Part 2 — Sending Your First Postcards & Becoming Part of the Community

 

Your First Five Postcards

Congratulations! After creating your Postcrossing account, you're ready to send your very first postcards.

Most new members begin by requesting up to five addresses. Once your postcards reach their destinations and are registered, you'll gradually unlock the ability to send more cards simultaneously.

This system keeps the exchange fair and ensures that everyone both sends and receives mail.

Beginner tip:
Don't rush to send dozens of postcards at once. Focus on making your first few cards thoughtful and enjoyable. The quality of your experience matters much more than speed.

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Choosing the Perfect Postcard

One of the questions every beginner asks is:

"What kind of postcards do people actually enjoy receiving?"

The good news is that almost everyone appreciates a beautiful postcard.

However, after millions of exchanges, certain themes have become especially popular within the Postcrossing community.

Nature

Forests, mountains, lakes, flowers, sunsets, wildlife, and peaceful landscapes are timeless favorites.

Nature postcards are appreciated almost everywhere because they feel calming and universal.

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Cities & Architecture

Many collectors enjoy postcards showing:

• famous landmarks
• historic streets
• local architecture
• castles
• bridges
• charming cafés
• bookstores
• beautiful neighborhoods

People love discovering new places.

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Animals

Cats remain one of the most requested postcard themes worldwide.

Other popular choices include:

• birds
• foxes
• owls
• hedgehogs
• rabbits
• bees
• butterflies
• whales
• dogs

Cute or artistic animal illustrations almost always find appreciative recipients.

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Art Postcards

Fine art has become one of the strongest categories in modern Postcrossing.

Collectors actively seek postcards featuring:

• classic paintings
• impressionism
• watercolor illustrations
• botanical art
• vintage artwork
• museum collections
• contemporary illustrators

Beautiful artwork often becomes part of personal collections rather than simply being stored away.

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Seasonal Postcards

Holiday and seasonal cards are exchanged throughout the year.

Popular themes include:

• spring flowers
• summer vacations
• autumn leaves
• winter landscapes
• Christmas
• Halloween
• Easter

Many members even mention favorite seasons in their profiles.

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Cute & Cozy Illustrations

One of the biggest trends in 2026 is the popularity of cozy illustrations.

Examples include:

• reading by the window
• coffee and pastries
• bookstores
• gardens
• cottage life
• tea time
• rainy afternoons
• handwritten letters
• peaceful interiors

These illustrations evoke warmth, comfort, and nostalgia—qualities that resonate strongly within the Postcrossing community.

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Die-Cut & Shaped Postcards

Unique postcard shapes immediately attract attention.

Instead of traditional rectangles, many collectors love postcards shaped like:

• butterflies
• bees
• fruit jars
• pies
• flowers
• food
• animals

These stand out in any mailbox and often become treasured keepsakes.

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Read the Recipient's Profile Carefully

This is perhaps the single most important rule in Postcrossing.

Every member writes a profile explaining what they enjoy receiving.

For example, someone might say:

• "I love trains."
• "Please don't send advertising postcards."
• "I collect cats."
• "I enjoy vintage illustrations."
• "Nature photography is my favorite."

Whenever possible, choose a postcard that matches their interests.

It isn't mandatory—but it makes receiving your card much more meaningful.

People genuinely notice when you've taken the time to read their profile.

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What Should You Write?

Many beginners worry about writing the perfect message.

Fortunately, perfection isn't expected.

A simple, sincere note is always enough.

Here are a few ideas:

• Tell them about today's weather.
• Share something interesting about your city.
• Mention your favorite book.
• Recommend a local dish.
• Describe what you did today.
• Tell a small story from your week.
• Explain why you chose this postcard.

Even three or four thoughtful sentences can create a memorable connection.

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Don't Forget the Postcrossing ID

Every address you receive includes a unique registration code.

It usually looks like this:

UA-1234567

Write it clearly on the postcard.

Without this ID, the recipient cannot register your postcard, meaning neither of you receives credit for the exchange.

Many experienced members write the ID twice just in case part of the card becomes damaged during transit.

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Choosing Beautiful Stamps

For many collectors, stamps are just as exciting as postcards.

Whenever possible, choose commemorative or artistic stamps rather than ordinary definitive stamps.

Themes that collectors especially enjoy include:

• birds
• flowers
• space
• famous artists
• architecture
• animals
• folklore
• national culture

Beautiful stamps transform the entire postcard into a miniature piece of mail art.

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Packaging Is Not Necessary

One of the wonderful things about Postcrossing is that postcards travel openly through the postal system.

No envelopes are needed.

The stamps, postmarks, and small marks collected during the journey become part of the postcard's unique story.

Many collectors actually prefer postcards that clearly show signs of having traveled across the world.

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Coming Next

Part 3 will cover:

• Common beginner mistakes
• Postcrossing etiquette
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Advanced tips for receiving more favorite postcards
• Final checklist before mailing
• Call-to-Action