Choosing a meaningful birthday gift can make the recipient feel special. Personalized gifts, themed gift baskets, subscriptions, experiences, gadgets, and inexpensive gifts are all good options. Avoid giving very personal items or expensive gifts to casual acquaintances.
Choosing a good birthday gift can make the recipient feel special, particularly if the item is something personalized, unique, or thoughtful. When selecting something, it can be nice to try and think of a gift that is meaningful rather than purely functional. You may want the recipient to associate the birthday gift with you and your relationship, or you may simply want to give them something extravagant that will inspire laughter or relieve stress. What you choose should be dictated by your relationship with the person and how well you know them. If you don’t know the person well, generic gifts like flowers or a gift card or certificate can be a good idea for most people.
Personalized gifts
To add a unique twist to a standard birthday gift, you might want to consider personalized items. For a dog lover, consider a coffee mug with an image of the recipient’s pet. Household items, such as towels or sheets, embroidered with the recipient’s initials can be a good option if you know the style and colors the birthday boy or girl likes. Humor, appropriate for the occasion and the recipient, is also appropriate when giving these types of gifts. For example, a fun but meaningful saying on a keychain or t-shirt can make a small birthday gift extra special.
Themed gifts and customized gift baskets
Another option for creating an original birthday gift is to assemble an assortment of smaller gifts around a central theme. If the recipient loves to watch movies, a nice collection of items might include popcorn, a decorative bowl, condiments and flavorings, and a DVD that you think they’ll like. A good selection of relaxation birthday gifts might combine bath oils, small candles, a bathrobe, and cozy slippers to reduce tension and encourage cuddles. You may be able to find such gifts already available in a gift basket or purchase an empty basket and assemble the items yourself for an extra personal touch.
Subscriptions
An item that the recipient receives repeatedly throughout the year can be a thoughtful gift. Magazine subscriptions or other publications are often a good birthday gift idea, especially for people who enjoy reading or have a special interest. There are hundreds of magazine titles, so finding one that matches a recipient’s interests—whether it’s a particular sport like mountain biking or an activity like shopping or cooking—usually isn’t too difficult.
Another option is a membership to a club that delivers a particular item every month or so. A fruit-of-the-month club, for example, might give the birthday boy or girl fresh apples one month, oranges the next month, and pears the next. For wine lovers, a regular delivery of a selection of red or white wines for you to sample would probably be appreciated. There are also beer of the month clubs, allowing the recipient to try a range of different beers. These clubs are often a little pricey as delivery charges can be high, but many have options for less frequent deliveries; if a monthly delivery is too much, one every three months or only for the first six months of the year may be a possibility.
Gift activities and experiences
A friend or relative may appreciate a birthday present that includes going out and having fun. If so, one idea is to buy passes or tickets to an event or show you know you’d like to attend or visit. You could even turn the birthday gift into an all-night event by including a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant for the recipient to use before or after the show.
While dinner and a movie can be nice gifts, think about what activities the birthday boy or girl really enjoys. Tickets to a special exhibit at a museum or day passes to an amusement park might suit your interests better. This can be a great gift for children, many of whom enjoy zoos, observatories, aquariums and wildlife parks. Remember that you will probably have to buy several tickets, unless you expect the recipient to go alone. You might also consider giving a gift certificate that allows the recipient to choose the date that works best for him or her; however, some people may find it impersonal, so think about what works best for the recipient before giving this gift.
If you know the person well and are willing to spend the money on a really special birthday present, you might want to consider an “experience” gift. Lessons with a pro golfer, taking a few rounds with a race car driver, or flying in a military jet all make great birthday gifts. Alternatively, you could take a memorable tour, such as a scenic balloon flight or a train ride that stops at rural wineries. Spa packages and weekend getaways are also popular relaxing experiences to give as gifts.
Gadget
For those who find it difficult to shop for loved ones, a new gadget can be a good birthday gift idea. There are both fun and practical gadgets available, and it’s usually best to choose one that matches the recipient’s interests. One-of-a-kind items like this can include a wrist watch that also includes a thermometer, pedometer, and barometer, or a purse that converts into a backpack. Consider the recipient’s personality when shopping; if your co-worker isn’t an avid golfer, an electronic rangefinder may not be much appreciated.
Cheap gifts
If your budget doesn’t extend to a spa weekend or the latest gadget, an inexpensive gift can be just as meaningful. You might consider a book by a favorite author or in a genre you know the recipient enjoys, or a DVD or movie download. Doing a job that the birthday boy or girl would rather avoid, like washing the car or mowing the lawn, may cost very little, but it is greatly appreciated. Even a tube of your favorite lip balm and a birthday card can be a thoughtful gift.
Birthday gifts to avoid
Knowing the recipient is important when choosing a birthday gift, as is being aware when you don’t know the person very well. Very personal items, such as nightwear or underwear, should not be given to anyone other than a close friend. Giving an expensive gift to a casual acquaintance, such as high-end electronics or jewelry, should also be avoided unless you know such a gift is expected. It’s also a good idea to avoid gifts of art or other decorative items unless you know the recipient’s taste very well; that pretty vase you gave your cousin might stay in the closet except for the times you visit if it clashes with the rest of the home decor.
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