Who doesn’t adore getting a present, especially when it’s a surprise?
Whether it’s for a birthday, a congratulatory gift to mark passing exams, an engagement or a new job, or simply something to perk spirits up when times are tough, receiving an unexpected something in the post is an easy way to feel seen and appreciated by someone you love.
While posting a surprise is all about good intentions, nothing ruins it faster than finding a missed delivery card instead. That’s why the invention of letterbox gifts is such a welcome one.
Letterbox gifts surged in popularity over lockdown when stay-at-home measures meant we had to find new ways to connect with friends and family who didn’t live under the same roof. As weeks stretched into months, they offered a little lightness amongst grey Groundhog-like days. Fast forward to now and they’re as popular as ever, offering an exciting upgrade to a traditional gift of a card and voucher stuffed into an envelope.
A well-picked gift, wrapped and delivered directly to their door, offers the perfect way to send a gift when you can’t do it in person.
Letterbox flowers are nothing new, and while we would never refuse a fresh bouquet, there are plenty more options for those whose passions go beyond petals.
Think cocktail bar-ready serves, slim beauty boxes and compact afternoon teas that can slide through the letterbox and onto the doormat.
The bonus? They don’t need to be home to sign for their packages as every option listed below should fit through a regular-sized letterbox.
See our favourites below
M&S Colin the Caterpillar™ Letterbox Gift
There's no fictional insect who parties harder than Colin the Caterpillar. He's the guest of honour at any major event - and now he can come through the post too. Whether you're sending him out for a birthday, landmark occasion, or just because, this bundle of caterpillar-inspired food will be a treat for anyone at any age.
Buy now £20.00, M&S
Arena Flowers Letterbox Roses
These flowers will deliver a burst of brightness through your lucky recipient's letterbox. Consisting of a mix of white and yellow roses with greenbell for greenery, this bunch will brighten up their day and should last around a week.
Made with Fairtrade roses, the stems are first treated in a hydration facility before being packed so they can travel without water and still arrive looking pristine.
Buy now £30.00, Arena Flowers
The Letterbox Candles by Floral Street
Bring warm feels to their new home with help from Floral Street. The fragrance brand has this set of vegan scented tealights available for letterbox gifting from Bloom & Wild. Add them into a bouquet for a gift will have them beaming with joy.
Buy now £27.00, Bloom & Wild
Cutter & Squidge Afternoon Tea At Home
Is food your love language? Us too. Send a bundle of Cutter & Squidge joy to your favourite friends and family and spread cheer from afar. The box holds an afternoon tea for two that they can devour at home. It may be mini but joy levels will be off the charts.
Buy now £31.99, Cutter & Squidge
British Letterbox Charcuterie
Now is the time to spoil your favourite people with gourmet treats, and if you want to support British business, try this meaty gourmet hamper award-winning, artisan British charcuterie from The Real Cure.
Each box contains a selection of cured meats: think Hartgrove Coppa, Dorset Aberdeen Angus Bresaola, Pink Peppercorn & Purbeck Cider Salami, Wild Venison Chorizo, Wild Venison Salami and Smoked Sloe and Garlic.
Everything has a minimum shelf life of two months, so your lucky pal can enjoy the foodie treats at their leisure.
Buy now £34.00, NOTHS
Ohh Deer Papergang 'Just Keep Swimming' Stationery Box
For stationers and swimmers, this bright bundle of writing cards, stamps, stickers and pens promises to plunge your friend into an ocean of joy.
Designed by Ohh Deer’s in-house artist, the set brings all the summer feels, meaning it’ll be a welcome gift any time of the year.
Buy now £19.95, Ohh Deer
Letterbox Gifts Pamper Gift Set
We’ve all experienced moments of stress through the last couple of months, so we’re sure the gift of R&R would be a welcome surprise. Everything in this box is designed to help you relax and unwind, from the bath salts to the face mask and a soap bar. There’s also a candle to help you set the mood and a chocolate bar too. Bliss.
Buy now £38.00, Letterbox Gifts
Drinks by the Dram Gin Flavour Selection Tasting Set
Raise spirits from afar with Drinks by the Dram's cute compilation of five miniature gins. Sealed with wax, the 3cl measures offer a taste of the brand's famous flavoured gins spanning Jaffa Cake Gin, Bombay Bramble Gin, Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Gin, and Smoked Rosemary Gin. Delicious.
Buy now £27.00, Fenwick
Moonpig.com Retro Sweets Letterbox Gift
Take them on a trip down memory lane to their childhood corner shop with a box stuffed with confectionery faves.
There's a lot to love in this box from old school Double Dip packets and rolls of Love Hearts and Parma Violets.
We're feeling hyper just thinking about it.
Buy now £14.00, Moonpig.com
M&S Afternoon Tea Letterbox
For lovers of cakes and bakes, M&S letterbox afternoon tea won't fail to hit the sweet spot. Contents include mini cakes including a Victoria sponge, carrot cake, Millionaire's Shortbread and shortbread. It wouldn't be an afternoon tea without a proper brew, so you'll find a pair of teabags in there too.
Buy now £20.00, M&S
Letterbox Gifts Muscle Relaxation Gift Set
Know someone who's been going hard at the gym? Got a pal training for the marathon? Give their muscles a healing hand with this set which aims to soothe tired, overworked muscles. The contents include Himalayan Bath Salts, a steamer to use in the shower, an exercise band to encourage stretching and a pulse point roller to ease pain in pressure points. Oh, and there's a dark chocolate espresso bar in there too. That'll pump them up.
Buy now £40.00, John Lewis
