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Birthday Presents
The charm of a birthday lies in the notion that it's entirely one's own—though the realist would say that it's shared with ten million other people. Use your imagination for fun ways to give a birthday gift as singular as the recipient. Better with Age. Give as many gifts as the birthday person is old. For example, a dozen roses to a 12-year-old girl from her father would make a young lady feel very special on her twelfth birthday. Other ideas include 16 movie tickets, a three-week (21-day) European trip, 30 car wash certificates, 40 pints of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, a strand of 50 pearls, or 5 dozen (60) golf balls, fishing lures, or tulip bulbs. Pleasantly Surprised. For those who don’t care for the traditional surprise party, here’s a new twist. Ask the celebratee to reserve a block of time (an evening, a weekend, a Saturday morning) on or around his or her birthday. Then, keeping the specific details a secret, plan a party or outing and let the guest of honor know how to dress for the occasion. Check Out Time. If you are the birthday person's employer, a half or full day off would make a great birthday present. This is Your Life. In a scrapbook or notebook, assemble cards and letters from friends and family telling about treasured remembrances of the birthday person. What a Card. Send a birthday card every day during the month of his birthday, or send as many cards as he is old on his birthday. Happy Birthday, Mr. President. For 80-plus birthdays, you can request a card from the President of the United States. Contact The White House Greetings Office at www.whitehouse.gov/greeting at least six weeks in advance. Smells Good Enough to Eat. Order a Birthday Flower Cake. It looks just like a real cake, but it's made with fresh flowers, such as mini carnations and poms. You can't eat it, but it will last for a full week. It comes with candles and arrives in a bakery box. Available from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM Spread the Word. If asked, a conscientious party host or hostess will offer party guests some direction on gift giving. Such direction, however, should always be conveyed by word-of-mouth rather than printed on invitations.
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