Let’s face it: the United States Postal Service has not been known for its pizazz in stamp design. But starting next year, along with weather vanes and bonsai plants, there may be some startling new options for those who choose to pay their bills by mail and send their love letters sealed with a kiss.

The service announced Monday that it was tossing out its rule that its stamps honor only dead individuals and will be opening up this postage-stamp-size billboard space to the living, as well.