Calendars by mail

A blast from the past! Calendars by mail were a popular way to receive a new calendar every year, often with a personalized touch. Here's a brief overview:

How it worked:

  1. You would order a calendar by mail from a company, often through a catalog or advertisement.
  2. You would select the type of calendar you wanted (e.g., wall calendar, desk calendar, or planner).
  3. You might have the option to personalize the calendar with your name, a special message, or a photo.
  4. The company would send you the calendar, usually in the mail, around the holiday season (December or January).
  5. You would receive a new calendar every year, often with a new design, theme, or features.

Types of calendars by mail:

  1. Wall calendars: Large, foldable calendars that you could hang on your wall.
  2. Desk calendars: Smaller, more compact calendars that you could place on your desk.
  3. Planners: More detailed calendars that included space for notes, appointments, and tasks.
  4. Specialty calendars: Calendars with unique themes, such as sports teams, holidays, or hobbies.

Companies that offered calendars by mail:

  1. Hallmark: Known for their greeting cards, Hallmark also offered a range of calendars by mail.
  2. Day-Timer: A popular brand for planners and calendars, Day-Timer offered a variety of options.
  3. Mead: A well-known manufacturer of school supplies, Mead also offered calendars by mail.
  4. Calendars.com: A dedicated online retailer that specialized in calendars, including personalized options.

The rise and fall of calendars by mail:

Calendars by mail were popular in the mid-20th century, but their popularity declined with the advent of digital calendars and online scheduling tools. Many companies that offered calendars by mail shifted their focus to online products or discontinued their calendar offerings altogether.

However, some companies still offer calendars by mail, often with a nostalgic or retro twist. You can still find online retailers that sell calendars by mail, although the selection may be more limited than in the past.