It’s one of my bestie’s 30th birthday today so I decided to surprise her with 30 “open when” letters. I got the idea after reading Tiffany’s blog about doing it as an anniversary gift for her boyfriend.
Let me explain what that means and how I did it.
First, I took 30 plain mailing envelopes and washi taped them all so they look pretty and varied. I probably should have written the letters first, but those take more time to do because it involves thinking, and I could do some of the brainstorming for ideas while washi taping, so it’s more efficient this way! 😛
Once I was done with the envelopes, I jotted down all my ideas for letters to make sure I had enough for 30. Some samples:
- Open when it’s your 30th birthday
- Open when you need a laugh
- Open when you just found out you’re pregnant
- Open when you want to reminisce
- Open when it’s August 23, 2014
- Open when you can’t sleep
- Open when you miss Harry Potter
- Open when I’m dead
Okay so the last one may seem a bit morbid. LOL. But you get the gist, it can be any condition that you think needs a note for, whether a specific occasion or date or event or mood.
I think it’s a great idea to slip in ones for events involving the receiver’s dreams, too, a form of affirmation that they will come true, with the note inside saying “CONGRATS! YOU BLOODY DID IT!” or something to that effect, but probably elaborate more. And probably don’t say bloody unless you’re British.
Once I had my guide, I started writing the letters (and also asked a few friends for their contributions) and printed them out on different colored papers and cut them out with patterned scissors so they look extra cute.
The letter above is labeled “OPEN THIS FIRST” and contains the instructions.
I then slotted all the letters into the envelopes, labelled them, then bundled them all together with the “OPEN THIS FIRST” letter on top to make sure she saw it first.
And that’s it! It’s creative yet simple to execute, though it may take a bit of time, I admit. But it’s really fun to do, though, so it’s totally worth it! I think I’m gonna do more of these for other people, even including myself! 😛
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For more birthday surprise ideas, check this and this.
This is an AWESOME idea
This is a super cute idea. I definitely want to do this one day!
This is such a great idea! I am sure your best friend will love this and cherish all those letters!
This is an amazing idea! x
Such a great idea, perfect for cost saving too!<br />I've always wanted to do something like this just incase i accidentally die or something, but i can never get my brain to work when i think "What would i want to say if i was dead" because then my brain is all, "well you're dead so you can't say anything, you should probably think about what you would want to say if
Wow, I love this idea so much! I really want to do this for one of my best friends one day, it`s so original and proves that you have put a lot of time and effort into the present.
Steal away! 😀
Haha, eww creep. Totes kidding. I'll pop in and say hey if my travels ever bring me to Singapore! You can show me around and we'll get cornettos and stuff 🙂
Sounds like a great plan! 😀
Hi Dee! Happy New Year (Yeah… I'm late to blogging world this year..) What a wonderful present! I would absolutely love this. Ergo, you are now my BFF and my birthday is in April 😛 x
What an incredibly thoughtful gift! I'm sure your BFF will enjoy these letters forever.
Happy new year, BFF! LOL. xx
Thanks Megan! I hope she will. 🙂
This is an amazing idea! x
This is a super cute idea. I definitely want to do this one day!
Sounds like a great plan! 😀
Haha, eww creep. Totes kidding. I'll pop in and say hey if my travels ever bring me to Singapore! You can show me around and we'll get cornettos and stuff 🙂
This is an AWESOME idea
Steal away! 😀
This is such a great idea! I am sure your best friend will love this and cherish all those letters!
Such a great idea, perfect for cost saving too!<br />I've always wanted to do something like this just incase i accidentally die or something, but i can never get my brain to work when i think "What would i want to say if i was dead" because then my brain is all, "well you're dead so you can't say anything, you should probably think about what you would want to say if
Wow, I love this idea so much! I really want to do this for one of my best friends one day, it`s so original and proves that you have put a lot of time and effort into the present.
Hi Dee! Happy New Year (Yeah… I'm late to blogging world this year..) What a wonderful present! I would absolutely love this. Ergo, you are now my BFF and my birthday is in April 😛 x
Happy new year, BFF! LOL. xx
What an incredibly thoughtful gift! I'm sure your BFF will enjoy these letters forever.
Thanks Megan! I hope she will. 🙂