OPEN WHEN LETTERS FOR FRIENDS: THOUGHTFUL AND MEANINGFUL IDEAS
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“Open When” letters have become wildly popular over the years and rightfully so!
What is an “Open When” letter you ask?
“Open When” letters are a gift idea that typically includes a note you create in advance for a specific moment or event in a loved one’s life.
For example, “Open When…. you’re having a bad day,” or “Open When…you need a good laugh,” or “Open When…you finish taking your final exams.”
The options are endless because there are so many life events or feelings you can use for your letters.
While notes are the most popular option for “Open When” letters, you can also take it a step further and include small gifts and activities for a little razzle dazzle!
As an intentional friend, these are wonderful letters to give and receive because it’s a gift that exemplifies effort and thoughtfulness.
If you’d like to make these letters for a friend but you need ideas of what to put inside of them, or what you can add with them, you’re in the right place!
This blog post is here to help you put together “Open When” letters for your friends that they will love, appreciate, and never forget.
Open When Letter Ideas
Here are 50 “Open" When” letter topics with over 100 recommendations of what you can do or include in your meaningful gift.
1| Open When…you need a good laugh!
Print out memes.
Print out jokes (knock-knock jokes, dad jokes, inside jokes, etc.).
Recommend a comedy special on a streaming platform.
2| Open When…you need something to listen to.
Provide recommendations for podcasts.
Create a playlist of her favorite songs and send it to her once she’s opened the letter (an alternative is to make the playlist public and provide instructions on how she can find it).
3| Open When…you miss me!
Include a picture of the two of you in a frame or a keychain.
Write out a quote or a familiar phrase of something you would say that would make her smile.
Create a Friendship Love Letter (check out the blog post THE 5-PART FRIENDSHIP LOVE LETTER to help you craft the perfect message).
4| Open When…you’re distracted.
Create a template/word document/note with the following sections:
An area to list the goal your friend is trying to achieve
An area to list 3 reasons why it’s important to her
An area to describe the distraction
An area for her to write a single action step she can do to get back on track
5| Open When…you feel like being creative.
Include a small spool of yarn and a beginner’s crochet needle.
Print out a picture for her to color (you can even get a customized picture created, check out Etsy).
Give her a small bag of beads, beading wire/cord/thread, a crimp bead, and a clasp, for a DIY bracelet-making kit.
6| Open When…you want to be mentally challenged.
Print out a Sudoku puzzle (check out Krazydad.com).
Print out riddles (check out Pinterest or use Google).
Recommend brain game apps (like Lumosity).
7| Open When…you moved into your new apartment.
Print out a new apartment essentials checklist.
Give her a gift card to a department or furniture store (Target, T.J. Maxx HomeGoods, Lowes, etc.).
8| Open When…it’s your first day on your new job.
Write her a letter of encouragement letting her know how qualified she is for her new position.
Get her a small gift related to her new job (e.g., Getting a planner for an event coordinator).
9| Open When…you’re feeling insecure.
Create a jar of self-love affirmations.
Print out pictures of her that you think are beautiful and write compliments on the back of them.
10| Open When…you need some motivation.
Write out famous or inspiring quotes on post-it notes (non-stick).
List out some of her accomplishments to remind her that she’s more than capable of achieving this new goal.
11| Open When…you need a prayer.
Include a prayer covering your friend (write one yourself or find one online).
Buy her prayer cards (check out the Promises From God for Women Cards).
12| Open When…you need a word from God.
Recommend different sermons to turn to either on YouTube or a Podcast.
Share sermon notes that you have that will bless her.
Gift her a devotional book (check out Joyce Meyer’s Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions).
13| Open When…you’re feeling sick.
Make her a “get well” kit with the following:
Cough drops
Travel-size packs of headache medicine
Liquid IV packs
Packs of Emergenc-C
A small bottle of hand sanitizer
14| Open When…you find out your pregnant.
Gift her a Pregnancy journal (check out Expecting You — A Keepsake Pregnancy Journal).
Give her first-time mom books and blog recommendations (if applicable).
15| Open When…you want to create a savings goal.
Make her a savings goal tracker (DIY or find one online, check Pinterest).
Money! (It doesn’t have to be a lot).
16| Open When…you feel lonely.
Provide a small scrapbook or photo album with a dozen or so pictures of the special people in your friend’s life.
17| Open When…you forgot your lunch.
Include a gift card to a restaurant she likes.
18| Open When…you’re grieving.
Write her a heartfelt note letting her know you are there for her in whatever capacity she needs you to be. Note that you want to respect her space and don’t want to be overbearing, but if needed, that you are only a call away.
Gift her small things that provide comfort like a candle or a mug with hot chocolate packets.
19| Open When…you accomplish an important goal.
Get her a card celebrating/congratulating her (you can also make a customized card on Shutterfly).
Include a small gift related to the goal (e.g. for a weight-loss goal, buy her a BlenderBottle for her pre-workout or protein shakes).
20| Open When…you’re bored.
Create a personalized crossword puzzle for her (check out PuzzleMaker.com).
Create a social media scavenger hunt for her. (For example, “On your celebrity crush’s Instagram, what designer did they wear on the red carpet to the Espys”).
You can decide if you want to give her a prize or not for completion.
21| Open When… you want to have some fun.
Give her a gift card to do something fun (e.g. skating, bowling, or a PlanttNite class).
Include a small piece of pottery or canvas, small bottles of primary color paint, and a pack of paintbrushes for a paint night at home.
22| Open When…you need some self-care.
Gift her Individually wrapped face masks.
Gift her a bottle of nail polish and a nail filer.
Gift her a certificate for a massage.
23| Open When…you need a date night idea.
Write out these date ideas on a card for her:
Make homemade pizza together
Go on a walk somewhere scenic and have a mini photoshoot
Go to a local event (use apps like Eventbrite to find out what’s going on in your city)
Order your favorite takeout and play the card game Let’s Get Deep
24| Open When…you can’t sleep.
Recommend a soothing playlist.
Make her a Brain Dump sheet with the simple journal prompt “What’s on your mind, let’s get it out!”
Include a sleep mask.
25| Open When…it’s your birthday!
Make her a friendship care package (check out this blog post FRIENDSHIP CARE PACKAGE to help you come up with ideas).
26| Open When…you want to reminisce.
Write her a “Remember When” story and include pictures.
27| Open When…you need to make a tough decision.
Make her a Venn diagram so she can do a list of pros and cons.
28| Open When…you don’t feel like going to the gym.
Create a jar of health affirmations.
Print out easy workout plans (check out the blog post FRIENDSHIP & FITNESS for 7 free fitness plans).
29| Open When…you need to do your hair.
Print out hairstyle inspo (check out Pinterest).
Add in bobby pins.
Include cute scrunchies.
30| Open When…it’s a holiday (any holiday she celebrates).
Include a card celebrating that holiday.
Include a holiday-related gift (like if she loves Halloween, get her ghost earrings or pumpkin socks).
31| Open When…you need a ride.
Get her an Uber or Lyft gift card.
32| Open When…you feel overwhelmed.
Make her a devotional prompt and use scriptures for her to reference.
33| Open When…you need to vent.
Buy her a small journal.
Print out Journal prompts for anger, anxiety, fear, etc. (check out Pinterest).
34| Open When…you need a book recommendation.
Include a list of book recommendations.
Gift her a paperback book.
35| Open When…you’re about to travel.
Give her a list of itinerary recommendations.
Get her a customized luggage tag.
Buy her a passport cover.
36| Open When…it’s your lunch break.
Make her a customized word search (check out PuzzleMaker.com).
37| Open When…you want to go on a solo date.
Write out these solo date ideas on a card for her:
Go to a concert
Take a candle-making class
Get a new outfit and a tripod, get dressed up, and take pictures somewhere scenic
38| Open When…you graduate.
Make her a collage that includes pictures of her throughout her school years and her scholastic achievements, and frame it.
39| Open When…you want a cocktail.
Give her a gift card to a local bar.
Include a mini bottle and chaser (e.g., tequila and pineapple juice or champagne and orange juice).
40| Open When…you want to plan a girls trip.
Gift her with the best practical planning book, How to Plan a Girls Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning and Hosting the Best Experience for Intentional Friendships.
41| Open When…someone or something is trying to take you out of your character.
Include a letter celebrating who she is and her core values. Remind her to not give into negativity.
Include a list of who God says she is (chosen, beloved, redeemed, victorious, etc.)
42| Open When…your partner is making you mad.
Include a journal prompt for her to list the reasons why she loves her partner.
Write her a note reminding her to focus on the good of that person and that they are a team. Emphasize the importance of putting their energy into finding a solution together, and not attacking one another.
43| Open When…you’re exhausted.
Send her a note discussing the importance of rest, and why it’s more than okay to do so.
Include tea bags.
Add in a bath bomb or a shower steamer.
44| Open When…you’re afraid to try something new.
Provide TedTalk recommendations on the subject of trying something new.
Write her a note about living boldly and having faith and that no matter what the outcome is, God can use all things for her good.
45| Open When…you feel pretty.
Include a note telling her to take a selfie and to actually post it!
Add in her favorite lip gloss.
Write her a few reminders that she’s that girl!
46| Open When…you need a caption for your IG post.
List these baddie captions for her:
“Got that sugar and the spice”
“All hits, no misses”
Me SZN”
“In my bag”
“Made you look”
47| Open When…you don’t know what to wear.
Print out outfit inspo (check out Pinterest).
Recommend a social media fashion influencer for her to follow for outfit ideas.
48| Open When…you want to have a lazy day.
Give her a gift card for Uber Eats.
Include a list of TV show recommendations.
49| Open When…you want something sweet.
Print out dessert recipes.
Add in small pieces of candy.
50| Open When…you need me.
Write her a reminder note with your phone number, and put “Call or text me and tell me you need me.” And make sure if she messages that to you, that you respond ASAP.
FWI TIP
Make your letters aesthetically pleasing. The girlies love things that are beautiful and post-worthy!
Use colorful markers and pens, cute gift bags and boxes, wrapping paper, ribbons, and all the things to make them super cute and creative.
And if you don’t love your handwriting, like me, don’t be afraid to use Canva or Microsoft Word as an alternative.
Open When Letter Examples
What makes these “Open When” letters great, is that you took the time to tailor them specifically to your friend’s needs, personality, and life events, validating her feelings and supporting her when you cannot do so in person.
It’s a little love in an envelope that tells her, I love you and I am here for you, always!
Have you ever given or received an “Open When” letter? Share some of your favorite ideas below!
