Junior Stamp Collecting

This little gem of an activity was inspired by a recent package that arrived for Mark all the way from Hong Kong. Emily was enthralled with the stamps, so I thought I would introduce her to my old stamp collection from when I was a kid. My dad has a much larger collection, so it must run in the family. Stamps have since have become her tiny treasures, and she takes excellent care of them.

To start your own stamp collection, first cut the envelope around the stamps. Soak in very warm water for a few minutes to allow the adhesive to come loose. Gently peel the stamp off of the envelope with tweezers, and transfer to a paper towel with the printed side facing down.
Allow the stamps to dry completely, and then add to your stamp book. You can use hinges like these, or collectors binder sheets like the ones we used. There is even a Beginner’s Stamp Collecting Fun Kit!
This is a great introduction to world geography, and a super-frugal hobby for just about anyone. You can bet we’ll be keeping a close eye on our mailbox for any unusual stamps!