Pillow Pets

Why are pillowpets a good gifts for little kids and teens? Pillow pets are cute cuddly and soft like stuffed animals and also useful as a pillow or decor. There are many different pillow pet designs as well. There are cute animal designs and brand designs such as Disney and Sesame Street. Some special types have nightlight designs and others can have scents as well. These can be taken on travel trips on car rides or flights. It is extremely relaxing to nap with or on top of one as well.

Where can you get pillowpets? Walmart and Target should have some pillowpets, but you can see the variety of designs online at Amazon.com and pillowpets.com

If you are on the budget, subscribe to the pillowpets.com email. There are special deals from time to time where they offer sales on special designs. I’ve seen sales for $9.99 or less. The website also generally has a Sale page where they have specials.

**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.

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. *

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.

Face Masks

Why are these gifts a good choice for Hers and Teens? Face masks have been trendy the last few years. It’s great because it helps improve the skin, feels good on the face, and is simple to use. For females and teens, great facial skin is a daily struggle for many. The face masks often gives a good immediate sensation or effect more quickly than other facial products. Face masks are moist and feels cool on the skin, relaxing the face and mind at the same time. After a good 5-10 minutes, throw the mask away, and the skin feels baby soft! The results seems immediate! The best thing is that it is simple to use. Cut the package, take the face mask out, open it up, and just place on cleaned face. Voila!

There are a variety of different facial masks. Some are fruit-based, some are plant-based. Some helps with anti-aging, some help with hydration and moisture, some helps promote whiter skin, some help with pores, some helps the face glow, etc. There’s bound to be something The Birthday One would like. If you purchase a few face masks together, it makes a good gift package!

In addition, the packaging of facial masks are often nicely designed so no need to even wrap!

Where can you get facial masks? Korean beauty stores are popping up in big cities. Some popular ones are Tony Moly and The Face Shop. Try to visit Korean beauty stores if there is one locally. If not, you can also purchase from their online websites. Chinatown supermarkets may also carry facial sheets. Sephora and Ulta also sells facial masks, but generally they are a bit pricer than the local Korean or Chinese stores.

If you are on a budget, facial masks may be the perfect gift for you. Facial masks typically costs less than $5 at Korean beauty stores. There are also relatively inexpensive facial masks for $1 or $2 at your local Walmart and Target as well.

Note of Caution: Before giving to the Birthday One, it may be better to see if they are allergic to any ingredients. It is best to avoid purchasing any ingredients that you know the Birthday One has.

Pepper Spray (Mace) and other Self-Defense items

It’s the start of the New Year, and I am back after a year long hiatus! Lets start the beginning of the year with a self-defense gift for the special birthday person(s).

Why are these gifts a good choice for Hers, Oneself, Teens and Elderly? These are not gifts that are particularly exciting, but it is something that is useful (when in difficult, life-threatening situations) and serves as good self-protection as last resort. Most recipients would be thankful for the thoughtful gift.

For females, teens, elderly, or oneself, it is scary to realize to be at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and may be a possible victim. These feelings creep up when walking alone in an empty parking lot at night or dark alleyway, in daylight at a park, at a crowded place, and quite possibly anywhere. There may even be no realization at all. Perhaps it was the only way to get to get to their destination, or maybe they weren’t aware of the possible dangers at the time. Whatever the reason, it is comforting to know that if they ever became a possible targeted victim (knock on wood), at least they may be able to somehow use the self-defense item to protect themselves and give them a chance to escape.

Where can you get Pepper Spray (Mace), and other Self-Defense items? Walmart, Target, Academy are a few good places to find pepper sprays and other self-defense items like personal alarms or sharp knuckles/pointed items. Not too sure whether these places carry stun guns, but their online websites show they do sell stun guns/tasers. There are also some places that specialize in carrying self-defense items online.

If you are on a budget, pepper sprays can be generally purchased for less than $10 at your local Walmart or Target stores or online on Amazon. It is possible that pepper sprays can also be homemade as well, but be sure to use protective gear when making. Check it out on the the Internet to see how.

If still on a budget, do something creative! Watch Youtube videos on Self-Defense moves, make a personal video with another friend and show to the Birthday One as a gift. They will enjoy and appreciate your efforts, and it may also trigger their memory if they are ever put in a difficult situation. Making a self-made book of self-defense moves drawing or even writing about self-defense moves will also do the same.

**NOTE OF CAUTION: Self-defense items and products can cause injury, harm, and even death to oneself or others if used incorrectly. If possible, do proper research to understand how to use the self-defense products before giving and using. Research on local laws or regulations relating to owning and using self-defense items may also be helpful. Understand carefully before purchasing, giving, or using self-defense items or products. Be sure to advise the gift recipient to also do the same. Give responsibly.

Planners and Calendars

planners

If you know a Birthday One that has a Birthday in December or January, planners and calendars are quite useful.

Why are these gifts a good choice for Hers and Teens? I generally think ladies use calendars and planners more than gentlemen, but if you know gentlemen who might like planners and calendars as birthday gifts, feel free to consider purchasing one for them.

Students at college or school in general would appreciate planners and calendars to plan their days since they have a school schedule they need to adhere to and assignments due every week. However, just make sure the school is not already providing them with planners and calendars already.

Where can you get Planners and Calendars? Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, supermarkets are all places that carry planners and calendars. Barnes and Nobles and Half Price Bookstores also carry a planners and calendars. You can also see stands or shops at the mall. Online may have special types available.

If you are on a budget, generally planners and calendars go on sale towards middle or end of December and after the new year in January. If you are really, really on a budget, there are calendars given for free at some banks, restaurants, and businesses. Hallmark also has a small monthly planner they give for free every year, located where the cash registers are at.

hallmark-planner

Cosmetic Samples as Birthday Gifts

samples

Skin Care, perfume, and or cosmetic product samples make great gifts. In my opinion, I think this is a supplemental gift that can add to other gifts to make it special but not the main and only gift. However, if you think your Birthday One would appreciate this as the main and only gift, go for it!

The samples are perfect because it’s a small portion so the Birthday One can try different brands without having to buy a big size portion to try.

Why these gifts may be a good choice for Her? Girls generally like to try new cosmetic, skin care (especially if what they have used already is not working), or perfume products. Just make sure your samples are good to use and is not more than 1 year old. Also make sure that the Birthday One does not have allergies or reaction to whatever samples you give them. Some samples have ingredients, and some do not, so use caution before giving. If you do not know whether the Birthday One may be allergic to something, then maybe  it is best not to use this method. If you decide on this method, do ask the Birthday One whether they have any allergic reactions before they use the gift. If needed, you can always search online for the ingredients in the products.

Where can you find skin care, perfume, or cosmetic samples? If you order from Sephora or Ulta, these places generally give samples when you place an online order.

If you are on a budget, you can go to skin care, perfume, Sephora and Ulta stores to see if they can give you samples. Generally with Sephora, they do give customers samples if requested but it depends. It may not be as nicely packaged but it’s the thought that counts since effort is put into getting it. Try to place order around the time Sephora has specials where they give a lot of samples out as a promotion.