A custom address stamp should hold three or four short lines: a name, the street, the town and the postcode or ZIP. Keep each line short enough to read at a glance, choose a size that leaves the letters thick enough to print cleanly, and add a small picture only if there is room. A self-inking stamp is the easiest kind to use, because it re-inks itself with every press.
Below is how to word yours, which layout to choose, and where people actually use them.
What should a return address stamp say?
The same thing you would write on the back of an envelope, in the same order:
- The name. "The Smiths", "Jane and Tom Smith" or a business name.
- The street. House number and street. Shorten "Road" to "Rd" and "Street" to "St" if the line is long.
- The town or city.
- The postcode or ZIP. On its own line if the town is long.
Leave out the country unless you often post abroad. Every extra line makes the others smaller.
Wording ideas
| Use | Top line | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Family | The family name | The Hendersons / 12 Mill Lane / Norwich NR1 3AB |
| Newlyweds | Both names or "Mr & Mrs" | Mr & Mrs Carter / 48 Oak Ave / Austin, TX 78701 |
| Small business | Business name | Fern & Thread / 3 High St / Bath BA1 1AA |
| Book owner | "From the library of" | From the library of / Ana Ruiz / Leeds LS6 |
Round or rectangular?
Rectangular address stamps fit long lines. Round ones look more like a seal. Our custom self-inking stamps are round: your words go around the edge, with a small picture in the middle if you like (a face, a pet or your logo), or you can choose a words-only stamp. Short addresses fit best, so check the preview and trim any long line.
What size should it be?
Our round stamps come in 40 mm (1.6 in) and 50 mm (2 in). For a name and a short address, 40 mm can work. For a longer address or a picture in the middle, choose 50 mm. If the preview shows the letters getting thin, go up a size or shorten a line.
Where do people use an address stamp?
- Wedding invitations and RSVP envelopes. One press instead of writing the address on 100 envelopes.
- Christmas cards. The return address on every card in seconds.
- Small business parcels. On kraft mailers, boxes and returns slips.
- Books you lend. So they find their way home.
- Moving house. A new-home gift that gets used straight away.
Which ink colour?
Black is the safest choice for post: it is the clearest on white and kraft envelopes. Blue looks softer on invitations, and red stands out on parcels. Our stamps come in black, blue or red ink, in a black or red case.
A few questions worth answering
Can I see it before I order?
Yes. You see a free live preview with your exact words. After you order, we email the design for you to check, and you can ask for changes before it is made.
How long does it take?
Each stamp is made to order and ships in about 3 days once you have approved the design. Delivery takes 3 to 7 business days, with free tracked shipping.
Will it work on envelopes and card?
Yes. It works on paper, card and kraft, so ordinary envelopes and mailers are fine. Very glossy or plastic surfaces don't hold ink well, so stamp a paper label instead.
What if the print starts to fade?
The stamp re-inks itself with each press. When the print gets pale, click in a spare ink pad. You can add one with your stamp or buy a refill pack later.
Design your custom address stamp and see it before you pay. If you are marking books rather than envelopes, our library stamp wording ideas may help too.