What a New York Times Gift Subscription Includes
A New York Times gift subscription gives someone access to the Times's news content, including articles, opinion pieces, and multimedia reporting. The recipient gets the same digital access a regular subscriber would have — they can read on the website, use the mobile app, and access the Times's games and recipes sections if their plan includes them.
The Times offers several subscription tiers. The most common is the digital subscription, which covers news on any device. There is also a bundle that combines digital access with the print newspaper delivered to a home address, though this option is not available everywhere. Some gift subscriptions include access to the Times's games (crossword, Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and others), while others do not — this depends on which plan you choose when you buy the gift.
The recipient does not need to be an existing Times subscriber to receive a gift subscription. When the gift period begins, they will be sent instructions to set up an account or link the gift to an existing one.
Key Takeaways
- You can buy a gift subscription directly from nytimes.com/gift, choosing between digital-only and print-plus-digital options.
- Gift subscriptions last for a set period — typically three months, one year, or two years — and you decide the length when you purchase.
- The recipient receives a gift notification by email or physical card, depending on which delivery method you choose at checkout.
- When the gift period ends, the recipient will be notified and can choose to continue with a paid subscription or let it expire.
- You can purchase a gift subscription at any time, and you can specify when you want the gift period to start.
How to Purchase a Gift Subscription
Go to nytimes.com/gift to start. You will see options for different subscription lengths and types. Choose whether you want digital-only access or a print-plus-digital bundle, then select how long the gift should last — three months, one year, or two years are the standard options.
Enter the recipient's email address and your own. You will then choose how to deliver the gift notification: by email (which arrives when ready or on a date you set) or by physical gift card mailed to an address you provide. Physical cards take several business days to arrive, so plan ahead if you want it by a specific date.
At checkout, you will enter your payment method and billing address. The Times accepts major credit cards and debit cards. You will receive a confirmation email with details of the gift, including the start date and length of the subscription.
When the Gift Period Starts and Ends
The gift subscription begins on the date you specify during purchase, or when ready if you do not choose a future date. The recipient will receive notification at their email address with instructions to set up a Times account or connect the gift to an existing account.
The subscription runs for the full length you purchased — three months, one year, or two years — from that start date. A few weeks before the gift period ends, the recipient will receive a notice that their subscription is about to expire. At that point, they can choose to continue with a paid subscription at the Times's standard rates, or they can let the subscription end.
If the recipient does not take action before the gift expires, their access will end and they will no longer be able to read Times articles. They can always purchase a new subscription later if they want to resume access.
Pricing and What You Pay
The cost of a gift subscription depends on the length and type you choose. A three-month digital gift subscription costs less than a one-year subscription, which costs less than a two-year subscription. Print-plus-digital bundles cost more than digital-only, and the exact price varies by location because print delivery costs differ by region.
You pay the full cost upfront when you purchase the gift. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges added later. The Times occasionally runs promotions on gift subscriptions, particularly around holidays, so prices may vary depending on when you buy.
The recipient does not pay anything during the gift period. When the gift expires, if they choose to continue, they will be offered a subscription rate — which may be a promotional rate or the standard rate depending on current offers.
Giving a Gift to Someone Who Already Subscribes
If the recipient already has an active New York Times subscription, you can still give them a gift subscription. The gift period will be added to the end of their current subscription, extending their access rather than replacing it.
When you purchase the gift, you will enter the recipient's email address just as you would for a new subscriber. The Times's system will recognize the existing account and stack the gift period on top of it. The recipient will receive a notification confirming that the gift has been added to their account.
This approach is useful if someone you know is already a Times reader and you want to extend their subscription without disrupting their current access or account settings.
Changing or Canceling a Gift Subscription
If you need to change the recipient's email address or the delivery method before the gift notification has been sent, you can contact New York Times customer service to request a change. You will need your order confirmation number, which was sent to you by email when you made the purchase.
If the gift notification has already been sent to the recipient, you cannot change the recipient's email address. You would need to contact customer service to discuss your options, which may include canceling the original gift and purchasing a new one.
Canceling a gift subscription before it has been activated may result in a refund, depending on the Times's current policy. Contact customer service through nytimes.com/help to discuss cancellation or changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a gift subscription to someone outside the United States?
Digital-only gift subscriptions can be sent to most countries where the Times operates. Print-plus-digital subscriptions are available only within the United States. When you enter the recipient's email address, the Times will show you which options are available for their location.
What happens if the recipient does not set up their account?
The recipient will receive an email with instructions to create a New York Times account or link the gift to an existing one. If they do not set up an account, the gift will remain unclaimed but will still expire on the scheduled end date. They can set up their account at any time during the gift period to start reading.
Can I buy a gift subscription for someone who does not have an email address?
You will need an email address to purchase a gift subscription, as that is how the Times sends the gift notification and account setup instructions. If the recipient does not have an email address, you could set one up for them or contact customer service to discuss alternatives.
Is there a limit to how many gift subscriptions I can buy?
The Times does not publish a limit on the number of gift subscriptions one person can purchase. If you are buying multiple gifts, you can purchase them separately through nytimes.com/gift using different recipient email addresses.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
Refund policies vary depending on whether the gift has been activated and how long ago you made the purchase. Contact New York Times customer service through nytimes.com/help with your order confirmation number to discuss your specific situation.