Do you remember the sound of a letter dropping through a mail slot? With the emergence of email, messaging, and online communication, physical mail is becoming a thing of the past – but stamps offer a unique value that can’t be replaced. Not only are stamps a convenient way to pay for postage, they can also benefit your community, promote business, and create happiness.

Postage stamps have a long, storied history, beginning in the early days of mail delivery when the United States Congress authorized Postage Stamps for use from 1840. Over time, stamps have become a beloved part of the culture, changing and diversifying to represent various people and movements. They feature everything from sports heroes to civil rights activists, promoting education, art, and literature. They offer a tangible reminder of the ways the country has changed, and, if kept, can become valuable collector’s items.

The post office has also used stamps to support higher causes, including charity and disaster relief. Special stamps have been released throughout the years to support organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the American Lung Association. The U.S. Post Office also donates a portion of the proceeds from the first-class stamp sales to the U.S. Postal Service’s disaster relief program.

Stamps also offer a unique advantage to small businesses. Mail is a physical reminder of your company’s presence, prompting customers to think of your brand or business. Stamps allow companies to send out promotional materials, invoices, packages, and more without an excessive postage bill. It’s an essential tool for businesses that strive to stay connected to their customers.

Finally, stamps provide a unique sense of satisfaction. Writing a letter by hand and decorating the envelope with a colorful, meaningful stamp put a smile on the face of both the sender and the recipient. It’s a slow, purposeful way of communicating, as opposed to the fast satisfaction of texting or emails. And a personal touch, no matter how small, is sure to make someone’s day.

Add a stamp to your next envelope. You’ll be happy you did.