Collecting postcards is a simple way to travel the globe without ever leaving home. Through Postcrossing, I’ve connected with people from all around the world, picking up gorgeous cards that each tell their own little story. Some postcard series have become true icons among collectors, thanks to their unique looks, local charm, and the sense of community they inspire. I’m here to guide you through the world’s most eye-catching postcard series in Postcrossing and share what makes them favorites among thousands of members.
Why Postcard Series Really Matter in Postcrossing
One thing I noticed pretty quickly: certain card designs get talked about a lot. Series postcards aren’t just popular because of how they look. They help people spot interesting trends, learn a bit about different places, and even give a sense of collecting “achievements.” Some themes are about national pride, others about famous artists, and sometimes it’s just a quirky illustration that captures a sense of fun. Recognizing these iconic series can add a whole new layer of enjoyment to your Postcrossing experience.
From my mailbox, I’ve seen that collecting certain series instantly sparks conversations. Whether it’s official sets like the Greetings from series or locally made cards featuring regional foods, these postcards quickly become highlights in any collection.
The Most Iconic Postcard Series in Postcrossing
Some sets seem to show up everywhere or have legends all their own. Here’s a peek at the series most people want to find, and why they’re worth the buzz.
- Postallove “Greetings from” Series: These cards have bright borders and a fun way of sharing facts about each country. People love collecting the whole set, and it feels pretty cool to match a new place to your map each time you get one.
- MOTW (“Maps of the World”): This series is all about country maps, with colorful illustrations showing famous landmarks, animals, and things each place is known for. The mixture of education and design makes these really appealing, especially if you love geography.
- LouPaper: Highly detailed and beautifully illustrated, LouPaper postcards usually feature cities or regions within countries, showing off local foods, famous sights, and traditions. They’re like getting a miniature travel guide in the mail.
- FOTW (“Flags of the World”): For those who love flags, this illustrated series combines fun trivia with each country’s flag. It’s something both kids and adults can get into, and they’re also bright enough to stand out on any display.
- Lali Riddles: These playful cards include hidden drawings and tasks on each one, with a distinctive, hand-drawn style. I find these especially fun when I want to send (or receive) something a bit unusual.
It’s worth mentioning that some countries or regions also have their own “local legends,” designed by artists or publishers just for their area. These can be harder to find internationally, making them even more special among collectors.
How Iconic Postcard Series Started
Many of the famous sets began with small independent printers, and in some cases, individual artists who just loved sharing their passion with the world. For example, the Postallove Greetings from series started with a handful of country cards and expanded as demand grew. LouPaper began as a personal art project highlighting the artist’s love for place and detail, which quickly got attention in the community.
The arrival of Postcrossing itself in 2005 really kickstarted the trend. It turned postcard swaps from random souvenirs to curated collectibles. More artists and companies started answering requests for “official” series as the community grew and lists like the top “most-wished cards” appeared in users’ profiles.
Getting Started Collecting Postcard Series
You don’t need a massive budget or secret insider tips to start with postcard series. Here’s a straightforward approach that’s worked for me:
- Pick a Favorite Series: Choose one that matches your interest. Maps, flags, local attractions, or quirky art. If you’re into specific countries, picking a postcard series based there can be especially satisfying.
- Update Your Postcrossing Profile: Let others know what you’re interested in. A simple wish list or mention of your favorite series can lead to awesome surprises from around the globe.
- Connect with the Community: Join the Postcrossing forum, Facebook groups, or dedicated trading websites. Many users are open to swaps and will help you fill gaps in your collection.
- Be Open-Minded: Part of the fun comes from surprises; sometimes the best card is the unexpected one that sparks a new interest or reminds you of a place you want to visit someday.
Challenges Collectors Might Face
Like any hobby, postcard series collecting isn’t always smooth sailing. Here’s a look at some common bumps and things I’ve found helpful:
- Availability: Not every country has every series, and some designs are hard to get outside their home country. Trading with fellow collectors makes a big difference.
- Duplicates: If you focus on just one or two series, repeats will happen. Swapping with others online helps find each card a loving home.
- Postage and Cost: Specialty series can sometimes be pricier, especially signed and numbered editions. Budgeting and trading help balance things out.
- Keeping Track: When you’re collecting dozens (or even hundreds) of cards, it’s pretty handy to create a dedicated album or digital tracker so you don’t lose count.
How I Handle Availability
If a card feels impossible to find, I reach out to the broader community. There’s always someone who knows where to get cards in a faraway country or has a spare up for trade. I also keep an eye on online marketplaces and official web stores, but swapping usually gets faster and friendlier results.
Duplicates: A Surprise Bonus
Getting the same card twice can feel like a letdown. But I’ve actually found it’s a perfect way to start a mini swap club. Many Postcrossers are happy to do one-to-one trades specifically for duplicates and missing pieces.
Dealing with Postage
Postcard postage can be a real budget buster. I plan international swaps in batches to keep things affordable and sometimes opt for bulk purchases when a shop offers a discount. Plus, swapping in batches helps fill your mailbox with surprises all at once, making the wait worthwhile and cost-effective.
Tips for Advanced Series Collectors
Once your collection starts to grow, organizing and displaying it adds a whole new level of fun. Here’s what I do:
Organize by Series and Country: I use binders, folders, or pretty boxes labeled by series. Sometimes, I even color code by continent for easier browsing and a visually pleasing collection.
Digitize for Convenience: Snapping photos and keeping a virtual album means I can show off my favorites in online groups and avoid accidental duplicates. Sharing digital galleries also helps trade partners see what you need.
Document Postmark Stories: Some of my favorite cards have amazing stamps or handwritten notes. I keep a little journal to record where and when I got special pieces, and sometimes even jot down the stories or memories attached to them.
Experimenting with display ideas, like framing a thematic set or rotating cards on a decorative rack, keeps the hobby fresh and lets visitors admire your eye-catching collection. One fun idea: swap cards seasonally on display to match holidays or world events.
Classic Uses for Iconic Postcard Series
Beyond swapping, these series have made appearances in home décor, school projects, and even cultural exhibits. They’re ideal for teaching kids about geography or using as conversation starters in language classes. Some creative Postcrossers craft wall art or use magazine style layouts to showcase their collections.
- Travel Walls: Pin up postcards on a corkboard or map to visualize where each card came from. It’s both decorative and motivating as you see your global coverage grow.
- Education: Many teachers use map or flag series cards to illustrate lessons about world cultures or geography. Students can track down facts about the places featured and guess locations based on clues from the card.
- Personal Projects: I’ve seen people create scrapbooks, coffee table books, and themed displays for postcard meetups. A well-designed album can be a showstopper at gatherings or a unique keepsake for family.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the top questions I’ve heard about collecting iconic postcard series:
Question: How do I find rare or hard-to-get series?
Answer: Join dedicated online forums, connect with fellow collectors, and don’t be shy to reach out to people in specific countries for swaps. Patience pays off. Sometimes, participating in special group exchanges or themed swaps boosts your chances, and networking with other collectors will open doors to rare finds.
Question: What’s the best way to keep my collection organized?
Answer: Use labeled binders, digital tracking sheets, and even simple index cards to catalog which ones you have and what you’re still missing. Apps and spreadsheet templates can make logging details a breeze and speed things up as your collection expands.
Question: Are there unwritten rules about trading?
Answer: Always be polite and honest about what you have to swap. Respect others’ preferences and be upfront about the card’s condition or origin. Good communication keeps the community positive and enjoyable for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Collecting eye-catching postcard series with Postcrossing blends adventure, culture, and a real sense of global friendship. Every card is a tiny ticket to another world and sometimes, a memory you can hold in your hands. Whether you’re just starting with your first map card or building a wall full of LouPaper cities, you are part of a hobby that connects people everywhere, one postcard at a time.
Try adding a few famous series to your next round of swaps. You might stumble upon a new collecting passion while connecting with fellow postcard fans worldwide. Enjoy the ride as postcards open up a world of surprises, stories, and friendships.