There’s nothing like bookish swag. When an author sends a printed Advance Reader Copy (ARC) or a book that I’ve won, sometimes they tuck little extras in with it. It’s often swag, like a bookmark or some other item. And sometimes, the author or sender gets creative with the package by giving it a pretty wrapper, bow, or even an attractive mailer. But coming up with new swag ideas that are fun, flat, and frugal isn’t easy.

Fun and frugal make sense for obvious reasons. But flat? Why? I remember writing to pen pals back when I was much (much!) younger. Getting a letter always made my day. We would write letters using fun stationery, and include pictures or cards, and we’d add doodles or use elaborate handwriting. What was the one thing we never sent? Items. Why? Because it was too expensive. Things haven’t become any cheaper since those days of pen pal writing (which I know dates me, but there was something special about getting real mail that someone wrote by hand. I text and DM, but it’s not as special. Anyway…)

So what are the rules and regulations concerning postage? Currently, a first-class stamp costs $0.73. For each additional ounce, it costs an extra $0.28. There are quite a few guidelines for parcels. An envelope is considered a parcel if it’s thicker than ¼” and weighs more than 3.5 ounces. If the contents are too inflexible to go through the machine, the package is considered a parcel. And last, if it’s non-rectangular, rigid, or lumpy, it’s considered a parcel.

Shipping parcels internationally is prohibitively expensive. A simple, under-one-ounce letter going to New Zealand costs $1.25—not terrible, but the heavier it gets, the more costly it becomes. And a letter will cost more or less depending on the country it’s heading to.

So now that USPS requirements are out of the way, it’s easy to see why flat swag is the easiest route to take to reward readers. It ships internationally without too much cost, it works for giveaways, preorder gifts, newsletter thank-yous, and Patreon perks, and readers appreciate it.

What flat swag ideas could you come up with to put in those envelopes to say thanks or delight readers? Once you’ve tucked in a bookmark or two, it’s difficult to create unique ideas that are under ¼” thick.

Here are 20 ideas that are flat, lightweight, easily mailable (fits in a standard envelope) *, and inexpensive.

*It’s possible to purchase big 5”x7” envelopes. I used them for my last launch team and since they’re bigger, everything fit inside neatly.

 

Bookishly Themed: Stickers/Bookmarks/Cards

1. Stickers: art, quotes, or genre-themed designs (vinyl or paper); series-themed packs
2. Bookmarks: printed with book covers, links, quotes, or series art (i.e., “collect all 5 bookmarks!”)
3. Temporary tattoos: runes, symbols, logos, or insignias from your fictional world
4. Mini Button Pins (w/ cardboard backing): still fits in padded envelope if thin
5. Custom Stationery/Notepaper: themed around a faction, planet, or society
6. Author Signature Plates: printed stickers readers can use to “autograph” their copy
7. Quote Cards: high-impact quotes from the book with stylized backgrounds

World Building: Maps/Character Cards/Lore

8. Character cards: like trading cards with stats, art and bios
9. Exclusive Short Story Cards: QR code or URL linked to a digital-only bonus scene
10. World Map Prints: folded or postcard-sized fantasy/sci-fi maps
11. Die-cut Shapes: flat cutouts of spaceships, family pets, magical objects
12. Foil Seals or Stamps: “official” guild seals, royal emblems, or rebel insignias

Interactive Elements: Quests/Recipes/Coloring pages

13. Recipe Cards: “in-world” recipes (e.g., Elven Tea Bread, Space Pirate Ration Bars, etc.)
14. Printable Coloring Pages: best when digitally delivered but can be printed and mailed
15. Puzzle Clues/Secret Messages: interactive swag tied to promo game or campaign
16. TBR Cards: cards with genre-themed reading prompts or challenges

Collectibles/Keepsakes: Mini Art Prints/Postcards/ID Badges

17. Mini Calendars: small themed calendars with release dates and character art
18. Mini Art Prints (4×6 or smaller): postcard-size character or world illustrations
19. Postcards: with in-world messages, book quotes, or location artwork
20. Access Passes/Badges: “Official” ID for readers—Space Cadet, Magic Initiate, etc
21. BONUS IDEA—Coupons/Gift cards: if you sell merch or books on your website or have an Etsy shop

 

This isn’t an exhaustive list of flat swag ideas, but you don’t have to attempt the complete list. With my last release, I had an ARC review team I wanted to thank. I created a recipe card, added some wolf stickers and temporary tattoos from Amazon, and added a bookmark with an in-world tagline. To finish, I included a small card that said “thanks!” with a pretty seal on it. (Lesson I learned: The thickness of the wax seal matters. If it’s too thick, it exceeds the ¼” thickness limit. It also adds weight. It’s good to know for next time…)

Here are some bonus tips when creating your flat swag for readers:

• Bundle sparingly: include 2-3 items per envelope max to stay under weight limits (yes, I exceeded that—oops!—but stayed under the limit for most of the envelopes)
• Work with small printers: try Sticker Mule, Vistaprint, Moo, or local printers
• Use reusable designs: generic maps or lore pieces can work across multiple books
• Weigh your envelope: do a trial run with a digital postal scale or take a filled sample envelope to the post office and have them weigh it for you
• Add a personal touch: handwritten notes, wax seals, or themed stamps
• Go digital too: offer digital swag for international readers (PDF, printable art, or exclusive stories)

Have fun with the possibilities and consider unconventional ideas. One sticker or card or even a handwritten “thanks!” could create a special connection between the reader, the story, and you.

Are there any swag ideas I missed? What are your favorites? Share them in the comments or tag me; I’d love to add your flat swag ideas to my list!