Pen Pals

Help the kids in your life correspond with other kids in distant places by introducing them to the pen-pal connection. Assemble the materials listed below to get them started on designing their own stationery.

Time frame: One to two hours

Level: Easy

What you need:

• Pen-pal list
• Paper
• Envelopes
• Textured scissors
• Fine-tipped markers
• Stickers
• Stamps (You might want to choose a theme for the stamps you buy, such as animals, nature, holidays, landscapes, geometric designs, and so on.)
• Stamp pads
• Glitter pens
• Storage box
• Homemade bow

1. Check your school system or a local library for a possible list of pen pals. Be sure to put your own name on the recipient's pen-pal list.

2. Assemble the supplies listed and place them in a plastic storage box. Wrap the box with a homemade bow.

3. Spend some time designing stationery and envelopes with the recipient, and get this new pen pal started on writing to people on the list.

Find more Resources for Pen Pal.

Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Great Gifts © 2001 by Marilee LeBon. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

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