On August 10, 2026, PostNL will issue the 'Congratulations' frame stamp sheet, featuring 5 different stamps specifically designed for congratulatory mail.
Although the number of letters and cards sent has increased from 45 million in 1875 to 1.53 billion in 2025, the nature of this mail has changed. This mail now consists largely of business mail. The sending of personal mail has declined sharply due to the ease of use of social media. Nevertheless, millions of cards are still sent annually, and besides the December holidays, this occurs primarily around birthdays, births, or other festive events. Recipients still value a card or letter by post more highly than a message via social media platforms. The number of parcels has increased from 1 billion to 376 billion over the aforementioned period of a century and a half, and among these are many parcels related to events that deserve congratulations. Cards, letters, or gifts sent by mail are extra festive for the recipient with a stamp that emphasizes that the sender is celebrating the birthday, the birth, or, for example, a passed exam, the wedding, or the move from afar.
The five stamps feature drawings suitable for congratulations, such as gifts, a cake, stars, hearts, festive drinks, bows, a bouquet of flowers, and musical notes.
