I send mine in a small manila envelope, with the block in a plastic baggie inside. I also include the addresses inside the baggie in case the outside envelope gets torn. I usually just do a card inside or maybe some extra fabric, but I have gotten needle gift packs, bookmarks, stickers, extra fabrics, fat quarters, and more! People are very generous on here, and I have kind of felt bad. The postage is 58 cents, though I have seen as much as $1.25 put on the package.

I have 8 birthday blocks here now, waiting to be opened on Sun. 2 are in those manilla envelopes with plastic padding inside,3 are in regular manilla envelopes, 2 are in greeting card envelopes and 1 is in a business size envelope. These all happen to be from the western side of the U.S.. All made it just fine, no rips or tears. Almost all have some clear plastic tape over the closure, don't know if the P.O. put that on. The postage has run from $.64 to $1.14. Most just had 2 $.41 stamps. In the past they usually have a birthday card. Sometime I try making my card and enjoy getting those also. With the price of postage I wouldn't send anything very heavy. One time ,about three years ago, I got a box from someone that cost them over $3.00 to send. I Spy blocks or extra fabric is always nice but don't feel you have to send anything extra.
Pat

Because of 'border' issues, I only send the block, wrapped in plastic and a card, in a regular envelope. If I use a ziplock bag it becomes too think and costs $2 to mail and sometimes comes under 'suspicion' in customs so I try to avoid that. I don't want someone having to pay duty. So, sorry guys, no extras from me.

Faye

I have to say that the new postage regs have been driving me crazy.
I try to do the postage myself or use the machine in the front of the post office.
I had one block come back postage due & I was motified since it was then late in arriving :(
The machine asks if it is 1/4 inch thick or greater???? I think that is such a hard call. Then if it's sent in a standard envelope like a business envelope it's a different price than a larger envelope even if they weigh the same.
I need to just go to the counter, but I have to tell you that our counter people are so unkind, I don't know why . I'd just rather avoid them if I can.
I think too it should be up to the sender & no pressure to add stuff. I like to add stickers since it's easy to do & Im not a scrapbooker & I love to buy them and they are easy to add. I just adore the hand made cards some of you do, but I'm usually lucky to just get my block done :) Jill

I'm glad you asked that question.
This is my second time to have joined the Birthday Block Exchange.
I've enjoyed it so much, both making and receiveing blocks from our friends here on the forum.

I've always wondered if I should include extra fabric, a small gift, or anything at all.

If the birthday girl doesen't ask for a specific block and it's my choice of what to make, I try to include the name of the block, a copy of the pattern or templetes and instructions. I also include a card.

I've always wondered if that is enough.

I also fear that the envelop will get ripped in the mail and enclose the block in a ziplock bag. I try to remember to put in my address, just incase, but don't always remember to do so.

I'm usually the one with tape on the envelope. I tape it crossways and through the center. I do that because one one block I received was torn so badly that the block was barely hanging in it. It was saved because it was in a zip lock bag---Thank goodness!!

I have received so many beautiful blocks and am so proud of them. Some of the girls include fabric to match, which was really nice, and I have received a book mark too.

Jill, I'm so sorry the counter people are unkind. There's no excuse for that. I love the folks here In Sulphur Springs. They make if a plesant experience. After standing in line, it's always nice to receive a smile and a helpful hand at the counter.

I just love going to my mail box and finding something from one of you here on the forum.

doris