Top 50 Secrets to Keeping a Penpal Friendship Strong

Maintaining a pen pal friendship can be challenging, but it’s worth it!

This guide has compiled a list of 50 creative ways to keep your pen pal friendship alive and exciting.

From exchanging gifts and setting goals and challenges for each other to planning virtual hangouts, there are many ways to stay connected and keep the bond strong.

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Whether you’re just starting or have been friends for years, these tips will help you make the most of your pen pal friendship.

If you are starting, check out our guide, How to Find a Pen Pal, where we show you eight proven strategies for finding the perfect pen friend.

1. Write letters or emails regularly and consistently

Writing letters or emails regularly and consistently is a great way to maintain a pen pal friendship.

It helps keep the relationship alive by providing a regular source of communication and allowing you to stay up-to-date on each other’s lives.

Check out our Guide on The Importance of Communication in Pen Pal Friendships, which goes into more detail, including tips and benefits.

2. Ask questions and show genuine interest in your pen pal’s life

Asking questions and showing genuine interest in your pen pal’s life is crucial to maintaining a solid friendship.

It helps you get to know each other better and shows that you care about their experiences and feelings.

Check out our guide on How to Unlock your Pen Pals Personality Using These 20 Questions and find out what makes your Pen Pal tick.

3. Share updates about your own life and experiences

Sharing updates about your life and experiences is a great way to keep your pen pal informed and involved.

It helps you stay connected and can provide a sense of shared experiences and understanding.

4. Exchange photos or small gifts to add a personal touch

Exchanging photos or small gifts can add a personal touch to your pen pal friendship and help you feel closer to each other.

It’s fun to share a part of yourself and show your appreciation for the friendship.

5. Set goals or challenges for each other to complete

Setting goals or challenges for each other can be a fun and rewarding way to maintain a pen pal friendship.

It can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment and help you learn and grow together.

6. Collaborate on a project or hobby together

Collaborating on a project or hobby can be a great way to bond and stay connected. It provides a shared interest and can be a fun and creative outlet for both of you.

7. Play games or do activities together, such as crosswords or drawing

Playing games or doing activities together, such as crosswords or drawing, can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend time together and keep friendships alive.

It’s a great way to have fun and positively challenge each other.

8. Plan a visit to meet in person

Planning a visit to meet in person is a great way to strengthen a pen pal friendship.

It allows you to experience each other’s cultures and surroundings and can provide an opportunity for deeper personal connections.

9. Share articles, books, or other media recommendations

Sharing articles, books, or other media recommendations is a great way to stay connected and learn from each other.

 It can provide new perspectives and ideas and serve as a shared source of entertainment.

Use video chat or phone calls to connect face-to-face

10. Use video chat or phone calls to connect face-to-face

Using video chat or phone calls to connect face-to-face can be a great way to maintain a pen pal friendship.

It allows for more personal and spontaneous conversations and can help you feel closer to each other.

11. Plan a virtual hangout using a platform like Skype or Zoom

Planning a virtual hangout utilizing a platform like Skype or Zoom is a great way to stay connected and spend time together, even if you can’t be in the same place.

It’s a fun and convenient way to hang out and catch up.

12. Send postcards from your travels

Sending postcards from your travels is a fun and personal way to share your experiences and keep your pen pal updated on your adventures.

It’s a great way to stay connected and show your appreciation for the friendship.

13. Share recipes and try cooking the same dish together

Sharing recipes and trying to cook the same dish together can be a fun and unique way to bond and spend time together.

It’s a great way to learn about each other’s cultures and try new things together.

14. Exchange music or movie recommendations

Exchanging music or movie recommendations is a great way to discover new artists or films and share your favorites.

15. Write letters using different writing prompts or themes

Writing letters using different writing prompts or themes can be a fun and creative way to keep things exciting and inspire new ideas.

It’s a great way to challenge each other’s creativity and try new things.

If you are new to penpalling, check out The Essential Guide to Pen Pal Letter Writing for Beginners; it’s a great place to start with lots of tips and tricks.

16. Make a scrapbook or collage to share with each other

Making a scrapbook or collage to share can be a fun and personal way to document your friendship and share your memories.

It’s a great way to show appreciation for the relationship and keep it alive.

17. Participate in a language exchange to practice each other’s language skills

Participating in a language exchange to practice each other’s language skills can be a fun and educational way to learn a new language.

18. Share your cultural traditions and experiences

Sharing your cultural traditions and experiences is a great way to learn about each other and deepen your connection.

It helps to create a sense of understanding and appreciation for each other’s cultures.

19. Offer support and encouragement to each other

Offering support and encouragement is a great way to strengthen the bond and create a positive and supportive environment.

Whether you face a challenge or need a boost, having a supportive pen pal can make all the difference.

20. Write letters using different writing styles or formats, such as poetry or a diary entry

Writing letters using different styles or formats, such as poetry or a diary entry, can be a fun and creative way to mix things up and keep the relationship interesting.

It helps to inspire creativity and to keep the conversation flowing.

21. Play online games or puzzles together

Playing online games or puzzles is a great way to spend time and have fun together. It can be fun to stay connected and keep the relationship strong.

22. Share your favorite quotes or words of wisdom

Sharing your favorite quotes or words of wisdom is a great way to inspire and motivate each other. Whether you are sharing your favorites or introducing your pen pal to something new, this is a great way to exchange ideas and stay connected.

23. Write letters by hand or type them up to mix things up

Writing letters by hand or typing them up to mix things up is a great way to keep the relationship fresh and interesting.

It helps to add a personal touch and makes each letter feel special.

24. Share your creative works, such as stories or artwork

Sharing your creative works, such as stories or artwork, is an excellent way to bond and share your passions and talents. It is a great way to inspire and support each other’s creative endeavors.

25. Exchange book or movie reviews

Exchanging book or movie reviews is a great way to discover new things and share your thoughts and opinions. It helps keep the conversation flowing and the relationship fresh and exciting.

26. Share your favorite memes or jokes

Sharing your favorite memes or jokes is a fun and lighthearted way to stay connected and have a good laugh together.

It is a great way to keep things light and inject humor into the relationship.

27. Plan a long-distance date, such as a virtual movie night or game night

Planning a long-distance date, such as a virtual movie night or game night, is a great way to have fun together and feel connected even when you are apart.

It is a great way to make the most of your time together and create lasting memories.

28. Share your goals and aspirations for the future

Sharing your goals and aspirations for the future is a great way to motivate and inspire each other.

Whether you are working towards a common goal or supporting each other’s aspirations, this is a great way to stay connected and support each other’s growth.

29. Offer advice or help with a problem your pen pal is facing

Offering advice or help with an issue your pen pal is facing is a great way to show your support and to be there for each other.

Whether you offer advice or listen, offering a shoulder to lean on is a great way to strengthen the bond and create a positive and supportive environment.

30. Write letters using different stationery or paper to add a personal touch

Write letters using different stationery or paper to add a personal touch

Writing letters using different stationery or paper to add a personal touch is a great way to make each letter feel special and add a personal touch to the relationship.

It can be a fun and creative way to mix things up and keep the relationship interesting.

31. Plan a virtual field trip or tour together

Planning a virtual field trip or tour together is a great way to explore new places and learn about different cultures.

It can be a fun and educational way to spend time together and keep the relationship strong.

32. Share your favorite podcasts or listen to them together

Sharing your favorite podcasts or listening to them together is a great way to stay up to date on current events and discover new ideas.

33. Exchange self-care tips and support each other’s mental health

Exchanging self-care tips and supporting each other’s mental health is an important way to show your support and create a positive environment.

Whether you are sharing self-care routines or offering words of encouragement, this is a great way to strengthen the bond and help each other thrive.

34. Share your favorite hobbies or activities

Sharing your favorite hobbies or activities is a great way to bond and discover new things. It is a great way to share your passions and inspire others to try new things.

Write letters using a theme, such as a specific holiday or season

35. Write letters using a theme, such as a certain holiday or season

Writing letters using a theme, such as a specific holiday or season, is a great way to mix things up and keep the relationship interesting.

It helps to inspire creativity and to keep the conversation flowing.

36. Share your travel experiences and plan future trips together

Sharing your travel experiences and planning future trips together is a great way to explore new places and to bond. It is a great way to dream about future adventures and make the most of your time together.

37. Write letters using different writing prompts to inspire creativity

Writing letters using different writing prompts to inspire creativity is a great way to mix things up and keep the relationship interesting.

It helps to inspire creativity and to keep the conversation flowing.

38. Share your favorite recipes and cooking tips

Sharing your favorite recipes and cooking tips is a great way to bond and share your love of food. It is a great way to discover new dishes and try new things together.

39. Exchange art or craft supplies and create something together

Exchanging art or craft supplies and creating something together is a fun and creative way to bond and share your talents and interests.

It is a great way to inspire and support each other’s creative endeavors.

40. Plan a virtual exercise or yoga session together

Planning a virtual exercise or yoga session together is a great way to stay healthy and bond. It is a fun and healthy way to spend time together and support each other’s wellness goals.

41. Share your favorite quotes or passages from literature

Sharing your favorite quotes or passages from literature is a great way to exchange ideas and inspire each other.

Whether you are sharing your favorites or introducing your pen pal to something new, this is a great way to stay connected and keep the relationship strong.

42. Write letters using different writing styles or formats, such as a letter to your future self

Writing letters using different styles or formats, such as a letter to your future self, is a great way to mix things up and keep the relationship interesting.

43. Share your favorite songs or playlists

Sharing your favorite songs or playlists is a great way to discover new music and share your passions. It is a great way to stay connected and have fun together.

44. Exchange self-care or wellness products and try them out together

Exchanging self-care or wellness products and trying them together is a great way to bond and support each other’s wellness goals.

It is a fun and healthy way to spend time together and try out new products.

45. Plan a virtual movie marathon or TV show binge-watching session

Planning a virtual movie marathon or TV show binge-watching session is a great way to have a shared experience and stay connected.

It is a fun and entertaining way to spend time together and create lasting memories.

46. Share your favorite podcasts or listen to them together

Sharing your favorite podcasts or listening to them together is a great way to stay up to date on current events and discover new ideas.

47. Write letters using different themes, such as a specific time period or place

Writing letters using different themes, such as a specific period in time or place, is a great way to mix things up and keep the relationship interesting.

48. Exchange gardening tips and share updates on your own gardens

Exchanging gardening tips and sharing updates on your gardens is an excellent way to bond and learn from each other.

Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting, you can share tips and techniques, recommend plants and tools, and share photos and updates on your garden’s progress.

It’s a fun and rewarding way to connect and learn more about a shared hobby.

49. Share your daily or weekly routine with your pen pal to keep each other updated on your lives

Sharing your daily or weekly routine with your pen pal is a great way to keep each other updated on your lives and to feel connected.

It can help to create a sense of familiarity and understanding between you and can help to keep the conversation flowing.

Whether you are sharing your work or school schedule, your hobbies and activities, or your daily routines and tasks, sharing this information can help to create a sense of closeness and can help to keep the relationship strong.

50. Write letters using different writing instruments, such as pens, pencils, or markers

Writing letters using different instruments can add a unique and personal touch to your communication with your pen pal.

For example, you could try using pens with different colors, nib sizes, or pencils with different lead hardness.

You could also experiment with markers or brush pens for a more artistic touch. Not only is this a fun way to mix things up, but it can also add an extra level of personalization and creativity to your letters.

51. Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining a pen pal friendship requires effort and dedication, but it is a rewarding experience.

Whether you’re just starting or have been friends for years, these 50 creative ideas can help you keep your pen pal friendship solid and exciting.

From exchanging gifts and setting goals and challenges for each other to planning virtual hangouts and sharing articles and media recommendations, there are many ways to stay connected and bond with your pen pal.

So don’t let distance or busyness get in the way of your friendship – use these tips to keep your pen pal friendship alive and thriving!