As a child, I collected postcards. It didn’t matter if I’d traveled to the location shown, or if a friend or family member did and brought me a gift from their vacation. Location postcards depicted all the places I could go and opened my world to endless possibilities.
When I had children of my own, I hoped that my obsession would rub off on them. After all, postcards are an inexpensive souvenir. Other than the postcards I forced them to buy for their travel journals, postcards never became an object of their affection.
Rather than be pained to find one of the cherished items in the trash, I brainstormed and came up with another idea. I’d cut out cardstock, and the kids could draw scenes we saw while traveling and create DIY travel souvenirs. The new DIY vacation postcards seemed to be a win-win for everyone. It gave the kids something to do on travel days and provided a keepsake from the trip.
One way I occupy my kids on a road trip is with DIY road trip ideas at TravelingMom.com. One project I shared was easy DIY vacation postcards.
These postcards were easy for me to create and super easy for you. Just print the free DIY Vacation Postcards before your next trip, pack some crayons, Prismacolor Colored Pencils or Sharpies and ask your kids to illustrate your trip.
Encourage your child to write a few sentences on the back of their postcard about the destination and mail them home so they have mail waiting when the trip ends. Or they can mail their handmade postcards to family or friends. Just make sure to keep a few so when your kids are older, you can reflect back on that time and smile.
Is this an activity your child would enjoy? How would you use these easy DIY vacation postcards?
Sarah Shotts
Wednesday 18th of March 2015
Love love love this! I too collected postcards as a kid. My aunt and uncle were truck drivers and would send postcards from across the country telling about their travels. This was supposedly "for our homeschooling", but I'd have loved it either way. :D These are great! Definitely pinning them. I love this idea!
Tonya
Sunday 29th of March 2015
Thanks Sarah, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who loved post cards. I still collect them when I travel. ;)
Liz Mays
Sunday 1st of March 2015
I collected them as a child too, and I still have them all in a book. I think this is a great way to encourage kids to keep in touch when away!
Tonya
Wednesday 4th of March 2015
I wish I still had my collection from when I was little. Sadly, I threw them away in my rebellious teen years.
debra p
Monday 23rd of February 2015
This is a great idea. I always loved receiving postcards from friends and family and sending them as well. You could do these anytime!
Jeanae
Saturday 21st of February 2015
My 7 yr old, and his friends, LOVE sending and receiving mail. This is a great way to support their growing reading & writing skills, as well as help them to remember & retell great moments from their trips. I am saving this for our spring break vacation. Thanks for sharing!
Tonya
Sunday 22nd of February 2015
Thanks, Jeanae! I'm so glad to hear that you'll be able to use the postcards on some of your adventures!
Beth
Friday 20th of February 2015
These are adorable ... I would print these out for my kids!
Tonya
Sunday 22nd of February 2015
Thanks Beth! I hope your kids love them!