Stationery ensembles are a popular gift for many occasions. A stationery ensemble with the bride and groom's new monogram is a thoughtful gift for the newly married couple. For college graduates, a stationery ensemble is a welcome to the adult world of correspondence. Stationery ensemble printed with whimsical and colorful borders and motifs make excellent birthday gifts for tweens and teens. While stationery ensembles vary widely in what they include, there are some stationery pieces that are commonly included in most stationery ensembles.

Letter Paper

Most stationery ensembles include 25-20 sheets of printed letter paper and 50-100 sheets of letter paper that does not carry a personalized imprint. The letter paper will usually be in one of two standard sizes - 5x7 inches or 8 ½ x 11 inches. The quality of the paper will depend on the manufacturer and the price you're willing to pay. High quality letter paper is a worthwhile investment for both professional and personal use.

Note Cards

Many stationery ensembles include folded note cards that match or coordinate with the letter paper. The folded notes are usually printed on the outside and blank on the inside for your correspondence. Often, they are 5 x 7 inches unfolded, making them the ideal size for holding folded sheets of letter paper if your note takes up more room than the writing area on the card itself.

Correspondence Cards

A stationery ensemble may include flat correspondence cards in addition to or instead of note cards. Correspondence cards are usually 4 by 6 inches, and are not folded. Generally, they are printed with a border or emblem that coordinates with the rest of the stationery in the ensemble. These cards are ideal for short, quick notes to be included with gifts or sent to friends when a longer letter is too long, but a written expression is appropriate. They make great cards for jotting thank you notes, condolence notes and short reminder notes.

Enclosure Cards

Enclosure cards are the modern day equivalent of calling cards. Generally the size of a business card, they are printed, embossed or engraved with your full name at the top or side, leaving the bulk of the card free for writing a quick personal message. They are ideal for tucking into a gift box to add a personal message, or leaving behind when you stop in to visit someone who is not at home. They coordinate with the rest of the stationery in the ensemble, but seldom have envelopes in the right size to hold them.

Note Block

A full stationery ensemble will nearly always include a block of memo-sized note paper in a coordinating memo holder of cardboard or acrylic. Memo notes are ideal for jotting down thoughts, reminders and keeping lists, and can also be used to write short notes to friends and family members. Memo block paper is frequently more casual than other types of stationery, and made of lesser quality paper.

Envelopes

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