11 Stunning Postcard Examples That Will Inspire You to Write

Looking for some beautiful ideas to add to your postcard collection or to impress any deltiologist you know?

You’ve come to the right place! Our list of “11 Stunning Postcard Examples That Will Inspire You to Write” is all about finding those perfect pieces that make your collection shine.

And for those just dipping your toes into the wonderful world of postcards, get ready to be amazed. These small pieces of paper are full of big stories and surprises.

This image shows a collection of Canadian-themed items spread out on a surface. There are several postcards, including one with a Bigfoot illustration titled "Remember, this forest is the Home of BIGFOOT," another with the caption "YUKON Canada" featuring the Northern Lights. A series of Canadian postage stamps with images of a wolf, bear, polar bear, ladybugs, and a butterfly are visible. There's also a "Dear Postmaster" decorative script, a postage booklet for "Hartland," "Powerscourt," and "West Montrose," and a Canadian Pacific train postcard. A syringe-style pen lies across one of the postcards, suggesting someone may have been writing or organizing these items.

My passion for postcards began with a simple tradition: sending one to myself from every destination I visited. I realized they’re so much more than just papers; they’re like little time capsules! They capture those special moments and memories, turning everyday hellos into precious keepsakes.

This act of collecting stories has become a source of endless inspiration for my writing. Through this blog post, I aim to share this with these, postcard examples that will inspire you to pick up a pen and let your thoughts flow.

11 Postcard Examples of Different Types

From the iconic “Greetings From” cards that whisk you away to far-off places, to the intricately handcrafted ones, every postcard carries its own special kind of magic and a story to tell.

Each postcard example on our list gives us a glimpse into the vast world of postcard collecting, from historical to modern designs.

So, without further delay, here’s the list of 11 different types of postcards, complete with some examples!

1. Touristic / Souvenir Postcards

These are the bread and butter of any travel enthusiast’s collection. You’ve got your classic “Greetings From” series to cityscapes and historical landmarks, these postcards are like mini invitations to journey across the globe.

Greetings From

“Greetings From” cards are the perfect souvenirs, taking you on instant trips to new places with their colourful images.

A written postcard example from Russia with a decorative border, featuring a 'Matryoshka' doll illustration, the text '800 лет нижнему новгороду' celebrating Nizhny Novgorod's 800th anniversary, and Russian postage stamps. The message mentions bright celebrations and a fireworks festival in August, signed 'Svetlana' with the year 2021.

City View Postcards

City view cards capture the unique feel of different cities while landmark postcards are like holding a piece of history right in your hands.

A postcard with two images of Malaysia: The top image captures a dramatic dusk scene of Kuala Lumpur's skyline with streaks of traffic light trails. Below is a serene daytime view of Titiwangsa Lake Garden reflecting the city's iconic buildings, accompanied by the text 'wonderful MALAYSIA.

The reverse side of a postcard with a handwritten message from Yvonne, sharing greetings from Malaysia and personal notes about living in Penang Island. The postcard features a Malaysian postage stamp and various decorative elements, including a map and a drawing of a ship, marked 'VIA AIR MAIL' and stamped with the date 10-1-2020.

Landmark Postcards

Landmark postcards show famous buildings, monuments, and landmarks, each with its own story of architecture and historical importance.

They’re a way to take a grand tour of the world’s architectural marvels, from ancient structures that have lasted through time to modern masterpieces shaping today’s skylines.

The image presents three postcard examples:

Top left: A collage of Berlin's landmarks at night, including the Brandenburg Gate, with the word "Berlin" prominently displayed.
Top right: A picturesque view of a grand hotel perched atop a hill with colourful autumn trees, likely a historic site in Québec City.
Bottom: A serene view of the Taj Mahal with its reflection in the water, captioned "Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh."

2. Antique and Vintage Postcards

Antique and vintage postcards give us a glimpse into history. They take us back to different times, each with its own unique story.

This is a photo of an assortment of vintage postcards scattered on a wooden surface. The collection includes various scenes, such as a sepia-toned postcard of an old town, a blue-toned image of two people in a canoe, and another featuring water lilies on a calm pond. One card in the top center has a red postage stamp and is marked "CARTE POSTALE," suggesting it's of French origin. The postcards seem to carry historical and sentimental value, each telling a story of places and moments captured in time

Collectors and history buffs treasure these postcards not just for their visual appeal but for the stories they carry – stories of places that have evolved or vanished, of people’s ways of life, of fashion trends that defined an era, and of moments that shaped history.

3. Nature Postcards

Celebrate our planet with nature postcards! These little treasures bring the world of plants and animals into your hands. They showcase nature’s beauty and complexity.

Botanical Postcards

Explore a world filled with green plants and colourful flowers through botanical postcards.

The top image is a collage-style postcard with the words "Lappi Lappland" indicating a Finnish region. It features three sections: a cascading waterfall amidst rocks, a trio of reindeer on a grassy hill, and delicate white flowers with a central focus. The bottom image is a detailed botanical illustration of a purple bellflower plant with shaded green leaves and intricate flower details, against a white background.

These art pieces show off the bright beauty of gardens, with plants from all over the world.

A postcard with a decorative red and white leaf pattern border, a 45p stamp featuring an image of apples, and a handwritten message in red ink that reads: "Dear Gaïlie, I hope you'll enjoy this postcard! Maybe you can find this flower somewhere in your yard or elsewhere. - Cheers! Ruby 😊". The bottom of the postcard has text indicating the botanical name and artist: "Колокольчик средний. Ольга Гудзера" (Campanula medium. Olga Gudzera).

See everything from unique, rare flowers to big, beautiful gardens. Botanical postcards let you see the peaceful beauty of plants, making you appreciate how important they are to our planet.

Animal Postcards

Animal postcards tell the unique stories of different species, highlighting the importance of each creature in the ecosystem.

A collage postcard with the greeting 'Groeten uit Baarn,' featuring a vibrant European robin in the center, surrounded by images of a lush forest, a fluffy squirrel, a turtle on sand, reeds against a sunset, a heron silhouette by water, and a beach sunset scene.

A close-up postcard of a Canadian wolf with an intense gaze, showcasing its thick fur and sharp features, with 'Canada' emblazoned at the bottom.

National Parks Postcards

National Park Postcards – These are like little windows to the wonders of our natural world, featuring everything from mountains and beautiful lakes to forests. Each postcard shows the diversity of national parks around the world, highlighting their landscapes.

Four colourful postcards of scenic landscapes are displayed on a black background.

Top left: A majestic view of a mountain reflected in a serene lake surrounded by evergreens and wildflowers.
Top right: Bryce Canyon National Park promotional postcard with vibrant red rock formations and tiny figures of people and animals, text reads "See All Three - Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon - One Low-Cost Circle Trip." Bottom left: A breathtaking view inside Zion National Park, showcasing towering canyon walls and a tiny figure in blue for scale.
Bottom right: A picturesque view of Antigua & Barbuda's coastline, with lush pink flowers in the foreground and a tranquil bay dotted with boats.

They invite you to explore the great outdoors and remind us to preserve these precious ecosystems for future generations.

This image is of a postcard example with a message and an array of stamps. The handwritten note mentions Utah National Parks as favourites, with a special mention of Bryce Canyon for its unique beauty. Stamps feature the Chippendale Chair, blueberries, the Lunar New Year tiger, and 'Chopper' from the Star Wars series. Parts of the postcard, likely containing personal information, are covered with yellow blocks for privacy. The bottom border is decorated with a pattern of teal stripes and heart outlines.

4. Typography and Lettering Postcards

It’s all about celebrating words in their most stylish outfits, with their artistic words and phrases, which are great postcard examples of text as visual art.

The image contains four colourful examples of postcards with various greetings:

Top left: Celebratory postcard marking "150 Years of the Postcard 1869-2019" with vibrant graphics and flags.
Top right: "Greetings from North Dakota" featuring a montage of local scenes inside the letters, with the State Capitol in Bismarck in the background.
Bottom left: "Greetings from California" postcard with iconic images, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and poppy flowers, within the letters.
Bottom right: "Greetings from Chicago Illinois" postcard with Chicago's skyline depicted inside the letters against a yellow background.

Imagine letters dancing across the card, creating art that speaks – literally! It’s a blend of verbal and visual creativity.

The image features a postcard example with a handwritten message mentioning a cherished visit to North Dakota and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, noted for its beauty. The postcard is a reprint of a vintage large letter state name postcard from around the 1930s-1940s. The stamps affixed include a 4-cent Chippendale Chair, a 10-cent Pears stamp, and themed Forever stamps for Women's Soccer and the Art of the Skateboard. A decorative "smile today" strip with a rainbow motif adorns the bottom. Personal information has been obscured with orange rectangles for privacy.

5. Celebrity and Pop culture

Celebrity and Pop Culture postcards capture the glamour of Hollywood and the trending entertainment.

Celebrity Postcards

This is a postcard featuring the iconic Bela Lugosi in his role as Dracula, with his piercing gaze and the classic Dracula costume. The text "Bela Lugosi as DRACULA" is prominently displayed in red at the bottom. The background has a gothic feel, with a deep purple color that adds to the eerie atmosphere of the character.

Celebrity postcards features famous personalities from different eras. They capture Hollywood’s sparkle, allowing fans to hold a piece of their favourite star’s glitz and glamour. Perfect for collectors and fans, these postcards celebrate the stars who light up our lives and screens.

Pop Culture Postcards

Let me tell you, these are my absolute favourites! Pop culture postcards are a collection of what’s trending in movies, TV series, and more – snapshot of what’s hot and happening.

These postcards are a mix of what’s making waves in the entertainment world, from blockbuster movies and binge-worthy TV shows to trending celebrities and cultural icons.

The image features a collection of six postcard examples on a black surface:

Top left: The Brandenburg Gate with a comic-style Spider-Man in the foreground.
Top right: A comic book cover of "Justice League International" with a group of superheroes.
Bottom left: A "Star Wars: Boba Fett – Enemy of the Empire" comic book cover depicting action with flames in the background.
Bottom Middle: An illustration of a creature resembling an Ewok from Star Wars holding a staff.

Bottom right: A snowy scene labeled "Winterfell Westeros," referencing the fictional location from "Game of Thrones".

They are perfect for connecting over shared fandoms and staying in the loop with all the cool happenings in pop culture.

This image displays a postcard with a handwritten message to Gailey, expressing the sender's happiness about swapping with Gailey again and sharing a love for the "Game of Thrones" series, as well as BBC series. The sender, Dasha, also mentions that fall is the perfect season for staying in and watching interesting shows. A Russian postage stamp featuring a fluffy cat is affixed to the top right corner. The sender wishes Gailey positive thoughts. Parts of the postcard are covered with a blue rectangle to protect privacy. The background of the postcard has a pattern of feathers.

6. Art Postcards

Imagine having a mini art gallery right in the palm of your hand – that’s exactly what you get with these art postcards. Tiny canvases showing everything from classic art masterpieces to fresh, original works by contemporary artists. Talk about bringing art to the masses!

These little beauties make appreciating and sharing art super easy and accessible to everyone.

Displayed are four postcards, each depicting iconic scenes from different locations.

Top left: A watercolour of a cityscape with a bridge, signed 'Lautrec'.
Top right: A reproduction of an Edouard Manet painting, capturing two figures in white, one painting the other, on a boat. Bottom left: A vibrant illustration labeled "Croatia" shows a person sitting under orange beach umbrellas, gazing at the sea with others sunbathing in the background.
Bottom right: A colourful field with rows of flowers in front of a traditional Dutch windmill under a blue sky, with "HOLLAND" printed below.

These art postcards are a fantastic way to keep a bit of beauty and inspiration close at hand.

The image shows a postcard from Holland addressed to Gailey. The sender reflects on typical Dutch icons like windmills, tulips, flowers, and paintings, expressing hope that the card brings a sense of spring and warmth. They mention the difficult times due to Covid and other world events, and they sign off with names that are partly obscured, wishing all the best and 'Happy Post Crossing.' A Dutch priority mail stamp featuring a cow is affixed to the top right corner. Parts of the text have been covered with orange rectangles for privacy.

Each card is like a seeing into an artist’s soul, like a pocket-sized art exhibition, and each one tells a story all its own.

7. Shaped Postcards

Now, these aren’t your regular-sized postcards. Shaped postcards break away from the traditional rectangular format. We’re talking about postcards in all sorts of cool shapes – animals, everyday objects, quirky symbols, you name it.

The image features a collection of five postcards on a dark surface.

Top left: mailbox shaped postcard showing a holly with a bell, snowman and Christmas tree.
Top Middle: A tulip-shaped postcard labeled "Friesland" with picture of yellow and red tulips in the field.
Top right: An anime character from One Piece named Chopper is a reindeer with antlers wearing a pink cape and pinkhat with the letter X as a design.
Bottom left: Texas-shaped orange postcard with "Greetings from Texas" and various drawings like stars, cacti and grass.
Bottom right: Jeepney shaped postcard with the word "Philippines"on top. Several passengers are inside the jeepney along with the driver.

Among all these, my personal favourites are the state-shaped and map-shaped postcards. There’s something super charming about having a little cut-out of a place. A great conversation starters and also a unique way to celebrate the different places I love or dream of visiting.

This image shows a postcard in the shape of Texas with the title "THE LONE STAR STATE est. 1845". It's decorated with a variety of stamps, including a butterfly and historical scenes, and it has a handwritten message that mentions a swap series. There are also red airmail markings and the postcard is addressed to someone named Gailey. Parts of the image are obscured by purple rectangles, likely to maintain privacy.

These shaped postcards are eye-catching and if you’re looking to add a twist to your postcard-sending game, you’ve got to try these out!

8. Space-Themed Postcards

They’re like holding a piece of the night sky right in your hand. Each one is all about the wonders of the universe – we’re talking stars, planets, galaxies, and all that amazing stuff up in space.

This postcard features an artistic rendering of two individuals seated on the ground, gazing up at a star-filled night sky. The sky is illustrated with constellation-like outlines connecting stars into the shapes of a bear, rabbit, fox, and whale. The scene conveys a sense of wonder and connection with nature, as the silhouetted figures sit beneath the vast cosmic display.

These postcards are absolutely perfect for anyone who’s ever gazed up at the stars and just got lost in the magic of it all.

Postcard with a handwritten note on a starry night-themed background. The message reads: "Hello Gailey! Nice to swap with you again. Do you like to watch stars? I do, especially when the night sky is clear. Once, some years ago we were in the country in August and watched Perseids star shower. It was incredible! And I could see the Big Dipper within the constellation Ursa Major. Oh, it was great! Wish you to stay healthy! Svetlana NN 2021." The postcard is adorned with illustrations of a girl, mountains, and a panda.

They stir up a sense of curiosity, making you wonder about all those mysteries floating around in the vastness of space, making them a favourite among stargazers and dreamers alike.

9. Food and Cuisine Postcards

Get ready to drool! These postcards are like a feast for the eyes, capturing the deliciousness of culinary delights from all over the globe. We’re talking about everything from scrumptious dishes, local favourites, to food-inspired artwork. It’s like a global food tour, but on paper!

This postcard showcases the charm of Solvang, California, featuring a collage of images. Top row: Close-ups of delicious-looking Danish pastries and a frothy cappuccino. Middle row: Street views of the quaint Danish-style architecture, complete with the Danish flag and windmill, highlighting the town's cultural heritage. Bottom row: The inviting exterior of a bakery coffee shop, a vintage truck outside a traditional Danish bakery, and an outdoor cafe setting with wrought-iron furniture, all underlining Solvang's cozy, European village atmosphere.

These cards are a celebration of the diverse and rich world of food. For anyone who loves to explore different cuisines or just enjoys a good meal, these postcards are a perfect treat.

Send these types of postcards to all your foodie friends out there; these postcards are a ticket to a world of flavour and culinary adventure!

10. Holiday and Seasonal Postcards

Discover the beauty of the year with holiday and seasonal postcards, your little snapshots of joy for every season!

The image depicts four examples of holiday themed postcards:

Top left: A Christmas postcard with festive icons and the phrases "happy postcrossing" and "merry Christmas" in a pattern. With Santa Clause, ginger bread man, candy cane, musical note, Christmas stocking, snowflake, reindeer and holly in the background.
Top right: A Halloween-themed postcard with cartoon ghosts in front of a haunted house, labeled "Halloween."
Bottom left: A "Merry and Bright" postcard featuring a stylized reindeer against a backdrop of snowflakes and northern lights.
Bottom middle: A birthday postcard with 4 smiling cats each with musical instruments, two with guitar and two with accordion.
Bottom right: Holiday postcard with a panda wearing a scarf, the text reads "It's the most wonderful time of the year.

They beautifully capture the spirit of different times of the year: from Christmas, to spring, and summer, and of course autumn.

Each postcard is decked out with themes that match the season or holiday, making them perfect for spreading a bit of that festive cheer.

This image shows a postcard with a message addressed to Gailey. The sender, Tanya, is sending greetings from Berlin and mentions a love for traveling, with recent visits to Vancouver and Edmonton in Canada. The postcard features a German postage stamp with a pink flower, and festive illustrations possibly suggesting a holiday theme, including Santa Claus and a gingerbread house. Tanya signs off with "Happy Postcrossing!" The message is framed by a white background with the sender's note written in black ink. A large green rectangle obscures part of the postcard to protect privacy.

These cards are great for keeping up with the yearly celebrations and adding a personal touch to special occasions. Imagine bright and merry Christmas scenes, summer beach vibes, colourful fall leaves, or the fresh blossoms of spring – each card brings the essence of these moments to life.

11. Handcrafted Postcards

There’s something special about handcrafted postcards. Created with love and care, each card features unique designs, intricate details, and a variety of materials, standing out for their originality and the personal connection it bring. It’s as if every card has its own distinct personality!

This image is a close-up of a "The New Yorker" magazine cover from April 26 & May 3, 2021, priced at $8.99. The artwork features a stylized depiction of the iconic Chrysler Building in New York City, with three orange helicopters carrying a suspended horizontal girder, possibly suggesting construction or urban development. The sky in the background has a textured appearance, giving the illustration a dynamic and somewhat gritty urban feel.

Far from your average postcards, these have quirky illustrations and mixed media compositions. Handcrafted postcards are unique —they are tangible pieces of someone’s creativity and passion.

This image shows a postcard with a message to Gailey. The visible text speaks about the hobby of making postcards and a mention of New York. The sender's name appears to be Sam, indicated at the bottom with a smiley face. The postcard has U.S. postage stamps featuring orchid flowers, Elmo, and Oscar the Grouch from "Sesame Street." Large parts of the text are covered with purple rectangles to maintain privacy. The background of the postcard includes an illustration or photo of urban high-rise buildings, giving a sense of a bustling cityscape.

So, if you’re looking to send something that truly stands out and speaks from the heart, handcrafted postcards are the way to go. They’re sure to bring a smile to someone’s day.

FAQ: Your Postcard Questions Answered

What do you call a person who collects postcards? How about a person who collects stamps?

A person who collects postcards is called a deltiologist, and a person who collects stamps is known as a philatelist.

Are postcards still relevant in the digital age?

Yes! Postcards offer a personal and tangible way to connect, which is often missing in digital communication. They are valued for their aesthetic appeal and the personal touch they convey, making them a cherished form of communication and collection.

What are the most popular postcard types?

Among the most popular postcard types are “Greetings From” postcards, which are perfect for travellers. Additionally, city view and nature-themed postcards are widely sought after for their scenic beauty.

Where can I find unique postcards?

Unique postcards can be found at local gift shops, museums, art galleries, and online stores specializing in stationery. Craft markets and vintage shops are also great places to discover handcrafted and antique postcards.

How can I start a postcard collection?

Start by deciding on a theme or type of postcard that interests you, such as vintage, art, or travel postcards. Look for postcards during your travels, at local stores, or through online communities. Organize and store your collection in a way that preserves their condition and showcases their designs.

Can postcards be used for more than just mailing?

Yes, postcards can be used creatively for various purposes. They can be framed as art, used in scrapbooking, or even repurposed as bookmarks. Postcards are versatile and can be a creative addition to your decor or craft projects.

The Lasting Magic of Postcards

That wraps up our journey through the world of postcards. These little piece of paper are more than just a means of communication; they’re to a world of stories, art, and connections.

From the first moment I began sending postcards to myself on travels, I love how they convey so much in such a small format. Each type of postcard offers a unique window into different aspects of life.

This photo shows a hand holding a postcard with various Canadian symbols and postage stamps in front of a Canada Post mailbox. The postcard includes images of the Canadian flag, the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, a hockey player, and the Notre-Dame Basilica among others, representing the culture and landmarks of Canada. The mailbox itself is wrapped in a vibrant graphic with words and symbols related to Canadian identity and postal services.

This little guide to all sorts of postcard types and examples isn’t just about sharing my own postcard escapades – it’s like an open invitation for you to try and make very own postcard adventure.

Think of it as a nudge to start collecting these little gems or maybe add some new flavours to your already awesome collection.

For those eager to dive deeper, joining a postcard club, such as The Metropolitan Postcard Club in New York or The Toronto Postcard Club, can offer invaluable connections, resources, and inspiration.

Sign Up for Special Deliveries

If you like receiving postcard delivered right to your doorstep, I’ve got just the thing for you! Visit my Ko-fi page and find out details on how you can receive a postcard from yours truly.

Imagine getting a postcard in your mailbox, all you need to do is click on the link provided and fill out the necessary information, and you’ll be all set.

Whether it’s to add to your collection, to brighten up your day, or just because you love getting fun mail (who doesn’t?), these postcards are ready to make their way to you.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s keep the postcard passion alive, one postcard at a time.