If you thought the only thing lurking in your letterbox was bills, think again. Royal Mail has kicked off 2026 with a trip to the Upside Down, releasing a spectacular set of Stranger Things stamps!
Released officially on 13 January 2026, this 14-stamp set is a dream for pop-culture fans and a perfect entry point for new collectors. The collection features stunning illustrations of the show’s most iconic characters, including Eleven, Mike, Dustin, and, of course, the terrifying Demogorgon.
What makes this release special isn’t just the nostalgia; it’s the detail. Royal Mail has worked with artist Kyle Lambert (the genius behind the show’s poster art) to create the designs. But the real treat is for those who own a UV light. Shine it over the stamps, and hidden details from the series! Very fancy indeed.
The main set of 10 stamps is cleverly split into two “se-tenant” strips, meaning the stamps are joined together in the sheet.
- The “Real World” Strip: Five stamps with a red background featuring characters like Eleven and the adults, Joyce and Hopper.
- The “Upside Down” Strip: Five stamps with a blue background featuring the villains (like Vecna) and the darker timeline.
The illustrations are by Kyle Lambert, the British artist responsible for the show’s iconic 80s-style poster art. The linework is sharp and the colours pop. Even if you don’t know who “Eddie Munson” is, the portraiture is undeniably striking.
The UV Features!!! This is where the set earns its keep for serious collectors. Royal Mail has leaned heavily into security ink technology here.
If you shine a UV torch over the stamps, “invisible” details appear.
- On the character stamps: You’ll see hidden logos like the “Hellfire Club” emblem (apparently a major plot point) and the “Scoops Ahoy” logo.
- On the borders: The UV layer reveals vines and spores consistent with the show’s “Upside Down” dimension.
The Miniature Sheet Separate from the main set is a self-adhesive miniature sheet featuring the four original boys (Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will) on their bicycles. It’s a nice nostalgic nod to 1980s adventure films even for those of us who haven’t watched the series.
Buying Guide & Prices
- Release Date: 13 January 2026
- Presentation Pack: £24.70 (includes all 14 stamps and the “pack carrier” with bio-data on the characters).
- First Day Covers: The official postmark for the First Day of Issue was tall and jagged to mimic the “mind flayer” monster. If you missed the deadline (13th Jan), you’ll now be looking at secondary market prices.
You don’t need to be a fan to add this to your album. The printing technique, the split-colour scheme, and the UV integration make this one of the most technically interesting sets Royal Mail has produced in years.
