Born in 1978
Turns 48 in 2026
Gifts for someone born in 1978
1978 Front PageTheir name. The news from their year.Unframed from $36.50Add their name
Their birth chartThe sky as astrology reads it, cast for one birth.Unframed from $36.50
The Years We Were BornThe whole family, together in years.Unframed from $36.50
Our Story timelineTheir life, told in your words.Unframed from $36.50
Front Page: Canada edition. The year is filled in; add their name in the editor. “Your name” is a placeholder. Light news is selected. A new keepsake, not an original newspaper.
BACK TO 1978 · Canada
A little history to go with their gift.
Louise Brown’s birth marked the first successful birth following in vitro fertilisation. In film, Grease brought its songs and retro styling to cinemas, while Björn Borg won Wimbledon. The year joined a medical milestone with two very different moments in popular entertainment and sport.
What happened in 1978?
The first IVF baby is born
Louise Brown was born in the United Kingdom in 1978, the first baby born following in vitro fertilisation.
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority · Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
Canada led its first Commonwealth medal table
The host nation finished first at home, marking Canada’s first time atop the Commonwealth Games medal table.
A satellite breaks up over northern Canada
Cosmos 954 broke apart over northern Canada on 24 January 1978, scattering debris across a remote region.
Camp David agreements are signed
On September 17, 1978, Jimmy Carter, Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin signed two framework agreements at the White House after the Camp David summit.
Firsts and new ideas
The first GPS test satellite reached orbit
The early GPS programme began as defence technology but created the infrastructure behind modern navigation and location services.
Ipswich claimed its first FA Cup
Ipswich Town defeated Arsenal 1–0 to win the FA Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
Number ones and music in 1978
Chart positions belong to the country and chart named in each record.
The Bee Gees led RPM’s 1978 singles ranking
RPM’s Canadian year-end singles ranking placed the Bee Gees’ “Night Fever” at No. 1 for 1978.
Dan Hill topped RPM in March
Dan Hill reached No. 1 in Canada on RPM's weekly Top Singles chart with ?Sometimes When We Touch? in March 1978.
Prices and everyday money in 1978
Canada figures in the money of the time. Units and sources matter: these are not today's prices.
| Item or measure | Then | Unit and source |
|---|---|---|
| Industry wage | $265.37 | week Statistics Canada |
| Fresh fluid whole dairy milk, grocery store sales (Toronto) | $0.562 per quart | 1 quart disposable carton Statistics Canada |
| Store brand white bread, standard sliced loaf (Toronto) | $0.453 per 24 oz loaf | 24 oz loaf Statistics Canada |
| Ordinary domestic first class letter postage (under 1 oz.) | 14¢ per letter | per letter Government of Canada Publications, Consumer and Corporate Affairs Canada |
Planning the birthday
Someone born in 1978 turns 48 in 2026. Before their birthday they are one year younger. Choose the birth year for the print; add the full date in the editor if you know it.
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