For Him or Her – The Birthday One

Fitbit and Fitness Tracking Devices

July 6, 2020July 6, 2020Tagged For Him or HerLeave a comment

*Real Birthday Story: My friend gave me a Fitbit as one of my Birthday Gifts as I had been working out more.*

Why is the Fitbit and fitness tracking devices good gifts for him and her? If the Birthday One likes to walk, run, swim or cycle, they would enjoy a Fitbit or fitness tracking device gift. It can also track heart rate as well. The Fitbit is a fitness tracker and tracks steps, distance, and calories burned. It also tracks sleep pattern (light, deep and or rem). If linked to the smartphone, some can also send notifications of text messages. Worn on the wrist, it is also convenient to display the date and time. There would be a need to download the app on a smart phone or other smart device to see the tracking details.

For The Birthday One who likes different colors, there are many types of wristbands with different colors and designs. It is best if you know The Birthday One’s favorite colors and or designs, if you plan to gift a wristband with color or other design.

It is also a nice, encouraging gift for The Birthday Ones who would like to start a new healthy regimen. However, do note that it may not be an appropriate gift for everyone as any weight related gift can be taken in a wrong way if you do not know them well (i.e. Peleton Bike Ad).

Where can you get Fitbit and Fitness Tracking Devices? There are many Fitbit and Fitness Tracking Devices online for sale. You can find them on Amazon, and at Best Buy, Target and Walmart.

If you are on the budget, you may be able to find walk tracking devices at the Dollar Store or see if there are any sales during holidays. There are also app tracking devices on smart phones. You can also purchase a Google Play/ App Store and iTunes gift card.

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

Succulents

June 29, 2020June 29, 2020Tagged For Elderly, For Him or HerLeave a comment

Why are succulents good gifts for him and her? Succulents are like flowers, but are not as colorful. However, it makes for a nice and simple decorative gift for the home or office. Most succulents are not like plants and do not need a lot of watering and sun, but they do need some minimal maintenance. There are a variety of texture, color, shapes, and sizes. If the Birthday One can take care of it well, it will last for many years too. There are also many positive symbolism associated with succulents. It is a good birthday gift for him, her, and elderly for the above reasons.

Where can you get succulents? There are succulents usually at the same places that sell flowers. I usually see succulents at the floral department of grocery stores. Amazon also sells succulents online. You can probably find them at the gardening sections at Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s. The ones on this blog post have been seen at a garden nursery. Florists should have some, but it is better to call and check before going.

If you are on the budget, try to see if there are any seasonal sales or coupons available. Generally, most succulents are under $10. If you have some patience and time, you can buy the seeds and try to grow the succulents yourself. That would be a meaningful and memorable gift.

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

Wine

June 22, 2020June 22, 2020Tagged For Her, For Him, For Him or HerLeave a comment

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

June 8, 2020June 8, 2020Tagged For Elderly, For Her, For Him, For Him or Her, For Teens, Real Birthday StoriesLeave a comment

*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.

Birthday Cake

April 28, 2020April 26, 2020Tagged For Elderly, For Her, For Him, For Him or Her, For Kids, For Oneself, For Teens, Real Birthday StoriesLeave a comment

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.

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.

Another Real Birthday Story experience – My 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. *

Pinata

February 2, 2019January 27, 2019Tagged For Her, For Him, For Him or Her, For KidsLeave a comment

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

January 26, 2019January 27, 2019Tagged For Her, For Him, For Him or Her, For TeensLeave a comment

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

February 24, 2017February 26, 2017Tagged For Elderly, For Her, For Him, For Him or Her, For TeensLeave a comment

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.

Birthday Gift List

February 22, 2017February 24, 2017Tagged For Him, For Him or Her, For Kids, For Teens, GeneralLeave a comment

If you are not sure and or short on time, be honest and direct, and ask the Birthday One what they want for their birthday gift. Some Birthday Ones may be humble, and others don’t really care, but then you will not know until you ask. You can see whether the Birthday One wants to give a Birthday Gift List, and if they do, then you can try to see if you can work on getting a gift(s) from the list.

There shouldn’t be any guarantee or pressure on your part to give but you can also list some criteria like the items on the list should be under $10 (kind of like White Elephant or Secret Santa so maybe you can call this The Birthday One List). You can also say you would only pick one thing to give from the list to give. If they ignore your criteria, or if you do not set a criteria, and they put only Burberry items on the list, it does not mean you are obligated to give a gift on the list. However, there may also be some level of disappointment for the Birthday One if you do not. It is best to set criteria and set a low level of expectation for the Birthday One if you use this approach.

If you are able to get a list, it is also something you can pass to other friends if they are also figuring out what gifts to give to the Birthday One.

If you are not sure where to start, you can download this Simple Birthday Wish List Template (same as above pic) to start! Email it to the Birthday One and get their Birthday Wish List.

Why getting a Birthday Gift list may be a good choice for everyone? 1) You would know what items the Birthday One wants or need without racking your brain to get something that you are not sure they would 100% like. 2) If you get the list, you can also surprise them since you are not likely to get everything on the list. Always set expectations low, and if you decide to surprise them and get more than one gift, then they can be surprise when you give it to them.

However, I would recommend you use this Birthday List approach with only close family members and close friends only because getting this list from the Birthday One means there is some level of expectation set for something on the list. If you fail to get something the Birthday One wants on the list, close family members and close friends can forgive you, with others, you don’t really know (unless you want to test them, that is).

Where can you find the Birthday Gift List? You and the Birthday One have to sort it out. be direct and ask in person, on the phone, or by text. If you ask a few months in advance, it can also be more of a surprise since the Birthday One may likely forget about the Birthday list they gave you.

If you are on a budget, try to get the Birthday Gift List a few months in advance so you can check on sales and save for the purchase, especially around the holiday season.

Gift Cards for the Birthday One

February 20, 2017February 22, 2017Tagged For Her, For Him, For Him or Her, For Kids, For Pets, For Teens, GeneralLeave a comment

I love Gift Cards, and I think when I give Gift Cards to the Birthday One(s), they also appreciate it a lot because of the gift card’s flexibility to make purchases based on their decision. Some people think Gift Cards are too impersonal, but on the contrary, it is very much personal since it’s something you know the Birthday One does like, would need, or would find useful, or it’s something a little luxurious that would make the Birthday One truly feel special.

Gift Cards comes in several categories as a Birthday Gift:

I.Something the Birthday One likes – It is a gift card to a place you are sure the Birthday One likes to spend money on or enjoy to spend money at. Most likely, you’ve seen them use their money there at that place or hear them talking about their purchases there. Food places are excellent choices to get gift cards at (Starbucks, Chick Fil A, Movie Theater, other Restaurants)

II.Something the Birthday One needs – It can be something the Birthday One may need like for example, maybe they have mentioned briefly they may need to get new tires ASAP, or they need a new car battery soon, or their labtop broke down, and they need to get it fixed by a technician. It could be something that stresses the Birthday One down, and or they are low on cash to get it.

III.Something the Birthday One finds useful– Something useful can be a Gift Card for Gasoline or a Visa Gift Card to be used on anything, a supermarket gift card, or a Walmart or Target gift card they can use to buy necessities. It may not be great, but when it comes time to use it, they will sure appreciate the extra help on payment.

IV.Something that the Birthday One finds Luxurious– The term luxurious can be different for different people. To me, it means it is not something the Birthday One would purchase regularly. In this case, you have to be careful that for some places, the Birthday One might have to fork out money to pay the balance, or they would be forced to give it to someone else. For example, if you give a gift card for Michael Kors, there are not many options that are under $15. This option should probably be only used if you know there’s something the Birthday One really want, or would like to purchase for the first time something at the store (in this case, your gift card would serve as some help to achieve their purchase.)

Why are these gifts a good choice for everyone? The decision on what purchases the Birthday One would get rests solely with the Birthday One. They can decide what they want, need, find useful, or get something to pamper themselves with. It’s in their hands and less headache on your part.

Where can you find gift cards? If you know the brick and mortar location of a store, it is the easiest to pick it up straight from the store. Otherwise, many many places have stands at their stores where a variety of store gift cards with different amounts are sold. To name a few, Walgreens, CVS, supermarkets, Target, and Walmart have these stands.If you choose to get gift cards , please do check that the code on the back of the gift card is not scratched off. There had been some issues years back where thieves target gift cards and steal whatever amount that was paid on the gift card because they had access to the gift card numbers and code on back.

If the store has a website online, they may be able to send the gift certificate straight to the Birthday One’s recipient email address. Some may offer to send it by snail mail. If you choose to p, you can either send it directly to the Birthday One’s recipient home address or to yourself so that you can have with you to give to the Birthday One in person.

If you are on a budget, decide what amount you can afford first before you buy a gift card. A simple $5 gift card is also very nice already. It is really the thought that counts if you decide to give something to the Birthday One. If possible, try to save some money each month to help with the gift card purchase. A few places offer a discount on a gift cards (for example, if it is $20, some places offer 10% off so it would a little cheaper to purchase).