Birthday Gifts: Get Creative

More often than not, birthday parties seem to be synonymous with giving and receiving gifts. While most people enjoy both giving and receiving gifts, it is a party tradition that can be both burdensome and costly. Rather than stressing over what gift to purchase for someone or how much money to spend, consider an alternative to traditional birthday gifts. There are several ways you can give creatively (while spending less) and for those hosting a birthday party, there are many ways you can encourage others to think creativity rather than spending unnecessarily.

If you find yourself attending a party in which you feel bringing a present would be necessary, consider avoiding your normal retail store and thinking of a more creative way to give. Often times if you simply think about the recipient, it will be easy to come up with a creative idea. Are they a tea lover? Perhaps a few exotic tea bags in a thoughtful card would be fitting. Are they an outdoors person? How about an initiation to go hiking together- you’ll pack the lunch? Do they love fresh flowers? How about a bouquet of their favorite blooms? The key is to think about what that person would really enjoy and use a bit of creativity.

Another way to give a thoughtful gift without spending a fortune would be to give to a charity in honor of the birthday person. There are so many organizations in need of help that you are sure to find one fitting for the occasion and the birthday person. Plant a tree, give to a children’s charity, donate to a library; really the options are endless. Write a note to the recipient in a nice card explaining what you gave and how they inspired you. Giving on behalf on another person is a very thoughtfully and inspiring gesture sure to be appreciated and remembered for years to come.

If you are hosting a birthday party, you are in the perfect position to set the tone as far as gifts go. If you (or the birthday person) would rather gifts be avoided, make sure to let guests know. Writing “No gifts please” in a party invitation is a very appropriate statement. Being direct about your no-gift preference might actually be welcomed by guests who are struggling over what to bring. An alternative to asking for “no gifts” would be to ask guests to bring something specific that will be donated later. You can ask guests to bring a book, pair of shoes, or packaged meal and then donate them to the appropriate charities and organizations. Not only will this solve the gift dilemma, it will also be sure to inspire that act of giving in all who attend and take part.

In reference to birthdays and gifts, you really cannot go wrong as long as you are clear on our wishes if you are the birthday host and thoughtful in your gift choice if you are a guest. Giving should not be about the biggest or most expensive gift, but rather the act of giving something thoughtful to someone or a cause that you truly appreciate.