Creative Birthday Gifts
Creative birthday gifts are often overlooked due to the all-consuming stress of everday life. Come the end of the day, it can be tough to find enough time to tell the most important people just how much they mean. Birthdays provide the perfect opportunity to do just that. A gift doesn’t need to be expensive or extravagant, but with a little thought, it can symbolize just how much you care.
For your mother, a woman who bakes chewy chocolate chip cookies and always knows when you need a hug without asking first if something is wrong, your gift should bring an affectionate smile to her face. Consider The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin ($12, Amazon.com), a book that chronicles the journey of a middle-aged woman on her quest to make her life happier. If your mother lives on the east coast, consider a Cashmere Tube Scarf ($175, Shopbop), to keep her warm and cozy during the winter. If she treasures childhood memories, get her French Milk by Lucy Knisley ($6, Amazon.com), the story of a mother and daughter’s trip to Paris told through charming illustrations.
For your father, a man who keeps up on current events and whom offers up his advice whether you want to hear it or not, give a gift that appeals to his specific hobbies. For a history buff, purchase Operation Mincemeat by Ben Macintyre ($15, Amazon.com). This book chronicles a British anti-Nazi espionage plan during WWII. For the tech savvy father, give him a DODO Case for his iPad ($60, DODO). If he’s a film buff, consider Clint Eastwood: 35 Films 35 Years ($120, Amazon.com) and relive one of Hollywood’s true movie stars.
For your sister, a woman who is always ahead of the latest craze and is able to laugh the hardest at herself, give her something decadent that she wouldn’t normally treat herself to. Order a Gorjana: Exeter Eternity Ring ($55, Shopbop.com); they are beautiful in their sophisticated simplicity. For a fashionista, buy The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman ($16, Amazon.com), a book of photographs narrating hip street fashion around the world. If she’s overworked, give her a Tocca Candle ($38, Amazon.com). They smell lovely and can be paired with bath salts for an overdue night of relaxation.
For your husband, a man who loves the taste of a strong Old Fashioned and is always willing to go on the next great adventure, give him a gift that only you would know he’d love. Consider the autobiography of Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Life by Keith Richards ($16, Amazon.com). You can pair a bottle of his favorite spirit with a Whiskey Decanter ($40, Amazon.com). Find out his favorite film and give him a Polish movie poster, a unique print that he’s unlikely to have seen before, Polish Movie Poster ($450, Polish Posters Shop).
No matter whom the gift is for or how much money goes into it, inject some creativity and the recipient will be touched by its meaning.
