Make it an Unforgettable Birthday!

The first known birthday celebrations began among the Egyptians with parades, circuses, and gladiatorial events ? all complete with feasts that sometimes lasted for days. Romans celebrated the birthdays of their gods with parades and chariot races. Mortals were not encouraged to celebrate their birthdays in Rome. Germany introduced the tradition of birthday cakes about 200 years ago. The cake itself was filled with gifts that predicted the recipient's life in the upcoming year. For example, if the slice of cake contained a ring, it symbolized impending marriage. A coin guaranteed riches throughout the next year. If the cake fell while baking, it ensured impending doom to the one celebrating a birthday. Today, various countries celebrate birthdays in unique ways.

In the United States, the traditional birthday ritual calls for giving gifts to the one celebrating his special day. Selecting the "right" gift depends on the individual, his interests, and how well you know him. Instead of purchasing the "same old" thing, add a unique twist to your birthday gift selections this year and watch out for the positive feedback! Below are several ideas that you may wish to give thought to as you plan your next birthday gift list for every child, teen, or adult in your life.

Birthday Gifts for Children

-A craft-of-the-month complete with a kit is a sure bet to create a happy birthday for any child. Subscriptions usually entail receipt of a kit every month, every two months, or quarterly for one year.

-Magazine subscriptions are also a huge hit with children and a great way to challenge their minds and enhance their knowledge. Popular subscriptions include Highlights, Cobblestone, AppleSeeds, Jack and Jill, Lady Bug, Nickelodean Jr., and Sesame Street.

-Children enjoy individual attention from important people in their lives, i.e. mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, older sibling.

-Give that special child the gift of time ? a day out with you complete with lunch, a movie, and/or shopping for the gift of their choice.

Birthday Gifts for Teens

Teens are probably the most difficult age group to buy for. Gift certificates are always a smart gift choice, although the concept requires little creativity. Implement some innovation by creating a unique presentation to an old concept.

-Purchase a book of theater gift certificates and package them in a movie popcorn bucket lined with popcorn printed paper.

-Magazine subscriptions are also a winning idea for teens. Favorites for that age group include Teen, Seventeen, Cosmo Girl, Boys Life, YM, American Cheerleader, Guideposts for Teens, Teen People, and Campus Life.

-Teens love the gift of privileges. A coupon book that includes gifts they can cash in at random times may include an extended curfew, driving the family car on a date or special occasion, control of television or computer, double allowance for one week, etc.

-What teen does not like candy? Check out specialty shops or online resources where you can purchase candy-making supplies and chocolate.

-Present the gifts in a large mixing bowl tied up with cellophane.

Birthday Gifts for Adults

From a family tree planner to a family history wall print, a gift of genealogy is a great pick for assisting the recipient learn about his family heritage and get back to his roots.

-Create a scrapbook of special moments throughout the past year. Include photos from family events and keepsakes that are important to the event. Recapture these moments by journaling the story of the event and quotes from participants. Embellish the pages with stickers, captions, and other items that will enhance the memories for a long time to come.

-Choose a selection of classic books to either add to or start a collection. Several choices to get you started include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Canterbury Tales, Wurthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Scarlet Letter, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Great Expectations, Tom Sawyer, and The Catcher in the Rye.

-Purchase baskets from garage sales and gift shops and fill them with homemade or gourmet jars of pickles, jams, food mixes, and/or fruit.

Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don't blow the bank. You can find Great Gift Ideas at her site. Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for Gift News her free monthly newsletter.

---

Top 15 Valentines Day Quotations

"If you love somebody, let them go. If they return, they were always yours. If they don't, they never were."-- Anonymous"Love has nothing to do with what... Read More

Thanksgiving

I was not planning to write this article. Instead, I was going to publish an article about integrity. It has been on my mind this last week... Read More

Thats the Christmas Spirit

Last Christmas, Uncle Albert promised his neighbor, Wilson, to find a way to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year. You know, just like Wilson and everybody... Read More

Tips to Save Time & Money; Christmas Shopping Online

So Christmas is a few months away. Seems like a lot of time but we all know how quickly time passes to the holidays. It feels like... Read More

Romance on a Budget

Valentine's Day is often synonymous with lush velvety looking red roses and spending big bucks on your sweetie. You're blinded by advertisements touting the latest luxury jewelry,... Read More

Bust Holiday Stress!

The holidays will be here before you know it. Clear the way for greater joy, love and meaning this year by "busting" these sources of holiday stress:1.... Read More

Thanksgiving Memories

Turkey ... Stuffing ... Cranberry Sauce ... Pumpkin PieThis is usually what comes to mind when we think of Thanksgiving. Granted the food is yummy and worth... Read More

Christmas and New Year Celebrations: How Significant?

I remember vividly as if it were yesterday when I was only a little boy; I looked forward to Christmas and New Year holidays with an air... Read More

Mommy...Daddy...Is There Really A Santa Claus?

Is there really a Santa Claus? Any parent who hasn't been faced with this question most likely will at some point. But how do you answer this?... Read More

Top 5 Ways for an ADD Adult to Have a Happy Holiday

Holidays have the potential to send an adult with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) into overload. Too many details to plan, kids to manage, and family to cope... Read More

Free Christian Ecard and Christian Ecards

A free Christian ecard is comprised of inspirational quotes, musical greetings, messages of love, get well soon, and a plethora of other familiar greeting card options free... Read More

Colored Contacts For Halloween - Make Sure YOU Dont Go Bump In The Night!

Ok, the end of October is approaching, and you desperately want some colored contacts for Halloween. Why? Well, possibly because no one else will have any, maybe... Read More

Keeping it Simple this Season

It's back. The holiday season and all the challenges that come with it! This is the time when we are most tempted to overdo things - shopping,... Read More

You Better Not Lie, I?m Telling You Why

Santa Claus Is ComingHoliday season brings the perennial return of Santa Claus. According to traditional lore, St. Nick flies around the world on his reindeer-powered sleigh. He... Read More

EASTER: The Bunny and The Egg

Ever wonder why there's an "Easter Bunny"? Ever wonder why he brings eggs? And dyed ones at that!The Rabbit and the Hare, because of their frequent multiple... Read More

A Mothers Keepsake

A mother's bracelet is a personalized bracelet that celebrates the most important woman in your life, mom. It makes for the perfect gift for many gift occasions... Read More

Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas is such a special day. It is a day of giving and receiving love, joy and happiness. The Christmas spirit is very pure; just like the... Read More

Hoo Hoo ? Owls and Superstitions, Thats Who

Superstitions surrounding owls have a long and ancient history. These nocturnal creatures often appear in horror mystery films, have been associated with dark, haunting night themes, and... Read More

Holiday Promotion Tips

Are you ready for Mother's Day? Yes I realize it's still a week or two away, but if you haven't started your Mother's Day promotions yet it... Read More

Mothers Day, Do You Know What Youre Giving The Woman Who Gave You Life?

Mother's Day, Do you know what you're giving the woman who gave you life? by DeAnna SpencerI decided to deviate from my normal discussion of marketing and... Read More

Home Made Gifts, The Best Way To Teach Your Kids The Value Of The Holiday

To a large extent the holidays have come to be more about materialism than the original values of peace, harmony, and faith. Advertisers hit us from all... Read More

Perfect Presents for Mom

Every year we search our brains for a unique, exciting gift for Mom. We have bought flowers, candy, jewelry, pictures of our kids and us. But this... Read More

The Evolution of Christmas Ornaments

Things have come a long way since a Christmas ornament was likely to be just a ball hung by the window, or later on a Christmas tree.Historians... Read More

Christmas Lights Add Sparkle To The Holidays

Electric Christmas lights have been around since the 1880's. It is no wonder they are still around and being enjoyed by so many. Using lights at Christmastime... Read More

Maybe This Christmas Will Be Different....

Have you always dreamed of a Norman Rockwell Christmas - where everyone is singing Christmas carols and there is joy in the house? Alas, your Christmas memories... Read More

An Easy Gift For Many Occasions

It can be very hard to find that one perfect gift for someone. How many times have you pondered over what to buy for a 36th birthday... Read More