319 Awesome Open When Letters Ideas [Printable Inside]

If you’re looking for something that will surprise your loved one and bring you and your loved one closer together, then you’ve come to the right place. In this post, you’ll get over 300 heart-warming open when letters ideas, examples, and printable so you can quickly create your own open when letters and blow your loved one away.  

These open when letters are perfect for:

• a long-distance boyfriend (and trust me! You’ll earn major points with him if you use these!!)
• your mom 
• your sister
• your best friend

I’ve separated the open when letter ideas by loved one so you can find ideas for your loved one FAST and get creating. 

What are open when letters?

Just in case you don’t know what open when letters are, here it is in a nutshell: Open when letters are letters you write to a loved one that they open at a time you designate in the future. 

What do you write inside open when letters? 

Inside the letters, you can write words of affirmations, a reminder, your thoughts, a gift, or a command to do something that will give them the sense that you are with them – even if it’s just for the moment!

What do you put inside open when cards?

You can put anything you want! You can write an affirmation, a word of encouragement, or a fun command. You can also include a small gift, a picture, or a helpful trinket. Whatever you think will make them smile and remind them of you!

 

Alright, let’s get to some open when letters ideas!

Open When Letters for Boyfriend

If you’re in a long-distance relationship, open when letters for your boyfriend are a must! He needs to still feel like your around and that you are apart of his life even though you and him are far apart. These open when letters ideas will definitely do the trick: 

Open when…

• you get these stack of letters*
  • If you didn’t already include the open when letters rules somewhere else or you’re loved one is not familiar with open when letters, this is a great place to include them. Encourage them to read all the open when letters so they know when to pull it out when the time to open one is triggered
• it’s been a day since you’ve seen me
• it’s been a week since you’ve seen me 
• it’s been a month since you’ve seen me
• it’s been three months since you’ve seen me
• it’s been six months since you’ve seen me 
• you miss me
• you forget what I look like
• you want to see what I look like when I just wake up
• we get into a fight
• you want to smell my scent 
• you want to hear my voice*
  • This will take a little effort on your part but will sure make your boyfriend’s week if you create an open letter with your voice in it!!! You’ll just need a voice recording device. I recommend that you get the EZ sound module. It’s been awarded “Amazon’s Choice” on Amazon, and according to other buyers, it’s easy to set up, record, and insert into a card.
• you want to know what I think of you
• you want to feel loved 
• you want to see a photo of me
• it’s your birthday
• you’re bored
• you want to taste my cooking* (share an original recipe of a dish you know you’ll boyfriend will love and challenge your boyfriend to make it.)
• it’s our anniversary
• it’s valentine’s day
• its boyfriend day
• you’re sad
• you’re stressed
• you feel like you’re not enough
• you want me to pray for you
• you need a dollar
• you wake up on ______ * (choose a random date and give him a fun command.)
• you need a movie recommendation
• you need a song recommendation
• you need a restaurant recommendation
• you need a motivational video recommendation
• you need a book recommendation
• you need a podcast recommendation
• you want me to tell you a joke
• you need to be reminded about how much I love you
• you’re having a cold
• you need an exercise recommendation
• you need anniversary gift ideas
• you need birthday gift ideas
• you want to read a bible verse hand-picked by me
• you don’t remember my address
• you need a book recommendation
• you go for a run
• you go grocery shopping 
• you need something to write with
• you want to play truth or dare
• you’re about to go to bed
• you need encouragement
• you are about to work out
• you’re finished working out
• you go to class/work
• you had a bad day
• you are preparing for a test
• you are finished with your exam
• you are preparing for your Final
• it’s the morning of your Final  
• you’re feeling unproductive
• you’re feeling tired
• you have a sore throat
• you’re having an upset stomach
• you want me to help you make breakfast
• you want me to help you make lunch
• you want me to help you make dinner
• you need healthy snack recommendations
• you want to watch a hilarious YouTube video
• you want to see my best stick figure of you
• you want to see my best stick figure of us
• you need reminding of our important dates
• need to be reminded who loves who most
• you want to gain super points with me
• you want a song to sing along to in the shower
• you want some tea
• want something sweet
• when you need a breath mint
• when you need some gum
• you’re feeling tired
• when you’re having trouble sleeping
• you feel like we’re drifting apart
• you have a dream about me*
  • Wouldn’t it be interesting to know how many times your boyfriend dreams about you before you both are reunited? Tell him to keep a tally of every time he dreams about you and record it in the open when letter. Let’s see if he gets to 10
• you say my name out of my presence*
  • I can’t tell you how many times I’ve accidentally called a guy or a boy by my boyfriend’s name because I’m always thinking about him!! I bet it’s no different for you and your boyfriend. For this reason, encourage your boyfriend to keep a tally of every time he accidentally says your name outside of your presence and have him record it in this open letter.
• you want to play a game with me*
  • You can do a lot with this open letter! You can include a word puzzle, a riddle, or a truth or dare, just to name a few. Have fun with this!
• you want to hear my love song to you
• you want to read sweet nothings from me
• you want to know what I think of our relationship
• you want to know my first impression of you
• you want a good Netflix show recommendation
• you’re mad at me
• you’re at our favorite spot
• you want to tell me how you feel 
• you want to read a fun fact about me
• you’re worried we’re aren’t going to make it
• you want me to tell you another joke
• there is a full moon
• you want me to tell you a bedtime story
• you want me to tell you a romantic story of us
• you want to hear a funny, embarrassing story about me
• you’re thinking of me
• I’m too busy to talk
• you’re having a headache
• you’re feeling lonely
• I hurt your feelings 

QUESTION: Are you a college student? If so, Then make sure you check you this college bucket list! It includes 50+ things you should do before you graduate to have the full college experience!

Open when letters for your mom

Open when…

1. you’re about to call or text me; read this before-hand* (If you didn’t already include the open when letters rules somewhere else or you’re loved one is not familiar with open when letters, this is a great place to include them. Encourage them to read all the open when letters so they know when to pull it out when the time to open one is triggered*)
2. it’s been a day since you’ve seen me
3. it’s been a week since you’ve seen me 
4. it’s been a month since you’ve seen me
5. it’s been six months since you’ve seen me
6. it’s been nine months since you’ve seen me
7. it’s been a year since you’ve seen me
8. you miss me
9. you want to hear my voice
10. you want to see the very last picture we took together
11. you think I have forgotten about you
12. you don’t reach me
13. I get too busy to talk
14. you need a movie recommendation
15. you need a book recommendation
16. you need a podcast recommendation
17. you need a Netflix show recommendation
18. you’re feeling stressed
19. you’re feeling depressed
20. you feel insecure about your body
21. you’re not feeling well
22. you have a bad day
23. you are about to embark on a long trip, read this before. 
24. you want to play a game with me
25. you need me to pray for you 
26. you want to have bible study together
27. you feel lonely
28. you want a restaurant recommendation 
29. you want a healthy snack recommendation
30. you need a book recommendation
31. you need tea
32. you need a pen
33. you need a hair tie
34. you want to make breakfast together
35. you want to make dinner together
36. you want to try a new recipe
37. you want to eat my favorite meal
38. hear about my favorite moment with you
39. it’s mother’s day
40. it’s valentine’s day
41. you want to see my best stick figure of you
42. you feel like we’re not as close as we used to be
43. you’re not happy with me
44. you have a dream about me
45. you say my name outside my presence* (your mom has called your name a million times, and maybe to the point of annoying you some days. Let’s see how many times she accidentally calls your name when you’re gone. Encourage her to keep a tally in this open when letter and you can both laugh about it later.)
46. you want something sweet* (You can tape her favorite hard candy to this open when letter.)
47. you need a breath mint
48. you need encouragement
49. you have a tough day at work
50. you need motivation
51. you need some productivity tips
52. you are having trouble sleeping
53. it’s your birthday
54. you are bored
55. you need some outside entertainment ideas
56. you need a dollar
57. you are about to go for a walk
58. you want to watch a good romantic movie
59. you want to learn a new bible verse
60. you want to tell me something 
61. the morning before I come home
62. the day before you’re about to visit me
63. three days before I come home for Thanksgiving
64. three days before I come home for Christmas 
65. somebody at work has hurt your feelings
66. you caught yourself comparing 
67. you’re feeling unfulfilled
68. you need a reminder about how much I love you
69. the weather drops below 40 degrees
70. the weather is above 90 degrees
71. you want an awesome dessert recipe
72. you want to go down memory lane
73. it’s New Years
74. you’re about to go to bed
75. you wake up on _____
76. you want me to tell you a joke
77. you want to watch a hilarious YouTube video
78. you need step-by-step instructions for ____ * (Does your mom struggle with technology and is always needing your help? You can make the distance between you a little easier on her by providing her step-by-step instructions on how to complete a task.)
79. you need a video tutorial on _____ * (Does your mom struggle with technology or a recipe and could benefit from a visual tutorial on how to do something specific. Include a link to a helpful video on YouTube or an original video by you in your open when letter.)
80. it’s two months before Christmas
81. it’s one month before mother’s day
82. you need a bobby pin
83. you need a safety pin
84. you need a bandaid
85. you want to go on a drive out but you don’t know where
86. you want to try out a new restaurant
87. you want to play another game with me
88. you want me to read you a bedtime story
89. you need a workout recommendation
90. I say something that hurts your feelings
91. you don’t feel like getting out of bed
92. you’ve just had a big snowstorm
93. you need a good documentary recommendation
94. you’re thinking about calling me before ____ a.m.* (Does your mom have a bad habit of calling you very early in the morning and squashing any chance of you getting any more rest? Give her this open when letter as a kind reminder that you are likely sleeping and to please call later.) 
95.  I am being stubborn
96. you’re about to go to the beach
97. you’re in the mood for a cookout
98. you’re in the mood for fish for dinner
99. you want a meatless Monday recipe
100. you’re in the mood for a great appetizer

Open When Letters for Sister

Open When…

1. you get these stack of letters
2. it’s been a week since you’ve seen me
3. it’s been a month since you’ve seen me
4. it’s been two months since you’ve seen me
5. it’s been three months since you’ve seen me
6. it’s been six months since you’ve seen me
7. it’s been a year since you’ve seen me
8. we get into a fight
9. I make you mad
10. I hurt your feelings
11. you feel depressed
12. you begin to doubt your self-worth
13. you feel behind in life
14. you feel lost
15. you feel hopeless
16. you are feeling unfulfilled 
17. you have a bad day at work/school
18. you’re feeling unmotivated
19. you need my support
20. you’re feeling stressed
21. you need encouragement
22. you need me to pray for you
23. you want to suggest a bible verse to read
24. you need a pep talk
25. you’re feeling unproductive
26. you need a self-care recommendation
27. you need a movie recommendation
28. you need a podcast recommendation
29. you need a book recommendation
30. you need a Netflix show recommendation
31. when you’re in the mood for a poem
32. you’re in the mood to solve a riddle
33. you want to play a game with me
34. you want to watch a hilarious YouTube video
35. you miss me
36. you’re thinking about calling me before ____ a.m.* (Does your sister/friend have a bad habit of calling you very early in the morning and squashing any chance of you getting any more rest? Give her this open when letter as a kind reminder that you are likely sleeping and to please call later.) 
37. you’re thinking about calling me after ____ p.m.* (Does your sister/friend have a bad habit of calling you very late in the evening and interrupting your sleep. Give her this open when letter as a kind reminder that you are likely sleeping and to please call tomorrow.) 
38. you want me to tell you a joke
39. you need a hair tie
40. you need a bobby pin
41. you need a safety pin
42. you need a good restaurant recommendation
43. you are not feeling well
44. you say my name outside of my presence (your sister or friend has probably called your name a million times by now, and maybe to the point of annoying you some days. Let’s see how many times your sister or friend accidentally calls your name when you’re gone. Encourage her to keep a tally in this open when letter and you can both laugh about it later.
45. your heart is broken
46. you don’t feel loved
47. you feel like we’re drifting apart
48. you haven’t heard from me in a while
49. I get too busy to talk
50. it’s a month before your birthday
51. it’s your birthday
52. it’s sister/friend day
53. it’s two months before my birthday
54. it’s my birthday
55. it’s two months before Christmas
56. you think about posting a picture of me on Facebook
57. you think about posting a picture of us on Facebook
58. you think about posting a picture of me on Instagram
59. you think about posting a picture of us on Instagram
60. you feel lonely
61. you did something that you regret
62. you need a bandaid
63. you need a dollar
64. you need some gum
65. you need some breath mint
66. you need something sweet
67. you want a great song to sing along to in the shower
68. you want a workout recommendation
69. you want a good green smoothie recommendation
70. you’re in the mood for a really good documentary
71. you’re in the mood for a fun fact
72. I annoy you
73. you are about to go for a walk 
74. you are about to go for a run 
75. you’re finished working out
76. you don’t know what to make for breakfast
77. you don’t know what to make for lunch
78. you don’t know what to make for dinner
79. you don’t know what to buy for mom for mother’s day
80. you don’t know what to buy for dad for father’s day
81. you don’t know what to buy me for my birthday
82. you need birthday gift ideas for a friend
83. you’re in the mood to try something new
84. you’re in the mood to dance
85. you’re in the mood for a challenge
86. you’re not sure what to wear
87. you want a dessert recipe 
88. you want a dinner recipe
89. you want a meatless Monday recipe
90. you’re in the mood for karaoke 
91. you need relationship advice
92. you need friendship advice
93. you’re not sure how to do your hair
94. you feel God is far away
95. you feel guilty
96. you’re not sure if you should buy something
97. you’re having buyer’s remorse 
98. you got into a fight with a family member
99. we haven’t talked in a week
100. you have trouble sleeping 
101. you want me to tell you a bedtime story
102. you have a headache
103. you’re feeling weak

Other Open When Letter Ideas

Open when…

1. it’s Martin Luther King Day
2. it’s St. Patrick’s Day 
3. it’s Labor Day
4. it’s Cyber Monday
5. it’s Black Friday
6. it’s Christmas
7. it’s New Years
8. it’s Cinco De Mayo
9. it’s the Fourth of July
10. it’s April Fools
11. Black History Month
12. it’s Thanksgiving
13. it’s Easter
14. it’s June 4, 2021.* (U.S. National Donut Day. You can remind them to get a free donut at Dunkin’ Donuts) 
15. it’s November 12, 2021.* (National Pizza Day. You can remind them to look online to see which restaurants are offering free pizza as many pizza places do on this day)
16. it’s July 18, 2021.* (National Ice Cream day. You can remind them to check online to see which restaurants are offering free ice cream since many ice cream shops offer free ice cream on this day.)

Open When Letters Examples

Need some examples of some open when letters to write to get your creative juices going? Here are some of my favorites:

Open When Letters for Sister example: 

Open when you lose your hair tie… 

Inside: Are you searching down the house for a hair tie?? Well, you’re in luck. I saved this hair tie for you really in illustration you lost all of yours. Now put a reminder on your phone to pick up some hair ties today because that was my last one. Love you!

Open When Letters for Boyfriend example: 

Open when you miss me…

Inside: You miss me? Well, it looks like you’re going to have to come visit me then! Here is a $250 Expedia gift card to book a flight to see me. (This is actually a real open when letter haha. I wrote this OWL for my then-boyfriend, now-husband when he lived in New Jersey and I lived in Miami, Florida.)

Open When Letters for Mom example:

Open when you need a Netflix show recommendation…

Mom! If you haven’t watched Bridgerton on Netflix, you need to get on it. I know this series is for you because you’re a big Jane Austen fan and this show is set in the same time period with all the romance you’ll love with a modern twist. Let me know when you’ve finished watching the show so we can talk about it! Trust me, you’re gonna wish you watched it yesterday. It’s so good!!!!

FAQs:

What to put in open when you’re bored letters?

Are you stuck on this letter? If so, here are a few examples of what you can include in this letter. You can make include a word game, a riddle for them to solve, or give them a fun-command to do something silly :

• “Do 13 jumping jacks right now”
• “Do 10 yoga poses”
• “Change your shirt right now, and wear something pink!”

What to put in open when you are happy letters?

You can ask your loved one to write what they are happy about and return to this letter when they have other happy moments. Tell them you would like to read their responses when you are reunited with them.

Later you can use these notes to recreate the experiences that made them so happy. They’ll appreciate your efforts and be super grateful that this time, you’re apart of their happy moment. You can also include a well wish or prayer: “I pray that you have many more happy moments like this. You deserve happiness.”

How many open when letters should I make?

It’s totally up to you, but you should do at least 10-20 so that you’re loved one can enjoy many moments with you while apart.

Open When Letters Printable

Now that you’ve got 319 open when letter ideas, you are officially ready to make some open when letters of your own! Download my printable below so you can use to make your very own epic open when letters. And feel free to download them again and again. They’re free! 

Instructions for Download & Creation:

1. Click on picture and the printable will open up in a new tab as a pdf.
2. Print the open when letter colors of your choice.
3. Cut them out and paste on the front of an 5.5 inch x 5.5 inch envelope. The open when letters (in pictures) are 5.5 x 4 inch.
4. Write your note on a flashcard or piece of paper and place inside of envelope. Then seal shut.
5. Write your command within the white open bubble of the envelope.
6. Feel free to add decor to your envelopes if you’d like too!
7. When you’ve completed your letters, send them to your loved one!

. . .

Are you a college student?

Then make sure you check you this college bucket list! It includes 50+ things you should do before you graduate to have the full college experience!

And if your looking for a great laugh and a “Yes, I’m not the only one” moment, make sure you read 11 Things Professors Do That Annoys Us. I promise, it will have you rollin’.

Learn more about Jessica, you’re go-to-girlfriend for college advice. Feel free to email her if you have a question or just want to say hello.