Create Personalized Stamps with our Stamp Designers

If you are searching for gifts for book lovers, you may be surprised at how challenging it is. Unless you know what books are in their personal library and their preferred genre, buying them a new book can be risky. While book lovers seem to always appreciate more reading material, getting a bibliophile gift that is not just the newest best seller can be a welcome surprise.

Bookends

It is hard to find a book lover that can’t use a bookend. They keep shelves organized and bring personality to home decor. From modern metal designs to rustic wooden sets, you can find a style for any reader.

Many bookends also come with the opportunity to customize them, or purchase very unique artistic shapes. Add literary quotes, initials, last names, or anything else you believe will match their aesthetic.

Bookmarks

For lovers of physical paper books, a great bookmark is a wonderful small luxury. The best part about choosing a bookmark as a gift is the range of prices they can be. Simple cardstock bookmarks are perfect for stocking stuffers, as a part of a themed basket, or a small gift for an exchange.

If you are wanting to make a bookmark the main gift, go for handcrafted leather, engraved metal, or heavily personalized details. Adding a meaningful date, initials, or favorite book quotes elevates any bookmark and will never go unused.

Personalized Library Stamp or Embosser

For bibliophiles who adore their personal libraries, or love to share their books with friends, few gifts are more practical than a personalized library stamp or embosser. Here at The StampMaker, we offer fully customizable “From the Library of” embossers and rubber stamps. Allow the book lover in your life to transform any novel into a treasured part of a personal collection by choosing from dozens of professionally designed templates, or uploading your own artwork and design.

All of our products are available in several stamp body styles and embosser sizes, making it simple to choose the perfect option for your gifting needs. Plus, we ship orders in one business day, ensuring you receive a high-quality, personalized gift quickly- ideal for holidays, last-minute gifts for book lovers, or special events.

For any bibliophile who enjoys sharing their collection, a custom library stamp or embosser is the perfect gift.

Books Read Tracking Journal

In a world of digital apps and lists, many readers still enjoy to keep track of their reading the old-fashioned way; with pen and paper. A books-read tracking journal makes the perfect companion for readers who want their own print version of Goodreads.

These journals can be fashioned around annual reading goals or genre reading goals (such as reading through popular classics). Or, they can be a blank canvas, prompting star ratings, personal reflections, and favorite quotes.

Whether you are getting a gift for a goal-setter, a reflective annotator, or someone who simply likes a tidy log of their completed books, there is a book journal for everyone.

A Cozy Reader Bundle

A cozy reading bundle is full of all of the ultimate guilty-pleasure items for voracious readers. Build your own personalized book-lover care package with items like gourmet tea, hot cocoa packets, a new cozy blanket or sweater, scented candles, reading lights, or even cozy socks. Every item you add to this bundle will enhance a feeling of spa-like relaxation while your favorite book lover falls into their literary worlds.

These bundles work best for winter holidays and birthdays, but can be tailored for any season. Consider exchanging hot cocoa packets for iced tea or lemonade packets for summer readers, for example. The best part about this gift is the versatility, you can keep it simple or make it more extravagant depending on how well you know the recipient.

Book Subscriptions

Book subscription services are ideal for readers who are looking for tailored recommendations or who love to try new formats. For e-book readers and audio-book enthusiasts, gift cards for e-book/audio-book platforms provide instant access to thousands of titles.

For print lovers, a monthly subscription box delivers physical books, usually categorized by genre or theme, straight to their door. Some services will let readers choose their specific book each month, while others surprise them based on pre-set preferences. Either way, this gift option offers ongoing excitement long after the holiday or celebration has passed.

Choosing a gift for a bibliophile doesn’t have to be daunting. From custom bookmarks to cozy reading bundles, there are countless options beyond simply buying another book.

If you are looking for a gift that blends personalization, elegance, and practicality, consider a customized “From the Library of” stamp or embosser from The StampMaker. Whether you are shopping for a seasoned collector or a casual reader, these gifts will help book lovers celebrate the stories they hold dear.

Whether you’re handing out candy to trick-or-treaters or heading out in costume to celebrate, Halloween is a fun and festive fall night. If you do have plans on Halloween night, chances are you’ll still want to set out a bowl of candy for trick-or-treaters.

Setting out a large bowl of sugary candy without instructions can be a recipe for disaster. It’s a good idea to have a clear sign indicating that kids should take only one or two pieces to ensure everyone gets a piece of candy. A DIY Halloween sign tells kids “Please take one” (or two) while adding a decorative touch to your front porch.

With just a few supplies and a little creativity, you can make a cute, budget-friendly DIY Halloween porch sign that’s easy to reuse year after year.

Why Make Your Own DIY Halloween Sign?

There are plenty of store-bought signs out there, but creating your own is a fun family activity to kick off Halloween celebrations. Here are some reasons to consider planning a Halloween candy sign DIY activity this year:

• Save money – Crafting your own porch sign is much cheaper than buying pre-made décor every year.
• Personalize it – Personalizing your family’s sign allows you to make it as fun and unique as you want!
• Reuse it – Reuse the same design year after year, or update it whenever you’d like.
• Have fun – Crafting Halloween decorations is a fun way to get your family involved in the holiday excitement!

Supplies You’ll Need

You can find everything you need to create a DIY trick-or-treat sign for your candy bowl at a local craft or box store. Some of these items, you might even already have at home! Here is a supply list to get you started:

• Cardstock, construction paper, or a wooden board
• Markers, pens, or paint
• A custom rubber stamp
• An ink pad
• Halloween stickers or stencils

DIY Trick-or-Treat Sign Ideas

Whether you opt for the classic route or prefer something more unique, we can help you design a stamp that reflects your personality. Here are a few easy sign designs you can make for your Halloween candy bowl or porch:

Classic “Please Take One” Sign

Keep it simple. Use a custom stamp with the phrase “Please Take One” and add bats, pumpkins, or ghost doodles around it. Custom stamps work great on cardstock taped to a candy bowl, for a quick and easy sign.

Cute & Playful Sign

Stamp or stencil “Boo! Take Two!” on bright orange paper and decorate with smiling jack-o’-lanterns. This sign sets a friendly tone and encourages kids to take a couple of pieces.

Rustic Porch Sign

For a more sturdy option, consider using a small wooden sign to display on an easel. Stamp your candy bowl instructions, then decorate!

Glow-in-the-Dark Sign

For a fun twist, add spooky details like bats or jack o'lanterns in glow-in-the-dark paint pens to outline your stamp and make your sign really “pop” at night!

How to Make Your Halloween Sign Step-by-Step

DIYing your sign is as simple as designing, ordering, and using your personalized stamp! Here are step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Trick-or-Treat porch sign.

1. Design it – Decide what phrase you want: “Please Take One,” “Happy Haunting,” or “Boo! Take Two!”
2. Create it – Create your design on the Stampmaker to make your personalized Halloween stamp. Stamps ship in one business day!
3. Stamp it – Use your custom Halloween stamp on whatever base you choose.
4. Decorate it – Add borders, Halloween stickers, or glow-in-the-dark accents!
5. Display it – Fill up your candy bowl with Halloween treats and display your sign on, in, or beside the bowl!

Save Time with Custom Halloween Stamps

While DIY is fun, not every family has free time to sit down and craft. Between school, work, and extracurricular activities, you might want something easy to create for your DIY Halloween sign. Consider making your own custom rubber stamp to use for your Halloween sign. A decorative stamp can be reused year after year with just an ink pad. Fewer supplies and fewer messes mean less stress!

Designing a custom rubber stamp from The StampMaker allows you to easily upload a design of your choice to have made into a festive Halloween sign. You can design a custom stamp that says:

• “Please Take One”
• “Boo! Take Two!”
• “Trick-or-Treat! Take one, please!”

With just a few supplies and the help of a custom rubber stamp, you can create a sign that’s festive, functional, and uniquely yours. Ready to make your own? Check out The StampMaker’s custom rubber stamps to design the perfect stamp for your DIY Halloween candy bowl sign!

Finding the perfect rubber stamp storage system for your home or office collection can actually improve how long your stamps will last. Developing the proper storing and maintenance habits can minimize weathering and aging to retain consistent impressions in your favorite designs for years to come. Improving the longevity of your beloved collection and avoiding damage over time only takes a few simple practices that you may already have in place.

Why Change My Stamp Storage Now?

Even if you have a very organized setup to store your precious designs, adjusting a few key principles could make your stamps last even longer. Protecting your rubber stamps during your organizational process is essential to extending the longevity of their crisp impressions. No matter what current system you use, covering, cleaning, and adapting the spatial setup makes a huge difference to the lasting precision of your stamp collection. A strong storage system not only helps with the durability of your stamps, but helps save time in finding exactly what you need for every project. Without the right organization in place you will be left with dry, damaged, and even lost items making your favorite crafts or everyday paperwork impossible. Caring for your stamps should be as much a priority as sorting them for relevance because they are both a crucial step toward the success of your every project.

What Does a Good Organizational System Look Like?

While everyone creates their own preferred method of convenience or theme for their rubber stamp storage, a few essential practices for the care of your stamps should apply without exception. Here are a few basic principles on how to store rubber stamps:

Basic Storage Principles to Follow:

Keep out of sunlight: Natural light or overexposure can break down the rubber after a while, so storing your stamps in a shady, cool place is highly important to their consistency.

Clean after every use: Dust, debris, and old ink buildup can seriously ruin the images on your rubber stamps. To keep your favorite designs for longer make sure to wipe down, wash, and remove buildup before putting them into their storage bins.

Avoid stacking stamps: Prevent breakage and deformities by storing heavier items on the bottom and never stacking too many stamps on top of each other. Use the size, shape, and type of stamp to indicate the beast storage technique to avoid bending, twisting, or adding too much pressure on the images.

Use storage containers: You don't want your stamps to twist, bend, or break so it is best to store them in boxes and be mindful of the amount of space you are providing for each item. Plastic containers, sturdy envelopes, binders, or protective sheets are all good materials to use for stamp storage. The type of structured material that will work best for your stamps entirely depends on the type of stamp you are trying to store.

How to Store Rubber Stamps by Style

To best avoid potential damages to your stamps, storing them by their variety can help with finding the best surfaces to keep them safe.

Mounted Stamps

Rubber stamps with wooden handles, pre-inked stamps, or any mounted stamps are best stored with the image facing down in a protective bin. Finding a box with a lid that fits the depth of your mounted stamps may be a hard feat, but following the basic storage tips will be enough to make them last. Keeping a smooth surface that lines all your stamps in a cool dry area can be done with cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or even protective shelf liners.

Unmounted Stamps

Always store unmounted stamps in a structured container or durable envelope to ensure they won't twist, bend, or break. Be careful with how many items you stack in one bin and make sure all items are laying flat when stored together.

Cling Stamps

Smaller stamps are easier to store in craft boxes, go bags, or even small plastic cd cases without taking up too much space. Although they may not take up as much room, they are more prone to being ruined by outside elements of dust or sunlight. Particularly cling stamps become difficult to use when dirt or other debris build on them.

Craft boxes, go bags, sturdy envelopes or shelf liners are all great options to keep your items clean and cared for when storing your rubber stamps.

What Stamps Last the Longest?

After all this talk about extending the longevity of your best stamps, another highly important key is having the best stamp options to begin with.

Natural rubbers will last much longer than synthetic options even when all the appropriate maintenance seems to be the same. The synthetic rubbers break down much faster, so always look for high quality materials when buying your stamps. Finding the best natural rubber version of your favorite design offers you longer usability and better results with your new storage and maintenance habits.

Learning how to store rubber stamps with these maintenance, organization, and container recommendations will help you keep your collection in pristine condition for as long as possible. While your current system may work for ease, be mindful of how you care for your stamps beyond their being readily available for your next task.

Thoughtful, do-it-yourself packaging can turn a simple gift or order into a memorable experience. When your product comes neatly wrapped in pretty custom tissue paper or matches your brand colors, your customers will be delighted by the beautiful details and get a clear sense of your brand.

Strategic custom packaging for small businesses is a recipe for growth. It leaves a lasting impression, which encourages customers to buy from you again (and spread the word). But elevating the unboxing experience doesn’t have to be expensive—budget-friendly materials can make a big impact.

Whether you’re ready to add a professional touch to your orders or want to add charm to your homemade gifts, here are 5 insights into affordable packaging for small businesses that anyone can implement.

Packaging Ideas for Small Businesses

Do-it-yourself packaging doesn’t have to cost a fortune, especially if you invest in quality items that you can use in versatile ways.

Use a Custom Rubber Address Stamp

Your return address is one of the first things your customer will see, so make a strong first impression by using a return address stamp. This packaging idea is ideal for small businesses because a crisp return label instantly appears more professional than a handwritten one. Plus, by adding in a small design alongside your address, you can reflect your brand or express your personality.

For example, if your shop creates bookmarks, you might choose a floral book address stamp. Or if you’re an outdoorsy friend, an evergreen tree or a succulent sets a nature-driven tone right from the get-go.

Packages often appear sterile and lack personality from the outside. So whether your return label features a music note, dog, or bumble bee, your package will stand out and make the receiver excited to see what’s inside.

Create Unlimited Custom Tissue Paper with Just One Stamp

Tissue paper is a staple when it comes to do-it-yourself packaging. You can use it to wrap your products, line a box, or bundle your business card and thank-you note together. Since you can feature tissue paper all throughout your packaging, it’s a prime opportunity to add in personalization.

One easy way to do this is by creating custom tissue paper with a rubber stamp. The main items you’ll need are your stamp, ink pad, and the tissue paper of your choice. With just a bit of simple prep, you’ll be ready to add your personal touch to every sheet. The best part about this project? You can repeat it again and again to make dozens of sheets that represent your signature style.

But you’re not just limited to creating tailored tissue paper. With a branded stamp, you can put your mark on countless other parts of your packaging, such as the outside of your shipping box or your product tags.

Include a Personalized Thank-You Note

Thank-you notes are one of our favorite packaging ideas for small businesses because they not only add a personal touch—they also make your customer feel appreciated.

This affordable packaging add-in requires few materials other than some pretty paper and a pen. Rather than purchasing expensive paper, consider embellishing any paper you have on hand with a craft stamp to add in a design that expresses your personality, such as a whimsical wildflower or delicate heart.

Another way to elevate your paper on a budget is by creating a deckled edge. Real handmade paper often has a ragged edge, so by mimicking this aesthetic, you’ll convey a handcrafted, authentic feel. You can do this by gently tearing each paper edge. For a neat rip, lay a ruler along the edge of the paper (leaving about ½ inch exposed), lightly dampen the edge, and gently tear along the ruler. Repeat for all four edges of your paper.

If you’re looking for ways to streamline your thank-you note process, consider creating a custom “thank you” stamp. You can even finish it off with a signature stamp to personalize your note without having to handwrite every single signature. With these two stamps at your disposal, you’ll keep things efficient while making each package feel warm and intentional.

Use Logo Stickers for Your Final Touches

Logo stickers are as charming as they are practical. Not only can they seal an assortment of items, from small packages to notes in envelopes, but they reinforce your branding and make your packaging appear unified.

Logo stickers come in an assortment of sizes. Even small 1-inch stickers make a statement and are perfect for sealing small items, and larger stickers can be used for sealing the product boxes inside your shipping box.

You can also give logo stickers to your customers or friends as a little token of appreciation in your packaging. When they place the sticker on their laptops or water bottles, it creates a sense of brand loyalty, which makes them more likely to buy from you again. Plus, they’ll be marketing your brand for you by displaying your logo.

Choose a Few Key Materials That Express Your Small Business Brand

When your small business custom packaging looks cohesive and matches your brand’s colors, it automatically strengthens your brand identity and creates a more memorable package reveal.

This can be achieved fairly simply and affordably. Even packaging that features one main branded color with one or two branded accents is often enough to create a personal experience. For example, a product wrapped in an on-brand color and stamped with your logo can deliver a bespoke feel.

A few thoughtful details paired with a consistent color palette can go a long way in making your packaging look professional and polished.

Freshen Up Your Custom Packaging Without Breaking the Bank

For small business owners and gift-giving crafters alike, making a few core changes to your packaging can dramatically upgrade the look and feel of your presentation. This can lead to loyal customers, new referrals, or loved ones who feel genuinely appreciated.

To make things easy and affordable, remember this: simple packaging is highly effective. Focus on using an on-brand color scheme, and invest in a few main products, such as custom rubber stamps, that can personalize more than one element of your packaging.

With a one-of-a-kind stamp, you can add a branded, handmade feel to virtually every part of your packaging. From return address stamps to logo stamps, they give you the flexibility to tailor everything—from the outside of your shipping box to the inside of your thank-you notes.

Get your custom stamp today and revamp your unboxing experience.

All businesses need leaders to ensure that operations move smoothly and employees are well-cared for. Here at The StampMaker, we are lucky that our business manager is Matt. Thanks to his support, our team can put their heart and hustle into making sure your orders get to you quickly. Meet Matt.

How long have you worked at StampMaker?

2 years

Position in the company? What do you do?

I’m in charge of managing employee benefits, payroll, bookkeeping, IT, state sales tax, and more.

How do you use stamps in your job?

I use date stamps for marking our payables for our records.

What part of your job is your favorite?

I love seeing the creative and cool stamp designs that our customers send in. We keep a wall of sticky notes with all of the cool designs we’ve received over the years and it is always great when we get to add a new stamp up there!

Do you have a favorite stamp body? Why is it your favorite?

I love the Trodat Professional series stamps. They are super consistent, always make a great impression, and feel great to use.

What was the most surprising thing you learned about stamps when you started working here?

It’s been really cool to see the creative ways that our customers use their stamps to make their mark. I’ve learned that stamps have a lot more applications than just standard paper.

If you could give customers one tip for ordering or using stamps, what would it be?

I would recommend practicing using your stamp before using it on any official or important documents. While stamps are simple to use, if you don’t apply even pressure across the stamp it could mess up your impression.

What is it like working at a small female/family owned company?

I love working at a small business because of how personable our team is. There is a real charm to having a team where everyone knows each other and we’re all able to be friends at work.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I love golf, poker, football, and lacrosse. I am constantly looking for new things to try and love staying active.

If you want to learn more about our offerings, or have questions, please send us an email at [email protected], and Natalie, Eva, or one of our other Customer Service Representatives will be happy to support you in finding the products that work best for you.

If you have ever received a package from a small business, or opened a gift that had beautifully designed tissue paper, you will know how much presentation matters. Personalized tissue paper adds a thoughtful and polished look to gifts and business packaging, and it is easy to make yourself.

Learning how to make custom tissue paper at your home or small business is a fun and affordable DIY project. In this guide, we will walk you through required materials, tips and tricks for a successful stamp, and applications for customized tissue paper to make an impact.

What You’ll Need to Make DIY Custom Tissue Paper

Creating custom tissue paper is a simple and fun way to elevate gifts and packaging. Here are some of the key items you will need:

• Plain tissue paper - Lighter colored paper usually works best to show ink clearly
• A custom stamp - Work with a company that will create a fully custom design to best reflect your gift, brand, or personality. If you are looking for a crisper impression, ensure that your stamp is made from a high-quality rubber or polymer.
• Ink pad - For the highest quality impressions on tissue paper, a felt stamp pad is optimal.
• A flat, clean work space - If you need to protect your workplace from any potential bleed-through, a securely placed plastic tablecloth may be helpful.

How to Successfully Stamp on Tissue Paper

Stamping on tissue paper is a delicate process, as it is more prone to smudging and tearing than thicker paper types. However, there are a few steps you can take to have better success and a more polished finished product.

Prepare Your Workspace

Ensure that all the materials that you will need are within reach to avoid interrupting stamping once it has started. You will also want to make sure that the surface that you are laying your paper on is dry and free from dirt.

Lay Out Your Paper

Another important aspect of a clean stamp impression is flat, wrinkle-free tissue paper. Many generations of crafters have been ironing tissue paper for a perfect finish. This can be done by ensuring your iron is on the lowest heat setting, and any steaming features are turned off.

Stamping Your Tissue Paper

When it comes time to stamp your tissue paper, a gentle but firm touch is key. You should only have a single press of the stamp, as repeated stamping in the same spot can cause smudges and uneven lines.

Practice the amount of ink needed on your stamp, as well as the placement on the paper on a practice piece of tissue before completing your final project to learn the appropriate method.

Let Your Ink Dry

Before inking any other section of the paper where your hand or other materials may rest on the stamped paper, let the ink dry. If you continue stamping your tissue paper, or rest objects on the tissue prior to it drying you will have smudges.

Why Custom Tissue Paper Makes a Big Impression

Custom tissue paper is a simple but impactful way to add personality, professionalism, and polish to your packaging—whether it is for business or personal use. DIY custom tissue paper is a budget-friendly and creative solution for a variety of applications:

For Small Businesses

Branded tissue paper instantly upgrades your customer’s unboxing experience. Stamping your logo, slogan or custom design on tissue paper creates a cohesive, elevated look without the cost of outsourced custom packaging. It creates stronger brand recognition and allows you to stand out from your competitors.

For Gifts & Holidays

Stamping on tissue paper lets you personalize your gift wrap to the celebration or recipient. Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or a “just because” surprise, custom tissue paper adds charm and thoughtfulness to your gifts.

Purchasing Your Custom Stamp for Tissue Paper

The key tool for successfully personalizing tissue paper is a high quality stamp. Whether you are using it for business branding or to create a gift, you want to create a clean and consistent impression.

Additionally, a custom stamp with your logo, artwork, or name is a tool that you can reuse over and over again. Stamp gift tags, thank you cards, business cards, product boxes, and more for brand awareness.

Choose a custom stamp designer that provides customization options for size, font, and layout so that you can create a final product that truly represents your style and brand.

Working with The StampMaker

As a female-owned and family-operated business since 1993, we know how important a custom stamp is to small businesses and crafters alike. We offer a variety of sizes, from a quarter inch the whole way up to over seven inches. From your design to the shape and handle, our in-house team works with you to create a stamp that will best suit your needs.