A cushioned mailer includes a paper outer layer comprising a tissue-grade paper material; a paper inner layer comprising a tissue-grade paper material and defining an inner cavity of the cushioned mailer, the inner cavity configured to receive contents therein, the inner cavity defining an opening at a top end of the cushioned mailer, the opening allowing access to the inner cavity; and an intermediate cushioning layer disposed between the paper outer layer and the paper inner layer, the intermediate cushioning layer comprising a plurality of cushioning inserts, each of the plurality of cushioning inserts being substantially uniform in size and shape.