Every Postcrosser knows this moment.
You receive an address, open the profile, and read something like:
“I collect vintage trains, lavender fields, maps of Iceland, hedgehogs, dark fantasy dragons, handmade lino prints and very specific 1980s typography.”
You look at your desk.
You have a cat. A mushroom. And something abstract in beige.
So what now?
Quick Answer
If you don’t have the exact postcard someone asks for, choose one that matches their mood, not their keywords, and explain your choice in the message. Thoughtful beats perfect every time.
After years of sending postcards and running a shop full of them, here is what I actually do when I do not have the “perfect” match.
1. Stop Looking for Perfect
There is no such thing as a perfect postcard. There is a thoughtful one.
Profiles often list dream cards. That does not mean the sender is expected to own a warehouse that mirrors their wishlist. Most people are simply happy that you read their profile at all.
If you look at the official Postcrossing guidelines on profiles and preferences you’ll notice something important: preferences are suggestions, not strict requirements.
I have received postcards that were not on my preference list and still felt absolutely right. Not because they matched an object, but because they matched the intention.
2. Look for Mood, Not Objects
This is the trick that makes everything easier. Instead of asking: Do I have lavender?
Ask: Does this person like calm, soft, botanical things?
Instead of: Do I have dragons?
Ask: Do they enjoy fantasy worlds, dark colours, adventure scenes?
Matching mood works better than matching keywords. When you read profiles this way, your options suddenly multiply.
3. Quality Matters More Than Theme
If nothing matches directly, choose something that simply feels good. Clear print. Balanced design. Solid paper.
And here is a true story. Once, I received a postcard printed on very thin paper. My first reaction was disappointment. I care about paper. I notice weight. I notice texture. But then I read the message. The sender wrote that they were not happy with the paper either, but the print “shouted” my name when they saw it. They knew it was for me. Suddenly, I did not care about the paper anymore. That card is still in my collection. The intention fixed everything.
A good paper helps. Good intention wins.
4. Avoid Only the Obvious Mismatches
There are only a few real red flags:
• heavy political themes unless requested
• strong religious imagery without context
• very dark humour if the profile feels gentle
• extremely local advertising-style cards
If you are unsure, thoughtful and neutral wins.
Story-based designs, everyday scenes, quiet illustrations – these are surprisingly universal. That is one reason why collections like The Window Diaries with Marluki are often safe choices. They are specific, but emotionally open.
5. Use Your Message to Close the Gap
Sometimes the postcard becomes perfect because of what you write. If it is not an exact match, explain your choice.
“I didn’t have a dragon, but this forest scene reminded me of the atmosphere in fantasy books.”
Or: “You mentioned you like coffee, and this card made me think of slow mornings.”
That small explanation turns “almost right” into “chosen on purpose.”
If you need ideas for what to write when you are stuck, I have a full guide here:
What to Write on a Postcrossing Postcard? (10 real ideas)
Also, I recommend the Postcrossing writing guides.
6. Build a Flexible Stash
Over time, I learned to keep a small group of postcards that work for many profiles:
• travel
• bookish but not fandom-specific
• botanical
• everyday life illustrations
• artistic photography
This is also how I build collections in my shop. Alongside more thematic lines like From Fantasy Shelves or Coffee Break, I always keep universal designs that are easier to match.
Not every card needs to scream a theme. Some just need to feel right.
The Honest Truth
Most Postcrossers are not judging your inventory. They are happy someone read their profile and wrote something real.
The “almost right” postcard with a thoughtful message will always beat the “perfect” postcard sent without care.
And if choosing ever feels overwhelming, that is exactly why I created my Let Me Pick sets. Sometimes it helps to let someone else read the profile and choose with fresh eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have the exact postcard someone requests?
Choose a postcard that matches the mood of their profile instead of the exact object. Most Postcrossers appreciate thoughtful choices more than perfect keyword matches.
Is it bad to ignore preferences on Postcrossing?
Preferences are suggestions, not strict rules. Avoid clear red flags, but don’t stress about not matching every detail.
How do I choose a universal postcard?
Travel themes, botanical designs, bookish illustrations, everyday life scenes, and artistic photography tend to work well for many profiles.
Should I explain my postcard choice?
Yes. A short explanation in your message can turn an “almost right” postcard into one that feels intentional and personal.
You may also like:
The Best Postcrossing Tips for Beginners
Best Postcard Themes for Postcrossing Profiles
Shop: everything for Postcrossing
