If you are like Erika Fuentes, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Brooklyn, you may have never mailed a letter or a card before. But this year, she decided to send some holiday greetings to her family, friends and clients, and she faced a dilemma: where to put stamp on the envelope?
“I know it sounds silly, but I really didn’t know where to put it,” she says. “I googled it and found out that it should go on the upper right corner of the envelope, but then I wondered if it mattered how I oriented it, or if I needed more than one stamp for different sizes or weights.”
Erika is not alone. According to a survey by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), 36% of Americans under 30 have never mailed a letter before. But with the pandemic limiting travel and social gatherings, more people are turning to mail as a way to connect with their loved ones and express their gratitude during the holiday season.
To help first-time mailers like Erika, we have compiled this guide on where to put stamp on your envelopes and cards, and what kind of stamps to use for different occasions. We also asked some experts to recommend some of the most classic forever stamps that you can use to make your holiday mailings more festive and memorable.
Where to Put Stamp on Envelopes and Cards
The first thing you need to know is where to put stamp on your envelope or card. The general rule is that you should place it on the upper right corner of the address side of the envelope or card, as close as possible to the edge. This is where the USPS machines scan for postage, so make sure it is visible and not covered by anything.
You can orient your stamp in any direction, as long as it is not upside down. However, some people like to match the orientation of the stamp with the orientation of the envelope or card, or with the design of the stamp itself. For example, if you are using a vertical envelope or card, you may want to use a vertical stamp as well.
You also need to know how many stamps to use for your envelope or card. The number of stamps depends on the weight, size and shape of your mail piece, as well as the destination and delivery speed. You can use a postage calculator on the USPS website or app to find out how much postage you need for your mail piece.
If you need more than one stamp, you should place them next to each other in a row, starting from the upper right corner and moving left. Do not overlap them or place them in different corners or sides of the envelope or card.
To help you figure out how many stamps you need for your envelope or card, here is a table that shows the postage rates for different sizes and weights of letters, based on the USPS website:
| Size/Weight | Postage Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard letter (up to 1 oz) | $0.66 |
| Standard letter (each additional ounce) | $0.24 |
| Square, oversized, or unusual letter (up to 1 oz) | $1.06 |
| Square, oversized, or unusual letter (each additional ounce) | $0.24 |
| Postcard | $0.51 |
| Large envelope (flat) (up to 1 oz) | $1.35 |
| Large envelope (flat) (each additional ounce) | $0.24 |
Note that these rates are for domestic mail only. For international mail, you need to use international stamps or forever stamps with additional postage.
What Kind of Stamps to Use for Different Occasions
The next thing you need to know is what kind of stamps to use for your envelope or card. There are many types of stamps available from the USPS, but the most common ones are:
| Type of Stamp | Description | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Forever stamps | Non-denominational stamps that can be used to mail any standard-sized letter weighing up to one ounce within the United States, regardless of the current postage rate. | Ideal for regular mailings and can be used for international mail as well, as long as you add additional postage according to the destination country. |
| Additional ounce stamps | Stamps that can be used to add extra postage for letters that weigh more than one ounce. They are usually cheaper than forever stamps and have a lower denomination. | Can be used in combination with forever stamps or other stamps to cover the required postage for your mail piece. |
| International stamps | Stamps that can be used to mail letters and postcards up to one ounce to any country in the world. They have a higher denomination than forever stamps and are usually marked with “Global” or “International”. | Can also use forever stamps for international mail, but you may need more than one depending on the destination country. |
| Postcard stamps | Stamps that can be used to mail postcards up to six inches long by four and a quarter inches high within the United States. They have a lower denomination than forever stamps and are usually marked with “Postcard”. | Can also use forever stamps for postcards, but they may cost more than postcard stamps. |
| Special issue stamps | Stamps that feature various themes, designs and commemorations related to history, culture, art, science, sports and more. They are usually issued in limited quantities and have different denominations depending on their size and shape. | Can be used for any type of mail, as long as you pay the correct postage for your mail piece. |
When choosing what kind of stamps to use for your envelope or card, you should consider the following factors:
- The weight, size and shape of your mail piece: You should weigh and measure your mail piece before buying stamps, and use a postage calculator to find out how much postage you need. You should also avoid using irregular-shaped or oversized envelopes or cards, as they may require extra postage or incur surcharges.
- The destination and delivery speed of your mail piece: You should check the delivery standards and rates for different mail classes and destinations on the USPS website or app, and choose the best option for your needs. You should also check the customs regulations and restrictions for international mail, and fill out any required forms or labels.
- The design and message of your mail piece: You should choose stamps that match the theme, tone and purpose of your mail piece, and that reflect your personality and style. You can also use stamps to convey a specific message or sentiment, such as celebrating a holiday, honoring a person or supporting a cause.
Some of the Most Classic Forever Stamps to Use for Holiday Mailings
One of the best ways to make your holiday mailings more festive and memorable is to use some of the most classic forever stamps that feature seasonal designs and themes. Here are some of our favorites:
| Name of Stamp | Design | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Delights | Four colorful illustrations of traditional holiday items, such as a gingerbread house, a wreath, a tree and a stocking. | Perfect for adding some cheer and warmth to your holiday greetings. |
| Winter Scenes | 10 different photographs of snowy landscapes, such as mountains, forests, lakes and bridges. | Ideal for capturing the beauty and tranquility of winter. |
| Holiday Wreaths | Four different designs of wreaths made from various materials, such as pinecones, flowers, fruits and leaves. | Great for expressing your appreciation and gratitude to your recipients. |
| Sparkling Holidays | Four vintage images of Santa Claus from the 1950s, based on the artwork of Haddon Sundblom. | Nostalgic and charming, and evoke the magic and joy of the holiday season. |
| Hanukkah | A stylized image of a menorah with nine lit candles, against a dark blue background. | Elegant and simple, and celebrate the Jewish festival of lights. |
| Kwanzaa | An artistic interpretation of a kinara with seven lit candles, representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa. | Vibrant and colorful, and honor the African American cultural celebration. |
| Diwali | A traditional diya oil lamp with a bright flame, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. | Festive and beautiful, and commemorate the Hindu festival of lights. |
| Eid Greetings | An ornate gold design with the Arabic word for “Eid”, which means “festivity”. | Graceful and elegant, and mark the two most important Islamic festivals: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. |
These are just some of the most classic forever stamps that you can use for your holiday mailings. You can find more options on the USPS website or at your local post office. You can also mix and match different stamps to create your own unique combinations.
We hope this guide has helped you learn where to put stamp on your envelopes and cards, and what kind of stamps to use for different occasions. We also hope you have enjoyed our recommendations for some of the most classic forever stamps to use for holiday mailings.
Now that you know how to mail like a pro, why not try it yourself? Grab some envelopes or cards, write some heartfelt messages, choose some festive stamps, and send some joy to your family, friends and clients this holiday season.
You never know how much it may mean to them.
Happy mailing! 💌
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