Have you been feeling distant from friends and family during this time of social distancing? While technology certainly helps us stay connected, there’s nothing quite like receiving a heartfelt handwritten note or card in the mail. If you’re looking for a creative way to send a message of love and support to someone special in your life, consider crafting a paper hug. Using just a few simple supplies, you can create a customized hug template to send in the post. In a few short steps, you’ll be well on your way to spreading warmth and comfort to your loved ones from afar.
Why Send a Paper Hug to Loved Ones?
There’s nothing quite like receiving a heartfelt hug from someone you care about. Unfortunately, in-person hugs aren’t always possible, especially when loved ones live far away. That’s where paper hugs come in! Sending a paper hug is a creative way to wrap your arms around someone from a distance and let them know you’re thinking of them.
Paper hugs are a fun, DIY project that both kids and adults will enjoy making and receiving. All you need is some paper, scissors, tape or glue, and decorating supplies like stickers, markers, or stamps. Let your creativity flow as you design a life-size cutout of yourself, or just your arms, to send in the mail. Add a personal note on the back to make it extra special.
The best part about paper hugs is that they can be customized for any occasion. Make birthday hugs, congratulations hugs, thinking of you hugs, or just because hugs. Kids will have a blast making paper hugs for friends, teachers, grandparents, and more. Paper hugs are a simple but meaningful way to spread love and cheer to people near and far.
Whether the distance is temporary or ongoing, paper hugs help close the gap between loved ones through the power of snail mail. Surprise someone special in your life with an unexpected paper hug. Chances are, it will make their day and remind them how much you care. Spread the paper hug love – you’ll be glad you did!
Materials You’ll Need to Make a Paper Hug
To make a heartfelt paper hug, you’ll need a few simple supplies. Gather up:
Art paper
Use a roll of art paper (white paper, kraft paper, or butcher paper) for wider hug spans. Or try freezer paper, taping sheets of paper together, or even re-using the packing paper that comes stuffed in Amazon boxes and other shipped deliveries. Get creative!
Scissors and glue
You’ll need scissors to cut out the shape of your hug, as well as glue, double-sided tape or staples to attach the sides together.
Decorations (optional)
Add stickers, stamps, tissue paper, ribbons, or string to jazz up your hug. Let your creativity shine through!
Coloring supplies (optional)
Crayons, markers, paints or colored pencils are perfect for decorating a paper hug, especially if kids are involved. Unleash your inner child!
Add a personal touch
Why not trace the recipient’s head, arms, and upper torso onto the paper and cut it out to make a custom hug shape? Or have kids stamp handprints onto the paper for an extra special touch. Personalize your paper hug to show how much you care!
With a few basic supplies and a dash of creativity, you’ll be crafting a heartfelt paper hug in no time. Send your love and support to friends and family from afar with this simple but meaningful gesture. A paper hug can brighten anyone’s day and let them know you’re thinking of them!
How to Trace Your Child’s Upper Body on Paper
Making a paper hug for your little one is a fun craft project that will brighten their day and let them know you’re thinking of them from afar. ###Get ready for some messy fun!
To start, you’ll want to gather some supplies: rolls of butcher paper, tape, markers, stickers, paints, handprint stamps, scissors, and glue. The options are endless! Get creative with different paper types, decorations, and embellishments.
Next, have your child lie down on the paper so you can trace their upper body. Ask them to spread their arms out wide – this will make the best hug shape! Carefully trace around their head, shoulders, arms and torso. Don’t forget to trace their hands too for little handprints!
Once you’ve traced and cut out the body shape, it’s time for the real fun to start. Let your child go wild decorating their paper self however they like. They can draw a silly face on the head, add stickers and stamps all over the arms and torso, finger paint handprints, anything! Encourage them to be as creative as possible.
When the decorating is done, you’ll want to laminate or seal the paper to prevent smudging during shipping. Then, simply fold up your paper hug, pop it in an envelope, and send it off to your loved one. They’ll surely appreciate receiving your heartfelt paper embrace and handmade creation.
Making and exchanging paper hugs is a wonderful way to stay connected despite the distance. The time you spend crafting together will create cherished memories, and receiving a paper hug in the mail is sure to brighten anyone’s day. Spread the joy – make paper hugs for friends and family near and far!
Decorating Your Paper Hug With Handprints
Decorating your paper hug with handprints is a fun, creative way to make it extra special for the recipient. This simple DIY craft project will fill your loved one with joy when they receive your heartfelt gift.
Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need a few basic supplies: colored paper, scissors, glue or double-sided tape, and washable tempera paint or stamp pads. For the paper,
use a roll of butcher paper, kraft paper, or art paper for wider hug spans. Tape sheets of paper together or reuse packing paper from Amazon for an eco-friendly option.
Trace and Cut Out the Shape
Have your little one lie down on the paper so you can trace around their arms, head, and torso to make the hug shape. Carefully cut out the shape for a perfect fit. For an even more custom look, trace their actual hands and cut those out too, gluing them onto the ends of the arm shapes.
Make Handprint Stamps
This is the fun part! Have your child dip their hands in paint or press them onto stamp pads to make colorful handprints. Press firmly so the prints transfer clearly onto the paper. You can also do layered prints using different colors for a rainbow effect. Let the prints dry before moving onto the next step.
Decorate and Assemble!
Now comes the creative decorating. Let your child glue on sequins, stickers, ribbons, or anything else they like to jazz up their paper hug. Once the decorating is done and the handprints are dry, glue the handprints onto the ends of the arm shapes. You now have a completely customized paper hug, bursting with love and ready to send to brighten the day of someone special.
Sending a heartfelt paper hug is a thoughtful way to lift the spirits of loved ones from afar. With some colored paper, creativity, and handprints made with love, you can craft a custom hug that will melt the heart of the recipient. Surprise someone you care about with an unexpected paper hug—it may be just what they need!
Adding a Personalized Message to Your Paper Hug
Adding a heartfelt, handwritten message to your paper hug will make it even more special. Your words of love and encouragement can lift the spirits of your loved one from miles away.
Share Memories
Recall a funny story or special moment you’ve shared. Reminiscing about good times you’ve had together will bring a smile to their face. For example, you might write:
Remember that time we went to the beach and the seagull stole your sandwich right out of your hands? I still laugh every time I think about your face. I miss making memories like that together.
Offer Support
Let them know you’re there for them during this difficult time, even from a distance. For example:
I wish more than anything I could give you a real hug. Know that I’m sending positive thoughts and prayers your way each and every day. I’m always here if you want to talk or just need a shoulder to cry on.
Share Inside Jokes
Reference an inside joke or secret code you share to give them an extra chuckle. For example:
Don’t forget, “pineapples” is the safe word! Our silly inside jokes and secret codes are what’s getting me through this separation.
Sign Off With Love
End your message on an uplifting note expressing your care and affection. For example:
No matter the miles between us, you are always in my heart. I love you!
Adding a heartfelt, handwritten message to your paper hug will make it even more special. Fill it with memories, support, humor and most of all your love. Your words have the power to brighten their day and ease the ache of being apart. What are you waiting for? Start crafting your note and send your loved one a paper hug today!
Mailing Your Paper Hug to Loved Ones
Time to Spread the Love
Sending a paper hug is such an heartwarming way to show someone you care from far away. Once you’ve created your paper hug masterpiece, it’s time to get it into the hands of your loved one.
Pop that baby in the mail! Place your paper hug in a large envelope and send it off to your friend or family member. Be sure to include a little note about how much you miss them. Knowing a homemade gift is on the way will brighten their day and fill their heart with joy.
If time is of the essence, you can always send your paper hug express shipping. Services like UPS or FedEx offer overnight shipping so your loved one can receive your hug as soon as possible. While pricier, for some situations the extra cost is well worth it.
Another option is to have the paper hug hand-delivered by a courier service. Many companies now offer no-contact delivery so the hug can be left on the doorstep. How special would it be to find a surprise paper hug greeting you when you come home!
Of course, the most meaningful way is to deliver the paper hug in person if you’re able. Surprising someone with a visit and a heartfelt paper hug in hand would be incredibly touching. Seeing their reaction and being able to embrace them (if you’re comfortable doing so safely) makes the experience that much sweeter.
However you choose to send your paper hug, know that it will be greatly appreciated by anyone lucky enough to receive one. Sending love and hugs from afar is a beautiful gesture that can make a world of difference. Spread the joy – send a paper hug to someone you care about today!
Alternative Ways to Send a Hug During Social Distancing
Sending a hug from far away can be challenging during times of social distancing, but don’t lose heart! There are creative ways to spread warmth and comfort to your loved ones from a distance.
Make a Paper Hug
This adorable craft project lets you send a literal hug in the mail. All you need is a large sheet of paper, like butcher paper, art paper or packing paper. Have your child trace their head, arms and upper body on the paper and cut it out. Decorate the cutout by adding your child’s name, handprints, stickers or drawings. Punch holes in the top and attach ribbon to turn it into a puppet. Pop it in an envelope and mail it off. The recipient can put their hands in and give themselves a hug from your little one.
Handprint Art
Another sweet option is to have your child stamp or trace their hands on a sheet of paper. Cut out the handprints and glue them onto a heart or other shape. Write a message like “This hug is for you!” and mail the artwork to your loved one. They’ll surely feel the love from this simple yet meaningful creation.
Record a Video
If mailing a craft isn’t possible, you can record a short video and send it electronically. Have your child draw or color a big heart, write the recipient’s name on it and hold it up while saying “This is a hug from me to you!” Blow some kisses into the camera for good measure. Keep the video under a minute to make it easy to share via text, email or social media.
There are so many ways to spread warmth between loved ones during difficult times. Focusing on connection and togetherness, even from a distance, can help make challenging situations feel more hopeful and less isolating. Send a little extra love and comfort today to someone special in your life.
Crafting a Paper Hug for Seniors in Isolation
Crafting a paper hug is a heartwarming way to send love and support to seniors in isolation.###
You’ll need some basic supplies: a large sheet of paper like butcher paper, craft paper or packing paper; scissors; markers, crayons or stamps; glue or double-sided tape.
Once you have your supplies, it’s time for the fun part—decorating! Get creative and personalize your paper hug. Draw hearts, smiley faces or the recipient’s favorite shapes and animals. Write an uplifting message like “Sending hugs!” or “Thinking of you!”. For an extra special touch, have kids stamp handprints or trace their hands on the paper.
To assemble your paper hug, lay the sheet of paper flat on a table. Fold one side of the paper to meet the other, matching up the edges to form a half circle. Secure the edges together with glue, tape or staples. You now have the top part of your hug ready to go!
For the arm pieces, cut two long strips from another sheet of paper. Attach one end of each strip to the sides of the half circle to serve as ‘arms’. Let the ends of the arms remain open—this is where the real hug comes in!
Once complete, carefully roll or fold up your paper hug and pop it in an envelope or tube to mail. When your loved one receives their paper hug, have them open it up, wrap the arms around themselves and feel the virtual embrace and love you’ve sent their way.
A paper hug is a simple but meaningful way to provide comfort and connection for those physically distant from friends and family. Spreading kindness through creativity is a gift that keeps on giving. Why not get started on crafting your paper hug today? The positive impact will be felt for years to come.
Paper Hug FAQs: Answering Your Most Common Questions
Ready to spread some love from afar? Paper hugs are a heartfelt way to send your support and encouragement to friends and family when you can’t give them a real hug. Here are the answers to your most common questions about making and mailing paper hugs.
What supplies will I need?
Grab some art paper (like white, kraft or butcher paper), scissors, markers or crayons, stickers (optional), tape or glue and an envelope. For extra hug-ability, use rolls of paper to make an oversized hug. Re-purpose packing paper from deliveries to be eco-friendly!
How do I make the shape of the hug?
Have your little one trace their head, arms and upper body on the paper or draw the shape freehand. Decorate the cut-out with drawings, stickers, handprints or a message of love. You can also just cut a basic shape that represents arms and have your child decorate that. Get creative!
What should I write in the card?
Share messages of hope, encouragement and togetherness. For example: “Sending you a big hug from far away!” or “Though we’re apart, you’re in my heart.” Kids can draw pictures, share an inside joke or simply sign their name. Speak from the heart!
How should I decorate the paper hug?
Let your imagination run wild! Kids can draw self-portraits, hearts, smiley faces or whatever they like. Glue on stickers, buttons, ribbon, string or yarn. Stamp handprints or footprints for an extra personal touch. The possibilities are endless.
How do I mail the paper hug?
Place your decorated paper hug in an envelope along with a card or note. Seal and address the envelope, add postage and a return address. Your paper hug is ready to send love through the mail to brighten someone’s day! Spreading kindness from afar has never been so easy.
This is how we improve creativity in kids and send something meaningful to loved ones
Isn’t it wonderful how something as simple as a handmade card or letter can brighten someone’s day and lift their spirits? Sending a “paper hug” is a heartfelt, creative way to show you care for loved ones from a distance.
Get creative with the kids!
Tracing your child’s handprints and turning them into characters is a fun craft project. Have your little one trace their hand on a sheet of paper and cut it out. Decorate the hand cutouts by adding eyes, smiles, clothes, and accessories to make handprint people. Glue the handprint people onto a sheet of paper and have your child dictate a special message to the recipient. Seal it up and pop it in the mail for a handmade surprise!
Reuse packing paper for a big hug
If you want to send a really big hug, use the packing paper from recent Amazon or shipping boxes. Tape multiple sheets together to make a large rectangle. Have family members trace their hands, feet, or even full bodies on the paper. Let everyone decorate their tracings and add notes, doodles or messages around them. Cut out the shapes and you’ll have a crowd of handprint and footprint people for an oversized paper hug!
Stamp handprints for a quick option
For a quicker option, have each family member dip their hands in washable ink or paint and firmly press them onto a sheet of paper to make colorful handprint stamps. Once the prints dry, have everyone sign or write a short message on the paper around their handprint. The recipient will surely feel the love from your stamped paper hug!
Sending a paper hug is a simple but meaningful way to show you care and spread some joy to loved ones far away. Get creative, reuse materials you have and make it a fun family craft project. The extra effort will be felt and appreciated by anyone lucky enough to receive your heartfelt paper hug.
