Red Envelopes

Envelopes are endlessly useful office supplies because they help us mail letters, store documents or house exciting gifts for coworkers or loved ones. They come in many different colors, but if you want to personalize them, or point to an increased sense of urgency, consider using red envelopes.

These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them perfect for a wide range of personal and professional tasks.

What Sizes Do Red Envelopes Come In?

Red envelopes come in an assortment of sizes to suit all of your business and personal needs. Below are the most common options:

• 6" x 9 1/2"
• 6 1/2" x 6 1/2"
• 5 1/4" x 7 1/4"
• 4 3/8" x 5 3/4"
• 4 3/4" x 6 1/2"
• 4 1/8" x 9 1/2"

Additionally, red envelopes come in multipacks so you can be sure that you’ll always have one on hand. Packs range from 10 pieces, to bulk, enterprise-level amounts with 500 included. Ensure your red envelope is the right size to pair with your stationery, invitations or cards before purchase.

Red Envelopes Styles

Red envelopes come in a lot of designs, and not all styles can be sealed in the same way. Common seals and their descriptions are listed below.

Gum Closure Envelopes

Gum closure envelopes are perhaps the most common type. These have strips of glue on the flap. This glue or gum must be moistened in order to be properly sealed. This can be done with a finger pad or envelope moistener, or simply, by licking the flap.

Self Seal Envelopes

Self seal envelopes make it easy to send your mail on its way with a removable strip you can peel off of the flap. Then just press it down to close and you’re done - there’s no need to activate the glue manually.

Button and String

These decorative red envelopes require a bit more effort to close but are especially secure. Once you are ready to seal your mail, take the string on the outside and wrap it around the buttons on either side of the flap, ensuring that it is wrapped tightly.

Clasp Closure

These have a small hole on the flap and a metal clasp. To seal, pull the two ends of the clasp laying flat against the envelope straight up and poke them through the hole. Once they are through, push them outwards and return them to their original flat position to seal.

For an added element of personalization and security, you can further seal your envelopes with stickers and embellishments.

Can You Recycle a Red Envelope?

Yes, most are recyclable! In fact, Staples has a large selection of products that are Eco-ID qualified meaning they meet certain environmental standards. Many red envelopes are made from recycled materials, and can be recycled after use as long as local guidelines are followed. Be sure to check with your waste management authorities to confirm.