Ever wonder what world events have helped shape your lifetime? Only the vast archival records of The New York Times can inspire such rich and personalized reflection. Intended for those born from 1921–1985, The Deluxe Birthday Edition turns history dilettantes into devotees by celebrating the headlines of their lives. Hardbound with every front page of the newspaper from the day of birth and every birthday thereafter, right through today. Available nowhere else, it is a uniquely personal gift, lasting treasure and conversation starter.
As a friend or loved one flips through this anthology, it will take them back in time to the most important headlines, articles and photos from the selected day of the year.
Our reimagined custom birthday book is now better than ever, upgraded with premium-stock paper and a new expansive introduction that retraces the history of The Times. You’ll find rarely seen archival photos as well as an informative timeline showing major events that changed the world and defined the newspaper.
In addition to every New York Times front page from every birthday the recipient has celebrated, The Deluxe Birthday Edition also features:
- A luxurious linen cover personalized with impressive gold-foil debossing that displays the recipient’s name and birth date in large letters and numbers
- A personalized message from the gift-giver on the interior title page of the book (this feature is optional)
- A comprehensive introduction detailing events that have changed the world and defined The New York Times since 1851
- A timeline showing how the paper of record has developed and changed over the years
All front pages are reprinted from their original newspapers and, where possible, remastered to improve photo quality and readability. Pages from 1999 onwards are reproduced from The Times’s digital archive in full color. Most pages prior to 1999 are reproduced from microfilm, an archiving process that preserves imperfections present on printed pages, adding to the tactility of the book. Each book is printed and bound by hand in Burlington, Vt.
- 10.5" x 13.25" bound book of 78 to 120 pages, depending on recipient’s age
- Linen cover with gold-foil debossing and uncoated, F.S.C.-certified paper
- Gold ribbon bookmark
- 3.4" x 2.1" personal magnifier
The Deluxe Birthday Edition is made to order and takes five to seven business days to produce. This does not include shipping time, and selecting expedited shipping at checkout will not impact production time. Please consider the “Will Ship By” date when choosing your shipping method at checkout.
Personalization
Make an impression with customization on the cover.
The moment you receive this book, you know it’s something unique and meaningful. A name and birth date are beautifully debossed in gold foil on the cover, signaling this gift goes above and beyond with the personal touch. More than just a book, it’s a sentimental experience to be shared and saved forever.
A lasting keepsake to safeguard a lifetime of headlines.
Add the Heirloom Box to your purchase to protect a lifetime of headlines. This beautifully presented black linen-bound box with gold-foil debossing and a magnetized enclosure will keep their Birthday Book in pristine condition for generations to come.
Bespoke Quality
Crafted with the finest materials and design.
This anthology is our gold standard in excellence. Its value can be found in the pages, printed on top-of-the-line paper, and the 10.5" x 13.25" hardbound cover, which has weight and substance with its luxurious linen material. Completing the heirloom gift: gold-foil debossing, enabling the recipient to see and feel their name and birth date.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you would like to include this year's front page in the book, you must place your order on or after the recipient’s birth date.
Unfortunately, this product cannot be made for birthdays that fall on leap years.
Throughout The Times’s history, there have been a number of newspaper strikes that impacted the production and printing of the paper. If your birthday lands on a strike date, that front page will be represented by an informational filler page. Other front pages and book content will not be affected.
The affected dates are:
- For 1962: Dec. 9, Dec. 16, Dec. 23, Dec. 25, Dec. 30.
- For 1963: Jan. 1, Jan. 6, Jan. 13, Jan. 20, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24, March 31.
- For 1978: Aug. 10 through Nov. 5.
The Deluxe Birthday Edition must have a minimum of 70 pages, so for individuals born after 1985, there would not be enough pages to fill a book.
Birthday books are each made by hand and can take up to seven days to produce, which is reflected in the “Will Ship By” date above. The item will ship by or before the date listed and will arrive accordingly depending on the method selected at checkout. Please be advised that the shipping time noted at checkout does not account for processing time. You will receive an email update once the item ships.
All Birthday Books are final sale. We do not offer refunds or exchanges for these custom-made products.
The Birthday Pages can be made for recipients born between 1975 and 2015, whereas the Premium and Deluxe Books are for recipients born between 1921 and 1985. They also each offer differing degrees of personalization and cover options. Learn more here.