Wine

Why are wine good gifts for him and her? Wine is generally a nice, elegant, but yet simple gift for all occasions to celebrate. There are a variety of wines available, ranging from sweet to bitter, to tart and tangy. If the Birthday One has a special preference, you can definitely get their favorite wine. Wine is considered better as it ages, and those that aged for years are likely pricier and more valuable.

Something to also consider is the alcohol percentage. Some wines have a high percentage, some have less. If the Birthday One does not like alcohol as much, it may be best to get a wine with lesser alcohol percentage. Also, it will not be a good gift for pregnant ladies as those who are pregnant will not be able to enjoy immediately.

Wine is hard to wrap so many purchase a wine gift bag (specialty for wines) or they just gift as is. Wine bottles are nicely labeled and bottled already.

Where can you get wine? There are many local shops around town that only sells alcohol and will also have wine. Spec’s is a good place to start. Otherwise, you can find wine at regular grocery stores and convenient stores likes Walgreen and CVS. If you want it to be specialize, there are wineries that make their own home made wines which can make it a unique gift for many. Wine can also be purchased online.

If you are on the budget, consider sales at grocery stores. You can find many wine bottles ranging from $5-$10 each. There are also small bottle of individual wines that are usually at grocery stores.You can also check online.

**NOTE OF CAUTION: Be cautionary about any allergies or health issues that the Birthday One may have.

Tea

Tazo Tea is one of the tea brands I enjoy. I like to share the different types of teabags (which are individually wrapped) as mini-gifts.

Why are tea a good choice for Her, Him, Teens, and the Elderly? Tea makes wonderful gifts for the Birthday One whom you know enjoy drinking tea! There are a variety of teas – green and black, organic, decaffeinated, herbal, iced, fruit, etc. It makes a great drink for the Birthday One to get some caffeine or calm down after a long day, or just enjoy on a stress-free day. The packaging of most teas are nicely wrapped and its nice to grab a few and put it in a gift bag. It’s a simple and nice gift for anyone. If you know of a certain type of tea or brand the Birthday One likes, then it would be nice to get those for the birthday gift.

For ladies and gentlemen, it is great to have a variety or more beverage options for oneself and for guests in the kitchen cupboard. For teens, it can be somewhat useful for getting some caffeine while doing homework or studying. Teens may also like trying different types of tea. For the elderly, most elderly likes something hot for a beverage so they will most likely love it.

One of my coworker/friend loves this tea so I get this for her birthday from the Asian supermarket.
This tea is from Lavande brand that I got from the farmer’s market. The tea leaves smells wonderful.

Where can you get tea? Like many other food products the grocery or supermarkets have a variety of teas available. It is the easiest source to grab some teas. If you like to gift international teas for the Birthday One, try Asian markets like the Chinese or Indian/Pakistani supermarkets.

There are also special online sites that sell only tea. Some are specialty. Search google online for some Tea websites. Subscription services also provide different types of specialty tea. Here is a list of subscription tea brands. You may also find specialty tea at your local farmers’ market.

This is a mini pack of teas my friend gave me for Christmas. I also like to do the same and give this as mini gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or a random surprise mini gift.

If you are on a budget,  you can check your kitchen or house to see what teas you may have. Grab a few individual wrapped teabags from some tea boxes, and you can make a cute little pack to give away as a birthday gift or other gift. Sometime grocery stores do have sales, so you can check for sales as well. You may also consider treating the Birthday One with a cup of tea at Starbucks or chai at an Indian/Pakistani restaurant.

One of my coworkers gave me this tea. Quite fruity!

**NOTE OF CAUTION: Be cautionary about any allergies or health issues that the Birthday One may have.

Coasters

Why are coasters a good choice for Her, Him, Teens, and the Elderly? There are a variety of designs and types of coasters (ceramic/rubber/paper/marble/wood) available. There are coasters with brands, colleges, bands, states, interests, pets, countries or ones with witty sayings, or simple ones that are more for practical use. Overall, it makes for a useful gift for everyone as glasses and mugs are usually a norm in a home.

Where can you get coasters? You can find them everywhere – at your local Walmart, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, CVS, and Walmart to your local supermarkets. If you see something that looks nice or you think The Birthday One may like, you should grab it and give it to them when their birthday rolls around. While traveling, also keep an eye out for these as souvenirs and birthday gifts as local places have coasters with very local and unique feels.

At a Pinterest Expo, there was a course to make coasters.

If you are on a budget, you can make your own paper coasters with free designs from online or head to the craft stores where they sell blank coasters that you can design with paint/markers. The cutest ones I found at clearance prices were at Hallmark. I still recommend keeping an eye for coasters when you are just window shopping. If you find something you think The Birthday One would like, buy it and keep it with you until their birthday comes up. If you search for it, it may be difficult to get one you really like and you would also feel stressed if it is last minute.

Books

Why are these gifts a good choice for Her, Him, Teens, and the Elderly? If the Birthday One is a reader, books make an amazing gift, especially if you read and recommend the book, or if you know it’s a book that the Birthday One wanted to get. Even if you don’t know which book the Birthday One would like, if they have mentioned an interest or hobby or a celebrity or character, you can follow that route to see which book to get.

If you know the Birthday One has a particular author, you can target books from the specific author an maybe opt for an autograph version if you can get your hands on it!

There is a variety of genres to choose from, fiction, nonfiction, mystery, thriller, self-help, historical, guidance, celebrity related, character related, children’s book, comic books, travel books, cookbooks – it’s limitless. If the book happens to be a series, the gift can be given each year until the series is complete – kind of no need to think about it, as long as they haven’t read the book.

What I love about books is that if it’s a good book, it often inspires the reader. I think there is always something every book can offer.

Where can you get books?  Amazon and other online stores usually is the quickest place to get books. If you want to search for books in person, Barnes and Noble and Half Price Books is available, although there are also limited selection of books at Walmart, Walgreen, Target, CVS, and even some supermarkets as well! Hallmark also has some books as well. Malls have bookstores as well. There are also subscription services like Amazon that offer subscription monthly or annually, and also offer the book in online format or audio format.

If you are on a budget, try the dollar store! The dollar store, Half Price Books, garage sales and your own house/storage may have some books that you may want to give away as well. In the past, there are some big wholesale book events that Half Price Books and other book organizations where you can go and get books on clearance for a good price.

Chocolates

Why are these gifts a good choice for Him, Her, Teens, Kids and the Elderly? Chocolates make wonderful gifts! Tasty, decadent, and generally not an everyday snack, recipients usually enjoy and love this as a gift. If you like it simple, you can keep it simple with chocolates found at your everyday grocery store or convenient store like CVS and Walgreens. You can also find them at gas stations! If you like it with fancy packaging, this is also available from a variety of special chocolate shops like Godiva and Ghirardelli, and these shops also have online stores. Not to mention, the options are unlimited in the types of chocolates available: solid milk, with variety of nuts, with cookies, mint, with fruits, with caramel, dark chocolate with different types of percentage of cacao, etc. It’s a treat for a day that is supposed to be celebrate with sweetness and happiness.

However, keep in mind that there are people who aren’t into sweets and chocolates that much, so it is best to make sure the Birthday One would like the chocolates before purchasing and giving as gifts.

Where can you get chocolates? You can make it a simple chocolate bar purchased at your everyday grocery store or convenience store, or you can make it a fancier gift purchased from brand stores like Godiva and Lolli and Pops. There are also many local artisan and gourmet chocolate shoppes that offer different types of chocolate to be given as gifts. In Houston, Texas there is a specialty chocolate shop that makes its own chocolate call The Chocolate Bar.

If you are on a budget, a nice simple chocolate bar can be purchased at the local grocery or convenient store. Ferrero Rocher chocolate have great chocolate packaging and a easy grab and go gift too if it is in your price range. There are also Godiva and Lindt bars available at the stores as well. If you would like to save even more money, chocolate candies does tend to be on clearance after holidays. If you are able to find one with not an too apparent seasonal packaging (and hopefully not expired!), then it makes a nice gift as well. Sometimes grocery stores do run a special, and grabbing a bar of Hersheys here and Snickers there, Reeces Pieces, Kit Kat bar, and Nestle’s Crunch and wrap it up nicely with a birthday card, it makes for a nice birthday chocolate bundle!

**NOTE OF CAUTION: Be cautionary about any allergies that the Birthday One may have.

Birthday Cake

*Cue the song ‘Cake’ by Flo Rida

Why are cakes a good choice for EVERYONE? Birthday Cakes are the *PRIMARY* traditional birthday gifts since forever! It’s a good way to celebrate and share with a group of people at a party too.

There are so many different types of cakes that it may be difficult to pick one that the Birthday One likes. It may be helpful to ask around to see what type of cake the Birthday One likes.

A Hello Kitty Cake from Six Ping Bakery in Houston Chinatown

Where can you get cakes? There are many local bakery shops that specialize in making cakes that you can probably find on Google or Yelp. Some Asian bakeries make the most cutest or gorgeous, and tasty cakes, but they are also very pricey.

If you are a good baker, you can also try making a cake. A Real Birthday Story example is when my good friend baked a chocolate banana cake for my birthday the last two years! It was so yummy and tasty. It was also a very sweet gift since it took her time to make it.

Bundlet from Nothing Bundt Cake

If you are on a budget, try grocery stores like Walmart, HEB, Kroger, etc. They usually have nicely designed cakes at an affordable price. Go for the ones that has the latest ‘good until’ date – those are usually the freshest.

If you are the Birthday One and are looking for some free cake, some restaurants and bakery stores offer a free piece of cake for dessert as birthday freebies for dining there or being a customer. Two notable ones are La Madeleine which offers a free pastry in the birthday month if you sign up for their app and Nothing Bundt Cakes which offers a free bundlet in the birthday month.

Happy Birthday Party Cake!

Another Real Birthday Story experienceMy boss wanted to save money so instead of ordering cakes for employees on their birthday, he opted to get a birthday cake quarterly and all those with birthdays in that quarter would have their birthday celebrated. It’s quite a unique experience but I guess late cake is better than no cake.

**NOTE OF CAUTION: Be cautionary about any allergies or preferences that the Birthday One may have. Some may not want to eat cakes made with eggs or gluten. *

Roadside Emergency Kit / Auto Safety Kit

Why are these a good choice for Her, Him, Elderly, and Teens? It’s a useful gift if the Birthday One drives. Cars are great for transportation, but cars also need regular vehicle maintenance. Some cars will still encounter issues even after regular vehicle maintenance. Car accidents can also happen. If no major life threatening issues, most would would want to get back on the road and onto the next destination.

Each auto safety kit has different items. Most would have booster cables, flashlights, small batteries for the flashlights, safety gloves, and first aid items. Some may also include umbrella and rain panchos.

For the Birthday One, the kit is not a flashy gift but it is nice and useful. If the vehicle breaks down or faces any issues that can be fixed with the auto safety kit, it may help save the Birthday One’s time and improve the situation. For example, at night time in a parking lot, if they have a booster cable, they can maybe ask a good samaritan or security guard to help out if they are around.

If you would like to make it personal, you can add some non-perishable food items like granola or energy bars, trailmix, dried fruits, road maps, a list of important contact numbers, etc. Note that the kit would be in the vehicle for a long period of time in extreme temperatures, high or low, so some food items may not be appropriate.

Where can you get roadside emergency kits or auto safety kits? You can easily find them at Walmart, Target, online on Amazon, AutoZone, and auto supply shops.

If you are on a budget, you can make your own roadside emergency kit/auto safety kit. Individual items can be purchased at the stores or online. You can pick up items at the dollar store  or Five Below stores as well. Here are two websites to help make a kit: https://bugoutbagacademy.com/car-emergency-kit-must-haves/ and https://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-create-your-own-roadside-emergency-kit.html 

***Note of Caution: As with any other gifts, please make sure that the Birthday One read instructions on how to use the items properly in the roadside assistance kit or the auto safety kit. The use of jump cables can cause harm or body injury so if the auto safety kit does have one, make sure the Birthday One read the instructions on how to use it properly.

Pinata

Why are these gifts a good choice for Him, Her, Teens and Kids? For adults, it’s a fun, surprising way to celebrate. Fill it with alcoholic candies and treats or maybe even money, so when it breaks, everyone can start grabbing them! For kids and teens, candies and small snack bags would be good enough. It is mainly the fun of striking the pinatas which is fun for the kids and teens. The Birthday One can be the only one playing or everyone attending can participate. You set the rules!

Where can you get pinata? Party stores often sell ready-made pinatas. At a Super Walmart, I saw quite a few pinatas on sale in their party supplies aisle. You may need to find a bat or good stick to hit the pinata with and also a bandana or cloth to cover the eyes.

If you are on a budget, guess what? You can home made pinatas! Here is a link on how to make pinatas: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pi%C3%B1ata

**NOTE OF CAUTION: If the gift is for kids and teens, make sure there is adult supervision. The pinatas should also be put in a location that is relatively open or spacious without anything that would break to allow proper space for striking the pinata.

True Birthday Story: I had attended a birthday party once in which the adult Birthday One had a pinata gift. Everyone at the party got a chance to play, and it took a while before the pinata broke, but it was fun seeing who was able to break the pinata first!

Energy Drink

Why are these gifts a good choice for Her, Him, and Teens? Energy booster drinks like Monster, Redbull, and Starbucks Doubleshot or Refresher drinks are great for Birthday Ones who seemingly need a lot of energy to work on a projects, learning/studying, or work in general. I think most guys tend to like energy drinks more, but I think females also like energy drinks that tastes more fruity or once in a while need a pick-me-up energy drink for a slow day. For some teens, it may help keep the mind more awake while studying and reading a long textbook or book.

Where can you get energy drinks?  If you are looking for a certain brand, you may need to do some research before you head out. However, energy drinks are usually sold at local grocery stores, Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and even at gas stations.

If you are on a budget, just get 1 or 2 energy drink(s). Most energy drink should be $3 or less. It’s simple, but it is a gift nonetheless. See if you can some grocery store coupons, or try to keep track of any sales before you purchase.

If still on budget, scrap up some changes to buy the Birthday One a soda. Any gift is a gift nonetheless.

**NOTE OF CAUTION: Every individual has different levels of tolerance for energy drinks. The sugar and ingredients can vary for each individual. It is best to remind the recipient to be mindful of how many energy drinks they consume each day.

Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions (In Print, Online, or app) as birthday gift 

magazines

There is a saying that magazines and newspapers are slowly dying, and that may be true in the distant future, but they still exist now! There are many people who still like to physically have the magazine or newspaper in hand to read it properly. Others like to read it on Kindle, the Nook, other tablets, computer or labtop screens, or even cell phones. Whatever it is, if your Birthday One likes to read magazines and or newspaper, it is a good option to consider as there are usually deals, and there are many genres available. Some magazines offer subscription for only $12 annually or even lesser than that!

Why these gifts may be a good choice for everyone? If the Birthday One enjoys reading and likes a certain magazine/newspaper or genre, they would appreciate this gift. If it is an annual subscription, it is like getting a gift monthly in the mail!

For many, some magazines are fun to read like celebrity and gossip magazines. Guys may like to read about cars and technology. Gals may like to read about fitness and food. Newspapers are great for people who like to keep up with the news or build knowledge. It would be a great opportunity for teens and kids to learn and develop more knowledge and interest in different genres. The elderly would enjoy learning about new hobbies like gardening or news genre related to seniors. Pet owners would also enjoy pet related magazines.

How would you present the gift to the Birthday One? You can always print out the receipt and put it in an envelope with a greeting card, or write it down on a greeting card that you got them a subscription to the magazine/newspaper and to expect it in the mail, if you do not want to reveal the subscription purchase price. If it is an electronic print version, it is likely that an email from the magazine/newspaper would be sent to the recipient’s email address once you made the purchase, to inform them of the gift.

Where can you find magazine subscriptions? If you know a certain magazine or specific genre the Birthday One likes, you can visit the magazine or newspaper’s website and see what subscription offers they have. From time to time, Groupon and Livingsocial also have magazine and newspaper deals.

Zinio.com and Google Play Newstand offer magazines in electronic print versions online and in apps. Amazon.com also offers a magazine newstand online too.

-Do make sure it is only a one time purchase unless you want to give this gift to them for every birthday for the rest of their lives.

-If you get a print subscription to be mailed to the Birthday One’s resident, make sure you know their address, and they aren’t moving soon. If you mail it to your address, you will have to give them every time you get the mail (that would mean you are technically going to physically give them a gift every month you see them unless you live in the same place!).

-Magazines and newspapers may also build up, so it may not be a good idea to give to a Birthday One who is a hoarder.

If you are on a budget, there may be deals in emails if you sign up earlier with a particular magazine or newspaper, and you may see some offers on Groupon and Living Social sometime.

If you are really really on a budget, you can go around town and pick up free magazines and newspaper that the Birthday One would enjoy, package it nicely in a magazine divider and present it as a birthday gift. It shows your sincerity, and you got them a nice magazine divider they should appreciate if they like to read magazines and or newspapers. Some magazine dividers are pricey, but paper ones are generally $10 or less. The one below is only $4.99 before tax from Target.

divider