Birthdays. A day for us to let someone know how glad we are that they were born so that we had a chance to have them in our lives. It sounds easy, but how do we let someone know just how much they mean to us? The obvious answer would be to tell them exactly that! But sometimes that’s also easier said than done, so many times we try to find the “perfect gift”. Here are 5 suggested gifts to show someone how happy you are to celebrate their day with them.
#1: Money
Now before you write me off as an impersonal, lazy person, hear me out. Say you know that the birthday girl or boy is saving money for a particularly large purchase (a car, a trip, a gaming system or a guitar as examples), giving money to get them closer to their goal is a very thoughtful and much appreciated gesture! How you give the money to them, however, that’s the key! Instead of just a slipping money into a card, make a money tree by tying bills to the branches of a fake tree. Put it in a decorate pot and presto! Instant awesomeness. You could buy an old fashioned piggy bank and fill it up with coins. Or get a photo album and fill it with $1 bills instead of pictures. There are also puzzle boxes made to put money in. The puzzle has to be solved to get the money out. Entertaining and profitable for the birthday person!
#2: Handmade Gifts
Personally, these are my favorite gifts to receive. If you are a crafty type individual, a gift you have made means more than you know. You have taken time out of your busy schedule to do something especially for that person. What else needs said? You could paint a picture and frame it. Make a door sign or some type of decor personalized for them. Sew a pillow or blanket, or make one of the popular no sew tied blankets. Include fabric with their favorite sports team or flower in their favorite color. Or make a digital video or picture collage of your favorite moments together putting it to music.
#3: A Day Out or Night out
With busy lives, sometimes it isn’t simple to get together anymore. Make their birthday special by planning a day together or a night out doing something fun. If you have the budget, pay for the activities as your gift to them. Or at least pay for a part of it. Like getting a pedicure together, then having a nice lunch at a new restaurant then going shopping at your favorite place. Take them to a concert or attend a festival. Take them to get a massage, then get dolled up and go dancing! There are even classes you take like painting while you sip on wine with friends. The possibilities are endless and so is the fun!
#4: Coupons
No I’m not talking about clipping coupons and giving them as a gift. I’m talking about making a coupon book. Or making a coupon that is good for something that would help the birthday person tremendously. For example, a coupon for a friend for 2-3 hours of babysitting. If she needs 2-3 hours to take a nice hot bath, clip her toenails, drink a hot cup of coffee in a house that is quiet and not full of screaming little people, then give it to her! A mom or dad needs a break every once in awhile. This will be a much welcomed gift! A coupon for a dinner once a month together at the restaurant of their choice for the next 6 months or year. Time is precious. Be sure you let them know that you will be paying for the first dinner. A coupon for 12 “I need help fixing this” times. You friend may not know how to make home repairs, or do taxes, or figure out why their dryer won’t heat. Let them be able to have you “gift” the help! Be creative! You know your friend, brother, sister…make it about them and what you know they need or would enjoy.
#5: Gift Baskets
You can’t go wrong with a gift basket. Not only can you purchase one if you just can’t figure out how to do one yourself, but making this really is easy and unique to the person it’s being made for. The ideas are literally endless. Get a baking pan, and fill it with gadgets, recipes, and food. Create a spa basket with bubble bath, lotions and candles. Movie night. BBQ Grill Master. Gardner. Vegan Snack basket. The Book Lover (my personal favorite). It doesn’t always have to be in a basket. It can be in a popcorn box, a paint bucket, a planter box, a bag or purse.
Don’t forget to include a card, whether a handmade or store bought one, to let them know they are special and, of course, to have a happy birthday. A personal touch will make a gift stand out in their minds, and will warm their hearts.
