| We have all been there: presented a loved one | | | | everyone. |
| with the most wonderful birthday present ever | | | | Vouchers are another good idea for a birthday |
| and then seen disappointment on their face when | | | | present. Choose cinema passes for a film buff, |
| they open it. Some of us just can't think of | | | | theatre tokens for that West End wannabe, or |
| fantastic birthday gift ideas. | | | | even a magazine subscription for that person who |
| Well, it doesn't always have to be this way. With | | | | loves a good read with a cuppa. |
| some thought and forward planning, you can find | | | | Birthday presents should always evoke memories |
| something to make them smile for a whole year. | | | | of you. Therefore, photo gifts make excellent |
| Ideally, buy your gift well in advance to eliminate | | | | offerings. |
| the possibility of last-minute panic buying and | | | | You can keep it simple by choosing a picture and |
| ending up with soap and chocolates from the local | | | | putting it in a frame. Perhaps go one better and |
| garage. If you see the right gift, buy it. Don't wait | | | | have it enlarged and printed on to canvas or |
| - it might not be there in six months' time, just | | | | acrylic. You can even take a photo and have it |
| before their birthday. | | | | put on a mug, T-Shirt, mouse mat or tote bag. |
| Buying your gifts all year round and saving them | | | | The recipient will treasure these bespoke items. |
| up for the special day will save you time and | | | | The simpler ideas are often the best. There is no |
| effort, and ensure your friends and family get | | | | need to spend a fortune to make a birthday |
| something they will always love. | | | | person ecstatic. Handmade gifts make excellent |
| Another rule of present buying is to remember | | | | presents: they don't usually cost much and are |
| that dreams can come true. Your friend may | | | | always happily received. |
| want to be the next Lewis Hamilton or your dad | | | | You can fill a scrapbook with funny photos, |
| may always talk about how he wanted to fly a | | | | poems and messages, or buy a craft kit and |
| plane when he was a child. The perfect solution | | | | make your own teddy bear or cross-stitch. |
| here is an experience day. Your friend could soon | | | | More mature people love to receive gifts which |
| be burning rubber in a sports car at a racetrack, | | | | they can use. Hobbies like gardening and baking |
| and your dad could be up in the air at the controls | | | | are enjoyable because they allow people to be |
| of a biplane. | | | | creative. Presents such as cookie cutters or hand |
| With experience days, the choice is endless. | | | | trowel sets therefore make great gifts. |
| Besides thrilling fun days in cars, on bikes, on | | | | Remember that birthday present ideas should |
| boats and in the air, you can buy spa days, wine | | | | come from the heart and offer more than meets |
| tasting, cookery lessons and dance classes. With | | | | the eye. |
| this birthday gifts idea, there is something for | | | | |