Stationery ensembles are a popular gift for many occasions. A stationery ensemble with the bride and groom’s new monogram is a thoughtful gift for the newly married couple. For college graduates, a stationery ensemble is a welcome to the adult world of correspondence. Stationery ensemble printed with whimsical and colorful borders and motifs make excellent birthday gifts for tweens and teens. While stationery ensembles vary widely in what they include, there are some stationery pieces that are commonly included in most stationery ensembles.
Letter Paper
Most stationery ensembles include 25-20 sheets of printed letter paper and 50-100 sheets of letter paper that does not carry a personalized imprint. The letter paper will usually be in one of two standard sizes – 5×7 inches or 8 ½ x 11 inches. The quality of the paper will depend on the manufacturer and the price you’re willing to pay. High quality letter paper is a worthwhile investment for both professional and personal use.
Note Cards
Many stationery ensembles include folded note cards that match or coordinate with the letter paper. The folded notes are usually printed on the outside and blank on the inside for your correspondence. Often, they are 5 x 7 inches unfolded, making them the ideal size for holding folded sheets of letter paper if your note takes up more room than the writing area on the card itself.
Correspondence Cards
A stationery ensemble may include flat correspondence cards in addition to or instead of note cards. Correspondence cards are usually 4 by 6 inches, and are not folded. Generally, they are printed with a border or emblem that coordinates with the rest of the stationery in the ensemble. These cards are ideal for short, quick notes to be included with gifts or sent to friends when a longer letter is too long, but a written expression is appropriate. They make great cards for jotting thank you notes, condolence notes and short reminder notes.
Enclosure Cards
Enclosure cards are the modern day equivalent of calling cards. Generally the size of a business card, they are printed, embossed or engraved with your full name at the top or side, leaving the bulk of the card free for writing a quick personal message. They are ideal for tucking into a gift box to add a personal message, or leaving behind when you stop in to visit someone who is not at home. They coordinate with the rest of the stationery in the ensemble, but seldom have envelopes in the right size to hold them.
Note Block
A full stationery ensemble will nearly always include a block of memo-sized note paper in a coordinating memo holder of cardboard or acrylic. Memo notes are ideal for jotting down thoughts, reminders and keeping lists, and can also be used to write short notes to friends and family members. Memo block paper is frequently more casual than other types of stationery, and made of lesser quality paper.
Envelopes
The stationery ensemble will also include matching envelopes for all the types of stationery included in the ensemble. Depending on the ensemble, they may all be of one size, or they may be of varying sizes to fit note cards, letter paper and correspondence cards. The envelopes are seldom personalized with an imprinted return address, but often have coordinating end papers to contrast on the envelope flap. The envelopes may also be decorated with a monogram on the back flap of the envelope, or with a border or pattern design on the side or bottom edge.
Special Additions to Stationery Ensembles
While standard stationery ensembles contain the note cards and stationery listed above, there are often specialty sets that include little surprises or gifts to go with the stationery. These are among the most common special additions to gift stationery ensembles.
Patterned Pens
One of the most common special additions to stationery gift ensembles is a matching pen. These are especially common with gift ensembles designed for young women and girls, and the pens are usually refillable roller ball point pens with barrels that match the main pattern of the stationery ensemble. There are higher end stationery ensembles that include quality fountain pens, with a barrel color or engraved barrel that coordinates with the rest of the ensemble.
Journals, Diaries, Memory Books and Photo Albums
Stationery ensembles that are meant to be given as gifts often include memory books and photo albums covered with paper or fabric that matches the stationery in the ensemble. These make a wonderful gift for the new mother or the high school graduate about to go off to college.
There are stationery ensembles designed for men and women and children of all ages. If you are looking for a unique and unusual gift for someone special, take a look at the assortment of stationery ensembles available at an online stationery supplier.