Stamp Collecting – Introducing Philately to Kids

The bliss in building a collection happens at a very early stage. The third graders at our older kid’s class are into water globes, legos, bouncy balls, greeting cards, baseball cards, marbles, beads and the list goes on. It was surprising when the purpose of their collection was to primarily learn more about the world. Kids are by nature curious and collections play a role in fostering it. Some collections like postage stamps, coins, baseball cards extend beyond childhood and can be a long lost friend on rainy days.

Philately is a hobby that any kid with a burgeoning interest in the world we live in, its inhabitants, countries, and cultures will appreciate. This is the first in a series of articles on philately with a focus on kids.

Below is a short FAQ on this hobby. Future posts will elaborate on these:

1. What are the different collectible items in philately?

The most popular item is used stamps. Close in its heels are unused stamps, first day covers, postal cards, metered postage seals, imprints, etc.

2. Is it possible to identify stamps in my collection – year of issue, the story behind the issue, any other details including value?

Stamp catalogs are the best resource for this information and the leading one is the The Scott Catalog. Other valuable sources include the postal service guide to US stamps by USPS and others.

3. How much money is required to pursue philately as a hobby?

Like any collectible, philately is highly commercialized. One can easily part with thousands of dollars to build a collection. In fact, numerous collectors do so thereby justifying the need for the multi-billion dollar stamp dealership businesses.

However when introducing kids to philately, it is best to downplay the commercial aspects of philately else disillusionment can seep in when they realize money is key to building a collection. Interestingly, in most developing countries, stamp dealerships are rare and those around cater almost to an exclusive group. Thus, kids are mostly spared the notion of acquiring a collection easily with money.

4. How can one build a collection without spending significant money?

The old-fashioned way of building a collection involves the following:
  • Religiously reach for the stamps from every postage envelope that passes your way,
  • Enlist parents, relatives, and friends to actively scrutinize postage envelopes they receive for you, and
  • Trade or otherwise acquire stamps from other collectors.
The above steps are practical ways for young collectors to pursue philately. Specializing by country, continent, or topics is another aspect of philately best avoided by a budding collector. Such restrictions make it harder to acquire stamps without spending capital.

5. What other resources are available to help with introducing kids to philately?

Stamp clubs around your community is the best resource available to up-and-coming collectors. A more involved alternative is building a network of pen pals and trading partners – dedicated websites help with these.




Last Updated: 09/2015.

35 comments :

scootsah said...

Thanks for the offer. My kids would enjoy the stamps, if won. Please use the following email: scootsah2@gmail.com

The Story Behind The Music said...

Great idea, though I'm not exactly sure how the contest works!
I just started stamp collecting last August, looking to expand my collection.

Cheers,
John
Banihex@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

email add. is tkayval@yahoo.com My kid would like to win? Shes only 6 and shes got more kids involved in the hobby but im haveing trouble keeping up @ reasons 1 is im still new at this and im learning rigth along with the kids 2 is the parents are having a hard time helpping. so any help for me to help the kids is great.. even etra free books for them . i can afrod shipping if have too!!! Thanks Ron

Anonymous said...

My 12 year old daughter has recently become facinated with collecting stamps. I have not influenced her and I do not know allot about stamps. My Grandfather Erwin Heiman was a famous stamp authenticator. He handled the presidents stamp collections. Unfortunately he has passed.
Please include Rachael in your drawing.

Thanks,

Ted 925-425-0282
tedheiman@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

This is wonderful. We have introduced kids in children home to stamp collecting and many of the kids are very much excited about this. But there are many kids and we don't have much budget to buy stamps enough for all of them each time.
This would be a big help for us to bring excitement for the children.
Email: diddleda@yahoo.com

Thank you and best wishes, Linda

Anonymous said...

I have four kids and would love to introduce them to stamp collecting. Please enter us in your contest. Mercerfreelancing@gmail.com.

Therese said...

I used to collect stamps! I think my grandchildren would enjoy this, too.

Dee said...

My 11yo would love this!

Angi said...

Wow! What a great contest! I've been collecting stamps for about 4 years now and I just love it. Thanks!

Alice H said...

What an incredibly interesting post - thank you so much for the chance! Stamps are something I really enjoy learning about. alicedemske at hotmail.com

Buki Family said...

i have a young friend who collects stamps. she would LOVE this!

♥ LLL with Leslie ♥ said...

This would be great! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

techyone said...

My son is a stamp collector. Thank you for the giveaway and information about collecting.

JJ said...

I would like for my girls to take an interest in stamp collecting. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Count me in. Thanks.
sweet_soul_sistermi@yahoo.com

Ellen C. said...

My husband and son are just starting their stamp collection. I'd love to win this for them.

sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com

lmurley2000 said...

i have collected stamps all my life is its something i really enjoy alot. make me a winner and thanks for the giveaway.

Angel said...

My son recently began stamp collecting and has been writing embassies to get stamps, this would be a dream come true for him!

Brandy said...

Oh. I just love this! My son and I are starting the journey of homeschooling and this would be a wonderful project for us to do together. Great giveaway : ) luvsandlife@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love stamps! They're so pretty and some are so unique and neat to look at. It feels like traveling the world, even if you don't ;)

Thanks!
shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

billie the girl said...

verytacky(at)hotmail.com
I hope we win!

k8lynr said...

i do love stamps.

-kate
jaded_anthem@yahoo.com

Carolyn said...

I had a collection as a child and I still have it. My father had a friend in San Salvador, so most of my stamps are from there.

Anonymous said...

I just started stamp collecting. Thank you!
Stampnsark@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I am an avid stamp collector! this would be great thanks! :)

dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com

kaylee8 said...

I collected stamps as a child and would love to introduce my daughter to the hobby!

Anonymous said...

This soungs great ! My kid will be thrilled if he wins.
e-mail me at: lwnenf@myfairpoint.net

noreen said...

I loved collecting stamps as a kid, if only my mom could find my old collection (she lost it when I went to college) I would love to get my daughters started
nor_lou at hotmail dot com

Leah said...

There are so many treasures in the world of stamps to be discovered! : ))) And, this would be such a magical gift for our stamp collecting family!

Thanks so much for this fabulous give~away! : )))

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

ks said...

The randomly selected winners of this giveaway (random.org) are Therese, Alice H, and DG (Comments 7, 10, and 25). A new giveaway is posted every Saturday at: http://www.onefamilysblog.com.

Regards,

Unknown said...

Philately has been described as "King of Hobbies" and "Hobby of Kings". I have enjoyed collecting from a very young age and am encouraging my kids to take it up.

Anonymous said...

I'm 66 and don't qualify - Sob! Think it is a great idea and plan on contacting diddleda@yahoo.com to offer some of my duplicates for the cost of shipping since they are working with a group of kids. yarinacocha

Anonymous said...

my friend and i just started this stamp club but we have very few stamps to start with

Jerry said...

Great work

stamp collecting for kids said...

Stamp collecting for kids is a great hobby specially when you have kids which are into stamp collecting. My 13 years old son is into stamp collecting for quite some times. Thanks for sharing this article about stamp collecting for kids.

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