E-mail has not eradicated the need to put pen to paper. According
to Margaret Shepherd, author of
The Art of the Handwritten Note (Broadway Books, $11,
www.amazon.com), letter writing is called for after a job interview or a stay at a
friend's home and when offering condolences. The problem is, you
can't find a card with a matching envelope or a single postage
stamp. The solution is to pick the best tools and keep them
organized — and separate from the rest of your desk clutter.
What's in the Box
Stationery, birthday cards (buy generic cards in
multiples), a pen, first-class stamps (available in books of 20,
www.usps.com), and a self-inking address stamp or address
stickers.
The Address StampA self-inking address stamp, such as the Ideal 50 from Rubber
Stamps Unlimited (in eight-point type, $13,
www.thestampmaker.com), cuts out a tiresome task and gives
envelopes a more polished look.
The StationeryKeep all-purpose cards in ivory, such as the deckle-edged cards
from G. Lalo (5 1/4 by 3 1/2 inches, $6.50 for 10 cards and matching
envelopes,
www.pendemonium.com). For longer notes, stock paper,
like G. Lalo's 5 3/4-by-8 1/4-inch tablet ($18 for 50 sheets and
matching envelopes).
The BoxThe TrueCore Flat Storage Box from Light Impressions (9 by 12 by 3
inches, $10,
www.lightimpressionsdirect.com) is compact enough to
fit in a desk drawer but attractive enough to leave out.
Keep a
drawer organizer, such as the clear Acrylic Office Drawer Organizer
from the Container Store (nine by three by two inches, $5,
www.containerstore.com), in the box to separate pens, stamps, and
the address stamp.
The PenReal Simple road-tested more than two dozen pens, ranging in price
from $2 to $50. The Sanford Uni-Ball Gel Impact ($9 for four,
www.staples.com) was favored for its bold,
smooth ink flow and comfortable grip.
