A Santa stamp is a special kind of postage stamp that features the image of Santa Claus, the legendary figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. Santa stamps are popular among people who want to send holiday greetings to their loved ones, or who simply love the festive spirit of Christmas. But what are the benefits of using a Santa stamp? How much do they cost? Where can you buy them? And when should you buy them? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, and give you some tips on how to use Santa stamps effectively.
What is a Santa Stamp and Why Should You Use It?
A santa stamp is a type of forever stamp, which means that it can be used to mail a one-ounce letter regardless of the current postal rate. Forever stamps were introduced by the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 2007 to help customers cope with frequent price changes.
Santa stamps are usually issued in October or November each year, and they come in different designs and denominations. Some of the most popular santa stamps include:
- Sparkling Holidays (2018): This stamp features a vintage illustration of Santa Claus by Haddon Sundblom, who created the iconic image of Santa for Coca-Cola advertisements in the 1930s and 1940s.
- Winter Delights (2019): This stamp shows a close-up of Santa’s face with a red and white striped hat and a snowy background. The stamp is part of a booklet of 20 stamps that also depict other winter-themed items, such as snowflakes, mittens, and ornaments.
- Holiday Delights (2020): This stamp depicts a smiling Santa holding a green sack full of presents. The stamp is part of a set of four stamps that also feature a reindeer, a snowman, and a gingerbread man.
- Santa Claus (2021): This stamp portrays a realistic portrait of Santa Claus with a white beard and a red suit. The stamp is based on an original painting by artist Gregory Manchess, who used his own father as a model for Santa.
- Santa’s Sleigh (2022): This stamp shows a silhouette of Santa’s sleigh flying over a snowy landscape with a full moon in the background. The stamp is designed by artist Tyler Lang, who used digital tools to create the image.
Using a santa stamp has many benefits, such as:
- Adding some magic and charm to your mail: A santa stamp can make your mail more attractive and memorable, especially for children who believe in Santa Claus. It can also show your personality and taste, as you can choose from different designs and styles.
- Saving money and time: A santa stamp can help you save money and time, as you don’t have to worry about the postal rate changes or buying new stamps every year. You can use your santa stamps anytime and anywhere, as long as they are valid.
- Supporting a good cause: A santa stamp can help you support a good cause, as some of the proceeds from the sale of santa stamps go to charities or organizations that help children in need, such as Toys for Tots or Make-A-Wish Foundation.
How Much Does a Santa Stamp Cost and Where Can You Buy It?
The price of a Santa stamp depends on the denomination and the quantity you buy. The most common denomination is the first-class mail rate, which is currently $0.66 for a one-ounce letter. However, you can also buy Santa stamps in other denominations, such as $0.41 for postcards, $1.30 for international letters, or $1.16 for two-ounce letters.
The cheapest way to buy santa stamps is to buy them in bulk from the USPS website or from authorized dealers, such as Amazon or eBay. You can save up to 10% by buying santa stamps in rolls of 100 or more. Alternatively, you can buy santa stamps in smaller quantities from your local post office or from online retailers, such as Theuspsstamps.com.
Here is a table that compares the prices and advantages of different ways to buy santa stamps:
Method | Price per Stamp | Advantages |
---|---|---|
USPS website | $0.74 | Official option; free shipping; no minimum order |
Amazon | $0.76 | Fast delivery; free shipping (Prime); easy returns |
eBay | $0.73 | Variety of designs; competitive prices; |
the USPS stamps | $0.45~$0.60 | Discounted stamps; free shipping; 3-5 bds fast delivery |
Local post office | $0.74 | Convenient location; no shipping fees; immediate availability |
When Should You Buy Santa Stamps and How to Get Discounts?
The best time to buy santa stamps is as early as possible, preferably before December. This is because santa stamps are in high demand and often run out of stock, especially in the peak season of Christmas. If you wait too long, you may not be able to find the design or denomination you want, or you may have to pay a higher price.
To get discounts on santa stamps, you can try the following methods:
- Buy in bulk: As mentioned above, buying santa stamps in bulk can save you up to 10% compared to buying them individually. You can also share the cost with your friends or family members who also need santa stamps.
- Use coupons or promo codes: You can look for coupons or promo codes online or offline that offer discounts on santa stamps or postage in general. For example, you can use the code SANTA10 to get 10% off your order at Theuspsstamps.com.
- Join loyalty programs or clubs: You can join loyalty programs or clubs that offer rewards or benefits for buying santa stamps or other products. For example, you can join the USPS Stamps Subscription Program, which allows you to receive new stamps automatically every month or quarter at a discounted price.
- Look for sales or clearance: You can look for sales or clearance events that offer discounts on santa stamps or other items. For example, you can check the USPS website or your local post office for seasonal sales or special offers on santa stamps or other holiday-themed products.
How to Use Santa Stamps Effectively and Make Your Mail Stand Out
Santa stamps are not only fun and festive, but they can also help you make your mail more attractive and memorable. Here are some tips on how to use santa stamps effectively:
- Match your stamp with your envelope: Choose an envelope that complements the color and theme of your santa stamp. For example, if you use a sparkling holidays stamp, you can use a red or gold envelope to create contrast and sparkle.
- Add some embellishments: You can make your envelope more eye-catching by adding some stickers, washi tape, glitter, or ribbon. You can also use a festive font or handwriting to address your envelope.
- Write a personal message: Don’t forget to write a personal message inside your card or letter. You can express your gratitude, appreciation, or best wishes to the recipient. You can also share some news, stories, or memories that relate to the holiday season.
- Send your mail early: To avoid delays and ensure that your mail arrives on time, you should send your mail as early as possible. The USPS recommends sending your domestic mail by December 15, and your international mail by December 1.
- Have fun: The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of sending and receiving mail. Santa stamps are a great way to spread joy and cheer to your friends and family, and to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
Summary
Santa stamps are a wonderful way to add some magic and charm to your holiday mail. They are easy to buy, affordable, and versatile. You can choose from a variety of designs, match them with your envelopes, and write a personal message. By following these tips, you can use santa stamps effectively and make your mail stand out from the crowd.
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