Children's Stamps 2025 – crowned with a personalized stamp!

The 88-year-old jigsaw puzzle artist Jan van Haasteren designed this year's children's stamps. “Not only myself (on the left of the sheet), but also my parents-in-law – in youthful attire – are playing along in the schoolyard!” he smiles. If his grandchildren had been included as well, the sheet would almost burst at the seams. I wrote the earlier article of September 25 in a short time, without the official press release containing all the details. The final version follows now, with improvements and additions. Emission data: Designer: Jan van Haasteren (Bergen, NH) Issue date: Monday, October 6, 2025 Composition: sheet with 5 children's stamps Edition: 900.000 sheets Printer: Koninklijke Joh. Enschedé, Haarlem 1. What do we see on the field? On a schoolyard with a sandbox, tiles, and grass, twelve children are playing in groups or alone. The scene is drawn in Van Haasteren's characteristic bird's-eye view. The division into three vertical bands makes the whole clear and easy to understand. Left section (2 stamps): A curious octopus rummages in a trash can, a snake crawls across the field, children play marbles, and a boy with a broken arm is encouraged to join in – fitting the motto “Together against loneliness”. In the bottom right, a spy emerges from beneath a tile. Center (1 large seal): A roller-skating girl is chased by a turtle and a snail, while Van Haasteren's famous shark fin also makes an appearance. The police twins are engrossed in a book and miss the children's stamp folder next to them. In the foreground, a girl sits completely in her own bubble, captivated by an exciting story. Right section (2 stamps): A boy bakes sand pies, watched by a dog. Symbol of PostNL–SKN collaboration: two envelopes and an SKN logo in the sand. Furthermore, a girl half-buried in a sand dune, the young Van Haasteren reading a comic strip, and traces of a submarine just disappearing from view. 2. Typical Van Haasteren details Fans always look for the recurring jokes and elements. Here too: toothpaste, an arrow, a chick, and of course, the shark fin. These playful details create recognition and a connection with the now 88-year-old cartoonist, who currently receives support from his daughter and son-in-law with design and communication. 3. Theme: together against loneliness The sheet holds up a mirror to us. The cheerful children playing contrast with themes such as exclusion, pressure at school, and a lack of support—precisely the situations that can make children feel lonely. The message: with the proceeds from the children's stamps, healthy children help their less fortunate peers. It is not without reason that the core of the campaign reads: “By children, for children.” 4. Why this is important Managing Director Sofie Vriends emphasizes: “Loneliness is also very common among primary school children. One in ten often or always feels alone. Their life satisfaction is declining alarmingly: from 6,6 in primary school to 4,4 in the first years of secondary school. This has consequences well into adulthood. That is precisely why support through Kinderpostzegels is still desperately needed.” Conclusion: With this colorful and humorous sheet, Jan van Haasteren puts not only his artwork but also his personal story at the service of a greater cause. Children's Stamps 2025: a playful design with a serious message.