Gamification with Traditional Handwritten Christmas Cards?

In a world increasingly dominated by digital noise, it’s easy to assume that older methods of communication—like handwritten cards—are no longer relevant. As businesses, we often fall into the trap of thinking the fastest or most scalable solution is also the best. But what if we told you that an old-fashioned practice could bring extraordinary value to your modern business, regardless of its size? With the benefits it todays marketing technology?

At Pen Written Post, we know that in an AI-fuelled society, people are yearning for authenticity. Something that is real.

Handwritten Christmas cards offer a powerful way to connect deeply and authentically with your customers, partners, and stakeholders. However, we’re not simply advocating for a return to traditional methods. Instead, we combine the best of both worlds—adding a digital layer to traditional handwritten cards that enriches the experience and delivers measurable outcomes.

Imagine a handwritten Christmas card that not only conveys heartfelt appreciation but also includes a QR code leading to a special offer, discount code, or even a “spin the wheel game where recipients can win gifts.

This kind of hybrid approach blends the tactile, emotional experience of traditional methods with the interactivity and data collection potential of digital tools.

Let’s explore why handwritten communication remains a powerful strategy, how you can combine it with digital enhancements, and why it can help your organisation stand out in the most meaningful way.

Breaking Through the Digital Clutter

Every day, we’re flooded with messages—emails, social media notifications, newsletters—vying for our attention. The sheer volume makes it hard for any one message to resonate, no matter how important it may be. Think about the last time you received an email from a new partner or supplier: chances are, it disappeared into the ether of your inbox, never to be thought of again. Now, compare that to the feeling of receiving a handwritten card thanking you for your support over the year as a customer or charity donor—it’s unexpected, tangible, and personal.

Handwritten Christmas cards don’t just get noticed—they make an impact. Studies have shown that handwritten direct mail has an open rate of 90-99%, compared to a mere 20% for emails.

It gets displayed with all the other Christmas Cards and takes root in the recipients home or office. It brings back a sense of human touch that the digital world simply cannot replace.

When you add a digital element—like a QR code that leads to a special gift or prize—you make that personal connection not just memorable, but also interactive with a little warm and fuzzy serotonin hit for your recipients.

But We’re Just a Small Company – Why Size Doesn’t Matter

You might be thinking, “We’re a small organisation; why should we bother?” This is where many businesses miss an opportunity to distinguish themselves. The power of handwritten cards isn’t limited to large corporations with vast budgets. In fact, for smaller companies, this method can have an outsized effect. It’s about the human connection, and small businesses often have a unique ability to cultivate relationships that feel personal and meaningful.

Consider the story of David & Sons, a small accounting firm that decided to thank its top clients using handwritten cards. Rather than sending out generic thank-you emails, David sat down with our team and crafted messages that were authentic and thoughtful based on touch points throughout the year.

These cards made it to the desks of the decision-makers; some made their way onto social media as their clients boasted about the personal touch.

In a some cases, clients used a QR code included in the card to claim a special gift—enhancing the positive sentiment and reinforcing the value of their relationship with David & Sons. The result? Not only did they deepen existing client relationships, but they also gained referral clients who were impressed by the gesture and wanted the same level of attention.

It’s Not Scalable for Larger Operations

If you’re on the other end of the spectrum—a larger company—it’s easy to see how handwritten cards might seem unscalable. After all, how do you send hundreds of thousands, of handwritten notes without it becoming a logistical nightmare? Here’s where a service like Pen Written Post becomes your greatest asset. We take on the hard work—creating, writing, and delivering these cards for you—so your messages feel personal, without the strain on your internal resources.

Handwritten notes have been proven to foster deeper emotional engagement. Unlike emails that can be easily dismissed or automated, these physical cards carry weight—both figuratively and literally. The tactile experience of opening an envelope, reading a handwritten message, feeling the slight indentations of ink on recycled paper—these details contribute to a powerful emotional experience. And in a world increasingly driven by automation, those authentic moments are increasingly rare and treasured.

Combining Traditional with Digital: The Best of Both Worlds

One of the most effective aspects of modern handwritten cards is the ability to enhance them with digital tools that make the experience even more interactive and beneficial for both sender and recipient.

– QR Codes for Exclusive Offers and Gifts

Imagine sending a thank-you card to a client with a QR code included at the bottom inviting them to see what’s in their stocking. When scanned, it takes them to a unique landing page where they can claim a Christmas gift, special offer , or discount code. Not only does this show your appreciation, but it also encourages them to engage further with your brand—boosting loyalty and retention. QR codes can turn a single heartfelt thank-you into an opportunity for deeper engagement.

– Gamification: A Spin on Lucky Surprises
Take it a step further by incorporating gamification. What if that QR code linked to a “spin the wheel” game? Your customers could spin for a chance to win discounts, small gifts, or exclusive experiences. Studies show that gamification increases interaction rates and boosts brand recall significantly. Plus, it’s a great way to upsell set products or introduce customers to new offerings they may not have considered before. It’s not just a thank-you—it’s an experience.

This combination of handwritten tradition with modern interactivity allows businesses of all sizes to create a truly memorable and impactful experience that doesn’t just end at the card—it opens the door to new opportunities.

Benefits Beyond the First Impression

So, why else should you consider sending handwritten cards, regardless of your organisation’s size?

1. Customer Loyalty and Retention
People remember how you make them feel, not just what you sell them. A handwritten card conveys thoughtfulness. It says, “We see you. We appreciate you.”

It’s no surprise that brands that use personal touchpoints, like handwritten cards, see higher retention rates and increased lifetime value. That simple gesture can make a world of difference to how a customer perceives your brand.

2. The Power of Storytelling and Emotional Connection
Imagine you’re a non-profit trying to thank your donors. Sending a handwritten card allows you to tell a story—maybe about how their contribution made a direct impact on someone’s life, accompanied by a heartfelt “thank you” that’s written by hand. People relate to stories, and a handwritten card is an intimate, powerful way to share those narratives.

3. The Psychological Impact of Handwritten Communication
A handwritten card demands presence. Unlike digital messages, which are often written in haste and consumed in the blink of an eye, handwriting demands attention, both from the writer and the reader. There’s an implicit message here: that the recipient matters enough to warrant that time and attention. This is an experience impossible to replicate with other forms of business communication.

4. Enriching CRM Data and Encouraging Interaction
Adding a QR code or a game to your handwritten card allows you to gather valuable customer data. When someone scans the code, you can capture further details, learn their preferences, and gather insights to enrich your CRM system. It transforms a single point of contact into an ongoing conversation, allowing for more targeted and meaningful engagement in the future.

Isn’t It Too Expensive?

Handwritten direct mail does have a higher unit cost compared to email. However, the return on investment is where this method shines. Plus, Pen Written Post have the low cost rates in the UK that you deserve. The personal nature of handwritten cards leads to higher engagement, improved loyalty, and—ultimately—higher conversion rates. When you factor in the impact on brand perception, customer loyalty, and the potential to generate word-of-mouth referrals, handwritten cards become one of the most cost-effective forms of marketing you can undertake.

Won’t somebody think of the trees?!

At Pen Written Post, we’re proud of our eco-friendly practices. We use 100% recycled paper, and we partner with TreeSisters to ensure all carbon emissions from our operations are offset through reforestation initiatives. And that’s not all, we use a range of other eco initiatives. Even the biros that we write with are recycled!

Handwritten cards are not just about making a personal connection—they’re about making a responsible, sustainable choice that reflects well on your brand and resonates with today’s eco-conscious consumer.

Your Story, Written with a Pen

Imagine the difference between receiving an impersonal mailmerge holiday card versus opening an envelope and finding a beautifully handwritten card, crafted on recycled paper, with a heartfelt note of appreciation. No matter the size of your business, this simple, powerful gesture can be a turning point in the relationship you build with your clients, partners, or employees. By combining this tradition with modern technology, such as QR codes and gamified experiences, you take this gesture to a whole new level—engaging your audience in ways that create lasting loyalty.

Whether you are a small company just beginning to make your mark, or an established brand looking to strengthen relationships, the power of a handwritten card should not be underestimated. It’s an opportunity to communicate your values, make a lasting impression, and ensure your message is not just heard—but felt.

At Pen Written Post, we’re here to help you do just that.

Ask us to quote on your orders. Whether it’s 250 cards or one million, we would love to support you.