I'm a big fan of those little photo books that are popping up in the mail as free gifts from charities. I know, most folks toss them, but they have some dandy uses if you just think creatively. I like the ones best where you can insert your own cover photo but the others will do in a pinch.
Tuck small note cards with envelopes inside the sleeve or cover; add a couple of stamps and address labels and you can write a friendly greeting whenever you have a spare minute, especially if you include addresses. I also use it as a mini control journal (ala FlyLady). On separate index cards I write my morning and evening routines, current to-do list, folks I'm praying for, Bible verses or bright ideas. I jot down writing prompts so I don't forget them and prayer requests when someone tells me their problems. Keep blank cards in the back; when a card has served its purpose, throw it away.
You can use them for gifts, especially for seniors (they're light as a feather.) Put your picture on the front, or your friend's pet, add specially chosen Bible verses or quotes, a couple of ATC's, if you make them, a tiny sketch, a recipe, stick in a few store coupons, phone numbers for local cab companies, extra index cards.
If you want it to be a bit more attractive cut colored paper to size, but as FlyLady says, don't obsess, it doesn't have to be perfect, your friend will enjoy its convenience and your thoughtfulness.
