are all so crucial to maintaining a great relationship, and you can use letters to help you do it. [1] Here are a few sweet and romantic letter ideas; address them to your partner and add a label to open when…
    • You need to feel loved - List at least 10 things you love about them (and why)
    • You want to reminisce about us - Share a list of favorite memories you have of them, and why you love each memory so much
    • You can’t fall asleep - Add a silly note telling them to go to bed, along with a drawing of sheep to count
    • You feel alone - Include photos of you together with a reminder that you’re there in spirit
    • It’s our anniversary - Make a collage of photos from each previous anniversary, and list some of your hopes for the future with them
    • It’s Valentine’s Day - Include chocolate (or their favorite sweets), dried flowers, and a romantic love letter in the Valentine’s envelope
    • We argue - Write an apology letter and remind them that you’re always on their team, even when you disagree
    • I’m driving you crazy - Leave a reminder that you love them, with fun photos, jokes, and other things to lighten the mood
    • You feel jealous - Reassure them that they’re the only person for you, and you’ll always be by their side
    • You want to read something romantic - Create a heart-shaped love note for them
    • You visit our favorite place - Include a picture of the first time you visited together, or a list of your best memories from that place
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 10:

“Open When” Letter Ideas for Long-Distance Relationships

PDF download Download Article
  1. [ Make-a-Long-Distance-Relationship-Work|Long-distance relationships ] take care and hard work to maintain—but when you’re in love, it’s worth the effort! A series of “open when” letters can help you bridge the distance between you and your partner, even when you can’t talk over the phone (or face-to-face). So, try making your partner a series of notes and care packages, instructing them to ** open when…] [2]
    • You’re missing me - Include your favorite picture of the two of you
    • You want to hold my hand - Send a pair of your gloves for them to use and hold onto
    • You need a kiss - Make a “kiss print” with lipstick or lip balm on the letter (and throw in some Hershey’s kisses)
    • You need a cuddle - Give them a small pillow or stuffed animal to cuddle with
    • You want to look at a picture of us - Fill a card with a collage or collection of couples’ pictures
    • You want to call me, but I’m unavailable - Record a sweet voice message for them to listen to until you can talk on the phone
    • You want to lie in bed with me - Spray a shirt or pillowcase with a scent you use and give it to them
    • You’re thinking about our next visit - List fun and romantic things you can do together during the visit
    • You want to tell me you love me - Tell them you love them and encourage them to send you a lovey-dovey text
    • You feel like we’re running out of things to talk about - Make a series of flash cards with new and interesting questions on them for the next phone call
    • You need date ideas - Create a few different long-distance date night plans for the two of you to use
    • We just finished visiting one another - Tell them you miss them already in your letter
    • We’re a day away from visiting one another - Give them travel goodies, like a custom luggage tag or snack to enjoy while on the move
    • We’re making travel plans to visit one another - Include a mini-calendar they can use to count down the days until your visit
    • You don’t know what to text me - Make a list of creative questions they can send over text
    • You want to feel close to me - Include pictures of you (and something that smells like you, sealed in a plastic bag) along with the letter
    • You’re feeling naughty - Write them a steamy letter with some of your hopes and desires about what you’ll do together
    • You miss our inside jokes - List the best and funniest of your inside jokes, complete with related pictures or memes
    • You’re unpacking - Give them a souvenir to unpack along with the rest of their things
Section 3 of 10:

“Open When” Letter Ideas for Friends & Siblings

PDF download Download Article
  1. “Open when” letters aren’t just for romantic partners—you can give them to your best friends and siblings, too! Try writing some supportive and inspirational notes for your bestie so you can show them how special they are, even when the two of you are apart. [3] There are plenty of “Open when” prompts to choose from; for example, open when…
    • You need a hug - Include a picture of the two of you hugging, or a small, huggable item
    • You miss me - Write a poem or note reminding them they’ll never be alone as long as you’re there, thinking of them
    • You’re sick - Include some of their favorite cough drops and tea bags
    • You’re mad at me - Make a list of reasons why you’re friends and will always love each other
    • We just argued - Apologize for the fight and reassure them that the two of you will figure things out soon enough
    • You need courage - Share a collection of uplifting quotes about courage and perseverance
    • You miss your pet - Write down memories you have of the pet, along with pictures of them
    • You’re feeling nostalgic - Make a small photo album (or online compilation with a link) of pictures spanning your entire friendship
    • You need to laugh - Include funny photos of you two, memes, quotes, and other jokes
    • You’re crying - Add a pack of tissues to an encouraging note
    • You’re sad - Make a list of things that make them happy, or a compilation of funny, cheesy quotes
    • You’re bored - Brainstorm some boredom busters in your letter (and include something fun, like a puzzle book, a pack of cards, or a coloring book)
    • You need to vent - Include a journal for them to write in (and some new pens or pencils)
    • You feel unappreciated - Explain all the reasons you appreciate them so much (and tell them to remember that they’re appreciated, even when they don’t feel like it)
    • You’re having a bad day - Give them a pick-me-up, like a gift card for their favorite restaurant or a fun-size candy bar
    • You’re overthinking - Reassure them that everything will turn out okay in the end, and encourage them to give themselves a break
    • We haven’t talked in a while - Invite them to text or call you that very moment in your letter
    • You’re tired of dealing with other people’s problems - Remind them to take time for themselves, too, and focus on themself before getting preoccupied with others
    • You go on vacation (without me) - Give them an empty photo album or scrapbook to fill with vacation pictures
    • Your (or our) childhood home is sold - Provide pictures taken in the childhood home throughout the years
    • You get good news - Add some happy stickers and confetti to a congratulatory letter celebrating their good news
    • Someone is a jerk to you - Make a list of reasons why they’re the greatest person ever
    • You miss your squad - Print a group photo of all their friends to add to the letter
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 10:

“Open When” Letters for Kids

PDF download Download Article
  1. “Open when” letters can help you mark important milestones in your child’s life—first days of school, significant birthdays, and beyond. Of course, you can also write letters with sage advice when your child might need it, or with a bit of spending money when they’re strapped for cash. For example, open when…
    • It’s your first day of high school - Wish them the best of luck and include a copy of their schedule, or a cool new pen to write with
    • It’s your first day of college - Tell them that they’ve totally got this (and offer a few college survival tips)
    • It’s graduation day - Make a collage of school pictures over the years (along with scholastic achievements)
    • It’s your 16th birthday - Give your child a special “sweet 16” birthday card (you can also do this on other milestone birthdays, like 18 and 21)
    • It’s your first day of a professional job - Congratulate them on a fantastic start to their professional journey
    • You need parental advice - Write down some sage advice you wish you’d known at their age
    • You need some extra cash - Include some spending money with the letter
    • You have your first big breakup - Give them a few coping tips and tell them it’s okay to take it easy (and throw in some tissues or money for ice cream, too)
    • It’s the day before your first big exam - Add some study tips (and encourage them to get a good night’s sleep)
    • It’s the day before a big presentation - Include a confidence-boosting pep talk about their capabilities and people skills
    • You get your first car - Congratulate them and remind them to be safe (and include a gift card for gas)
    • You made a big mistake - Remind them that mistakes are ultimately learning opportunities, and it’s not the end of the world
    • You first move out - Make a checklist of home or apartment essentials (and include a gift card to a home goods store)
    • You move in with someone special - Offer congratulations and a housewarming gift or gift card for them to enjoy
    • You get engaged - Offer advice for planning a wedding (and perhaps a promise of monetary support, if you’re able)
    • You get married - Congratulate your child and their spouse; you could include some rice or flower petals in the envelope, too
    • You find out you’re having a baby - Assure them that you’ll always be available for support, babysitting, or parenting advice if they need it
    • Your child has their first day of school - Give them a picture frame and encourage them to take a picture of their child to commemorate the event
    • You want to know more about your family history - Make up a family tree they can refer to; include research on the family’s history if you can
    • You need to remember that someone believes in you - Reassure them that you have always believed in them, and always will
Section 5 of 10:

“Open When” Letters for Military Families

PDF download Download Article
  1. Long-distance can get even more challenging when a loved one is deployed overseas. So, when you want to stay in touch with a loved one in the military, send a few “open when” letters with them when they ship out. For example, open when…
    • You feel homesick - Include a link or QR code for an online family photo album
    • You get deployed - Write a farewell letter wishing them safe journeys and reminding them they’ll be in your thoughts every day
    • You’ve been deployed for a month - Offer encouragement and love to help them get through the rest of their deployment
    • You’ve been deployed for a year - Let them know how much you admire their resilience and dedication
    • You need a temporary escape - Make a list of things you’ll do together once they’re home
    • You eat a disappointing meal - Describe a delicious meal the two of you will have when they get home
    • You get back from a tough mission - Express how glad you are that they’re safe and sound, and reaffirm your love for them
    • You’re about to return home - Tell them you’ll be waiting for them at the airport, ready to celebrate
    • You want to call me, but can’t - Write a conversational letter so it feels like you’re talking on the phone to them
    • It’s Veterans Day - Thank them for their service and remind them how proud you are of them
    2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 10:

“Open When” Letters For Giving Encouragement

PDF download Download Article
  1. This category is a little broader, because letters of encouragement can be for anyone—a friend, family member, child, or your future self. After all, you never know when a bit of encouragement will be precisely what you need! Consider writing these letters for anyone you want to inspire with optimism and positivity. For example, open when…
    • You’re worrying about the future - Remind them that they can control their destiny one day at a time, and that no matter what the future holds, you’ll be part of it
    • You need a pep talk from a friend - Give them exactly that—a pep talk in which you remind them how smart, capable, and talented they are
    • You’re feeling burned out - Remind them that rest is important in your letter (and include some tea bags or a bath bomb)
    • You start to lose faith in yourself - Create a list of self-love affirmations to bolster their spirit
    • You get a cold - Include some tips on kicking a cold as fast as possible (plus tissues and hand sanitizer)
    • You’re feeling under the weather - Offer comforting words and a trinket that’ll cheer them up, or a jar of positive affirmations
    • You don’t want to get out of bed - Encourage them to focus on something positive that could happen during the day if they get out of bed
    • You’re feeling uninspired - Include a blank notebook and some prompts (writing, drawing, etc.) to get them started
    • You’re second-guessing a decision - Remind them to trust their gut and instincts in a supportive note
    • You need to make a decision - Draw a blank chart or Venn diagram so they can make a pros and cons list
    • You get promoted at work - Congratulate them on their promotion, and remind them that you believe in them
    • You feel like you have bad luck - Give them a lucky charm, like a horseshoe, wishbone, or lucky coin, to help them turn their luck around
    • You’re stressed about something - Add a stress ball (or something similar, like bubble wrap) to the envelope along with a soothing lotion, bath bomb, or face mask
    • You’re missing your friends - Gather notes from several friends and include them with the letter
    • You start criticizing your appearance - Write a list of things you love about their appearance and a reminder to be kind to themselves
    • Someone has let you down - Remind them that you’re always just a call or text away, and you’ve got their back always
Section 7 of 10:

“Open When” Letters for Events in Life

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sometimes, it helps to have a specific occasion in mind for your “Open when” letters. Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or even the start of a new season, you can mark the event with a letter. Even more obscure dates (like “Groundhog Day” or “Leap Day”) can be fun because they bring a little extra spark of excitement to an otherwise ordinary day! For example, open when…
    • It’s your birthday - Write your message in a colorful birthday card (and include candles or balloons)
    • It’s the day before your birthday - Include a countdown to their birthday (and maybe some confetti)
    • It’s your first day at a new job - Give them a small picture frame (and picture) to put on their desk
    • It’s your first day in a new home - Include a small housewarming gift with the letter
    • It’s the first day of a new season - Make seasonal cards depending on the time of year (like a paper snowflake for winter or a palm tree for summer)
    • It’s the first really hot day of the year - Give them a small water gun or fan to cool off with
    • It’s the first sub-zero day of the year - Add some hot cocoa packets to the envelope
    • It’s Halloween - Slip some extra Halloween candy into the letter
    • It’s Christmas - Include a small Christmas present, and write your letter in a festive card
    • It’s spring break! - Provide sunscreen, a beach bag, and maybe a gift card for some extra fun
    • It’s the day of the Super Bowl - Drop a line with your Super Bowl prediction
    • It’s New Year’s Eve - Include a list of New Year’s resolutions and encourage them to write a few down, too
    • It’s Leap Day - Encourage them to do something fun and adventurous on their special “bonus day”
    • It’s Groundhog Day - Repeat a sentence over again several times in an homage to Bill Murray and Groundhog Day
    2. Advertisement
Section 8 of 10:

Funny “Open When” Letters Ideas

PDF download Download Article
  1. Finally, there’s never a wrong time to make your friends and loved ones smile! These “open when” letter ideas are funny, creative, and playful—perfect for making someone’s day (and getting them to laugh, too). You can also include fun treats and objects that fit the theme of each letter. For example, open when…
    • You’re absolutely starving - Add a snack or restaurant gift card to the envelope
    • You’re bored on the bus (or train, airplane, etc.) - Give them a puzzle book to try, a playlist to listen to, or suggestions of entertaining apps to use
    • You need something to read in the bathroom - Print out some short stories, cartoons, poems, or other media they can read (or write a short story yourself)
    • You need to read something goofy - Similar to the prompt above, print out some silly memes, articles, or stories they can read for a laugh
    • You’re all out of clean underwear - Add a few sample packs of laundry detergent to the letter
    • You can’t figure out what to eat - Give them an Uber Eats or DoorDash gift card
    • You need to do some retail therapy - Include a gift card to their favorite store
    • You need some luck - Make a drawing of something lucky (a four-leaf clover, ladybug, or acorn, for example)
    • You need caffeine - Get them a gift card to their favorite coffee shop (or money for a coffee)
    • You’re feeling adventurous - Make a list of cool places to visit, either long-distance or just for a day trip
    • It’s St. Patrick’s Day - Put some gold-wrapped chocolate coins in the envelope with your celebratory note (complete with a funny limerick if you’re feeling creative)
    • It’s Star Wars Day - Be sure to include “May the Force (Fourth) be with you” in the note, and invite them to binge Star Wars with you
    • It’s Pi Day - Give them a gift card for pizza (or pie), or an invitation to grab pizza with you
    • It’s Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day - Include a gift card they can use to buy ice cream
    • It’s World Compliment Day - Pay them a thoughtful compliment and encourage them to pass it on
    • It’s Haiku Poetry Day - Write your letter as a haiku (and challenge them to make one, too)
    • It’s Scavenger Hunt Day - Make a custom scavenger hunt for them to try
    • It’s Talk Like a Pirate Day - Write your letter in “pirate speak” to fit the occasion
    • You’re hungover - Add a few packets of Gatorade, Tums, or ibuprofen for hangover recovery
    • You just finished a really bad book or movie - Make a list of books or movies you wholeheartedly recommend (and where to get them)
    • You have a song stuck in your head - Include a link to a playlist full of other songs to listen to
    • You feel like pulling a prank - Come up with a few prank ideas for inspiration
    • You want to go off the grid - List some activities they can do with no technology needed
    • You want to have a dance party - Make a special dance playlist and include the link in your letter
    • You can’t find anything to write with - Get a fancy pack of pens (and a case for them) to include in the letter
Section 9 of 10:

Writing Advice for “Open When” Letters

PDF download Download Article
  1. Need some help getting your “open when” letter started? It’s okay if the words don’t come to you right away, and we’ve got a few ideas for you, too, so you can make sure your “open when” letters say everything you want them to. Try to include:
    • Humor - Share a joke, funny quip, silly story, or even a pun or two! Anything that makes the recipient laugh is perfect for an “open when” letter.
    • Your own experiences - Relate to your loved ones by connecting their experiences with yours, and talk about some of the things you’ve personally seen and done in your life (especially if they’re related to the letter’s subject).
    • Good memories - Take a trip down memory lane and recount one or two of your best memories with the recipient. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and good memories can bring up all of the good emotions, as well.
    • Compliments - Let them know what’s truly special about them—from their talent to their inner strength or kind heart! Compliments can make the recipient feel great about themselves (and remind them that you care, too).
    • Meaningful quotes - Use someone else’s words as the baseline for your letter! Include a meaningful quote with a sentiment you want to convey, then write the rest of your note by expanding on the original quote.
    • Words of encouragement - Plenty of “open when” letter ideas are based around the idea of motivation, making people feel like they can do anything they set their minds to. Remind the recipient that you’re rooting for them!
    • Words of gratitude - Expressing gratitude makes other people feel appreciated—and it makes you feel good, too! Consider including a couple of lines that convey gratitude to the recipient and everything they bring to your life.
    • Helpful suggestions - In some cases, you might offer some advice (if the recipient is going through a rough time or facing a difficult decision, for example) or suggestions on how to handle things that worked for you in the past.
    2. Advertisement
Section 10 of 10:

Items to Include In an “Open When” Letter

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can also include little gifts and special items in an “open when” letter (in addition to the letter, of course). For example, if the recipient has a sweet tooth, include some candy. If you want to inspire them, consider including a notebook or a piece of art. Think about the kind of gift that would fit the theme of your letter! For example, you could include:
    • A gift card (for example, a cafe gift card if they need a morning pick-me-up, or a gift card to their favorite store as a congratulatory present)
    • Pictures (including nostalgic photos of the two of you)
    • Drawings, paintings, origami, or other crafts (especially something you make yourself)
    • Tickets to something (like a concert, movie, or show)
    • A favorite snack or candy
    • Candles (for a birthday cake, for example)
    • A bookmark (if they love to read)
    • A calendar (for a countdown)
    • Confetti (for a celebratory letter)
    • A playlist or mix CD with favorite songs
    • A collection of funny quotes (to make them laugh)
    • Their favorite memes (printed out and included in the envelope with your letter)
    • A memento sprayed with a familiar perfume, cologne, or scent (When you want to give them something to remember you by)
    • A care package (like Vitamin C and tea bags when they’re sick, or a scented bath bomb when they need to decompress)
    • A flash drive (with photos, music, and funny videos packed onto it)
    • A notebook or journal (for inspiration or something they can use when they need to vent)
    • Funny toys and gift items (like a fidget-spinner if they need something to help them focus, a cute figurine to cheer up their workspace, or silly magnets for the fridge)
    • Personal grooming items (like a tube of their favorite makeup for emergencies, or a pack of scrunchies for bad hair days)
    • Jewelry (like a pair of earrings or a bracelet)
    • Stickers (just for some extra whimsy and fun)

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      100+ Romantic Love Letters to Make Her Cry, Swoon, & Laugh
      How to
      Write a Letter
      140 Congratulations Messages for Any Achievement (At Work or in Life)
      How to
      Write a Postcard
      To Whom It May Concern: How & When to Use This Formal Phrase
      How to
      Write a Complaint Letter to Human Resources (With Templates)
      How to
      Write a Letter to Your Teacher
      How to
      Write a Response Letter
      How to
      Write a Letter of Permission
      How to
      Write a Letter for Proof of Residence
      How to
      Format a Formal Letter (with Examples)
      Writing a Business Letter: A Step-By-Step Formatting Guide
      The Complete Guide to Writing an Informal Letter
      How to
      Write a Friendly Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide (with Examples)
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201609/who-says-i-love-you-first-and-why-its-so-important
      2. ↑ https://datingatadistance.com/open-when-letter-ideas/
      3. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/building_friendships_and_support

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 9 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement