How Does Your Search Feature Work?

When using our search tool to locate sets, there are a few things to be aware of for how we match search queries to sets:

• We generally include at least one keyword for each object that a stamp set features. For example, a birthday stamp set might be tagged with keywords such as "birthday," "cake" or "gift."
• We try to include synonyms or alternate names where possible. For example, that same birthday set's "gift" image is likely to be tagged with terms such as "present" (being a synonym of "gift").
• For floral or other botanical stamps (and you know there's a lot!), we will tag specific species names, as well as generic common names, if it is included in the set's name or it is fairly obvious that the plant in question is that type. In general, however, you'll often get better results by searching for "flower" or "floral" and then picking from those results. The same rule goes for imagery showing leaves or a leaf.
• While we try to add a tag for both terms that a single stamp image might be used for (an oval could be tagged as "oval" and "balloon"), we don't account for all the ways an image might be used. If you have a favorite alternative use for a stamp, feel free to let us know and we'll consider adding the tag.
• In some cases, an animal image might be able to pass for more than one critter. For example, a polar bear stamp could also be used for a grizzly bear, black bear or other species .
• Where appropriate, sets are tagged with more general theme names, such as "winter" so you can locate stamps that might work for a variety of specific occasions within that season (northern hemisphere terminology is used).
• We try to include alternate English spellings when possible, such as "color" and "colour," but you may have better luck using the American (U.S.) spelling of words.
• In general, you can enter either singular or plural search terms, such as "gift" or "gifts." We don't currently differentiate between a single stamp that might show more than one gift, however.
• For sets that include textural, pattern or background-style stamps, we try to tag them with "texture," "pattern" or "background," as appropriate.