What can you send to an inmate besides letters?

Beyond standard letters, there are several approved ways to reach someone inside and each one makes a meaningful difference in their daily life.

Books and magazines are among the most valued things an inmate can receive. Reading material passes time, keeps the mind engaged, and provides a connection to the world outside the walls. The key requirement is that both must come directly from the publisher or an approved vendor like Amazon rather than being mailed from your home. Content restrictions apply and anything with nudity will be rejected at the mailroom.

Greeting cards are generally permitted and a card for a birthday, holiday, or just because goes a long way inside. Keep them simple and avoid anything with glitter, raised embellishments, or pieces that could detach. Plain flat cards move through the mailroom without issue while fancy ones risk getting turned away.

Photos are another option that inmates genuinely treasure. A printed photo of family, a loved one, or even a familiar place from home is something people keep in their lockers and look at daily. Photos need to be on actual photo stock rather than regular printer paper and must meet the facility's size and content requirements. InmateAid's photo service handles the printing and mailing on proper photo stock that meets facility specifications.

Money is one of the most practical things you can provide. Funds on the books give your loved one access to commissary food, hygiene items, phone credits, and other basics that improve daily life considerably. InmateAid offers a money transfer service that makes depositing funds straightforward.

Each facility has its own rules about what is and is not permitted so confirming the specific policies at your loved one's institution before sending anything is always worth the extra step.