There are many ways to structure thematic and topical collections, which can draw from a wide variety of philatelic items. Any image or text related to the subject or subjects of a collection may be included.

Fig. 1. Thematic/Topical collection.

Fig. 2. Thematic/Topical collection.

(Example 1) Fairy tales are an important part of childhood. When creating a collection from stamps about fairy tales, they can be grouped by nation, genre, or author. (Figure 1)

(Example 2) Taiwan is surrounded by the sea, and its fishermen are facing tough times as yields diminish due to pollution and climate change. Philatelic items related to ocean issues can make for good thematic or topical collections. (Figure 2)