Message Monsters Forever Stamps
Description
In 2021, the U.S. Post released a set of four Message Monsters stamps to help spark an interest in young people. To do so, U.S. Post art director Antonio Alcalá collaborated with noted children’s author and illustrator Elise Gravel.
Elise Gravel was born in 1977 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to writer Francois Gravel and Murielle Grégoire. Gravel studied graphic design in school but later became interested in illustrating books.
When Gravel began writing and illustrating children’s literature, she included lots of zany characters with outlandish designs. This style was immediately beloved by child readers everywhere. She went on to publish more than 30 books in over 12 languages. In 2012, Gravel was recognized for her work with the Governor General’s Award for Children’s Illustration.
According to her website, Gravel “has a passion for entertaining children with funny and endearing characters. She wants children to enjoy the world and explore it – but learn something along the way.” Considering the U.S. Post’s goal of introducing younger people to stamps, Gravel was the natural choice to collaborate with on the Message Monsters designs.
👾 Message Monsters Forever Stamps – Playful Mail for Kids
Issued in 2021, the Message Monsters Stamps were designed to spark children’s interest in mailing letters by adding whimsical, customizable characters to envelopes.
📌 Key Features
📅 Issue Date: September 24, 2021
💵 Value: 63¢ Forever (First‑Class Mail, 1 oz.) – always valid for current postage rates
🎨 Designs:
Set of four colorful monsters, each with quirky, zany features.
Created by Elise Gravel, a Canadian children’s author and illustrator known for humorous, endearing characters.
Art direction by Antonio Alcalá.
📦 Format (Store Listing):
5 sheets of 20 = 100 stamps per pack
Price: $78.00 → discounted to $69.00
🖨️ Printing Method: Offset lithography
🚚 Shipping: Free express shipping; estimated delivery Nov 19–26, 2025
🎨 Artistic & Cultural Context
Elise Gravel has published 30+ children’s books in 12+ languages, often featuring playful creatures.
Her work earned the Governor General’s Award for Children’s Illustration (2012).
USPS collaborated with Gravel to encourage young people to explore stamps and mailing letters, blending fun with learning.
🎉 Suitable Occasions
✉️ Children’s correspondence – birthday invitations, pen‑pal letters, school projects.
🎁 Holiday mailings – adds playful flair to festive cards.
🏫 Educational programs – teaching kids about mail and communication.
✨ Collectors – unique for its child‑friendly theme and customizable appeal.
🌟 Symbolism & Appeal
The Message Monsters Stamps embody fun, creativity, and curiosity, making them both practical for mailing and delightful for collecting. They encourage children to see mail as a personal, imaginative experience.
Shipping Info
The Forever Stamp Store® ships all in-stock orders with First-Class Mail Tracking® service. Please allow 4-6 business days (preparation time not included) for in-stock items to be shipped with Default Shipping or 1-2 business days for in-stock orders to be shipped with Priority Mail Express® service.
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The Forever Stamp Store® ships all in-stock orders with First-Class Mail Tracking® service. Please allow 3-5 business days (preparation time not included) for in-stock items to be shipped with Default Shipping or 1-2 business days for in-stock orders to be shipped with Priority Mail Express® service.
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