With so many countries and eras to choose from, one of the most difficult tasks is choosing where to begin. When I first started collecting stamps over 10 years ago, I decided to focus on my passion: music. Instead of conducting a wide search for every postage mark I could find, I began by seeking out music-themed stamps and broadened my collection from there.

It was interesting to me also to learn that some smaller countries create limited runs of elaborate stamps to be bought by stamp collectors. These collectible stamps have become an important source of revenue for these countries.

Stamp collecting is not just collecting stamps, but includes related items, such as covers (envelopes or packages with stamps on them). First-day covers are sought after eagerly by the avid stamp collector.

It is estimated that the number of stamp collectors in the United States alone ranges up to 20 million. How many times have we received a piece of mail with a stamp we just had to keep?

If you’re dealing with an abundance of stress due to work, family or some other source, it can be beneficial to find a hobby that can clear your head. Recently I’ve thrown myself into the world of stamp collecting – known in stamp circles as philately. To be more precise, philately is the study of stamps. You might find it hard to believe, but many people enjoy simply gazing at the intricate designs on stamps or appreciating them for their historical value without actually owning them.

But I prefer to collect and display my own. I keep my stamps in meticulously sorted albums classified by country. All the stamp collecting supplies I really need to pursue my passion are an empty album with adhesive paper and a magnifying glass. I’m always keeping a lookout in newspapers and online forums for any stamp shows or conventions that might be coming to town.