Happy Birthday 2026 Forever Postage Stamps Self-Adhesive Sheet for Birthday Cards and Invitations

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.