A fun, educational and economical hobby for all the family!
Keeping today's kids entertained in the electronic age is a potentially costly affair.
However, there are hobbies and activities that need not cost the earth and that also stimulate a child's natural curiosity and desire to learn.
Far from making a child more insular (a common misconception) collecting thematic stamps tends to make the young person look outside his or her world and start wondering about other countries, cultures and interests.
The Penny Black 1840 Blog
Postage stamps from around the world
The Penny Black 1840 Blog looks at the stories behind postage stamps and takes a wide look at philately and stamp collecting around the world.
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Starting a Collection of Used Thematic Stamps...
is easier than you think!
If you live in the UK or the US collecting used commemorative stamps from the envelopes that come through your letter box everyday is perhaps the easiest way to begin.
Ask your colleagues at work to keep the stamps on the envelopes that arrive on their office desks too - in no time your child will have built quite an assortment.
And with the advent of Internet shopping and eBay we are all of us increasingly buying items from foreign markets - be careful unwrapping that imported DVD! The stamps on the packaging may well be a welcome addition to your child's collection too!
Thematic Stamp Books at Amazon
International Thematic Stamps
Used international thematic stamps from other countries can usually be bought in bumper packs for a nominal amount well within the range of pocket money or allowances. Some African and Caribbean countries actually over produce stamps in order to supply the foreign collector's market. A typical mixed bag will give your child plenty of choice with stamps from many broad categories (see list below). Thematic Postage Stamps
Some Ideas for Thematic Stamp Collecting
- Sport - Football is always popular with World Cup stamps found everywhere.
- The Animal World - Mammals, birds, fish, insects, reptiles...the list is endless.
- Walt Disney - Mickey, Goofy and Donald Duck on stamps.
- Famous People - The US Postal Service Elvis Presley stamp is one of the world's most popular stamps, closely followed by dozens of Princess Diana stamp issues.
- Transport - Trains, planes and auto mobiles not to mention motorcycles and hot air balloons - they're all on stamps!
Stamp Collecting Gifts
Greeting Cards (Pk of 10)
The perfect gift for philatelists and stamp collectors everywhere with this elegant range featuring the world's first stamp - The Penny Black!
Price: 17.99
Penny Black Mousepad
The perfect gift for philatelists and stamp collectors everywhere with this elegant range featuring the world's first stamp - The Penny Black!
Price: 13.99
Tote Bag
The perfect gift for philatelists and stamp collectors everywhere with this elegant range featuring the world's first stamp - The Penny Black!
Price: 15.99
Trucker Hat
The perfect gift for philatelists and stamp collectors everywhere with this elegant range featuring the world's first stamp - The Penny Black!
Price: 13.99
Stamp Collecting Accessories
The only minor cost, if your child does get the stamp collecting bug, will be in acquiring some basic equipment such as tweezers, magnifying glasses, gadgets for steaming or soaking stamps off envelopes and albums etc. Remember these items will also make ideal gifts at birthdays and holidays meaning aunts and uncles will never be stumped again as to what to buy the young philatelist in the family! Stamp Collecting Accessories at Amazon
GIANT FOLDING MAGNIFIER
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
Thematic Stamp Collecting Sites
- Elvis on Stamps - Topical & Specialty Stamps
- Elvis on Stamps - The home of specialist thematic International Elvis Presley Postage Stamps | Sheetlets | Commemorative Covers
- Welcome to Penny Black 1840 - Home
- Welcome to 'Penny Black 1840'
...a site dedicated to the world's first postage stamp. Find the perfect gift for philatelists and stamp collectors everywhere with an elegant range of items featuring original designs inspired by The Penny Black. - The Audrey Hepburn Postage Stamp
- Roman Holiday Memorabilia Store!
Reader Feedback
CollectorsCottage wrote...
Great lens, 5 stars! Wonderful hobby as well. Welcome to the Collector Clubs group!
Posted January 26, 2009
CollectorsCottage wrote...
Great lens, 5 stars! Wonderful hobby as well. Welcome to the Collector Clubs group!
Posted January 26, 2009
singaporehosting wrote...
Thematics can be a useful way to start stamp collecting for children as they are cheap and can arouse their interest.
Posted January 24, 2009
singaporehosting wrote...
Thematics can be a useful way to start stamp collecting for children as they are cheap and can arouse their interest.
Posted January 24, 2009
Evelyn_Saenz wrote...
Collecting stamps can be lots of fun!
The Tadpoles have been out in the rain looking for something new to do for Recess. Your great lens has given them some great ideas.
Favored and joined your club. 5 Stars!
Posted April 19, 2008
by Debs
Born in Taunton, UK in 1968. Studied Fine Art at Reading University, then moved from England to Italy in 1994.
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