Open when letter ideas: 60 envelopes to write, and what to put inside
Sixty open-when envelopes, sorted by moment and by person, with what to put inside each, and how to write them.
60 ideas ·
Open-when letters are a set of sealed envelopes, each marked for a moment: open when you miss me, open when you can't sleep, open when you need a laugh. They're one of the most personal gifts there is, because each one arrives exactly when it's needed, long after you've given it.
They're perfect for a long-distance relationship, someone leaving home, or anyone you'd like to be there for when you can't be. These 60 open-when letter ideas are sorted by moment and by person, and each comes with what to put inside, because a great envelope with a thin letter is a letdown.
The letters are the hard part. The free reasons generator can help you find the words, and our deep reasons why I love you has lines worth borrowing.
Make them real: our open-when letters come as 4 to 12 sealed envelopes they open online, one at a time, with your people illustrated on each. Write yours
Open when letters for the hard days
These are the envelopes that matter most. Write them as if you're sitting next to them.
- Open when you've had a bad day: three things you love about them, and permission to eat dinner on the couch.
- Open when you can't sleep: a slow, calm story about your day, and a promise to talk tomorrow.
- Open when you're feeling stressed: a short list of everything they've already got through.
- Open when you're doubting yourself: what you saw in them the first time you met.
- Open when you feel lonely: a memory of a time you laughed until you cried.
- Open when you need a hug and I'm not there: a description of the hug, in far too much detail.
- Open when you're sick: your favorite cures, a film to watch and strict orders to rest.
- Open when you need a reason to keep going: the reasons, numbered.
- Open when you're worried about something: what you'd say if you were sitting right there.
- Open when you've failed at something: a story about the time you failed too, and what came next.
For the happy moments
- Open when you can't stop smiling: one question. What happened? Tell me everything.
- Open when you've had a win: a tiny award ceremony, written out in full.
- Open when it's your birthday: one reason for every year you've known each other.
- Open when it's our anniversary: the story of your first date, told from your side.
- Open when you're proud of yourself: that you're proud of them too, and exactly why.
- Open when it snows: a list of things to do on a snow day, together or apart.
- Open on the first day of summer: plans, written down so they have to happen.
- Open when you hear our song: what you remember about the first time you heard it together.
Open when letters for your boyfriend or girlfriend
- Open when you miss me: a photo of the two of you and the date of your next visit.
- Open when we've had a fight: the reason you'll always choose them, and a sorry in advance.
- Open when you want to know how much I love you: the reasons, as many as fit on the page.
- Open when you need a laugh: the joke that made them snort, written out in full.
- Open when you're bored: a list of silly things to do, and one to do with you.
- Open when it's raining: a playlist for a rainy afternoon.
- Open when you can't decide what to eat: three suggestions and a vote for pizza.
- Open when you're thinking about us: what you think about, when you think about us.
- Open on Valentine's Day: a love letter, the old-fashioned kind.
- Open before a big night out: a compliment for every stage of getting ready.
Open when letters for long distance
For long distance, the envelopes do what a hug can't: they turn up on the hard days without needing a plane ticket.
- Open when you land: welcome-home words, even if home is a hotel.
- Open when the time difference is getting to you: the time it is where you are, and what you're probably doing.
- Open when you're far from home: a little map of the places you love together.
- Open when we've just said goodbye: a countdown to the next hello.
- Open when you're traveling: a list of things to look out for on the way.
- Open when you miss the way I smell: a note that says "smell the envelope," sprayed with your perfume or cologne.
- Open when we can't talk tonight: everything you'd have told them on the call.
- Open when you want to hear my voice: a link to a voice memo, recorded just for this.
Open when letters for a husband or wife
- Open when the kids are finally asleep: a plan for the evening, and where you've hidden the snacks.
- Open when you need a night off: a coupon to cash in, valid immediately.
- Open when it's been a long week: a reminder of everything you've built together.
- Open when we haven't had a date night in too long: a date, already booked.
- Open when you look at our wedding photos: what you were thinking at the altar.
- Open when you need to remember why you married me: the reasons, honestly listed.
- Open on a random Tuesday: just because.
- Open when it's 5 a.m. and you're up with the baby: a note for the darkest hour, and coffee instructions.
Open when letters for a best friend
- Open when you've been dumped: the list of their ex's flaws you've been quietly keeping.
- Open when you start somewhere new: a pep talk, and a promise to hear all about it.
- Open when you need a pep talk: the speech you'd give, in full.
- Open when you're about to do something brave: three times you've already seen them be brave.
- Open when you've had a terrible date: your worst date story, for perspective.
- Open when you miss me: the inside joke you'll still be laughing at in twenty years.
- Open when you need to scream: permission, and a suggestion of where.
- Open before a night out together: a toast to read out loud.
Open when letters for family, or someone leaving home
- Open when you feel homesick: what's happening at home, and a reminder that your room's still there.
- Open when you need advice: the advice you'd give, and the advice you were given at their age.
- Open when you need cheering up: a family photo and the story behind it.
- Open when you're worried about something: you're always allowed to call, whatever the time.
- Open on your first night away: a goodnight note, like the ones from when they were small.
- Open when you need to remember how loved you are: a note from everyone at home.
- Open when it's Christmas and you're not home: the family traditions, written down so they can do them anywhere.
- Open when you're proud of yourself: we already knew you'd do it.
How to write open-when letters
Pick eight to twelve moments. Fewer, and the set feels thin; more, and the last few never get opened. Mix a few hard days with a few happy ones, so not every envelope means something's gone wrong.
Write like you talk. They'll often open these at a low moment, so write the way you'd speak if you were there: warm, specific and a little funny. A memory beats a compliment every time.
Keep the promise on the envelope, and add something besides words when you can: a photo, a playlist, a tea bag, a coupon. An "open when you can't sleep" letter should be calm, not a page of jokes.
If you'd like help with the letters, our open-when letters come as 4 to 12 sealed envelopes, each with your people illustrated on it. We draft each letter from a memory or a joke you give us, and you change any word. They open them online, one at a time, and you can see which ones they've opened. The set is $12, with a PDF to print at home, or $45 printed and mailed, each letter a folded card in its own envelope.
Want a smaller promise to go with them? Here are 60 love coupon ideas, and for a bigger gift, our personalized Valentine's gifts, Valentine's gifts for him and Valentine's gifts for her.
Questions people ask
What are open-when letters?+
A set of sealed letters, each marked for a moment, like "open when you miss me" or "open when you can't sleep." The person keeps them and opens each one when its moment comes, so your words arrive exactly when they're needed.
How many open-when letters should I write?+
Eight to twelve is a good set: enough to cover the hard days and the happy ones, without the last few going unopened. Ours come in sets of 4 to 12.
What should I write in open-when letters for my boyfriend?+
Start with the moments he'll actually have: when he misses you, when you've had a fight, when he needs a laugh. Then fill each with something specific: a memory, an inside joke, the date of your next visit.
Are open-when letters good for long distance?+
They're one of the best long-distance gifts there is, because they arrive on the hard days without needing a plane ticket. Write ones for landing, for goodbyes, for nights you can't talk, and for the time difference.
