For the first time in five years, the Postal Service will issue a stamp designed especially for birthday invitations, cards, letters, and packages. The stamp features an oversized white birthday cake with bright and colorful candles and capital letters spelling out HAPPY BIRTH DAY!, on three lines.
Birthdays have been celebrated for thousands of years. Originally, birthdays in the U.S. were celebrated by the wealthy or for a national hero like George Washington. It was not until the late 19th century that everyday American children began celebrating birthdays as well, largely a result of increased disposable income and changes in parenting philosophies.
The first Happy Birthday stamp was issued in 1987, featuring a slice of cake with a lit candle. In 1988, a second Special Occasions booklet included a Happy Birthday stamp depicting a colorful row of candles. Birthdays reappeared as a subject on U.S. postage in 2002 with a stamp featuring the words “Happy Birthday” amid a smattering of festive confetti. In 2021, a stamp inspired by a childhood birthday party featured a piñata, birthday hat, cake, candles, and balloons.
