On February 17, 2026, the U.S. Postal Service made an exciting announcement in Washington, D.C., revealing the return of the beloved Happy Birthday Forever stamp after a five-year break. Additionally, they showcased a new nonprofit-priced Summer Sunset stamp, while also providing details about the first-day-of-issue events for several stamps scheduled for the spring and early summer of 2026.
The Happy Birthday stamp marks the first occasion-specific release for birthday celebrations since 2021. The design, created by illustrator Lisa Congdon, showcases a large white birthday cake adorned with pink trim, with art direction by Greg Breeding. USPS Stamp Services Director Lisa Bobb-Semple expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled that we are issuing new Happy Birthday stamps. Many customers have been requesting occasion-specific stamps like this, and we are delighted to meet that public demand.” The stamp will officially launch on April 18, 2026, in Providence, RI 02904.
The newly introduced Summer Sunset stamp is a nonprofit-priced issue suitable for bulk mailings by authorized organizations. This design features an enchanting oil painting of a stunning sunset over Menemsha, a quaint fishing village located in Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The artwork, by local artist Rachael Cassiani and art directed by Derry Noyes, captures the universal appeal of sunsets. Noyes remarked, “A postage stamp that celebrates the tranquil beauty of watching the sunset over water perfectly suits a nonprofit organization.” The stamp will be available in self-adhesive coils of 3,000 and 10,000, with its release set for June 25, 2026, in Edgartown, MA 02539, without a formal ceremony.
Alongside these releases, the USPS also unveiled first-day locations for additional stamps slated for 2026:
- Figures of the American Revolution: April 10, Washington, DC 20066
- A Day at the Beach (local ceremony): April 24, Burlingame, CA 94010
- Route 66: May 5, Phoenix, AZ 85026
- Bald Eagle: Hatchling to Adult: May 14, Wabasha, MN 55981
- Declaration of Independence: July 4, Philadelphia, PA 19104
These new issues join other 2026 stamps previously released, including Love stamps on January 13 in Kansas City, MO, along with several others previewed in October 2025. Please note that the designs are still preliminary and may change, with more subjects set to be revealed in upcoming announcements.
The USPS stamp program serves to highlight themes related to culture, history, and scenery, while Forever stamps remain valid indefinitely for First-Class Mail at one-ounce rates. Nonprofit stamps pave the way for bulk mailing efficiencies for qualifying organizations. Customers can easily purchase these stamps through The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, through USA Philatelic, or at Post Offices nationwide. For further information, visit stampsforever.com.
Though this announcement holds national significance, the interest in stamp collecting continues to thrive in Southern Maryland. Local philatelic clubs and Post Offices in areas like Leonardtown and La Plata frequently organize events to celebrate new releases. The reintroduction of the Happy Birthday stamp is a direct response to public demand for personalized mailing options, making it particularly appealing for families looking to send cards across the region.
