If You Have a Long-Distance Bestie, You Need a “Junk Newsletter” (So Much Better Than Texting!)

Despite all the fun I’ve been having this summer, it feels strange being away from all of my college besties — we’ve all been long-distance since I graduated this past spring. I’m also already thinking about going off to grad school in the fall, so now more than ever, I’m trying to figure out how I’ll stay in touch with all my family and friends.

Keeping up with texts and catching each other on the phone can be tricky, especially with everyone’s different schedules. I know I’ll have to get a little creative to stay connected from afar, so when I saw this idea to exchange “junk newsletters” with your friends and family, I was so into it. 

I learned about the junk newsletter concept when I saw this TikTok video from @emilydoingeverything where the creator opens a June edition. The idea combines junk journaling with a newsletter. If you’re not familiar, a junk journal is a notebook or journal where you can fill its pages with just about anything, including scraps or “junk” you might usually throw away. The hybrid junk newsletter is a monthly recap to send to your loved one, with a crafty twist.

In the video, the June newsletter that this creator’s mom made is decorated with washi tape and colorful gems on the front for pizzazz, and it reads “June News.” Inside the booklet, there are several flaps made of cute patterned paper, one of which lifts to reveal a list of activities this creator’s mom did in June (from thrifting to graduation parties, and a sweet note that says, “I truly miss thrifting with you!”). 

Under the other flap, there is a collage of tokens from a Juneteenth celebration the creator’s mom attended, a list of journaling prompts, pictures of books she’s read recently, and a cute photo. Plus, there are fun stickers all around. 

My favorite thing about the junk newsletter is that it brings back snail mail. It’s such a thoughtful way of letting that person know you’re thinking of them, and it adds a little more excitement to their day. Here’s how to go about starting this cute, crafty tradition with your friends or family (perfect to do before you leave for school in the fall!):

• Pick a time frame: do biweekly, monthly, quarterly, or whatever works best for you both.
• Set a schedule: decide if you want to send your newsletters around the same time, or keep it flexible (and make it a surprise!). 
• Gather supplies: use paper, envelopes, stamps, markers, stickers, gems, and any other crafty add-ons you’d like. 

Now it’s time to get creative! Make your junk newsletter and send it off to your long-distance loved ones. If you’re stumped on what to include in your first one here are a few ideas:

• Print out pictures from that month.
• Write a list of songs you’ve been listening to on repeat.
• Include scraps from places you’ve traveled. 
• Tell them the movies, shows, and books you’ve been hooked on.
• List out your five favorite things you did this month.
• Share some yummy things you’ve been eating. 
• Tell them your favorite classes and your schedule. 
• Include visual representation of any hobbies you’ve been interested in.