Stationery chosen with British desks, A4 binders and the September school term in mind
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Cards & envelopes

A handwritten card still lands differently from a text. Here's how to pick the card, the envelope and the right size for the post.

Envelope sizes, decoded

UK envelopes follow the ISO "C" series, which is designed to fit the matching A-size paper.

EnvelopeSizeFits
C4229 × 324mmA4 sheet, unfolded
C5162 × 229mmA5 sheet or A4 folded once
C6114 × 162mmA6 card or A4 folded twice (in half, then half again)
DL110 × 220mmA4 folded into thirds (the standard letter fold)

Greetings cards come in many sizes, and square cards need square envelopes. Royal Mail prices post by size and weight (Letter, Large Letter and parcels), and square or unusually shaped envelopes may cost more to send, so it's worth checking before you post a stack of invitations.

Build a card drawer

  • A pack of blank cards for any occasion
  • Thank-you cards (weddings, teachers, interviews)
  • Birthday cards for the people you always forget
  • A book of first and second class stamps
  • A good pen that doesn't smudge on glossy card

Cards and envelopes to browse

Blank greetings cards

Plain or illustrated cards left blank inside, so one box covers birthdays, sympathy, congratulations and just-because.

Shop now for Blank greetings cards

Thank-you cards

Packs of notecards for teachers, wedding guests, hosts and anyone who has gone out of their way.

Shop now for Thank-you cards

Writing paper sets

Matching sheets and envelopes for proper letters. Choose heavier paper if you write with a fountain pen.

Shop now for Writing paper sets

Writing a card that feels personal

Start with the person, not the occasion: mention something specific you've shared or noticed. Keep it short; three or four sentences is plenty. If your handwriting drifts, lightly pencil a baseline and rub it out once the ink is dry. For the ink itself, a fine fountain pen or 0.5mm gel pen suits most card stock, though very glossy cards may need a quick-drying pen.

Browse another drawer

Notebooks & Journals Pens Pencils Planners & Diaries Desk Accessories Filing & Organisation Art & Sketch School Supplies Office Essentials Washi Tape & Stickers Gifts for Stationery Lovers

Not sure where to start? Our paper weights guide and fountain pen guide are good first reads.