If this is the case, then you might be interested in the recently launched stamps series by the UK’s Royal Mail. The series is none other than artwork from the stories of children’s book author Roald Dahl.

Who doesn’t recognize that name? After Charlie and the Chocolate Factory captured the attention of people of all ages all over the world, Roald Dahl became a household name – if he wasn’t before that. I particularly remember him for his story The Witches. I still am not sure if that is to blame for my fascination with witches, but that is one tattered book in my bookshelf.

In any case, even if you are not a hardcore philatelist, the idea of getting your hands on these fun Roald Dahl stamps is a worthy one.

The Roald Dahl stamps are illustrated by Quentin Blake, who has been the artist behind Dahl’s works. Dahl fans will be delighted with stamps featuring The Twits, Matilda, The Witches, Fantastic Mr Fox, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and The BFG. These children’s books, I think, should be introduced to every kid.

While the author certainly does not lack recognition and acclaim as a writer, these Roald Dahl stamps serve as icing on top of the cake. As his daughter Ophelia Dahl states, “My dad wrote thousands of letters home throughout his life and never dreamed that one day one of his own characters would grace a stamp.”

Take a look at the Roald Dahl stamps yourself.

Now who is in the UK and willing to send letters via post?

Via Design Taxi

R2-D2 & C-3PO coin

Just when you thought Star Wars couldn’t be any bigger of a cultural influence… An island nation called Niue has announced that they’re issuing legal tender coins with Star Wars characters emblazoned on them.

I have to be honest: I’d never heard of Niue before I wrote this article. I turned to Google Maps to show me where it is. Turns out it’s a teeny-tiny island nation in the South Pacific, several hundred miles east of Australia. It boasts just 1,400 citizens. Here’s a map to give you an idea of where it’s at:

Niue is at the tip of the white arrow

Niue was once a territory of New Zealand, so they still use the New Zealand dollar as their currency. Hence, the New Zealand Mint is producing this planned set of 40 coins, which will have a face value of NZ$2 (about $1.66 in the US), using silver-plated base metal. Just 7,500 copies of each coin will be pressed. On one side will be the island’s queen, while a Star Wars character or vehicle will be on the other side — in color.

Collector’s edition coins made entirely of silver (10 oz.’ worth) will be sold in sets of four for NZ$469 (US$390). The first coin in the collection will be shown off starting tomorrow at the World’s Fair of Money in Chicago. Pre-ordering is available, but the coins won’t be delivered until November.

Even the boxes the coins come in are geekalicious: a planned Darth Vader coin will come in a box that gives off Vader’s hissing/breathing sound when you open it. The Millennium Falcon coin’s box will make the sound of the ship taking off when you open it.

Geeky fun fact: in 2003, Niue was the first country to ever provide free nation-wide WiFi to all its citizens.

Super Mario fans, rejoice! You can now have your very own 1UP mushroom right on your desk. No need to play the game anymore hoping and wishing that the powers that be in Marioland will send a 1UP mushroom right down your way. With this officially licensed Nintendo collectible, you can grow your own 1UP mushroom and power up yourself.

The 1UP mushroom comes with a pot in the form of a green sewer pipe. All that you need to do to display this collectible is get some potting soil (just a tad) and put it inside the pot. You can then prop up your 1UP mushroom for all the world to see. Where to get soil? Let’s see… go to the nearest garden center and buy some. You might have to throw away the rest of the bag though, as you only need a little bit of it – unless you order like 50 of these babies. A cheaper and more practical alternative would be to go to your yard and get some. If you don’t have one, go to your neighbors yard; heck, you can even find any plot of land in the city jungle and get a scoop!

Our friends from Think Geek alerted me to this, and for a discounted price of $5.99, you can get your hands on one!

You might not be able to stir fry this mushroom but you will certainly be the envy of your Super Mario fan colleagues!