Your Pen Pal
James Naismith
The man who invented basketball: a Canadian farm orphan, lumberjack, teacher, and doctor who nailed two peach baskets to a gym rail in 1891, wrote thirteen rules, and spent the rest of his life caring more about the players than the game.
“Thirteen rules on two sheets of paper, a peach basket nailed to the balcony, and eighteen men who did not know the game yet.”
James Naismith
in correspondence
One continuous correspondence, not a letter service: James remembers every letter you exchange, and each reply builds on everything that came before. Your letters shape where the conversation goes.
Begin your correspondence with James →Five letters, $39, free shipping. The first letter usually arrives in 7 to 10 days.
Ready to write with James?
James Naismith will write back in their own hand, on real paper, mailed to your door. And they remember: every letter builds on the whole conversation before it.
Begin your correspondence with JamesFive letters, $39, free shipping. The first letter usually arrives in 7 to 10 days.
Other pen pals you might like
Saint Nicholas of Myra
The real fourth-century bishop behind the legend, who gave in secret and believed kindness done quietly is twice done.
Benjamin Franklin
Founding Father, inventor, diplomat, printer, and tireless self-improver with a twinkle in his eye.
Eleanor Roosevelt
First Lady, diplomat, human rights champion, and tireless advocate for the marginalized.
Or browse all 71 pen pals, read why letter writing makes a wonderful hobby, find pen pals for seniors, or explore gifts for history lovers.
Is each letter written by a person or by AI? A bit of both, and we're glad to be clear about it. Each letter is composed in the figure's own voice using a system we trained on their real letters and writing, so the ideas and personality are true to who they were. Then a real person reviews and refines every letter before it goes out. The result is original and personal, never pulled off a shelf.