Where do you put "c/o" on an envelope?

Question

Is this right? I'm sending out birthday cards to the children and trying to put "care of" then the parent name but don't know where to put it.

Junior Smith
c/o Mr. and Mrs. Smith
1234 Random Road
Anyplace USA,1234

Answer 1

You've got it. Be sure to include the parents name as the post carrier might not know the childs name and not deliver it, if the childs name isn't the same as the parent(s).

Answer 2

That is correct, except the zip code has 5 digits. (I happen to know Anyplace, USA, is 12345, if that's helpful to you. If you want to get fancy and use the 9-digit zip code, it's 12345-6789. You're welcome.)

But I would address the cards directly to the recipients. Why not? How would you feel if someone sent you a personal greeting that was to 'Mrs. Smith c/o Mr. Smith'?

C/o is usually used in a case where you need someone's help to get the mail to the right person, like he doesn't live there or something.

Answer 3

Junior smith is a member of the Smith family. There is no need of "care of" for him to receive the letter. But if you are sending a letter to someone called Bush who stays with Smiths as their guest it is advisable to write c/o so that the postman can be sure that there has been no mistake in the address.

Answer 4

That looks correct to me. The c/o is usually used when the person is visiting or living there temporarily. If they have the same last name it wouldn't be necessary, although it is considered polite to the permanent residents of that address.

Answer 5

I would just leave out the c/o if it is being sent to a family residence.

Answer 6

Correct. But, when I was a kid, I loved the envelope only to be addressed to me. It made me feel special. I would leave out the c/o so it gives the kiddo "big kid" feelings.

Answer 7

This is the correct format.