USPS launches a fun holiday letter-writing kit for children

Philatelic Foreword by Jay Bigalke

The United States Postal Service added a bit of early holiday cheer to its online store in September with the release of a “Dear Santa: Letter Writing and Holiday Fun Kit for Kids.”

I ordered one out of curiosity, wondering if the included cards were postcards or greeting cards. It turns out they’re folded greeting cards — but the designs are fun enough that collectors might find creative ways to use them. You could even trim off the back of a folded card and repurpose it as a postcard.

The kit is designed to help children take part in the Postal Service’s Operation Santa program. It includes 11 colorful greeting cards with 12 envelopes, four sticker sheets, a “Dear Santa” letter template, and a foldable USPS LLV (Long Life Vehicle) ornament; however, no postage stamps are included.

A small 32-page booklet is also tucked inside, offering child-friendly how-tos on writing letters, creating holiday greetings and thank-you notes, and properly addressing an envelope. Everything comes neatly packaged in a reusable case that resembles a hardcover book, making it a fun activity set and keepsake for the season.

The kit was produced by Rizzoli Universe of New York City, www.rizzoliusa.com, a publisher known for its creative and design-forward gift items, adding a bit of publishing polish to this postal-themed project.

A few of the card designs stood out to me, especially the one showing Santa riding a USPS rocket through space — a delightful nod to the Postal Service’s knack for delivering holiday magic, no matter how far the journey.

For those wanting to write to Santa at the North Pole, the Postal Service asks that letters be addressed to: Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888.

The Dear Santa: Letter Writing and Holiday Fun Kit for Kids is available from the Gifts section of the Postal Service’s online store, https://store.usps.com/store/gifts, for $24.95 (item No. 843621).

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