Life hands us a few treasured moments: a wedding, the birth of a child, a milestone anniversary, a sweet success. If you’re having trouble finding a gift that does justice to both the event and the recipient, the answer might be right there in black-and-white (and read over and over).

“A letter can become a treasured keepsake — a permanent, tangible reference that the recipient may revisit again and again,” says Lilia Fallgatter, author of The Most Important Letter You Will Ever Write (Inspirit, $12, www.amazon.com). “And you may be able to write things that you aren’t comfortable saying face-to-face.” If you’ve ever received this type of letter — from Mom at summer camp, from your new love during your first time apart — you know the goose bumps it can bring. So think of those shivers and let them inspire you. In an era of camera phones and giant flat-screen TVs, this is one instance when a thousand words (or maybe just a hundred) can be worth much more than any picture.

Getting Started

Experiencing writer’s block? Try these tips from Lilia Fallgatter.

Create a list of shared memories and admirable qualities of the person. These can make up the bulk of your letter.

Find the right place and the right time to write. If you’re not in the mood, don’t force it; something will inspire you eventually.

Try writing a draft or two of the letter before you commit it to your good stationery.

If the words don’t come flooding out, short and sweet is fine.