A New York Times gift subscription is a prepaid access code you send to someone, usually by email, that gives them a set period of digital or print access to the Times

The person you're gifting to receives a redemption code or link, redeems it on their own, and their subscription period begins. You don't need their login information or password — they set up their own account when they claim the gift. The New York Times offers gift subscriptions in several lengths: three months, one year, or two years. You can choose digital-only (web, app, and email newsletters) or a combination of digital plus home delivery of the print edition, depending on your location.

The cost varies by subscription type and length. A one-year digital gift subscription costs less than a one-year print-plus-digital gift subscription. Prices also differ between regions for print delivery. You'll see the exact price before you complete the purchase on the New York Times website.

Key Takeaways

  • You purchase a gift subscription on nytimes.com, choose the length and type, and the Times sends a redemption code to the recipient's email address.
  • The recipient creates their own New York Times account when they redeem the code, so you don't need their password or existing login.
  • Gift subscriptions are available in three-month, one-year, and two-year terms for digital-only or print-plus-digital access.
  • You can schedule the gift to arrive on a specific date, such as a birthday or holiday, rather than sending it immediately.
  • If the recipient already has an active subscription, the gift period typically adds to the end of their current subscription rather than replacing it.

How to purchase a gift subscription on the New York Times website

Go to nytimes.com/gift and select the subscription type you want to give. You'll choose between digital-only access or digital plus print delivery. Next, pick the length: three months, one year, or two years. The price will update based on your choices.

Enter the recipient's email address and your own email address. You can add a personal message if you want. Then choose whether to send the gift immediately or on a specific date — useful if you're buying ahead for a birthday or holiday. Complete the payment with a credit or debit card, and the New York Times will send the redemption code to the recipient's email.

What happens when the recipient redeems the code

The recipient receives an email from the New York Times with a link or code. When they click the link or enter the code, they're directed to create a New York Times account if they don't already have one. They'll set their own password and choose their preferences for newsletters and notifications.

Once they complete account setup, their subscription period begins immediately. They can start reading right away on the website, mobile app, or through the Times' email newsletters. If they already have an active subscription, the gift period is usually added to the end of their current subscription, extending their access rather than starting over.

Choosing between digital-only and print-plus-digital

A digital-only gift subscription gives access to all New York Times content online, including the website, the mobile app for iOS and Android, and email newsletters. This is the most affordable option and works anywhere in the world.

A print-plus-digital gift subscription includes everything digital plus home delivery of the print newspaper. Print delivery is only available in certain areas of the United States, so you'll need to enter a zip code during purchase to confirm availability. Print subscriptions cost more than digital-only but give the recipient a physical newspaper several days a week, depending on the subscription plan.

Managing or canceling a gift subscription you've purchased

If you bought a gift subscription but haven't sent it yet, you can cancel it through your New York Times account before the redemption code is sent. Log in to nytimes.com, go to your account settings, and look for gift subscriptions. You'll see options to cancel or resend the code if needed.

Once the recipient has redeemed the code and created their account, you cannot cancel their subscription — only they can manage it. If you need to cancel after they've redeemed it, contact New York Times customer service and explain the situation, though they may not be able to reverse it depending on how much time has passed.

What to do if the recipient doesn't receive the redemption email

Check that you entered the correct email address during purchase. The New York Times sends the redemption email from nytimes.com, so ask the recipient to check their spam or promotions folder if they don't see it in their inbox.

If the email still doesn't appear after checking spam, log into your New York Times account and resend the gift code. You can usually do this from your account settings under gift subscriptions. If resending doesn't work, contact New York Times customer service with your order number and the recipient's email address, and they can resend the code manually.

Gift subscriptions for people who already subscribe to the Times

If the person you're gifting to already has an active New York Times subscription, their gift subscription will extend their access. The gift period is added to the end of their current subscription, so they won't lose any time or have to restart their account.

This also means they won't be charged for their regular subscription during the gift period — the gift covers their access. After the gift subscription ends, their regular subscription (if they have one set to auto-renew) will resume billing at their normal rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a gift subscription for someone outside the United States?

Yes, you can send a digital-only gift subscription anywhere in the world. Print-plus-digital subscriptions are only available for delivery within the United States, so if you're gifting to someone abroad, digital-only is your only option.

What if the recipient wants to cancel the gift subscription before it ends?

The recipient can cancel their subscription at any time through their account settings on nytimes.com. They won't receive a refund for the unused portion, but they can stop the auto-renewal if the gift period includes it. After the gift ends, they won't be charged unless they have a separate paid subscription set to renew.

Can I send a gift subscription to multiple people at once?

You have to purchase each gift subscription separately on nytimes.com/gift. There isn't a bulk or group gifting option, so you'll need to complete the purchase process for each recipient individually.

How do I know if my gift subscription was received?

You'll receive a confirmation email from the New York Times when you complete the purchase. The recipient will receive their redemption code email at the address you provided. If you want to confirm they received it, you can ask them directly or check your New York Times account to see if the code has been redeemed.

What if I want to give a gift subscription but don't know which type to choose?

If the person reads news regularly and has a smartphone or computer, digital-only is a safe choice and works everywhere. If they prefer print newspapers and live in an area where the Times delivers, print-plus-digital gives them both. You can always ask them casually which they'd prefer, or start with digital and they can upgrade later if they want print added.