12 Postcards We Wish We Still Got In The Mail
Ah yes, the glory days of travel before filters and hashtags — when postcards were the original vacation flex. Whether it was a tropical beach, a sleepy mountain town, or the world’s largest ball of twine, postcards captured it all with grainy photos, corny jokes, and a whole lot of heart.
And let’s not forget the distinctive handwriting that somehow made you squint, smile, and wonder how Aunt Linda made every letter look like a secret code. There was just something magical about opening your mailbox and finding a colorful little slice of somewhere else — a mini adventure, stamped and sent with love.
It might’ve said, “Wish you were here,” but what it really meant was, “I thought of you while I was sipping something fruity by the ocean.”
So let’s rewind the clock and flip through 12 postcards we wish we still got in the mail — because snail mail never goes out of style when it’s this charming.
1. “Wish You Were Here” From a Beach Town You’ve Never Heard Of
Ah, the classic ‘Wish You Were Here’ postcard! Picture this: a mysterious beach town with a name you can’t quite pronounce. The faded sunset captured on the front looks like it was painted by a seagull in a hurry. Flip it over, and there’s Aunt Linda’s familiar scrawl.
‘Weather’s great. Ate too much shrimp. Love, Aunt Linda.’ It’s the kind of postcard that makes you wonder, ‘Where on Earth is Aunt Linda?’ and ‘Is there any shrimp left for the rest of us?’ The charm is in the mystery and the slightly questionable photography, making you wish you were there, wherever ‘there’ is.
But let’s be honest, we’re mostly just glad she’s having fun and not sunburned! This postcard is a reminder that sometimes, the best places are the ones you’ve never heard of.
2. The Classic Road Trip Update
Buckle up! Nothing says adventure like a road trip postcard. Route 66, the Grand Canyon, and yes, even the world’s largest ball of twine make it onto this card. Each location screams ‘Are we there yet?’ in the best way possible.
The front is a collage of classic Americana, with just enough kitsch to make you giggle. Open it up to find a scribble: ‘We’re making great time!’ The kind of time where you stop for every giant landmark and still wonder how you got a sunburn through the car window.
These postcards are nostalgia on a 4×6 card, bringing back the days when the journey was just as fun as the destination. Keep these in a shoebox for a rainy day, and remember the joy of pit stops and endless highways.
3. A Camp Postcard From a Kid With Terrible Handwriting
Camp postcards are the original text messages from kids to parents. Imagine receiving a crumpled card with sticky fingerprints, possibly because it was also used to catch a frog. The handwriting might look like it was done by a spider after a long day.
‘Hi Mom. Food is okay. Caught a frog. Miss you (sorta).’ It’s an update that says so much with so little. The beauty is in its simplicity and honesty. You can almost hear the campfire crackling and smell the bug spray. These postcards capture the essence of summer camp—friendships, freedom, and slightly questionable hygiene.
They’re a snapshot of childhood, reminding us that sometimes, the best memories are the messiest ones. Cherish these little pieces of art—they grow up too fast.
4. “Greetings from Las Vegas” in Glitter and Gold
What happens in Vegas…comes back as a postcard! This one’s as loud and flashy as the Strip itself. Imagine receiving a card so glittery you need sunglasses just to read it. ‘Greetings from Las Vegas’ it shouts, with a hint of casino glamour.
You might even catch a whiff of cigarette smoke, adding to its authenticity. It’s the kind of postcard that makes you dream of neon lights and jackpot wins. And maybe a quick Elvis wedding. These postcards are souvenirs of spontaneity and adventure, sent from someone whose wild weekend needs to be shared.
They’re a reminder that sometimes, life’s a gamble, but it’s always worth playing. Hang this one on the fridge and let it sparkle in the kitchen light, even if the closest you get to Vegas is your living room slot machine app.
5. A Cheesy Motel Postcard
For a taste of retro charm, look no further than the motel postcard. The front showcases a blue-tinted pool that screams ‘no diving,’ flanked by empty lounge chairs that promise relaxation. In bold block letters, ‘Air Conditioned!’ because back then, that was the ultimate flex.
These postcards are little pieces of hospitality history, a nod to the days when motels were the go-to stops for weary travelers. They remind you of simpler times when a good night’s sleep and a continental breakfast were all you needed for happiness.
Sure, the decor might be questionable, but the heart was always in the right place. Keep these postcards as a tribute to the roadside inns that welcomed us with open arms and tacky carpets. They’re a slice of Americana served with a side of nostalgia.
6. The European Adventure Flex
Bonjour, adventurer! The European Adventure Flex postcard is your official invitation to envy. Featuring iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Rome’s Colosseum, and Big Ben, it screams ‘I’m cultured!’ Flip it over, and you’ll see ‘Having wine with lunch every day!’ in the sender’s enthusiastic scrawl.
It’s a humblebrag wrapped in a postcard, the perfect way to make everyone wish they were swapping their PB&J for a baguette and brie. European postcards capture the elegance and excitement of exploring historic cities and indulging in life’s finer things.
They’re a testament to wanderlust and the joys of international travel. Keep these postcards as inspiration for your own adventures, or just a reminder that it’s always wine o’clock somewhere. Santé! Share the love and the wanderlust, one postcard at a time.
7. The Hand-Painted Small Town Scene
Welcome to the most charming postcard in the collection—a hand-painted small-town scene. Imagine a quaint New England main street, surrounded by fall foliage in a riot of reds and golds. Not a person in sight, just the quiet beauty of a town that time forgot. These postcards are the epitome of coziness, a warm hug in card form.
They bring a sense of peace and nostalgia for a simpler time, even if you’ve never visited. It’s the kind of card that makes you want to pull on a sweater and curl up with a good book. These artistic snapshots are keepsakes of serenity and the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle without leaving home.
Hang it on your wall and let it transport you to a place where the only thing that matters is the rustle of leaves underfoot.
8. National Park Majesty
Take a hike through postcard perfection with the National Park Majesty card. Featuring a bear casually strolling, a majestic mountain, and a sunset over a pristine lake, it’s nature at its finest. ‘You’d love it here!’ the sender assures, as if the scene wasn’t enough to convince you.
It’s a reminder of the wild beauty waiting to be explored, even if the sender’s closest encounter was a squirrel stealing their sandwich. National park postcards capture the spirit of adventure and the awe of natural wonders.
They’re a testament to the great outdoors and the memories made while hiking trails and roasting marshmallows. Keep these postcards to inspire your next adventure or simply as a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a couch explorer, these cards bring the wilderness to you.
9. The Weather Rub-In
Feeling chilly? Not with the Weather Rub-In postcard! Straight from sunny Florida, this card features a poolside lounger and swaying palm trees. ‘Hope it’s not snowing back home!’ it cheekily remarks, as you wrap yourself in yet another layer. It’s an unapologetic display of sunshine envy, and who can blame them?
These postcards are a sunny splash of humor, a reminder that somewhere, someone is getting a tan while you’re shoveling snow. Keep these cards as motivation to book your next vacation or just to remind yourself that warmth is always a flight away.
Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches or just want to escape the chill, these postcards bring a little sunshine into your mailbox. They’re proof that sometimes, a little jealousy is the best travel inspiration. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
10. A Souvenir Postcard Sent to Your Dog
Who says postcards are just for humans? Introducing the Souvenir Postcard for your furry friend! Addressed to Sparky, Fluffy, or whichever name your lovable pooch answers to, this card is a tail-wagging delight.
Decorated with paw doodles and a message from Grandma saying, ‘Tell Sparky I miss his cuddles!’ it’s a testament to the special bond between pets and their people. These postcards are a playful reminder that love knows no bounds, not even species.
They’re a fun way to include your four-legged family members in the travel excitement and give them something to sniff other than the mailman. Keep these postcards as a cherished memento of the love and joy pets bring into our lives. After all, who else would run to the door with such excitement over a piece of paper? Bone appétit!
11. The Retro Joke Card
Get ready to chuckle with the Retro Joke Card, a postcard that brings humor with a vintage twist. Featuring a 1950s housewife illustration with the caption ‘I childproofed the house, but they still got in,’ it’s a delightful throwback to snarky humor.
These postcards are all about embracing the lighter side of life, giving you a reason to smile with every read. Perfect for sending to friends who appreciate a good giggle, or keeping for yourself as a reminder not to take things too seriously. Retro joke cards are a blend of nostalgia and wit, capturing the essence of a time when humor was simple and laughter was the best medicine.
Stick them on your fridge for a daily dose of joy and remember: it’s okay to laugh at life’s little challenges. After all, who needs a perfect home when you’ve got a perfect joke?
12. The Long-Distance Love Note
Love knows no distance, especially with the Long-Distance Love Note postcard. This card is sealed with a heart and a short but sweet message: ‘Counting the days ’til I see you.’ It’s the kind of postcard that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, even if your loved one is miles away.
These postcards are a testament to the power of love and the anticipation of being reunited. They’re perfect for slipping into a suitcase or surprising someone in their mailbox, a small gesture with a big impact. Keep these postcards as a token of affection, and remember that love always finds a way.
Whether it’s a long-distance relationship or just a reminder of someone special, these cards capture the beauty of connection. It’s proof that sometimes, a few words are all you need to bridge the gap. Love, delivered.