Letter-Writing Set: A good excuse to put something lovely in the post

Give them room to say what they mean

Start with how they write. A small illustrated sheet is well suited to a thank-you note, while a longer letter benefits from a larger clear area. Lines can be helpful; an unruled page gives more freedom for drawings, changing handwriting or an extra paragraph.

What is actually in the box?

The large piece count on a listing can include stickers, seals and decorative extras. Compare the number of writing sheets and matching envelopes first, then consider whether the box will keep them flat between uses.

• Check the paper dimensions and whether the design is printed on one or both sides.

• Look at how the paper folds into the supplied envelopes.

• Treat a pen, postage stamps and sealing wax as separate unless the contents list includes them.

A personal way to mark a paper anniversary

For a first wedding anniversary, stationery offers a useful paper gift with room for your own contribution. You might put one handwritten letter in the box and leave the rest untouched. If choosing the first message is part of the pleasure for the recipient, the complete unopened set may be the better present.

A photo album suits someone who would rather arrange pictures than write letters. For everyday notes that stay with the writer, a journal is a different, useful choice.

Pretty paper still needs to write well

Read the paper details if they use a wet-writing pen: weight alone does not tell you whether ink will spread or show through. Heavy decoration, fragrance or dark printing can also get in the way of a comfortable writing area. A restrained set they will use is often more welcome than a beautiful box that stays on a shelf.