04 May 2020
There are many activities available to young people to encourage them to find out more about stamp collecting, writing letters, and the postal service. Get inspiration and ideas with our special guide…
Now could be just the right time to encourage your kids or grandchildren to explore the world of stamps, and there are many different options and activities available.
Design a stamp
Guernsey Post have announced that it is inviting local children across the Bailiwick to create a piece of artwork, which could be selected to feature on new stamps to be launched on the themes #GuernseyTogether and #AlderneySpirit. All proceeds of sale from the stamps will be donated between selected local charities. Find out more in our special news story.
Don't live in Guernsey? Don't worry, there's nothing stopping you designing your own stamp. You could use the Guernsey stamp template at the Guernsey Stamps website, or download the template below to get started…
Write a letter
Royal Mail, Action for Children and The Prince’s Trust have created a toolkit named Can’t Talk, Write to help children, young people and their parents/carers put pen to paper. It includes tips, advice and exercises to help people to improve mental and emotional wellbeing. The Can’t Talk, Write toolkit is available for download at: http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/cant-talk-write
Of course, you don't need a toolkit to put pen to paper, just… a pen, some paper, and a stamp! Why not start correspondence with a relative or friend via the good old postal system? You could use different stamps on each letter and tell the recipient all about the stamp you've used.
The Postcrossing website is another way to send and receive messages from all over the world. Find out more in this special feature and start sending postcards to all corners of the globe.
Starting a stamp collection can be so exciting! Pick your topic or country and start browsing the internet for stamps to purchase. If you'd like a helping hand then the Kidstamps club is perfect for you!
Kidstamps is a free postal club (you just need to enclose a stamp-addressed envelope with your application form in order to receive your gift pack), promoted by the Stamp Active Network, to encourage young stamp collectors in the UK who are interested in taking part in stamp collecting, competitions and quizzes etc. Anyone between the ages of 5 and 19 can join. Find out more at: www.stampactive.co.uk/kidstamps-club
Your chance to help Kidstamps!
Why not donate some of your spare stamps or covers to encourage young people to start the hobby? Donations for Stamp Active should be sent to: Peter Barham, Hon. Secretary, Stamp Active Network, 2E Broomwood Road, Orpington, Kent, BR5 2JH.
You can also find advice and tips right here on the allaboutstamps website:
- Five websites to help your collecting
- A beginners guide to stamp collecting
- Stamp collecting glossary - a guide to philatelic words
Download these cool activity books for free at Stamp Active, just go to: www.stampactive.co.uk/fun-games
There are some fun colouring sheets at the following websites:
- USA stamp designs for you to colour in: www.activity-sheets.com/coloring_page/stamps
- Fun pics, including Postman Pat: CWU - North Staffordshire Postal Branch
- Download and print Post Office colouring pages for free: coloringhome.com/post-office-coloring-page
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