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Must read Terms of Service & Privacy Policy and be at least 18

 
MackAaron

Hi guys! Wondering anyone has any super creative ideas for how to "celebrate" the Holidays with their pen pals? I know my pen pal in real life so puting money on his books is already on my list as a no brainer. But im looking for other cute ideas someone might have to just be as festive as you can be from a distance. Obviously limited in what we can send, but im curious if anyone has any good ideas on what I could send him and also any other ideas too. I found this website online that has like prison-approved care packages you can send to them. (Mostly food it looked like) Not sure how legit it was though. I thought about writing him a letter by hand (we jpay) in holiday colored ink. We both draw, so I thought maybe a funny holiday themed comic featuring him. Anyone else have any suggestions? This is obviously in preparation for holidays coming up as we inch towards fall. I'd like to do absolutely EVERYTHING I can so all ideas and suggestions are welcome. ALL OF THEM. :P 

 
Jeanne555

Hello MackAaron,
Good for you for thinking in advance on this topic. I would highly recommend to study what is allowed and what is prohibited from sending to your penpal. Every unit is different but from my experience any color of ink other thank black or blue) was not allowed when writing a letter. I can only talk from experience of writing to Texas inmates. I was not allowed to include any stickers or tape or draw anything in color. Also my cards were sent back to me because they were not from approved vendor so just be aware of that.
For holidays I think its a good idea to include some crossword puzzles (you can find crossword puzzles maker online). I did one each for my penpals and questions were about them. Basically I would show them what I've learned about them (since I didn't know them that well at that point). At the end they would have to take different letters and put them together and it would read "you are awesome". Then I printed some memes off of the internet and sent to them to cheer them up. They always appreciated pictures from outside. You can send your penpal pictures of beautifully decorated streets for Christmas in your city to show him how the outside looks like. There are my ideas.

I am including here what else you should be mindful when writing a physical letter. (Again these are guidelines for my penpals unit so check your penpal's unit to make sure). Letters must be written on standard white paper (no colored or decorated or card stock paper will be allowed). Letters cannot include perfume, stickers, lipstick, powder or artwork including paint, glitter, glue or tape.
A limit of 10 photos will be allowed per envelope. Offenders may only receive cards from approved vendors such as pigeonly, Snapfish, inkcards, touchnote.