How to send a New York Times subscription as a gift
The New York Times offers a gift subscription option through its website. You choose the length of the subscription (usually three months, one year, or two years), select which products to include (like the full digital access or the print edition plus digital), and provide the recipient's email address. The Times sends the recipient a notification that they have received a gift, along with instructions for setting up their account. You pay upfront for the full subscription period.
The process takes place entirely on nytimes.com/gift. You do not need to create an account yourself to send a gift, though having one makes the process slightly faster. The recipient will need to create a New York Times account to use the subscription, but they can do this after receiving the gift notification.
Key Takeaways
- Gift subscriptions are purchased on nytimes.com/gift and you pay the full cost upfront before the gift is sent.
- You can choose between three-month, one-year, and two-year terms, and select which New York Times products to include (digital only, print plus digital, or other combinations).
- The recipient receives an email notification with a link to set up their subscription and create an account.
- Gift subscriptions do not automatically renew; the recipient must choose to convert to a paid subscription when the gift period ends.
- Pricing for gift subscriptions varies by product type and subscription length, and the Times occasionally offers promotional rates during holidays.
Subscription lengths and product options
The New York Times offers gift subscriptions in three standard lengths: three months, one year, and two years. The price per month decreases as you choose a longer term. You can also select which products to include: digital-only access (which covers the website, apps, and the daily crossword), print plus digital (which adds the physical newspaper), or other combinations depending on your region and the Times's current offerings.
The exact products available and their prices depend on where the recipient lives. A gift subscription to someone in the United States may include different options than one sent to an international address. Check the product list on nytimes.com/gift to see what is available for the recipient's location before you purchase.
How to purchase and send a gift subscription
Go to nytimes.com/gift and select the subscription length and product type you want to give. Enter the recipient's email address, your email address, and a personal message if you wish. Review the total cost and payment details, then complete the purchase with a credit card or other payment method the Times accepts.
After payment is processed, the Times sends an email to the recipient's address. This email contains a message from you (if you included one), instructions for activating the subscription, and a link to set up their New York Times account. The recipient does not need to do anything when ready; they can set up the subscription whenever they open the email.
If you want the gift to arrive by a specific date—such as a birthday or holiday—purchase it a few days before that date. The notification email typically arrives within minutes, but allowing a buffer ensures the recipient sees it when you intend.
What happens when the gift subscription ends
When the gift subscription period expires, the recipient's access to the New York Times stops. They will receive an email notification before the expiration date letting them know the gift is about to end. At that point, they can choose to purchase their own subscription, let it lapse, or wait for another gift.
The recipient's account and saved articles remain accessible even after the subscription ends, but they will not be able to read articles beyond the free monthly limit (which varies by product). They will not be automatically charged, and no renewal happens without their action.
Pricing and promotional offers
The cost of a gift subscription depends on the product type, subscription length, and the recipient's location. A three-month digital-only gift typically costs less than a one-year print-plus-digital gift. The Times does not publish a single fixed price; rates change based on promotions and regional pricing.
During major holidays—particularly around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year—the Times often offers discounted rates on gift subscriptions. If you are purchasing a gift during these periods, the price you see on nytimes.com/gift may be lower than the standard rate. There is no code to enter; the discount applies automatically when you purchase through the gift page.
Sending a gift subscription as a physical gift card
The New York Times does not sell physical gift cards for subscriptions through its website. The gift subscription itself is delivered by email. However, you can print the confirmation email or create your own card that tells the recipient they have received a New York Times gift subscription and direct them to check their email for the set up link.
Some retailers and bookstores may sell New York Times gift cards or certificates, but these are not the same as a subscription gift. Check with the retailer about what product they are selling and what it covers before purchasing.
Changing or canceling a gift subscription you purchased
If you purchase a gift subscription and then need to change it before the recipient activates it, contact New York Times customer service. The sooner you reach out after purchase, the more likely they can modify the order. If the recipient has already activated the subscription, changes become more difficult and may not be possible.
Canceling a gift subscription after purchase is also handled through customer service. You will typically need the order confirmation number and the recipient's email address. Refund policies vary depending on how long ago you purchased and whether the recipient has already used the subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a gift subscription to someone outside the United States?
Yes, but the products and pricing available depend on the recipient's country. Go to nytimes.com/gift and enter the recipient's email address to see what options are available for their location. Some countries have limited product offerings or different pricing than the United States.
What if the recipient already has a New York Times subscription?
The recipient can still receive and set up a gift subscription. When they set up it, the gift period will be added to their existing subscription, extending their end date. They will not be charged twice or have overlapping subscriptions.
Can I buy a gift subscription for myself?
Yes. You can purchase a gift subscription and send it to your own email address. This is sometimes done as a way to purchase a subscription at a promotional rate or to give yourself a gift. Follow the same process on nytimes.com/gift and enter your own email as the recipient.
How long does the recipient have to set up the gift subscription?
There is no expiration date on the set up email itself. The recipient can set up the subscription days, weeks, or months after receiving the notification. However, the subscription period (three months, one year, or two years) begins when they set up it, not when you purchase it.
Will the recipient be charged after the gift subscription ends?
No. The gift subscription does not automatically renew or convert to a paid subscription. When the gift period ends, access stops unless the recipient chooses to purchase their own subscription. They will not be charged without taking action.