(If someone asks if they can host something in honor of your birthday, please say yes! You’ll be glad you did. 🥳)
There were two things i'll never forget about that night:
1. How wonderful it was to spend time with friends from different parts of my life (work, kids, gym...)
2. What a huge hit the pineapple martinis were!
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to make a big impact at your next birthday party, I’ve got two words for you:
Signature cocktail (or mocktail, if you’d prefer something non-alcoholic.)
Keep reading or jump directly to a section by clicking on the link:
Here are 8 reasons to serve a signature cocktail at your next birthday gathering, including:
Not sure which festive cocktail to make? We can help!
These Bourbon Milkshakes were silly delicious! (Watch video.)
You've heard the saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
The same can be said of what makes something memorable.
Signature drinks can be memorable for a variety of reasons, including:
Festive Birthtinis. Perhaps for a 50th birthday party? (Watch here.)
While I'm not much of a bartender, I'm a sucker for cute.
I've made lemon drops and served them with lit birthday candles standing upright. (Watch video...and don't miss the last few seconds where I end up wearing the cocktail!) Recipe below.
I've decorated the rim of a martini glass with cake frosting and sprinkles. (Watch here.) Recipe below.
I've made bourbon milkshakes in ice cream cones that were so delicious I found myself quite tipsy during the middle of the day. (Watch here.) Recipe below.
I've also used blue chai tea powder to create a deep purplish blue liquid and then added it to other ingredients, including vodka. While I gave myself an A for effort, the end result was not ready for prime time. (Instead, check out this post and learn the right way to do it.)
As long as you make the signature cocktail something that the birthday person will enjoy, you're sure to please.
Still not sure what to make? Here's the recipe for pineapple martinis from my friend, followed by recipes for the other drinks mentioned.
Ingredients:
*** For best flavor, plan to start making martinis ~2 weeks before your event. ***
Instructions:
To Serve:
NOTES
Ingredients:
Instructions:
1. Start by dipping the empty cones into warmed chocolate ganache or chocolate frosting. Immediately put sprinkles on so they will stick.
2. Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream into each cone and top with a shot of Screwball.
3. Add some whipped cream and a cherry to each.
To Serve:
Serve the sundaes with a small spoon. Some guests may want to enjoy as is, but the spoons definitely help you to enjoy all the yummy flavors.
Notes:
The whipped cream melts FAST. Serve as soon as possible!
Save this recipe for an adults only party to make sure the kiddos don't think it's for them! 😀
Ingredients for 4 cocktails:
Instructions:
1. Start by prepping your glasses. Melt the white frosting in the microwave and then swirl the top of each glass into it. Add sprinkles.
2. Fill a large cocktail shaker with ice and then add vodka, triple sec, cranberry cocktail and fresh lime. Shake ingredients to chill.
3. Strain ingredients into your festive glasses. Add a splash of seltzer to the top and stir gently.
To Serve:
The colder the better! 🥳
Notes:
Wondering why the seltzer? Cosmos are very strong and adding a bit of seltzer lets your guests ease into the party.
Your birthday drink should be your favorite drink. 🥳
Holidays are the perfect time for a signature cocktail. Simply add a holiday-themed garnish or decoration to any of the recipes above and poof! Festive AND delicious.
These days, Peeps are ubiquitous with Easter. Simply notch a slit on the bottom of a chick or bunny and add it to the rim of your glass. Using the Cosmos recipe above, you can add some sparkling wine or even a splash of 7-Up for a most egg-cellent cocktail.
These pair fabulously well with an Easter egg hunt! Get tips and tricks for a fun egg hunt that will have your guests hopping with delight.
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Keep reading for:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
At the risk of sounding like I’m obsessed with this cake, there are lots of reasons why I love this recipe:
Now that I reconsider it, I think I might actually be obsessed with this cake! 😀
My all-time favorite birthday cake to bake is...
[Drumroll please....]
Kahlua Cake! (Click here to jump directly to the recipe.)
[The crowd goes wild!]
Let’s start with how wonderfully delicious it tastes.
Your guests might think it’s a chocolate cake when they first see it. A pleasant and popular flavor to be sure, but...
As soon as their first bite, they’ll realize it’s a much more interesting flavor—kind of a chocolatey coffee-ish. The unexpected flavor comes from the addition of Kahlua, a coffee-flavored liqueur (you might’ve had it in a White Russian or perhaps in a fancy coffee drink).
Once the person identifies the flavor, they will inevitably say something about how soft and moist the cake is. It turns out the lovely texture is enhanced by the box of pudding mix, as well as some vodka. Yes, vodka!
Adding spirits was a common way to help baked goods last longer before the days of preservatives and refrigeration. Vodka in particular worked well because of its clear color and lack of a distinctive taste.
This recipe bakes up equally well whether you use a Bundt pan, 2 9”-round cake pans or go for cupcakes.
Not sure which one to choose?
Think about where and when you will serve the birthday cake. For a seated dinner party, I’d go with the round pans and serve it on a cake stand. For a casual birthday brunch, a dusting of powdered sugar may be enough.
You can choose to enhance/decorate the cake based on your preferences. Here are some delicious options to consider:
Feel free to mix and match! One of my all-time favorite ways to serve this is to make a Kahlua Buttercream frosting and then drizzle streaks of chocolate ganache on top or sprinkle chopped chocolate truffles.
Ingredients for Kahlua Birthday Cake
Instructions for Kahlua Birthday Cake
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease/flour pans.
2. Mix together all ingredients and beat until smooth (~4 minutes)
3. Pour into your desired pan or cupcake tins and bake for 45-55 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
4. Let cool and then invert cake pan onto a plate, serving tray or cake stand.
Ingredients for Kahlua Buttercream Frosting
4 cups (1 pound) of powdered sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
2-3 teaspoons Kahlua
Instructions for Kahlua Buttercream Frosting
1. Add softened butter to mixer and beat until fluffy.
2. Add in first two teaspoons of Kahlua and mix.
3. Slowly add in powdered sugar, cup by cup, until blended. Scrape side of bowl and then turn mixer to medium-high until the frosting is smooth.
4. If the frosting is too thick, you can thin it by adding another spoon of Kahlua or some milk.
5. Frost as desired.
Can I use a chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla?
You can, but the Kahlua flavor will be much more muted. I prefer to use a yellow or vanilla cake mix to let the coffee flavor shine through.
Why can’t I get my cake out of the Bundt pan?
One of the most common reasons a cake sticks to the pan is because it wasn’t greased enough. To help the cake easily releases from the pan, spray with a non-stick cooking spray (such as Pam) or melt some butter and generously brush it on the pan.
Will the alcohol in the cake bake off in the oven?
Experts say that most of the alcohol will evaporate during baking; however, a residual amount will remain. If you have any concern about baking this cake for kids or teetotalers, I recommend skipping this recipe.
My buttercream frosting is a pale tan color, kind of like coffee with cream. How can I make this cake look more birthday-ish?
I agree that a tan color frosting doesn’t scream “Yay!” I solved this “problem” by adding dark chocolate ganache or putting chocolates on top.
]]>Welcome to everything you need to know about milestone birthdays! 🥳
We're delighted to share the what, why and other key information to help you celebrate.
Keep reading to find the answers to these common questions or click on the link and jump directly to the answer:
Let's start with the numbers you need to know:
21
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Quite simply, these are the milestone birthdays for adults.
Another way to remember which birthdays are considered milestones for adults?
The age the person turns will always end in zero…with the exception of the 21st birthday. The origins of 21 being an important age trace back to medieval times. A boy could become a page at age 7, a squire at age 14 and a knight at 21 years of age.
In the United States, celebrating a 21st birthday means you are officially an adult! Among the privileges that come with turning 21:
Once upon a time, rental car companies required drivers to be 25 years old. Their logic was that a 25-year old would be a more experienced driver. Today, the minimum age for car rental varies by company.
*Since most travel-related companies have their own policies, please check with them to see if there's any age requirement or additional fee for being under age 25. A valid ID is (almost always) required upon check-in and you don't want any unpleasant surprises.
The 21st is the only adult milestone birthday that doesn't end in a '0.'
Aside from the 21st birthday, the most popular birthday for adults to celebrate is their 50th. It’s the half point of a century, which conveys far greater importance than saying you’ve been alive for 40% of a century.
Another reason the 50th birthday is widely celebrated is because someone turning 50 is more likely to:
Someone celebrating their 50th birthday is also celebrating being:
When you look at those numbers, turning 50 is a piece of cake! By all means, kick up your heels and dance! 🥳
Want THE easiest party decoration ever?!
Check out this 50th birthday banner and stand.
In under 2 minutes, you'll have an elegant centerpiece...AND it's reusable!
Great birthday ideas for someone turning 50 include a party, a trip or birthday getaway or even a group gift.
The 50th birthday is seen to be “golden” and adding black conveys a sense of elegance. You can’t go wrong with party decorations in black and gold, whether you’re looking to celebrate in a ballroom or at an intimate dinner with family and friends.
The ancient Romans are to thank for the very first milestones.
As part of building the first system of roadways, they wanted to standardize and communicate the distance traveled between two points. They erected stone obelisks on the side of the roads every mile and called them “millestones”, because 1,000 paces equaled one mile and “mille” means 1,000 in Latin.
Roman milestone XXIX on Via Romana XVIII
Photo credit: Julio Reis
Lest you think this a piece of history better left to the past, the next time you’re driving along a highway in the US, check the side of the road. You’ll find milestones, more commonly called mileposts, every mile, though today they're nearly always made of metal.
Over time, the word milestone morphed from distance traveled to the passage of time (milestone birthdays) or the achievement of an important event (such as graduating from high school or college, getting married or buying your first home).
Milestone birthdays are technically no different than any other birthday. By definition, your birthday celebrates the day you were born and you turn another year older every 365 days from then.
From a practical standpoint though, milestone birthdays, from the ages of 30 upwards, only come along once every 10 years. Perhaps that’s why we refer these as “big” birthdays, as in, “Sooooo, when do you hit the big 3-0?”
Do milestone birthdays reflect the prior decade coming to a close or do they represent the welcoming of a new decade? Likely both!
Personally, I'm a fan of ALL birthdays, not just the ones that end in zero. 🥳
But there are at least seven great reasons to commemorate milestone birthdays above all others, including:
Keep reading as each idea is discussed below!
Ever stopped to think about the tradition of blowing out birthday candles?
Inevitably, someone will say, “Make a wish!”
It turns out that this tradition and its ability to improve our lives is grounded in science.
Researchers at The Wharton School studied the phenomenon of New Year’s resolutions. As many of us can attest, the new year is a time for setting goals, losing weight and exercising more.
The team found that “temporal landmarks” (basically, the imaginary lines we draw in our minds to delineate the passage of time, such as the start of a new week, month or year) can be very motivational because they provide an opportunity for reflection and encourage people to look at their lives overall.
Applying this to birthdays, the 48-year old version of you may not have exercised, but your 49th birthday might just be the motivation you need to start running every week.
Who knows? As you approach your 50th birthday you may realize that this is the decade you compete in half marathons.
Collectively, we understand that milestone birthdays are most important.
We make greater efforts for those birthdays, from cards to gifts to celebrations and trips.
If you miss a 46th birthday party, you can make a promise to attend the 47th one.
Miss a 50th birthday party?
You have to wait another decade until the person has another “significant” birthday!
Anecdotally, I’ve seen much higher RSVPs for milestone birthday parties than non-milestone birthdays and the replies usually note the person’s age, “I'd love to celebrate Peggy's 80th birthday with her!”
This lovely lady is Peggy. Though it's hard to believe, she really was turning 80! Her daughter helped her celebrated with decor from Birthday Butler.
Milestone birthdays are usually the ones we remember the best.
Ask someone how they celebrated their 21st birthday and you’ll likely get a story. Inquire about how they celebrated turning 20 or 22 and a blank stare is far more common.
The same can be said about turning 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 years old vs. the adjacent years. The milestone birthdays are the ones we put in our mental scrapbooks.
In their book, The Power of Moments, authors Chip and Dan Heath discuss the characteristics of things we remember most.
They’ve found we are more likely to remember moments or events that occur during times of transition such as going from one decade to the next. We also tend to prioritize “peak” events in our memory bank.
In a culture that prizes youth, aging is often marked by the loss of things we value (smooth, firm skin; eyes that can see tiny print) and the onset of unwelcome conditions (grey hair, aching joints).
Milestone birthdays are one of the few times when we can CELEBRATE aging.
Events like a birthday party give guests a chance to toast the guest of honor and reminisce about shared stories.
Karl is still going strong at 90. May we all enjoy great health into our golden years!
Giving gifts or celebrating with parties and gatherings are a fun, and admittedly a much easier way of saying,
“I’m really glad you’re alive. I’m happy you’re been in my life for another year.”
As most kids view their own birthdays as happy events to look forward to, milestone birthday celebrations of the adults in their lives sets a positive example.
It's also worth mentioning that from a sociological perspective, birthdays serve as important rituals to help indoctrinate the youngest members into society. Nearly every culture in the world celebrates birthdays!
You can tell a lot about which birthdays are most important just by checking out greeting cards, invitations and party goods.
Milestone birthdays usually have several options with the person’s age emblazoned on the front of the card or invitation—“Happy 40th Birthday!” or “As You Turn 50…” Meanwhile, non-milestone birthdays have to make do with “for any age” cards.
Similarly, party goods for a 60th birthday are plentiful, while you’d be hard-pressed to find napkins, let alone decorations, for a 59th birthday or a 61st birthday.
(Milestone party goods and greeting cards have many options for 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th and 90th birthdays. The ages used above were to show examples.)
Milestone birthdays are the ones that make it into pop culture and sometimes even on party decorations.
From “50 is the new 40” to “Life begins at 50”, there are a wide range of popular phrases and slogans, including:
Note that these slogans also work well for the theme of a birthday party!
Whether you are celebrating you're 30th birthday or 90th birthday, the old saying is most definitely true: aging is MUCH better than the alternative!
_______________________________________________________________________________
Now you know about milestones...but what about birthstones? Please check out this blog post to learn more.
Need milestone birthday ideas? Click here to read our post dedicated to 50th birthday ideas.
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Oh Hummingbird Cake! How do I love thee? LOTS! 🥰
Picture a tender cake filled with bits of pineapple, shreds of coconut and crunchy pecans. All of that deliciousness is then slathered in cream cheese frosting.
YUM!!!
Though it's one of my favorite cakes to eat, I don't make it often as my kids don't like coconut or pecans. SIGH! 😵
I first encountered this delicious cake when I lived in Augusta, Georgia. Fittingly, it was from Southern Living and given to me by a co-worker named Lois Byers.
Please just stop reading and make it now! You'll be sooooo glad you did!
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New year’s resolutions abound in January. The blank slate of a new year means gyms will be crowded, diets will be started, and pennies will be pinched. While improving your physical and fiscal health are great goals, they can also feel like a lot of work.
Cultivate MORE JOY in your life this year by intentionally celebrating the birthdays of family and friends. Too often we get caught up in the details (I have to call the bakery and order a cake!) and forget the reason why we’re celebrating—we’re grateful for the birthday person; glad that they’re in our life and want to do something to make them happy.
Know someone born in the first month of the year? Be sure to remember their special day! January birthdays have a way of sneaking up on you, especially since the start of the year is exactly one week after the hubbub of Christmas.
Keep reading for information to help you celebrate their January birthday or just click on the link below to jump to that section:
The birthstone of January is the garnet. Garnets are best known their deep red color and resemble the seeds of a pomegranate. In fact, the word “garnet” is derived from the Latin “granatum”, which means seed.
As far back as the Bronze Age, garnets were said to provide protection and healing. Seen to be a fire element, garnet’s fiery energy can be passed on to the wearer. The gift of a garnet may represent love, passion, and faith.
Garnets may also appear in other colors such as green, blue, orange and brown, though those are less rare.
The birth flowers of January are carnations and snowdrops.
Carnations are the workhorse of the floral world. They are abundant in gardens and known for being easy to grow. Originally found in only pink, carnations now come in a wide variety of colors. They are frequently included in floral arrangements because they are pretty, long-lasting, and relatively inexpensive.
Carnations are said to represent admiration, though individual colors may have specific meaning. Pink carnations represent appreciation, white carnations represent purity; light red carnations symbolize friendship and dark red carnations are said to be given to lovers.
Snowdrops are one of the first flowers of spring. These delicate plants are typically under 6” tall and have delicate white blooms that hang down like drops from a green stalk. The gift of snowdrops is said to symbolize hope and the ability to overcome obstacles.
The two zodiac signs of January are Capricorns and Aquarius. People with birthdays of December 22nd to January 19th are said to be under the sign of Capricorn, while those born from January 20th to February 18th are Aquarius’.
Capricorn is an earth sign element that has the colors of brown and grey. It is represented by the sea goat, a creature with the tail of a fish and the body of a goat. This duality allows Capricorns to navigate both sea (emotional world) and land (physical world) with ease.
Capricorns make great friends that you can count on. Other personality traits include:
Aquarius is an air element whose symbol is the water-bearer. It is represented by a mythical carrying an urn of water, or sometimes, just water flowing.
Those born under Aquarius are said to be forward thinking individuals who want to affect positive change for the collective good. Other personality traits include:
January is a great month for a birthday party!
(Still trying to put your Christmas decorations away? Searching for that receipt so you can exchange that sweater for a different size? Me too! But January birthdays wait for no one! 🥳 )
Here are some birthday party ideas to help you celebrate January birthdays:
Celebrate a January birthday with this birthday party kit. In under 5 minutes, you can transform your table or kitchen island with party décor they’ll love.
They'll notice the birthday centerpiece the moment they walk in the room! Made of high-quality stainless steel and chrome, lush ribbons and thick card stock, it stands nearly 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Handcrafted in the USA, it was designed to be reusable.
Here are ten gift ideas for the January birthdays in your life:
Given that those born in January are said to be independent thinkers, it’s no wonder there are so many famous figures born this month!
Living January Birthdays
Deceased January Birthdays
Include one of these quotes in a January birthday card or just enjoy them now!
Another idea is to combine one of the famous birthdays above with one of the quotes below:
For instance you could gift your husband/boyfriend/significant other a book of romantic poetry by January-born poet Jean Paul and inscribe the first quote on the inside cover. Ah, romance! 🥰
"I think it would be much more sensible if resolutions began generally on January the second."
Helen Fielding
“Cheers to a new year and another chance to get it right.”
Oprah Winfrey
“Every man should be born again on the first of January. Start with a fresh page."
Henry Ward Beecher
"To read a poem in January is as lovely as to go for a walk in June."
Jean Paul
“January is the month for dreaming.”
Jean Hersey
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
Carl Sagan
There's a lot to know about a month that starts in Spring and ends in Summer.
Kick back with a cold beverage of your choice and get ready to learn the key facts about June birthdays, as well as some helpful gift giving tips.
Keep reading to learn more or jump to a particular section by clicking on the link below:
What are the birthstones of June?
Pearl and Alexandrite are the birthstones of June.
Pearls are the only gemstones that are found within living creatures. Freshwater mussels and marine oysters make pearls as a defense against intruders.
Pearls represent wisdom acquired through experience, purity, loyalty, and generosity. These gemstones have a calming effect that strengthens relationships and balances one’s karma.
Pearls make for beautiful jewelry whether as a ring or earrings. They may also be strung together in a string and have been worn by many young women at their graduation, wedding or other special day.
Pearls are the only gemstone made by living animals!
The other birthstone for June is known for its color-changing abilities!
An alexandrite stone turns cool blue and mossy green in the daylight and into a red gem with a warm raspberry tone in lamplight. Wearing Alexandrite aids in creativity, inspires imagination, and strengthens intuition.
Alexandrite stones make for lovely pendants and rings, although a bracelet made of one would also be lovely!
Alexandrite stones are able to change colors!
What are the birth flowers for the month of June?
The birth flowers for June are roses and honeysuckles.
Roses have different meanings depending on the color. Red roses tell people you love them. New beginnings and purity are symbolized by white roses, while pink roses represent perfect happiness.
A beautiful rose, one of the birth flowers of June
Some roses from the Farmer's Market would make a great gift for a June birthday!
Honeysuckles, aside from being a magnet for hummingbirds, symbolize everlasting bonds of love. They usually appear as shrubs or vines and make fragrant additions to any garden.
Show your love to your family and loved ones by giving them a bouquet of roses or a honeysuckle plant for their yard.
A lovely honeysuckle, one of June's birth flowers.
What are June zodiac signs?
The zodiac signs for June are Gemini and Cancer.
People who are born from May 21 to June 20 are Geminis, while Cancer covers June 21 to July 22.
The color of Gemini is yellow and is symbolized by the twins, Castor and Polydeuces. With the said dual nature of Geminis, people with this zodiac sign can easily adapt to people’s emotions. Geminis also have the ability to learn quickly and are very expressive and quick-witted.
Here are some traits that Geminis have:
Cancer is a water element, which is represented by a crab. The color of this zodiac sign is white. Those belonging to this zodiac sign are known to be persuasive, tenacious, and highly imaginative. They are sentimental and deeply intuitive.
People with the Cancer sign are said to have the following traits as well:
The month of June has 30 days.
It would be impossible for anyone to have a birthday of June 31st.
The old mnemonic from grade school is STILL how I remember how many days are in each month!
Thirty days hath September,
April, June, and November,
All the rest have 31,
Except February, twenty-eight days clear,
And twenty-nine in each leap year.
There are many great and enthusiastic individuals born in June!
Living June Birthdays include:
June 1st - Morgan Freeman, actor
June 1st - Alanis Morissette, singer
June 4th - Angelina Jolie, actress
June 7th - Liam Neeson, actor
June 9th - Johnny Depp, actor
June 9th - Natalie Portman, actress
June 10th - Tara Lipinski, figure skater
June 15th - Courtney Cox, actress
June 17th - Barry Manilow, singer
June 20th - Nicole Kidman, actress
June 22nd - Meryl Streep, actress
June 30th - Mike Tyson, boxer
Deceased June Birthdays include:
June 1, 1926 - Marilyn Monroe, actress
June 2, 1731 - Martha Washington, first First Lady of the United States
June 2, 1930 - Pete Conrad, astronaut
June 8, 1867 - Frank Lloyd Wright, architect
June 14, 1811 - Harriet Beecher Stowe, writer
June 17, 1882 - Igor Stravinsky, pianist
June 22, 1947 - Octavia Butler, author
June 23, 1894 - Alfred Kinsey, biologist
June 25, 1904 - George Orwell, author
June 27, 1880 - Helen Keller, blind author
June's beautiful weather lends itself to an outdoor party.
A Mexican-themed fiesta would be perfect in June and makes a great idea for an adult birthday party. If you can practically taste the margaritas now, check out our step-by-step guide to hosting a Mexican fiesta here.
Make your decorating a snap with a birthday centerpiece from Birthday Butler. In less time than it takes to put a lime in your beer, you can have a table decoration set-up and ready to go.
Even better? This birthday decor, made of high quality stainless steel, thick card stock and lush ribbons, is reusable! So you can use it for a birthday in June...and again next month!
Be ready for their birthday in under 5 minutes with this centerpiece!
Whether a picnic or an outdoor gathering, the outdoors can only enhance the atmosphere.
We believe the first rule of gift giving is to get them what they want!
If you have no idea of what to give your loved ones or colleagues, you may take inspiration for a gift from the birthdays of famous people!
It works like this:
For example, let's say you need a gift for your brother's birthday on June 8th.
Ever since your brother was young, he's loved to build things---first with wooden blocks, then Legos and now he's toying with the 3-D printer at school.
Looking at the list of famous birthdays, you'd find that June 8th is also the birthday of one of the world's greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright.
Your gift ideas might include a book of Frank Lloyd Wright's greatest creations or perhaps a pair of Tree of Life socks from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation shop.
You can even include a note saying:
“Two great men were born on this day:
you and one of the greatest architects of all time, Frank Lloyd Wright.
Enjoy this gift and build many great things.
Happy Birthday!"
The Tree of Life socks available from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation shop.
Here are some special days to look forward to this June:
In the US, many school graduations also take place in May or June. Please check your local listings for exact dates. 😀
At Birthday Butler, we're all about making your celebrating easier and more convenient.
You can celebrate the Class of 2022 with a grad centerpiece or remember your special guy with a Father's Day centerpiece here and the Best Dad Ever centerpiece here.
Even better, celebrate your Dad AND your grad just by swapping out the banners! 🥳
If you need a great Father's Day gift, consider one of Birthday Butler's centerpieces. It will look great on your kitchen island, dining room table or even the picnic table!
Learn more about the Father's Day centerpiece here and the Best Dad Ever centerpiece here.
Include one of these quotes in the card of your June birthday celebrant or text it to them along with birthday wishes.
Who knows?
These poetic words might inspire them to a year of creative expression!
“It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.”
― Maud Hart Lovelace
“At midnight, in the month of June, I stand beneath the mystic moon.”
― Edgar Allan Poe
“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.”
― John Steinbeck
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The first two minutes.
I learned this the hard way recently as my sister’s significant other, Nate, and I planned a surprise 50th birthday party in her honor, at her home.
After weeks of prepping, it seemed like everything was coming together the night of the party. Decorations and dinner were in place, guests had arrived, and sangria was poured.
Once we got word that my sister would arrive in 5-10 minutes, the chaos started.
Where should guests stand for the big reveal?
Anyone have enough battery power on their phone to record her reaction?
Would she see the giant pile of coats and wonder what was going on?
Bottom line: we did a good job planning the party, but we didn’t consider how to reveal the surprise or how to make the most of this memorable moment.
Thankfully, we did end up surprising my sister, but it was soooooo close! If we had thought about the “reveal” ahead of time, guests wouldn’t have been racing from room to room like an out of control I Love Lucy episode; we would have a complete video of her reaction and more.
I can’t go back and redo the “big reveal” of my sister’s surprise 50th birthday party, nor can I bottle up the abundance of birthday love from that night.
BUT...what I can do is share some suggestions on what I’d do differently so that YOUR next surprise party is seamless.
Keep reading for details or jump directly to a particular section:
I believe a surprise party in someone's honor is a rare treat. Not only are people coming together to celebrate the Birthday Person, there's almost an unwritten contract for the party hosts and guests:
"We agree to do unnatural, and potentially inconvenient, behaviors in hopes of delighting the Birthday Person even more. These behaviors may include:
- Telling complete lies to get you out of the house or explain our whereabouts
- Committing to arrive at a designated time
- Standing in complete darkness for several minutes as you make your entrance"
Maximize the person's surprise by deciding on some details ahead of time. Trust me that it's muuuuuch harder to make decisions in the heat of the moment and communicate them to your guests. (Did I mention there was sangria at my sister's party? 😀)
My sister and friends
Instead of shouldering all the responsibility for the surprise, enlist others. Guests are happy to help and will be even more invested in the element of surprise if you assign a role to them.
You may not need all of the roles listed above, but I sooo wish we had photos and a complete video of my sister's entry into her own kitchen! Her reaction was priceless!
My sister and some friends she's known since she was 18!
After you've gone through all the effort of planning the surprise party, take a few minutes to determine ideal locations to heighten the surprise and help you capture memories.
Once the party date and guest list are decided and you’ve got a plan for food and cake, it may occur to you...
What are people going to do during the party?!
Games abound for kids parties, but it gets harder when you're having a party for adults, teenagers, or mixed ages.
To help get your guests mixing and mingling and having fun, consider birthday trivia as an activity. It’s easy to play, requires no special equipment and allows everyone to get involved—from kids to grandparents.
Keep reading to learn more about birthday trivia or click on a link below to jump to a particular section.
To play birthday party trivia, each guest receives a sheet of paper with questions about the birthday person. The questions are meant to be quick to answer, potentially thought-provoking and might just start a debate among people.
For example, a few trivia questions might be:
When they were a kid, what did they want to be when they grew up?
What is their superpower?
What place would like they most like to visit?
Most people will think the goal is to provide as many correct answers as possible.
The real purpose of birthday trivia?
An entertaining activity for party guests to celebrate and share stories about the birthday person. In fact, birthday trivia delivers three doses of fun:
1. Easy to Play -There’s no special equipment required, and you don’t need to explain the rules. Between school and doctor’s appointments, we’re conditioned to know that blanks on a paper need filling in.
2. Inclusive Party Game -Whether the party guests are aged 12, 22 or 82, EVERYONE can play. If a guest is not able to read or see the print, someone can ask them the questions about the guest of honor.
3. Flexible Activity -You choose the number and type of trivia questions. Provide open-ended questions or opt for multiple-choice answers. Let guests complete the sheets as they arrive or see who can answer the most questions in the next 5 minutes. Whatever works best for you and the birthday party.
4. Great Game for Guests to Get to Know Each Other – Adult birthday parties often involve guests who haven’t met. Birthday trivia provides a low-risk way to get guests out of their cliques (neighbors, friends from work, childhood friends, etc.) and talking. Discussing one of the trivia questions with an unfamiliar party guest is sure to be more interesting than trying to make small talk about the weather.
5. Negligible cost – Birthday trivia is friendly to any budget. If you’ve got some paper and pens, you’re good to go.
6. Creates a fun party memory for all - The shared experience of birthday trivia provides insights into the Birthday Person, as well as how others see that person. As for the Birthday Person, they’ll smile remembering the nice things that people said.
BONUS! Trivia can be done while social distancing, which hopefully will be but a memory by the time you read this!
For those of you wondering, “Isn’t there an app for this?” or “Do I need a separate pen for each guest?”
It’s always up to the host to decide what goes at a birthday party.
When I host a party, I want guests to be interacting with each other, not heads down on their devices. Plus, a simple sheet paper and pen/marker need no explanation or WiFi password, and they work regardless of the brand of smartphone you own. 🥳
Consider how and when you want to include the trivia in your birthday festivities. There’s no right or wrong way, but it’s helpful to decide before the start of the party. Some ideas that I've seen work well:
1. Use birthday trivia as an icebreaker for your guests
Ease the social anxiety of walking into a party with birthday trivia! (I once read that people would rather go to the dentist than walk into a party.)
Simply set out printed sheets of trivia and writing utensils in an obvious spot, such as near the bar or wherever you have drinks. Guests can grab a beverage, see how many items they can answer and before you know it, they're asking the person standing next them for help answering a question.
2. Play Birthday Trivia Before the Surprise Party Starts
Surprise parties can be polarizing--people either love 'em or hate 'em. No matter which side of the debate you fall on, everyone can agree that the time spent waiting for the guest of honor to arrive always seems to drag on and on.
Fill those awkward minutes with trivia questions!
An added benefit? Completing answers to questions can be done quietly so as not to give away the surprise.
3. Birthday trivia can provide a great transition activity after the meal and before birthday cake.
As guests are finishing up a meal, there tends to be a lull in the party. Some people are still eating, others are deep in a conversation with the person next to them, and efforts might be underway to start clearing the dishes. Bringing out trivia helps get everyone back on the same page. Plus, it works out well to have the guest of honor reveal the answers as cake is being served.
4. Decorate with Birthday Trivia Questions
For party décor that doubles as a conversation starter, use trivia questions!
Place various photos of the birthday person out and add a speech bubble above with the question. Some examples you might see at an adult’s birthday party:
-A picture of the guest of honor at their high school prom with a trivia question above it, Who was their favorite band/singer in high school?
-A picture of the guest of honor at the beach asking What is their dream vacation?
-A picture of the guest of honor holding their first born with a note, What was their biggest surprise about parenthood?
You get the idea. 😀
Pssst! Looking for more birthday party decor, check out our birthday party kits and centerpieces.
To create your own trivia questions, think about topics you might cover on a long road trip or how you might describe the Birthday Person to a friend.
Here’s a checklist I’ve developed over the years to help make birthday trivia as entertaining as possible:
✅ Ask questions about the Birthday Person’s past, present and future-Thinking about these phases of life is timely for a birthday celebration. Additionally, including questions from various chapters of the person’s life means a wider range of guests are likely to know the answers. Sure, Aunt Helen may know what the Birthday Person wanted to be when they grew up, but she’s less likely to know what movie/show they recently binged on.
✅ Include a mix of objective and subjective questions-Asking only about the facts of someone’s life (What was their first car?) results in “right” and “wrong” answers, which might leave some guests feeling like they’re back in school.
I’ve found some of the most interesting conversations result from queries like, If the Birthday Person were an animal, what animal would they be? or What reality TV show would win the Birthday Person win? These questions
✅ Have some unexpected questions to surprise the Birthday Person-Keep them on their toes too! Ask something unexpected like, What childhood sitcom could the Birthday Person have been on?
✅ Sprinkle in a few unexpected questions to surprise the Birthday Person-Keep the guest of honor on their toes too! Ask something unexpected like, What childhood sitcom did the Birthday Person secretly want to be on?
✅ Keep the questions positive –Maybe I’m old fashioned or just want to avoid hurt feelings, but a birthday party isn’t a great place to intentionally ask someone about their biggest regrets, messy family dynamics or how many rejection letters they received while trying to land their first job. Save those conversations for another time.
✅ The more specific the question, the better-Questions that are too broad tend to lead to requests for clarification which means one more demand on the host. Besides, birthday trivia is meant to be a fun party game.
For example, Where did the Birthday Person live after college? might prompt someone to ask an apartment, a house, a hotel, an AirBnB; with a particular friend or family member...
Instead ask, What city did the Birthday person live in right after college graduation?
Hopefully, birthday trivia adds some entertainment to your party, so EVERYONE is a winner.
Since everyone can’t be in the top half of partygoers... 😉
I suggest one of the guests act as “emcee” and ask others how they answered the questions. The guest of honor can bask in the glow of the partygoers and reveal the answers. Be prepared for people to start laughing and telling stories...after all, a birthday party is filled with people who love the Birthday Person and have probably been a part of some of the stories.
There always seems to be someone who says, “I answered the most questions correctly. What do I win?” Feel free to award them a prize of your choosing, or just let them choose which slice of birthday cake they want!
Birthday trivia works well on FaceTime, a Zoom call, Google Meeting or any other videoconferencing platform. Birthday trivia is the perfect activity for these virtual celebrations because:
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February has the fewest birthdates of any month because it usually has 28 days. However, every four years, we experience a leap year. When that occurs (the next time will be in 2024), February has 29 days.
Individuals born on February 29th are called "leaplings" or "leapsters." Since this birthdate occurs only once every four years, most people born on February 29th celebrate their birthday on the day before (February 28th) or the day after (March 1st) in non-leap years.
Keep reading to learn more about the month of February and ways to celebrate the birthday person in your life! You can also click on a link below to jump to that specific topic.
What is February's Birthstone?
What are February's Birth Flowers?
What are February's Zodiac Signs?
What are February's famous birthdays?
What are some fun party ideas for February birthdays?
What are some creative gift ideas for February birthdays?
What are the famous quotes about February?
Why Do We Have Leap Years?
Amethyst is the birthstone of February. A member of the quartz family, it is known for its vibrant purple color. Amethysts can range from a dark purple to a pale lavender.
The ancient Greeks were convinced that this stone had magical properties that could prevent the wearer from drunkenness. It’s no wonder that the word amethyst is derived from the Greek prefix “a-“ meaning “not” and “methyein” which is defined as “consumed with alcohol.”
Amethysts are said to provide a variety of benefits, including increased mental clarity, a balanced metabolism and greater intuition.
For those in search of a birthday gift for someone born in February, the good news is that amethysts are one of the most affordable birthstones. They can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Be sure to check out Santore Jewelry, a woman-owned business based in Los Angeles. Artisan Katrin Santore lovingly handcrafts pieces that are as wearable as they are beautiful.
February’s first birth flower is the violet.
Violets are dainty flowers which typically grow to be a few inches tall. Traditionally purple in color, violets can now be found white and yellow as well.
These sweet-scented wildflowers are easy to recognize by their five heart-shaped petals—two pair of side petals and one petal that points downward and is usually marked by another color.
Violets are said to represent humility, modesty, and true love.
The second birth flower of February is the primrose.
Primroses are among the first flowers to appear in spring. Usually a creamy yellow in color, they may also be found in pinks and purples.
These low-to-the-ground flowers grow from a rosette of rough green leaves that are shaped like tongues and have scalloped edges. Typically, a few flowers will cluster together.
Primroses are said to signify young love and may also represent the stages of life.
Did you think that roses were one of February’s birth flower? Me too! It turns out the rose is June’s birth flower. This is likely because roses bloom in June, the first month of summer in the US and many other countries.
There are two zodiac signs that are associated with the month of February. People who are born from January 20 to February 18 are Aquarians, while Pisces are born from February 19 to March 20.
Aquarius is an air element whose symbol is the water-bearer. It is represented by a mythical carrying an urn of water, or sometimes, just water flowing. The color of the zodiac sign is sky blue.
Those born under Aquarius are said to be forward thinking individuals who want to affect positive change for the collective good. Other personality traits include:
Pisces is a water sign whose symbol is represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions. Pisces are deeply intuitive and overly sensitive. Here are some of the traits they possess:
February is a great month for a birthday party! Here are some ideas to help you celebrate February birthdays:
Embrace the color purple with this beautiful birthday centerpiece!
This oversized party decor will look stunning on your dining room table or kitchen island. Featuring a purple and gold-themed banner, it's the ideal decor for a February birthday,
Here are ten gift ideas for the February birthdays in your life:
Amethyst necklace available at Santore Jewelry.
Since people born in February are usually artistic and creative, it's not surprising to find the names of musicians and artists among the list!
Living February Birthdays include:
February 1st - Harry Styles, singer
February 2nd - Christie Brinkley, supermodel
February 2nd - Shakira, pop star
February 6th - Rick Astley, singer
February 7th - Chris Rock, comedian
February 10th - Chloe Grace Moretz, actress
February 11th - Jennifer Aniston, actress
February 17th - Paris Hilton, hotel heiress
February 19th - Justin Bateman, actor
February 20th - Charles Barkley, basketball player
February 22nd - Drew Barrymore, actress
February 23rd - Emily Blunt, actress
February 26th - Michael Bolton, singer
Deceased February Birthdays include:
February 1, 1902 - Langston Hughes, poet
February 3, 1874 - Gertrude Stein, author
February 4, 1913 - Rosa Parks, civil rights icon
February 6, 1911 - Ronald Reagan, president
February 7, 1867 - Laura Ingalls Wilder, author
February 11, 1846 - Thomas Edison, inventor
February 12, 1809 - Charles Darwin, scientist
February 15, 1564 - Galileo Galilei, physicist
February 20, 1902 - Ansel Adams, photographer
February 22, 1732 - George Washington, first U.S. president
February 24, 1955 - Steve Jobs, inventor
February 27, 1932 - Elizabeth Taylor, actress
“Though February is short, it is filled with lots of love and sweet surprises.”
Charmaine J. Forde
"The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within."
William Cullen Bryant
If you're wondering why we bother with leap years at all, it's astronomically necessary to keep our seasons in synch with our calendars.
Our (Gregorian) calendar happens to be 365 days in length; meanwhile, it takes the Earth slightly longer to orbit the sun (365.25 days).
By adding an extra day every 4 years, it keeps the difference in check.
That’s how I ended up chatting with Ev, a working mom with three kids.
You’d like Ev if you met her. Smart, a good listener, and funny without trying to be.
Ev used to find upcoming birthdays very stressful, but doesn’t anymore. Keep reading to learn more about Ev and how a pantry essential solved her problem.
Once upon a time, Ev used to grit her teeth whenever there was a birthday or holiday in her family.
It wasn’t the special occasion itself that stressed her out, it was the expectation (admittedly, self-imposed) of having to do something festive to celebrate.
Like most of us parents, she wanted her kids to have happy memories associated with these special days. This was especially important to her because she didn't have that as a kid and had craved it.
She had a hard time getting ready for birthdays...
Decorating wasn’t her thing and going into a party store gave her the heebie jeebies.
And those times when she bought party goods?
She wasn’t sure how to make them look good at home and didn’t have the time or energy to figure it out.
All that changed when Ev received our sprinkle-themed birthday party kit as a gift.
As she unpacked the party kit, she liked its fun, festive feel. It took her a few minutes to set it up on her kitchen island and was pleased to see it actually looked like the picture.
Equally important, it wasn't fussy. No little pieces scattered all over. (She's a minimalist, and hates clutter.)
When her daughters came into the room, they were excited to see the birthday decor.
Even her teenaged son, who rarely notices much, said it was nice. Thumbs up from her husband as well.
A few days later, she returned the items to their box and tucked it in the pantry. She felt newly confident that she could be ready for the next birthday in a just a few minutes.
Since then, the party kit has been a part of many celebrations. Ev has ordered a variety of banners (thanks Ev!) to make holidays and special occasions easier.
The box has a designated spot in her pantry making it easy to find and accessible.
As Ev and I talked, It was fun to hear how the party kit helps her feel less stressed about celebrating. No more scrolling through pages of party goods online or wandering in a store's party goods aisle. Instead, she knows she can grab the kit out of the pantry and be ready in a few minutes.
My favorite part of our discussion was when Ev shared that the Celebration Stand and banners had become a happy tradition for her family. Goal achieved! If a special occasion is approaching and she hasn't set it up yet, one of her daughters will---because "we have to" and that's "what our family does."
Another learning? Ev's family even celebrates the birthdays of their pets!
Ev's dog even gets a birthday celebration!
Special thanks to Elle for sharing how the party kit became a part of her family!
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It’s a rare chance to look back at the previous year’s highlights and lowlights and use them to inform what I want more and less of in the coming year.
One of the areas I’ve tried hard to improve in is making celebrations more joyful and less stressful. Though I’ve always loved these special occasions and the related activities, I’d spend so much time and energy preparing, that I barely enjoyed the event itself.
If you’ve ever felt:
Keep reading for the 5-steps YOU can use to make birthdays and holidays less stressful and more joyful.
Getting more of what you want and less of what you don’t want can be broken down into 5 steps---whether it’s celebrating birthdays with less stress and more joy or pretty much anything else.
None of the steps are sexy or high tech, but they do require a level of honesty with yourself that can be uncomfortable. You also have to be willing to try new things, even when they’re hard. (Especially when they're hard!)
The 5 Steps to Get More of What You Want and Less of What You Don’t
I used this five-step process to help inject more joy into celebrating birthdays and eject a lot of unwanted stress. I also learned a lot about myself, including some very unflattering traits.
If you’re reading a post on a birthday blog (thank you! 🥰), I’m betting you love birthdays and holidays as much as I do. You probably love to entertain/bake/find that perfect gift as well.
For years, I’d stay up until in the wee hours of the morning making party favors. I’d make trips to store after store until I found The Perfect Gift. I’d literally decorate from floor to ceiling (I love a well-decorated chandelier!). Pushing through to pull off birthday miracles worked for years---until it didn’t.
Not wanting to give up celebrating, I started to review past birthdays---what worked, what didn’t, which ones were the most fun. I did this not only for celebrations, but for gifts I gave and cards I sent.
It wasn’t until I started reviewing past birthdays that I came to realize that two of my biggest strengths were also my biggest weaknesses.
My creativity made for fun and interesting gifts and celebrations and my problem-solving abilities meant I could figure a way out of unexpected snafus.
Unfortunately, being able to come up with exciting new ideas and knowing I could find a way through also added a great deal of unnecessary stress to the birthdays, which in turn, made them more difficult to enjoy.
Even worse?
I realized that I had repeated the same mistakes again and again when it came to celebrating—trying to include too many details in a party; making things unnecessarily complicated; wasting time evaluating too many options.
After tracking my past performance, I learned my celebration plans had (almost) always been unrealistic. I had consistently tried to do too many things without getting help. I had hoped that an out-of-stock item would reappear instead of coming up with a substitute.
I also had a serious problem with scope creep. Regardless of what I set out to do, I was always adding more decorations or deciding to bake “just one more” dessert. Inevitably, the last-minute additions were also the items that had the LEAST impact on the outcome and resulted in the most stress.
These were some of the changes I made that helped the most:
One of the biggest changes I made to reduce my stress and increase my joy in celebrating birthdays involved how I managed my calendar.
Instead of just adding someone’s birthday to my calendar, I broke up the associated activity into pieces and scheduled those.
For example, the reminder to “Send birthday gift” turned into individual tasks (identifying birthday gift ideas, searching for gift ideas, purchasing gift, wrapping gift and sending gift) that were scheduled.
After being disappointed too many times by delayed shipments from USPS, UPS and Fed Ex, I also started to plan and shop for items much earlier than ever before.
As long as you have people in your life you want to celebrate, you’ll adjust as needed. As you find what works better, you'll; begin to incorporate that behavior. When the environment changes, you may need to search for a new solution.
Remember, a birthday isn’t truly happy unless it’s enjoyed by the celebrant AND the individual who celebrated them. 🥳
Start digging in to these five steps and make celebrating birthdays in your life less stressful and more joyful.
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The 12th month of the year is best known for two of the most festive holidays of all: Hanukkah and Christmas. The first day of winter also occurs in December.
Know someone born in the last month of the year? Don’t let their birthday go unnoticed just because it’s a very busy month.
(Most December birthdays I know would prefer to have their birthday in a different month...alas, there's no changing the date you were born!)
Keep reading to learn more about the month of December or just click on the link below to jump to that section:
December has not one, not two, but THREE birthstones—each a different shade of blue!
Tanzanite is the most valuable of December’s birthstones. It is noteworthy for its deep blue color with purple overtones. It is said that the wearer will experience the feeling of contentment and understanding.
Turquoise is another December birthstone, and it is one of the oldest gems to be used in jewelry. It is one of the only birthstones that is opaque and not translucent. Native Americans and other ancient civilizations believed that turquoise could ward off evil.
December’s third birthstone is a light blue zircon. It’s a common stone found in the Earth’s crust. It is associated with prosperity and helping achieve one’s desires.
The birth flowers of December are Holly and Narcissus.
Holly is a shrub that embodies Christmas colors. It has shiny green leaves that are very sharp to the touch and bright red berries that can be toxic to humans. Holly is often used in Christmas wreaths and other holiday decorations. Holly is said to bring happiness to one’s home front.
Narcissus, also called paperwhites, are bulbs that bloom into delicate white flowers. It symbolizes sweetness and a desire to remain true.
The two zodiac signs of December are Sagittarius and Capricorn. People with birthdays of November 22nd to December 21st are said to be under the sign of Sagittarius, while those born from December 22 to January 19th are Capricorns.
Sagittarius is a fire element whose symbol is a bow and arrow. It is represented by the centaur of mythology whose upper body is human, and lower body is horse.
Sagittarius are said to be the wanderers of the zodiac (guess its horse legs come in handy!). Other personality traits include:
Capricorn is an earth sign element that has the colors of brown and grey. It is represented by the sea goat, a creature with the tail of a fish and the body of a goat. This duality allows Capricorns to navigate both sea (emotional world) and land (physical world) with ease.
Capricorns make great friends that you can count on. Other personality traits include:
December is a great month for a birthday party!
(I know you've got LOTS going on in December...but think how happy you'll make the birthday person when you have a party in their honor! 🥳 )
Here are some birthday party ideas to help you celebrate December birthdays:
Celebrate their December birthday with this birthday party kit. In under 5 minutes, you can transform your table or kitchen island with party décor they’ll love.
They'll notice the birthday centerpiece the moment they walk in the room! Made of high-quality stainless steel and chrome, lush ribbons and thick card stock, it stands nearly 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Handcrafted in the USA, it was designed to be reusable.
Here are ten gift ideas for the December birthdays in your life:
Given that those born in December tend to be creative and responsible, it’s no wonder there are so many famous figures born this month!
Living December Birthdays
Deceased December Birthdays
Include one of these quotes in a December birthday card or just enjoy them now!
Another idea is to combine one of the famous birthdays above with one of the quotes below:
For instance you could gift your husband/boyfriend/significant other a book of romantic poetry by December-born poet Jane Austen and inscribe the first quote on the inside cover. Ah, romance! 🥰
“Some people are worth melting for.”
Frozen, Olaf
“God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.”
James M. Barrie
“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”
Aristotle
“Kindness is like snow—it beautifies everything it covers.”
Kahlil Gibran
“Of all the months of the year there is not a month one half so welcome to the young, or so full of happy associations, as the last month of the year.”
Charles Dickens
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In most parts of the US, the 11th month of the year delivers Mother Nature’s dazzling display of autumn leaves, along with cooler weather.
This month may start with munching on leftover Halloween candy, and end with a lot more gobbling as Thanksgiving arrives on the fourth Thursday in November. Plus, we turn our clocks as we fall back this month,
Keep reading to learn more about the abundant month of November or just click on the link below to jump to that particular section:
The traditional birthstone of November is the topaz, which is said to represent love and affection.
Pure topaz is colorless, but it is much more often found in a wide variety of colors such as yellow, blue, orange, pink. The hues of topaz are created by defects in the stone or by replacing minor elements.
The modern birthstone is the citrine which is a member of the quartz family. Citrine typically ranges from yellow to a deep orangey brown.
Citrine is said to have a calming effect on the wearer and can help their innermost desires come true.
(Wondering why we needed modern birthstones? They are seen to be the more affordable choice over the traditional birthstones!)
The birth flowers of November are the chrysanthemum and the peony.
Chrysanthemums, or just “mums” for short, are known for their vibrant colors. Once primarily seen in autumn’s jewel tones, they now come in many other colors including pink and white.
These perennials are said to symbolize friendship and joy.
Peonies are one of the most beautiful and fragile flowers. Their heavy blooms and deep green leaves are stunners for sure. They are said to be found in every color, except for blue.
Peonies are said to represent good luck, honor and wealth.
The two zodiac signs of November are Scorpio and Sagittarius. People with birthdays of October 23 to November 21st are Scorpios, while those born on November 22nd to December 21st are said to be under the sign of Sagittarius.
Scorpio is a water sign that has the colors of red and rust. It is represented by the scorpion and is said to feel emotions intensely and lash out if threatened.
Scorpios tend to be passionate truth seekers who often have a mysterious side. Other personality traits include:
Sagittarius is a fire element whose symbol is a bow and arrow. It is represented by the centaur of mythology whose upper body is human, and lower body is horse.
Sagittarius are said to be the wanderers of the zodiac (guess its horse legs come in handy!). Other personality traits include:
November is a great month for a birthday party! Depending on where you live and what you have planned, you might be inside or out in the chilly fresh air.
Here are some birthday party ideas to help you celebrate November birthdays:
Celebrate their fall birthday with the Most Pumpkin-y centerpiece! In under 2 minutes, you can transform your table or kitchen island with party décor they’ll love.
Made of high-quality stainless steel and chrome, lush ribbons and thick card stock, it stands nearly 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Handcrafted in the USA, it was designed to be reusable.
Here are eleven gift ideas for the November birthdays in your life:
Given that those born in November tend to be curious and creative, it’s no wonder there are so many famous figures born this month!
Living November Birthdays
Include one of these quotes in a November birthday card or just enjoy them now!
"Don’t wait until the fourth Thursday in November, to sit with family and friends and give thanks. Make every day a day of Thanksgiving."
Charmaine Forde
“The thinnest yellow light of November is more warming and exhilarating than any wine they tell of. The mite which November contributes becomes equal in value to the bounty of July.”
Henry David Thoreau
"November always seemed to me the Norway of the year."
Emily Dickinson
“It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.”
Sarah Addison Allen
"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
Albert Camus
“Now in November nearer comes the sun down the abandoned heaven.”
D.H. Lawrence
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In many parts of the US, the tenth month of the year is when autumn really kicks into gear. The falling leaves and cooler weather mean it's time to get those sweaters and jackets out.
Halloween occurs on October 31st. This holiday may be a spook-tacular event, a scary time or an opportunity to indulge in your favorite candy. (When my kids used to go trick or treating, they always “gifted” me any candy that had coconut.)
Keep reading to learn more about the very colorful month of October or just click on the link below to jump to that particular section:
The traditional birthstone of October is the opal. Pale and somewhat milky in color, it diffracts light, so may appear to have many other shades within. Opals are said to symbolize purity, hope and confidence.
The modern birthstone is the tourmaline. One crystal of tourmaline may contain several different colors, including green, pink, red and blue. Tourmalines represent compassion and healing energies.
The birth flowers of October are Cosmos and Marigolds.
Cosmos are lovely flowers that are similar to daisies in appearance. The distinction is in the petals: cosmos petals are shorter and wider and daisy petals are longer and narrower.
Cosmos are said to represent balance and harmony. This can be seen in the flower itself as its delicate petals are evenly spaced. You’ll most often see cosmos in white, pink or lavender.
Marigolds are easy-to-grow ornamentals. Known for their vibrant colors, they’re most often seen in orange, yellow and gold.
When used as a birth flower, marigolds are said to symbolize the power of the rising sun, prosperity, and passion.
If you’re thinking, “Haven’t I seen marigolds at the Day of the Dead?” You’re right!
In Mexican culture, it is believed that marigolds help guide the dearly departed to their altars. It’s interesting to note that the marigolds used in these Mexican celebrations are significantly larger--up to 3 feet across! --than ones seen in the US.
The two zodiac signs of October are Libra and Scorpio. People with birthdays of September 23 to October 22 are Libras, and those born on October 23 to November 21st are Scorpios.
Libra is an air element that has the colors of pink and green. It is represented by the scales, which makes perfect sense since “libra” is Latin for scales. You may also recognize the Libra’s scales as Lady Justice. (Libra is the only zodiac sign to be represented by a physical object. The 11 other zodiac signs use animals or mythological creatures.)
Libras tend to seek peace and the company of others. Other personality traits include:
Scorpio is a water sign that has the colors of red and rust. It is represented by the scorpion and is said to feel emotions intensely and lash out if threatened.
Scorpios tend to be passionate truth seekers who often have a mysterious side. Other personality traits include:
October is a great month for a birthday party! In most parts of the US, the weather is cool, but not cold.
Here are some birthday party ideas to help you celebrate October birthdays:
Celebrate their fall birthday with the Most Pumpkin-y centerpiece! In under 5 minutes, you can transform your table or kitchen island with party décor they’ll love.
Made of high-quality stainless steel and chrome, lush ribbons and thick card stock, it stands nearly 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Handcrafted in the USA, it was designed to be reusable.
The Most Pumpkin-y birthday decoration!
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Here are ten gift ideas for the October birthdays in your life:
Given that those born in October tend to be passionate truth-seekers, it’s no wonder there are so many famous figures born this month!
Living October Birthdays
Deceased October Birthdays
Include one of these quotes in an October birthday card or just enjoy them now!
"I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
L.M. Montgomery
"I have been younger in October than in all the months of spring."
W.S. Merwin
“All things on earth point home in old October; sailors to sea, travellers to walls and fences, hunters to field and hollow and the long voice of the hounds, the lover to the love he has forsaken.”
Thomas Wolfe
“October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the enduring constellations above them once again.”
Hal Borland
"October is the opal month of the year. It is the month of glory, of ripeness. It is the picture-month."
Henry Ward Beecher
“October, the extravagant sister, has ordered an immense amount of the most gorgeous forest tapestry for her grand reception."
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Whether your friendship is based on how far you’ve come; the silly things you’ve done together; a shared passion for all things ice cream...or any of a zillion other things, a friend is worth their weight in gold!
Celebrate your best friend by adding the element of surprise to their birthday! It will add some unexpected fun to the day and make it even more memorable.
Keep reading for some ideas to knock their socks off!
This idea is sentimental, easy to do and inexpensive—the trifecta of a great birthday idea! It also works equally well whether the birthday person is 15, 55 or any other age.
Get some helium balloons and tie strings to them. Add a photograph, favorite quote or poem to the bottom of each one. Let the balloons and memories dance under the ceiling.
The birthday person will see them and say something like, “Oooh! For me?!”
Wait a moment...
Soon, they'll realize these are no ordinary balloons, but rather a floating tribute of memories and favorite things! They'll squeal with delight as they take a walk down memory lane thanks to YOU! 🥳
Pro Tip: If you’re in need of photos, check their social media accounts. Facebook and Instagram are a treasure trove of photos!
Receiving a birthday gift from a close friend is something we've come to expect.
Getting gifts from strangers?
Completely unexpected!
Start by finding out your best friend's plans for the day. Next, arrange for "strangers" (people familiar to you, but not them) to walk up and give her a gift at various points throughout the day.
You'll keep them on their toes as the surprise presents keep coming!
Have a blast listening to her recount the day, "I was coming out of the gym when a woman I've never seen before came up to me in the parking lot and handed me a bouquet of flowers.Isn't that crazy?! But that's not all..."
We all have friends from different parts of our lives---our neighbors, our co-workers, those we went to college with... Typically, we see these friends in context---neighbors in the neighborhood; co-workers at work..
Surprise the birthday person by gathering friends from the various aspects of their life--in one place!
Everyone can compare notes about the birthday person who will be surrounded by lots and lots of love!
If your friend can handle not knowing what The Plan is for their birthday, tell them to pack an overnight bag and that you’ll pick them up at a designated time.
After they get in the car, have them don a blindfold so your destination is a true surprise.
Head to place that’s a few hours drive away. Pick a favorite area to explore or someplace they’ve always wanted to go.
Feel free to have them guess where you’re headed or offer them clues along the way to slowly reveal the big surprise.
When was the last time your best friend was whisked around in a limo?
If it was in high school and their destination was the prom, it’s long past time they were chauffeured around in style!
Arrange for the limo to be at their disposal as they run daily errands, attend client meetings or just want to go for a drive along the beach.
Have the driver pick you and other friends up and head to a fabulous restaurant. Have a birthday centerpiece on the table to greet them and toast to their health and happiness in the year ahead.
(Bonus points if you dance the night away at nearby club! 😀)
Perfect at home or in the finest restaurants, this birthday centerpiece makes a statement!
Reusable, portable and easy to set-up in <5 minutes!
Who doesn’t love the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s?!
Audrey Hepburn is nothing short of gorgeous in her iconic updo, sunglasses, pearls and Little Black Dress (LBD) as she dines at the fabulous Tiffany’s jewelry store in NYC.
Gather your girlfriends (decked out in their LBDs and pearls of course!), start the champagne flowing and surprise your best friend with a birthday brunch.
Use the classic Tiffany’s shade of blue to decorate and serve brunch foods that Holly Golightly would love:
Summary
Don't underestimate the power of surprise! It can add fun to the birthday and make for more memorable moments---for you and your best friend!
Related Posts to Enjoy
15 Perfect Birthday Gift Ideas for Your Best Friend
Top 10 Best 50th Birthday Party Themes for Adults
Why a Birthday Trip Can Be the Perfect Gift for a 40th, 50th or 60th Birthday
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Entertaining teenagers can sometimes be a bit tricky--the last thing you want is for them to be heads down and on their phones! I've always found that having a theme for the party helps everyone get in the mood and have a great time.
Keep reading to discover memorable 13th birthday party themes your kid will think is cool--and might even say thank you for! 😉
A donut-themed party is a teen-friendly way to celebrate!
Serving donuts at the party is obvious, but why not think outside the box? (Or is it inside the hole? 🙃 )
Set a sweet tone for your guests with an unexpected invitation!
Leave a donut in a bag on each guest’s doorstep. Attach a printed out or handwritten invitation with party details to the top. This fun gesture is not only delicious, it’s memorable.
Donuts also make for handy and inexpensive party decorations.
Simply tie a string around each donut and get creative-- hang them from a kitchen chandelier; make a wreath of donuts and attach it to the front door; adorn the fireplace with them...
Yes, I can hear you thinking…What will the kids do?
Here are some activities to occupy them:
Do-nut be worried, you got this...and I promise, you will make it through the teen years! 😀
Teenagers love pampering just as much as adults do!
Treat your birthday teen and a few friends for a manicure or pedicure.
Book in advance and request nail technicians/stations next to one another to create togetherness and listen to them chatter away.
If you opt for pedicures, remind the teens to wear flip flops so their polish isn’t mussed. You can also give each person flip flops as a party favor—in advance!
Prefer to stay home?
Create a DIY nail salon by setting up various polishes and appliques for the party guests to use.
Either set it up outside or use a fun plastic tablecloth to protect your space. Include nail polish remover as well so they can feel free to experiment.
Celebrate your teen turning 13 by hosting a pizza party!
I know this may be hard to believe, but there are many kids out there who have never had homemade pizza!
Make or purchase some dough and let the kids roll out their individual pizzas.
Offer toppings ranging from traditional cheese, sauce, pepperoni and sausage to the “Ewwww! Are you really going to put that on your pizza?!?!” options like pineapple, tuna and jalapeños.
Bring the spirit of Italy to the party by adding some red and white check table cloths, an Italian flag and maybe even some Chianti--that's really cranberry grape juice.
Old flick? Fan favorite? Latest blockbuster?
Deciding on which movie may be the toughest decision of all!
There are plenty of options for how to watch a movie these days. There’s no right or wrong answer, so discuss with your teen which available option sounds like more fun:
Be sure to add copious amounts of popcorn, soda or lemonade and candy. The oversize boxes of Milk Duds and Junior Mints that once were only found in movie theater are now available at most grocery stores or Target.
Whoever decided that waffles are breakfast food?
Run afoul of the conventional and dare to serve not only waffles, but other breakfast foods—for dinner!
Start with homemade*** or frozen waffles...
Next, set out toppings and syrups, add lots of bacon (I’m always amazed at how much bacon teenagers can eat!) and maybe even a bowl of fruit salad (even if it’s only to make yourself feel better that there’s a healthy option!).
Ask the teens to arrive dressed in their favorite pajamas, give out soft, fuzzy socks as a party favor and put on some of their favorite shows from when they were kid.
You’ll be amazed at how nostalgic your 13-year old can be over shows they watched when they were “little”. 😀
*** If you decide to make the waffles yourself, consider making them before guests arrive. I once hosted this party for my son and his friends and decided to make the waffles while the kids waited...forgetting that each waffle takes several minutes to cook!
One of the easiest 13th birthday parties you can throw is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).
As the name suggests, each guest brings their own cellphone, laptop or tablet and the kids literally sit in a room together and play video games.
While this may not sound fun to us parents, I can assure you it will be a hit with your teens for one simple reason:
Instead of being told to put their devices away, the teens will delight in being encouraged to play video games!
Having hosted this very party before, I was pleasantly surprised to see the genuine camaraderie among the teens as they shot the bad guys and ducked the vampires. Be prepared to hear squeals, whelps and maybe even a four-letter word.
Add some pizza, cake and drinks and the kids will be happily occupied for hours!
If your kid can’t get enough of the water, why not host a kayak-themed birthday party?
Many areas have facilities that rent kayaks by the hour. (A good place to start is your local parks department or college.) Rentals usually include life preservers and a safety lesson.
Bring lots of sunscreen (some teens will forget, no matter how often they are reminded!), pack bagged lunches and hit the water.
After kayaking, the teens can swim and eat ice cream sandwiches. Depending on what the conditions are, you may want to add some inner tubes for floating, footballs or frisbees.
If the last idea made you shudder at the thought of MORE screen time for your kid, this suggestion is decidedly low (more like no) tech.
Go old school and break out the board games!
Set up a variety of the games your newly-minted teenager loved in their younger days. Grab Candyland, Chutes & Ladders and whatever others they (and likely you!) played again and again and again.
Having a screen-free event might even help the teens to remember it’s possible to have fun—even without a phone.
Take your 13-year old and friends bowling!
This is a particularly good theme if your teen plans to invite friends who may not know each other. No prior relationship is necessary to lace up a pair of bowling shoes and throw a ball down the lane.
Party specials at bowling alleys usually include several games, pizza, drinks and cake.
Have your teen invite friends by tying a note with party details to a pair of fuzzy socks. Request that kids wear the socks the day of the party so you can take a fun party photo.
Bonus points if your teen attaches copies of that photo to the thank you notes they write!
Give your teen a license to drive----a go kart!
Host their birthday party at a local go kart track and see who takes first place.
Get takeout from their favorite restaurant afterward and let the drivers compare times.
I’m not sure when Escape Rooms became a “thing”, but most towns have at least one or two locations.
As their name suggests, Escape Rooms “trap” people in a room and require them to solve clues to escape.
Far from any ordinary room, these spaces are filled with "features" like trap doors, books with hidden compartments and paintings where the eyes of some long-lost revered ancestor really do follow you.
Grab dinner nearby and be sure to include dessert. There's no way they'll escape having fun!
Looking for a fun invitation idea?
Pick up some plastic magnifying glasses and attach the party invite to it!
This month of 30 days starts with summer and ends with fall. Along the way, many children will return to the start of a new school year. September also marks college football in full swing.
September is the most popular month to be born in, with September 9th being the most popular date to be born on. (Who knew the holidays were quite so festive?! 😉)
Keep reading to learn more about the 9th month of the year or just click on the link below to jump to that particular section:
The birthstone of September is sapphire which boasts a deep blue color. Rather than the light blue we usually associate with the sky, this autumnal birthstone is closer in color to the night sky.
This vibrant gemstone may also occur in other colors, except for red. Instead, we call red sapphires by another name--rubies!
It is said that blue sapphires, one of the most rare gemstones, represent fidelity and sincerity. In the Middle Ages, nobility adorned their garments with sapphires to help ward off evil.
The birth flowers of September are asters and morning glory.
Asters are a common wildflower. Similar in appearance to daisies, asters differ in that their center appears to be arranged in a star shape. It will come as no surprise then that the word “aster” is derived from Greek and means “star.”
Asters traditionally represent patience, daintiness and love. They may be found in a variety of colors, including blue, purple and pink.
Morning glories are another September birth flower. Most often found in blue and purple, they bloom in the morning and die by evening. They grow in vines and may also be called “creepers” as you may have seen their trailing vines adorning a trellis or fence.
The short-lived blooms are said to represent affection, as sometimes that fades just as quickly. The plant may also represent the sustained quality of love, as new flowers appear each day.
The two zodiac signs of September are Virgo and Libra. People with birthdays of August 23 to September 22 are Virgos, while those born between September 23 to October 22 are Libras.
Virgo is an Earth element that has the zodiac color gray and beige. It is represented by the goddess, which reflects the urge of Virgos to use their existence for the greater good and to bring justice to people. People with this zodiac sign tend to notice the smallest details.
Virgos are said to possess the following personality traits:
Libras tend to seek peace and the company of others. Other personality traits include:
Technically, the first 3 weeks of September are still summer. This year, Fall starts on September 22. Depending on where you call home, September may find you still in shorts or reaching for your warm jacket.
Here are some ideas to help you celebrate:
Hosting a birthday party can be fun, but if you're short on time, it can also be seriously stressful
Make celebrating a snap with a party in a box. In less than 10 minutes, you can unpack everything and be ready to celebrate with fabulous decor that will impress even your pickiest of friends!
The elegant birthday centerpiece transforms your table rom ho-hum to wow! Made of high-quality stainless steel and chrome, lush ribbons and thick card stock, it stands nearly 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Handcrafted in the USA, it was designed to be reusable.
Save yourself time by unpacking the party! Shop birthday in a box from Birthday Butler.
Here are gift ideas for those September birthdays in your life:
Given that those born in September tend to be charming, peace-loving people, it’s no wonder there are so many famous actors, musicians and authors born this month.
Living September Birthdays
Deceased September Birthdays
A fun idea is to include one of these quotes in a September birthday card or just enjoy them now!
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The top drawer of my mom’s nightstand was always a bit mysterious.
Unlike its bottom twin which was always firmly closed, the upper one was usually open a few intriguing inches. Standing tall and proud like a sentinel, a container of Ammen’s poked out of the top (as a waitress, she said the talcum powder helped to cool her tired feet), guarding the other items which were always out of view.
I was always desperate to know what else was tucked inside, but never bold enough to venture inside.
One day, long after I had reached adulthood and moved away, I was home visiting my mom. I can’t remember why, but she asked me to find some papers in the top drawer of her nightstand.
FINALLY!!!
After so many years of trying to avoid temptation, she was literally inviting me to go where I had never been before.
I remember a mish mash of items in the drawer---a few newspaper clippings of Dear Abby and Erma Bombeck; various photos of my sister and me; and lots and lots of emery boards. (To this day, my mom still brandishes a well-manicured hand.)
Among the smattering of books was a combination appointment calendar and diary. As I tried to locate the information I had been charged with finding, I started to read a few pages. The entries were a mix of life’s necessary but unexciting logistics (went to the dentist) and some commentary.
I hit pay dirt when I happened upon an entry from her birthday. She recalled how she spent the day, who she celebrated with and how happy she felt. There was a regret as well—the friend she’d had a falling out with didn’t send her a birthday a card. It was fun to relive the day through her words.
Years later, I would learn that my mother often did an inventory of the past year on her birthday. She’d also list details of her day, along with her wishes for the upcoming year.
I remember thinking, “I should do that!”...but it would be many years before I did, and even then, I wasn’t always consistent.
I’m celebrating a birthday this weekend and just flipped back through some of the birthday memories I did manage to write down.
Here’s what I had to say about my milestone birthday:
“Today I turned 50 and had a truly wonderful birthday, birth week and a birthday season. Everyone who mattered remembered. I felt special I felt loved I felt spoiled.”
I continued with the details, including how my daughter got up early to decorate the kitchen for me and used her own money to purchase a yoga outfit (which was silly expensive for a 14-year-old girl because, well, Lululemon!), yet she said she wanted to because I only turn 50 once.
Reading sweet words like these made me relive my wonderful 50th birthday. It made me appreciate it, and all the wonderful people who helped make it so, all over again.
On your next birthday, might I suggest YOU take a few moments to write down the special people and special memories of the day. Include your hopes for the future, your accomplishments from the past year or whatever you like.
This mini time capsule might even make you look forward to future birthdays, or at least appreciate the past ones anew.
Taking a bit of time to capture some of life’s happiest moments can soothe the soul on days when water pipes break; a doctor’s visit comes with yucky news; or we learn that someone we love is going through a hard time.
Here are some prompts to get you started:
I believe that birthdays are just an excuse to celebrate the people we love. When it’s your special day lap up every bit of it—and maybe even jot it down for posterity.
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Turning 50 doesn’t mean the adventures have to end. In fact, it’s just the beginning. Sign your sweetheart up for flying lessons or splurge on that high-end camera he's been coveting and book a trip to somewhere exotic. He will love the chance to get out there and learn something new or head to a new locale, camera in hand!
Now that your husband is 50, he’s had half a century of experience and memories. It’s time to start documenting those!
There are a variety of memoir services and products out there, such as The Story Scribe and Perfect Memoirs, that can offer a guided tour through his life as he writes out his story. Sign him up for one of these or pick up a guided journal and he can start working on a keepsake your family will cherish for generations.
To capture the highlight reel of his first five decades, another great option is The Book of Everyone. This charming book has prompts that make it easy to complete.
He works hard. He’s a great father and an amazing husband. He deserves a fun night out! Plan out a night full of his favorite activities, like a concert with his favorite artist, dinner at his favorite restaurant, or maybe go see that new movie he’s been waiting for. To make it extra memorable, be sure the evening includes dancing the night away!
Does your guy love nothing more than a quiet night in? Is he happiest settling in with a movie on Netflix and a drink in hand? Pop some popcorn and get him a new and improved relaxation station. Update his favorite seat in the house with a new recliner. Add in some wireless headphones or a new e-reader and he will have the perfect end-of-day chill-out spot as he enters his 50s.
If your husband likes mixing up a cocktail or has a passion for spirits, get him a fancy bar cart and an engraved cocktail set. He’ll feel like the master of his castle as he mixes himself a soothing drink after spending the day working hard for his family. Throw in his favorite liquor to get him started as a finishing touch.
As your husband and the father to your children, there are probably dozens of things you all love about him. His 50th birthday is the perfect time to tell him!
Gather the kids, his extended family and friends and write out 50 reasons you all love and appreciate him. Check out some ideas online for how to format it to create a beautiful and meaningful gift he’s sure to keep forever. Plus, it’ll serve as a pick-me-up on a bad day and the perfect way to honor him at this milestone.
Does he love to fish for hours on end? Is he a passionate book collector? Maybe he lives in his wood shop or can’t wait to buy the next car to fix up.
Whatever his hobby is, use his 50th birthday as an excuse to splurge on something he’ll love but would never buy for himself. Why not! 50 is a big deal and he’s earned that big-ticket item, even if it’s just for a hobby. He’ll appreciate it and you’ll get major brownie points.
Watches are classic. An elegant timepiece is the perfect pairing of beauty and function. On his golden birthday, spoil him with a gold watch. Whether he has a closet full of watches or one tried-and-true piece he always wears, the fact that it’s commemorating his 50th birthday will make it special.
Upgrade your usual birthday celebration for the big 5-0. Get the Celebration Stand and 50th birthday banner from Birthday Butler. He'll notice it the moment he walks into the room!
Getting older doesn’t mean the romance has to die!
Keep the spark alive by making him a sexy coupon book. Even something as wholesome as a massage can get you two in the mood and there’s no better way to express your love for each other than by reconnecting physically.
He’s sure to love it, and you’ll get something out of it, too! 😉
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While I always get giddy when I start to plan a birthday party—How will I decorate? What will I serve? What’s their favorite flavor of birthday cake?--it took me quite a few years to realize that even if the décor, food and drink are wonderful, the event isn’t complete without this missing ingredient.
Music!
If you’re lucky enough that live music is an option, go ahead and book that band or singer now. For the rest of us, a party playlist of birthday-inspired tunes can be exactly what our celebration needs to add a fun, festive vibe.
In the post below, I’ll share my go-to songs for a birthday party and offer strategies for selecting songs that can make the playlist more personalized.
Keep reading or jump to a particular section by clicking below:
Building a playlist for a birthday party can be a lot easier if you keep these tips in mind!
1. Build your playlist a few weeks before the party. It’s a fun task, but much harder to do when you are pressed for time.
Creating a playlist can be a blast, or you can end up falling down the rabbit hole and spend hours listening to songs you haven’t heard in a while (or maybe that’s just me?1)
If you’re looking for a playlist, feel free to copy/paste my collection of birthday party songs. You’ll find some pop favorites, classics and tunes that will make you want to get up dance.
Think of this list as your starting point. Review the songs, keep the ones you like and replace the ones you don’t like (more on that coming up!).
My Go-To Playlist for Birthday Parties
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
Celebration – Kool & the Gang
Happy Birthday – Stevie Wonder
Forever Young – Rod Stewart
We Are Family – Sister Sledge
Birthday – The Beatles
Good Vibrations – Beach Boys
Don’t Stop – Fleetwood Mac
Hey Ya! - Outkast
Birthday – Destiny’s Child
Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO
Birthday – Katy Perry
Stand By Me – Ben E. King
Birthday Party – AJR
Happy - Pharrell
Stayin’ Alive – The Bee Gees
We Are Young - Fun
All of Me (Tiesto’s Birthday) – John Legend
Dancing Queen - Abba
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction
Party in the USA – Miley Cyrus
Everybody Talks - Neon Trees
You’re Beautiful – James Blunt
Don’t Stop Believing - Journey
I Got a Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO
You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet - Bachman Turner Overdrive
Macarena - Los Del Rio
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
We Are the Champions – Queen
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - The Temptations
Bust a Move - Young MC
Whistle - Flo Rida (Note: get the clean version or have some explaining to do to younger party guests! )
If you're someone who likes done-for-you playlists, you'll love this easy, elegant birthday centerpiece. In less than 5 minutes, you can have it set-up and ready to go.
Research has shown that our favorite music tends to include songs that we listened to during our high school years and into our early 20’s.
These songs tend to evoke strong emotions and result in remembrance—you can place where you were when you listened to the song.
Additionally, since so many life events happen from ages 14 to 25 (high school dances, football games, being able to drive, graduation, going to college, starting our first job and more), we’re more likely to remember this time period.
This finding resonated with me. Whenever I hear “Walking in Memphis” or “True Companion” by Marc Cohn, I can recall listening to the CD as a 21-year-old.
In a nanosecond, my mind flips to the memory of driving my light blue Honda Prelude (manual transmission!) up and down the East Coast as I made road trips to visit family and friends.
That period of my life was associated with so many firsts (first real job, first time living alone, first car....), that I can still taste the sweet memory of becoming a self-sufficient adult.
Using this insight, it’s highly likely that the birthday person enjoys the music that was popular from the time they were aged 14 to 25.
As that’s still a wide range, you can narrow it down even more by picking songs that were popular when they were in high school, or even focus on the year they graduated high school.
Not sure what year they graduated high school? No problem!
We offer two ways to do this: a formula so you can calculate the year they graduated in or tables that you can look the information up in.
Use this formula to estimate their year of graduation:
To see how this might work, let's use my sister's upcoming birthday. In March of 2022, she'll be 50.
Use these Charts to Estimate their Grad Year
The next two charts make it easy to find what music they likely listened to in high school. Simply:
Year of Celebration |
Milestone Birthday |
Likely HS Graduation Year |
2021 |
21 years old |
2018 |
2021 |
30 years old |
2009 |
2021 |
40 years old |
1999 |
2021 |
50 years old |
1989 |
2021 |
60 years old |
1979 |
2021 |
70 years old |
1969 |
2021 |
80 years old |
1959 |
2021 |
90 years old |
1949 |
2021 |
100 years old |
1939 |
2022 |
21 years old |
2019 |
2022 |
30 years old |
2010 |
2022 |
40 years old |
2000 |
2022 |
50 years old |
1990 |
2022 |
60 years old |
1980 |
2022 |
70 years old |
1970 |
2022 |
80 years old |
1960 |
2022 |
90 years old |
1950 |
2022 |
100 years old |
1940 |
Locating the songs that were popular when they graduated high school is as simple as popping that question into Google, Siri or Alexa.
Easy, elegant party decor that's music to your ears!
You can do this for any milestone birthday, but if we continue with my sister’s upcoming birthday as an example...
For her 50th birthday celebration in March of 2021, I would include popular songs from 1990, the year she graduated high school. No doubt that adding “Pump Up the Jam” and “Nothing Compares 2 U” would be a throwback for her—and the other guests!
Billboard magazine’s Top 20 Songs of 1990
Chart position |
Song |
Artist |
1 |
Hold On |
Wilson Phillips |
2 |
It Must Have Been Love |
Roxette |
3 |
Nothing Compares to You |
Sinead O’Connor |
4 |
Poison |
Bell Biv Devoe |
5 |
Vogue |
Madonna |
6 |
Vision of Love |
Mariah Carey |
7 |
Another Day in Paradise |
Phil Collins |
8 |
Hold On |
En Vogue |
9 |
Cradle of Love |
Billy Idol |
10 |
Blaze of Glory |
John Bon Jovi |
11 |
Do Me! |
Bell Biv Devoe |
12 |
How Am I Supposed to Live Without You |
Michael Bolton |
13 |
Pump Up the Jam |
Technotronic |
14 |
Opposites Attract |
Paul Abdul and The Wild Pair |
15 |
Escapade |
Janet Jackson |
16 |
All I Want to Do is Make Love to You |
Heart |
17 |
Close to You |
Maxi Priest |
18 |
Black Velvet |
Alannah Myles |
19 |
Release Me |
Wilson Phillps |
20 |
Don’t Know Much |
Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville |
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This summer month of 31 days is a favorite of many because of the longer daylight hours and sunny weather.
I was born in August and grew up in NJ where school typically starts the day after Labor Day. I always wished that I could bring in cupcakes to share like my classmates who had birthdays during the school year. But enough about me! 😀
Keep reading to learn more about the 8th month of the year or just click on the link below to jump to that particular section:
The birthstone of August is peridot, which boasts a light green color. Dubbed the “gem of the Sun”, this gemstone is said to have special healing powers.
Associated with restful sleep, harmony, peacefulness, and good health, peridot is said to be a stone of compassion that relieves anger through the renewal of things. Some say this birthstone gives protection from nightmares and freedom from envious thoughts that may put a strain on relationships.
The birth flower of August is the gladiolus. Its tall, proud stalks with many flowers make others look like waifs by comparison. The gladiolas symbolize integrity, respect, strength.
The poppy is another birth flower of August. They come in a variety of colors, with each color representing a different sentiment:
The two zodiac signs of August are Leo and Virgo. People with birthdays of July 23 to August 22 are Leos, while those born between August 23 to September 22 are Virgos.
Leo is a fire element which is represented by the colors yellow and orange. Its zodiac symbol is a lion that perfectly suits the passionate and self-confident nature of Leos. People with this zodiac sign are known to be generous, loyal, and warmhearted.
Here are some traits of people born under the sign of Leo:
Virgo is an Earth element that has the zodiac color gray and beige. It is represented by the goddess, which reflects the urge of Virgos to use their existence for the greater good and to bring justice to people. People with this zodiac sign tend to notice the smallest details.
Virgos are said to possess the following personality traits:
(I mentioned earlier that I was born this month. I’m a Leo and most of the traits of this zodiac sign ring true, though like Virgos, I am very prone to overthink things!)
Given August is a summer month, take advantage of the great outdoors!
(**For the record, I’ve never attended an ice cream social, but a well-named gathering can elevate the occasion.)
Hosting a birthday party can be fun, but if you're short on time, it can also be seriously stressful
Make celebrating a snap with a party in a box. In less than 10 minutes, you can unpack everything and be ready to celebrate with fabulous decor that will impress even your pickiest of friends!
The elegant birthday centerpiece transforms your table rom ho-hum to wow! Made of high-quality stainless steel and chrome, lush ribbons and thick card stock, it stands nearly 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Handcrafted in the USA, it was designed to be reusable.
A dear friend gifted me this beautiful planter and filled with two of my most favorite foods--licorice and cucumbers.
Given that those born in August tend to have bold personalities, it’s no wonder there are so many familiar names born this month. Peruse the list below and see if anyone you know shares a birthday with someone famous.
You'll find not one, not two, but THREE U.S presidents who were born in August!
A fun idea is to include one of these quotes in an August birthday card or just enjoy them now!
“Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sky.”
Kent Nerburn
“Today is the first of August. It is hot, steamy and wet. It is raining. I am tempted to write a poem. But I remember what it said on one rejection slip: 'After a heavy rainfall, poems titled 'Rain' pour in from across the nation.”
Sylvia Plath
Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.
Henry James
“This morning, the sun endures past dawn. I realise that it is August: the summer's last stand.”
Sara Baume
“August was nearly over - the month of apples and falling stars, the last care-free month for the school children. The days were not hot, but sunny and limpidly clear - the first sign of advancing autumn.”
Victor Nekrasov
“August is that last flicker of fun and heat before everything fades and dies. The final moments of fun before the freeze. In the winter, everything changes.”
Rasmenia Massoud
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Now, 50 is just around the corner---possibly for you, or someone you know. Far from being “over the hill”, I believe 50 is just getting started!
(Having already celebrated this milestone, I can tell you—a 50th birthday really can be awesome! Click here to read about lessons I learned from a 50th birthday trip with college friends.)
Honor this once-in-a-lifetime milestone by picking one--or more!—items from the list below that you'd like to do. Since the pandemic (still!) isn’t over, you’ll find that all the suggestions below can be done from the comfort of your home.
Before you know it, you'll have a really interesting way to answer the question, "What did you do to celebrate turning 50?"
1. Cook 50 new recipes.
Dive into a few cookbooks and choose some recipes you’ve never made before. Choose some that include techniques and ingredients that are new to you. Expand your palate and your cooking skills.
2. Write an eBook.
Everyone has a story to tell or something to share. Instead of continuing to tell people, “I should write a book one day,” take the plunge and do it. Share that story you’ve always wanted to tell. Share your passion. Teach that skill. Writing a book creates your legacy and shares your message with the world.
3. Read 50 books you’ve always meant to read.
Were you ever assigned books to read in school that you just didn’t read? Or, do you have a pile of books people have gifted you that you haven’t yet read? Maybe your friends keep recommending books and you’ve yet to read them. Most people have numerous books that they should have/could have/meant to read but just haven’t gotten around to it. Make a list of 50 books that fall in that category and take the time to actually read them. Expand your mind, your heart, your soul, and your literacy.
4. Learn a new language.
As an adult, learning a new language is an incredibly healthy brain workout. Of course, it has the added benefit of giving you useful knowledge and the ability to communicate with others. Choose a language that you’ve always wanted to learn and do it.
Wherever the 50th birthday celebration happens to take place, our milestone birthday centerpiece transforms any table from ordinary into festive!
Just unpack the party with our 50th birthday centerpiece!
5. Reach your goal weight.
Losing weight and gaining weight is a part of life. However, most people have a goal in mind when they think of their ideal weight. Before you turn 50, just jump in and go for it. Exercise and eat well and keep working until you reach that ideal weight.
6. Count 50 blessings.
Taking the time out of your busy day to be mindful of the things that you’re grateful for reduces stress and creates a positive outlook on life. Start by keeping a running list of the things you’re grateful for and don’t stop until you reach at least 50.
7. Do Yoga 50 days in a row.
Yoga is great for the body and the soul. Building a regular, daily habit of yoga will bring peace and health to you.
8. Take a virtual class to learn something new.
During pandemic times, many classes are taking place online. Find a class that you’re interested in and sign up. You can learn pretty much anything you’ve been interested in. Keeping your mind fresh by learning new things keeps it young and healthy.
9. Learn a new craft to do with your hands.
It’s often said that people need to work with their head, their hands, and their heart. Today, many people have the head and heart down, but they’re lacking when it comes to work with the hands. There are many crafts you can learn to do; knitting, crocheting, shuttling, weaving, macrame. Choose one and get learning!
10. Do 50 acts of kindness for others.
Doing good things for others makes us better people. We feel happier and more content in life when we take the time to help other people. Start doing acts of kindness. Keep a list of everything you’ve done and make sure you get to 50! It’ll feel so good, you’ll probably keep on going.
11. Reconnect online with 50 old friends.
Social media and email make it easy to connect with people who aren’t in your day to day life. We all have friends we’ve lost touch with over the years. Use the internet to reconnect with 50 people that you’re missing.
12. Redecorate a room in your home.
Everyone has at least one room in their home that they want to change but they never really take the time to do it. Well, now’s the time! Plan out your room, buy the decor, paint, and furniture that you need, and get decorating!
13. Take a 50 hour social media fast.
Social media is a blessing and a curse. While there is a lot of good that comes from it, the human mind gets a bit overwhelmed and bogged down with the constant barrage of news, opinions, and “friends.” Plan a 50 hour social media fast. It may seem crazy at first, but when you get into it, you’ll feel so good that you’re going to love it. Who knows? Maybe you'll even try a 51 day fast next year!
14. Take the next step in your career.
Many times as people reach 50, they feel like they’ve already hit their career high. They begin to take a step back and don’t work towards growth. This can be hard, especially when there is more you want to do in your career. Instead of taking a step back, take a step forward. Go for the promotion, make the extra effort, present your ideas, start that business. You’re wise and experienced. It’s time to shine.
15. Volunteer in your community.
There may not be as many opportunities for volunteering during the pandemic, but you should be able to find something. Serve at your local food bank, care for the animals at the shelter, pick up litter, answer emergency hotlines. Volunteering will warm your heart and create purpose.
16. Take a hike in 50 new places.
Getting out in nature and hiking is always important, especially during the pandemic. Start researching hiking trails in your area and set a goal of hiking 50 different places. It may seem hard at first, but you’ll end up finding lots of exciting new places that many people don’t know about!
17. Start training for a marathon.
Have you ever wanted to run a marathon? Many people imagine running a marathon someday but they never take the time to train and ready themselves. While most marathons probably aren’t happening during the pandemic, they will happen again someday. That makes right now the perfect time to prepare! Start training everyday and you’ll be set when marathons are back on.
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Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternatives.
- Cato
A 70th, 80th, 90th or even 100th birthday is an awesome milestone to celebrate and one that should recognized.
But what birthday gift do you give?
That's certainly a topic worth careful consideration, especially since seniors and grandparents are less likely to need more "stuff" and may also have less space as they've downsized.
My favorite way to handle birthdays for grandparents and senior citizens is a coordinated approach among family and friends.
By doing so, everyone's good intentions can be channeled into a gift idea that the birthday person will love.
Keep reading for more details, as well as a bonus idea that is one of my all-time favorite gifts!
My mom celebrating her birthday. It turns out the Celebration Stand was a great gift for her, because she can change the banner for the next occasion herself. Plus, in the limited amount of space she has, it doesn't take up much room.
At the risk of stating the obvious, seniors have lived a long time and touched many people’s lives.
A sentimental gift is a great way to celebrate the highlights of their life and reflect upon the impact they've had on others. Putting together a Keepsake Birthday Memory Box is a wonderful way to package all that goodness into one gift.
STEP 1
Ask family and friends to contribute memories and special wishes for your birthday person.
Some ideas that work well:
STEP 2
Gather everything together and put into a box that says Happy 90th Birthday! on the top or another cheery sentiment.
STEP 3
Add a birthday card explaining the person is about to receive 70, 80 or 90 memories/wishes, or just mention there’s a whole lot of love inside!
[Here's a similar idea I did for a friend when she turned 40.]
I wish I had numbered the envelopes in this Keepsake Birthday Box for a friend.
70 seconds doesn’t sound like a lot. Nor does 80 or 90 seconds
But 90 birthday wishes or memories?
That might sound overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a lot of contributors!
You can always round out memories and wishes from family and friends with:
You can find a variety of resources online for newspaper headlines. Some of the sites require you to pay, while there are also some free options, like this Pinterest board from Ingrid Summa.
Another gift idea is to pick a "theme" based on the birthday person's interests and have everyone contribute a small gift accordingly. This coordinated approach allows the overall gift to have "heft", plus the birthday person avoids receiving random things they may have no use or space for,
For example, if their cooking was legendary and they still love making dinner several nights a week, you might ask everyone to gift their favorite kitchen gadget. Similarly, if the person loves German literature, you could suggest everyone gift a book in this vein.
Draft (or just assign someone 😀) to be The Gift Quarterback.
This person provides direction to guests about what to give and how to give it. They can indicate whether gifts should be brought to the party wrapped or if all unwrapped gifts will go into one large box that is given to the guest of honor.
In my experience party guests are DELIGHTED to be told how to handle gifts because it saves them time and energy, plus no one wants to be the odd one out.
It’s hard to imagine our lives without our smartphones, computers and the Internet.
For most senior citizens?
The majority of their lives were spent without any of that stuff and they managed to fill their days just fine, thank you very much.
As a result, many individuals over the age of 70 aren’t well-versed in technology. Still others have a device, but it may be outdated. (You'll find plenty of flip phones in retirement communities!)
For a milestone birthday gift, family and friends can pool their money and buy the birthday person that technology item that might otherwise be tough to afford on a fixed income.
Whether it's a new laptop computer that has enough memory for all their photos or a smartphone so they can see videos of the grandkids, new technology can help keep senior citizens better informed, better connected and potentially safer.
(Did I mention I worked at Intel for 17 years? 😀 )
But, before you go rushing off to Best Buy or checking out options on Amazon, please remember...
Purchasing a new iPad, smartphone or computer as a gift is the easy part.
The hard part?
Making sure the birthday person can actually USE device!
According to the Pew Research Center, 73% of Americans aged 65 years old and older said they needed help setting up or using a new device. (That compares with 62% of people aged 50-64 years old; 36% of 30-49 year olds; and only 17% of those 18-29 years old.)
I know it’s not fun to think about things like software migration and network compatibility but...
Gifting a senior citizen a bright and shiny new device that doesn’t do what they want?
It's not much different than finding the exact toy you wanted under the tree on Christmas morning---only to find Santa didn’t include batteries.
If your senior citizen is well-versed in technology or is just naturally curious about gadgets and is happy trouble shooting all afternoon, please disregard this section.
On the other hand, if they struggle to find the on/off switch for their cellphone, or swear the "Internet is broken" because Gmail won't send their email, keep reading.
The basics of gifting technology:
If the gift is the first device of its kind for the person:
If the gift replaces an existing device:
This idea is not exactly in keeping with the box of memories..but since we were just talking about historical events and newspapers, I had to mention it.
The New York Times offers a really special idea for any birthday. It's a bound coffee table book containing the front page of the newspaper from the day the person was born---and every birthday after that.
6 reasons I love this gift:
Summary
The senior citizens in your life will be glad you took their needs into account and will be thrilled with the end result.
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If “birthday celebration travel with friends” isn't on there, it should be. I just returned from such a trip and I can tell you---it rocked!
I guess it was no surprise that the intersection of three of life’s greatest pleasures—birthday celebrations, friends and travel—was bound to be wonderful, but it truly was an experience unlike any other.
Hopefully, some of things I learned along the way can help you plan YOUR TRIP sooner than later, including:
No matter how old you're turning, a birthday celebration trip with friends is sure to make you feel like a kid again. Now get packing!
My college girlfriends and I had floated the idea of a trip to celebrate our "big" birthdays a while back.
We each would turn 50 within a few months of each other, so celebrating together seemed fun...though not easy. The five of us were scattered in different states, had various work obligations to consider and we needed to make sure our kids were covered.
In each of their Christmas cards I'd written, “What are we doing to celebrate turning 50?”
One by one, my friends replied. Each message started with a variation of “I can’t believe we’re turning 50!”, but everyone was up for doing something to mark our milestone birthday. Yay!
To get an idea of what sounded best to people and to come to a consensus quickly, I created a survey.
People answered questions on possible locations, activities, budget and dates. I asked for each person's top choices, as well as what items to avoid.
I tabulated the results and a few rounds of emails later, we had a plan! It definitely helped that everyone returned their information quickly and that there were many overlapping interests. Not a total surprise given we were friends, but it certainly made planning the trip easier.
One of the questions in the survey, “Do you have access to a house or property we could use?” turned out to be incredibly useful.
As I read the survey responses, I learned that the parents of one of our friends had a beach house on Hilton Head Island and were gracious enough to let us use it.
As hanging out at the beach was among the favorite activities everyone had expressed interest in, it was a no-brainer.
We started looking at calendars almost 6 months in advance of when we thought we’d travel. By starting so far in the future, people had greater availability.
Locking in on our dates so early also meant we had reserved time on our respective calendars, reducing the likelihood of various work and family commitments.
At the risk of stating the obvious, coordinating flight arrival and departure times made it easy to share a rental car and saved trips to the airport.
I also enjoyed the added benefit of having my friends waiting for me at the gate when I got off the plane. It felt so...retro...to have people excited to see me as I walked through the door.
In years past, my friends and I had gotten together in New York City because several people lived in the area. Being away from home meant everyone could leave their day-to-day behind and we were far enough away that we all had coverage on the home front.
One friend volunteered to be our very own Julie McCoy (cruise director from the 1970’s TV show, The Love Boat), which was wonderful for the rest of us.
She very generously made dinner reservations, had suggestions on activities and much, much more. We were incredibly fortunate that the beach house we stayed in was outfitted with everything we needed, from towels to beach cruiser bikes to sunscreen.
One of the survey questions had asked whether we should include others in the trip---spouses/significant others and/or kids. The feedback was unanimous: girlfriends only.
This ended up being one of my favorite aspects of our trip. It was positively decadent to enjoy extended time with friends without having to worry about what would the kids have for dinner and other responsibilities.
We were able to talk late into the night about the big things like aging parents, the delights and challenges of teenagers and various new jobs.
We also had enough time to compare and contrast the more mundane aspects of our lives: how recycling differs radically depending on where you live, how much we pay for haircuts, what recipes our kids will and won’t eat and more.
Exclusively girlfriends also meant we could relive college days without having to explain our stories in detail to our families. Such a luxury!
One of the biggest takeaways I had from our birthday trip was how little people had changed.
The friend who was the most outgoing in college is still a social butterfly. The friend who had stayed up many late nights studying at the library is now a finance executive who still burns the midnight oil.
Sure, we had some gray hairs and wrinkles, but it was comforting to know that we were largely the same as we had been 30 years earlier. It was really a cool feeling to be able to pick up where we left off at our last gathering.
During the different times we’d been together from college, we’d often play what I called the ‘Name Game.’ We’d discuss different classmates that we’d recently seen and share updates we knew.
As we continued remembering others, from old roommates to boyfriends to crushes, someone looked up something online. Suddenly, it was the Name Game on steroids as we realized that we could answer many of our questions by checking Facebook or LinkedIn.
No more wondering whatever happened to Dave? He recently moved to Texas where he runs a private equity fund. Hugh? Former investment banker turned artist. He and his wife live on a tropical island. And on and on it went,
It was wonderful to check out these blasts from our pasts and in many cases see what they looked like now. In more than one case, we reconnected with a old classmate. Who knows? Maybe some of these old relationships will bloom anew.
If I had a “do over” for this birthday trip, I would have started looking for old college photos and yearbooks as soon as the trip was calendared. The thought occurred to me several times, but unfortunately I didn’t act upon it.
In a similar vein, we wished we had a “Pig Book” (a photographic student directory) from freshman year as it would have been much easier to remember names and faces.
One friend did bring a photo of us from the weekend of our college graduation. It was surreal to collectively look at our younger selves. A few comments were made about hairstyles and clothing, but mostly we just stared. What would we tell those 21-year old young women if we could?
While the purpose of the trip was to celebrate our birthdays, I wish we’d had a moment when we all gathered around a cake with candles.
We did take a few pictures with a birthday banner a friend had brought and enjoyed a champagne toast at dinner one night. We debated ordering desserts that night, but the menu just didn’t grab us. We went in search of ice cream instead, but had to settle for frozen yogurt.
Next time, we’ll plan ahead and make sure there’s a birthday cake—with all our names on it.
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A variety of studies have indicated that gifting an experience can result in higher levels of satisfaction than gifting a material item.
Not sure what experience to give?
We’ve got you covered with 10 experiential gift ideas to delight your birthday person and create truly memorable moments. You'll also find some gift giving prompts to help you customize the experience so it's a perfect fit.
You can jump directly to the 10 experiential gift ideas here. If you're not familiar with gifting experiences, keep reading to learn more or go directly to the section by clicking its link below.
Before sharing some creative ideas that will make you look like a gift giving rock star, it's worth noting what an experiential gift is.
An experiential gift is something the receiver can experience, or an activity they can do. Though you might wrap up a physical representation or symbol of the experiential gift, the birthday person will one day experience the gift itself.
Giving someone tickets to the movies would be an example of experiential gifting.
While you might gift wrap the movie tickets, the receiver will one day use them to experience the joy of watching a film on the big screen.
(The tickets might even be to one of those fancy schmancy movie theaters where you can know an enjoy a full meal and cocktails in addition to some buttery popcorn!)
Generally speaking, physical gifts are tangible things you own while an experiential gift is something you participate in.
Researchers have found that experiential gifts have longer “emotional horizons”: the person is delighted when they learn of their experiential gift; they anticipate the experience in the days/weeks/months leading up to it; they have the enjoyment of the experience itself; and then relive the memory of the experience.
While most people have received an item of clothing that they are excited to wear, it's far less common for us to receive movie tickets to see the latest Marvel movie where they introduce this incredible character who goes on to become our all-time favorite.
I like to think of the before, during and after enjoyment of experiential gifts as packing a triple dose of delight, combined with a side of novelty and a dollop of scarcity. It's the "new" and "rare" factors that really gets the happy chemicals in our brain dancing, which is why experiential gifts can also deepen the relationship between the gift giver and gift receiver.
The first time some girlfriends and I went away for the weekend to celebrate a 40th milestone birthday, it was fun...but it wasn’t very birthday-ish.
We tried to find decorations when we got there, but no luck. The hotel concierge didn’t have much to offer either. The birthday candle in the dessert was pretty much it---underwhelming for a milestone birthday celebration!
Over the years I’ve learned that if you want to celebrate a birthday away from home, here are the best options:
After celebrating many birthdays away from home, I took what I learned and started Birthday Butler. Easy elegant party decor that can be set-up in just a few minutes.
Friends celebrating a milestone birthday at a beach getaway.
Get this birthday centerpiece here.
One of the challenges of making any list of gift ideas is knowing what the context is--who's giving the gift; who's receiving it; how much are they looking to spend on a gift and more.
Know that these gift ideas can be scaled up or down to fit your budget and circumstances.
So let's get (experiential) gifting!
Take the birthday person on a trip to a favorite place, or somewhere they’ve always wanted to visit.
The gift of travel can be especially exciting after a year of being in quarantine!
Depending on where you go and what your budget is, the gift of travel may be the trip of a lifetime (“Happy 50th birthday! We’re finally going to Italy like you always wanted!’) or something closer to home (a road trip to the Jelly Belly Factory because, like Ronald Reagan, jelly beans are the birthday person’s favorite guilty pleasure.
Gift giving prompts:
Is there some place they’ve always wanted to visit?
Do they have a favorite place they’ve wanted to go back to?
Have you heard them comment on a story heard saying, "I wish I could do that..."?
For the sports nut in your life, few things are sweeter than attending a game or match of their favorite team or player.
(As my sports-loving son will tell you, he will happily attend pretty much any professional sports game, tournament or match.)
Most sports teams publish their schedules far in advance so it’s a bit easier to see when they might be in your area
If tickets to a professional sporting event isn’t in your budget, you might want to investigate whether tickets to a game at their alma mater might be an option.
Gift Giving Prompts:
What’s their favorite sport? Favorite team?
Is it feasible to go to a game or match?
Any chance the person already has plans to attend? (If you’re not sure, proceed with caution!)
Gifting tickets so they can see their favorite band or performer in concert is downright fun. They’ll be thrilled to know they’ll be at the show and have you to thank for it!
(My mother once surprised me with concert tickets. Even though it was many years ago, I still remember it being one of my favorite gifts of all time. As I type this, I'm smiling as I remember the thrill of seeing Andy Gibb in concert!)
For that friend or family member who is an avid fan, you can gift them tickets to an event in town—or away!
As decent seats at a concert can be cost-prohibitive, you can also consider who their favorite band was in their younger years. Musical acts who topped the charts years ago are likely to be more affordable than seeing Beyonce!
Gift Giving Prompts:
Who are some of their musical favorites?
Are any of those artists performing live this year?
Are they coming to a venue near the birthday person?
Could you plan a trip to another city?
Give the birthday person lessons to do something they’ve always wanted to do!
Borrowing a well-worn cliché, you can give a friend a rind of cheese---or you can give them lessons on how to make many rinds of their own cheese!
Two of my closest friends love, love, love cheese, which is how the three of us ended up at a cheesemaking class in Berkeley, CA.
As I’m no cheese expert, I Googled cheesemaking lessons in my area and found a great option at FarmCurious and then gifted lessons to each friend for her birthday.
I’ve given many gifts over the years and this one was a hit. They were both so into the cheesemaking that they bought kits to make their own cheeses at home.
Every time I look at the picture below, it makes me smile thinking about how into the class they both were!
A fun gift of cheesemaking for the birthday girls!
(One friend is on the left, the other is the second from right. I'm in the center.)
Gift Giving Prompts:
Is there something the birthday person loves to do? A food they love to eat?
Would they appreciate lessons to learn more?
What options are available for lessons in their area?
If you’re searching for a birthday gift for someone who’s just gone through a significant transition---whether they’ve left the corporate world to strike out on their own; been through a change in relationship status; or achieved their fitness goals—consider gifting them a private session with a photographer.
Beautiful new photos will help them celebrate how far they've come and how great they look!
A talented photographer can capture a wide variety of images and make the birthday person look amazing. This is the gift that keeps on giving as the birthday person will have a host of photos they can use to hang above their fireplace, use on their website or social media or even include on their Christmas cards.
Many photographers will also schedule someone to do hair and make-up and assist with wardrobe decisions so they will look extra amazing!
Gift Giving Prompts:
Have they looked at an old photo (perhaps on their professional bio) and said, "I really need to get new pictures...)
Would updated photos be something the birthday person would enjoy?
Is there a photographer who specializes in a particular style of photos?
If gifting romantically, would they enjoy a boudoir photo session?
A Broadway musical. Trevor Noah performing. A front row seat at a TED talk.
Give them a ticket to whatever live event would make the birthday person say WOW!
As we were forced to stay home because of the global pandemic, this is a gift sure to be appreciated.
Gift Giving Prompts:
Is there a special event they’d love to attend?
What’s the schedule like?
Is getting tickets feasible?
For the arts lover in your life, gifting them tickets to a museum can help them appreciate art in a whole new way—especially if you include a private tour guide or an art historian who specializes in their area of interest.
Depending on your budget, it may be a local museum, a regional one or the Louvre.
Gift Giving Prompts:
Do they have a favorite museum?
Is a private tour or expert an option?
What are scheduling options?
Ah, to be pampered!
Gift a relaxing experience at a spa to someone who needs to destress or anyone who wants to feel lulled into a sense of relaxation.
Schedule time for them to be fussed over and let them pick treatments that make them giddy.
If you don't want to break the bank, it may be helpful to give a gift certificate with a specific dollar amount on it so you can stay within your budget.
Gift Giving Prompts:
Does the birthday person appreciate pampering?
Are there spas in their area?
Can you go with them? 😉
Treating someone to a shopping spree for a downright decadent birthday gift!
The notion that they can get what they want and it will be taken care of, can be exactly what the birthday girl or boy needs.
Simply select the desired shopping venue (in person or online!), set a few ground rules (whether that's two new outfits; a set dollar amount; anything you can grab in under a minute ala a game show) and get shopping!
Gift Giving Prompts:
What's a favorite store, mall or website?
What kind of guidelines do you want to provide so you are BOTH happy with the gift?When do you want to do it?
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(Looking for a cool gift idea for your husband or boyfriend or best friend or person you just really think is awesome and they are turning another age? Everything in this post still applies!)
One idea that is increasing in popularity is a birthday trip, especially for milestone birthdays.
Sometimes called “celebration travel” or a “celebration vacation”, these getaways are the perfect way to make your significant other’s birthday unforgettable.
The best part?
A birthday trip offers a multitude of benefits, including:
If you’ve ever gifted tickets to a sporting event, a play, or even to the movies, you may have noticed the gift was especially appreciated.
Experiential gifts are growing in popularity as 23% of consumers in a recent study reported that they prefer to give them over physical items.
A growing body of research has shown that experiential gifts result in in greater satisfaction than physical ones.
Part of the reason for this is because when you gift an experience, there are multiple parts to the gift:
It turns out there’s a relationship between our age and our possessions.
In our 20’s and into our 30’s, we focus on acquiring things we need for our adult lives. From furniture to kitchen gadgets, we’re busy trying to outfit our homes and our families.
As we enter into our 40’s and 50’s, however, people are in a much different space as they have the things they need. We’re much more confident in our tastes and have the ability to buy something when we want it.
By the time we hit our 60’s and 70’s, we’re likely to be surrounding ourselves with those things that make us most happy and may even be downsizing.
In fact, a study published in Journals of Gerontology, reported that:
No wonder it’s more difficult to buy a gift for someone in their 40’s, 50s, 60s and beyond—they're far more likely to own it already!
Experiential gifts also have the distinct advantage of not cluttering up one’s home and will make the minimalist in your life smile from ear to ear.
One year, I gave my mom perfume for her birthday. I knew she loved the fragrance and she thought it was an indulgence.
As much as she may have loved my gift, it was one of three identical bottles of perfume she received that year! (Clearly, I should've checked what my sister and cousin were giving her!)
When you give an experience, it's highly unlikely the recipient already has it. Sure, they may enjoyed the experience another time, but your gift is a brand new chance for them to participate in it.
Spend time with those you love.
One of these days you will say either,
‘I wish I had’ or ‘I’m glad I did.' -Zig Ziglar
A 20-something thinks they will live forever.
By middle-age, however, you have much more experience and realize how precious each day is.
As anyone who has ever tried to schedule dinner with friends has realized, a chance to spend quality time with the people who mean the most to us is a genuine treat.
A birthday trip allows the guest of honor to be surrounded by love and ensures many happy memories.
By definition, birthday travel requires people make an effort to go somewhere else in honor of someone they love.
It may require planes, trains, automobiles, babysitters, pet sitters and days off from work. The birthday person not only gets to be the center of attention, they are the chief beneficiary of everyone else’s efforts.
What could make a person feel more special than knowing others are devoting their precious time to celebrating them?
Gifting experiences has a very personal quality to it. Not sure?
While it's fairly safe to assume that most women in their 40's, 50's and 60's would enjoy receiving flowers, it requires a much deeper level of intimacy to give a woman an overnight trip to visit that Farmer's Market she's always wanted to see.
A recent study in the Journal of Consumer Research has demonstrated that experiences can actually improve relationships because they “elicit a strong emotional response when consumed.”
Though you may say you love a sweater you received as a gift, it turns out the depth of the emotion you feel upon seeing your favorite band in concert is deeper.
One super interesting side note: this research by professors Cindy Chan and Cassie Mogilner, showed that the relationship can be improved, even when the experiential gift is not consumed together.
Bucket lists are items that people want to accomplish before they kick the proverbial bucket and die.
Lists of things people want to do before they die are likely as old as lists themselves. The 2007 movie, Bucket List, starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, brought the concept into the mainstream.
According to an AARP study, 46% of people of Baby Boomers have a bucket list, with 83% of people having an item related to travel.
Ask your wife or girlfriend what’s on her bucket list and you may find that heading to Niagra Falls or visiting her favorite winery in Napa is the ideal place to celebrate.
In the event she doesn’t have a bucket list, you can find inspiration from others.
On her award-winning travel blog, Bucket List Journey, Annette White shares what may well be the most comprehensive bucket list ever.
At 1,149 items (and counting!), you’re bound to find a place or an activity that will delight your birthday girl or boy!
The Irish novelist George Moore said,
'A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.'
Whether we’re going 10,000 miles away or even just 50 miles away, things are inevitably different there. Our brains are naturally wired to notice the differences and naturally compare and contrast.
Maybe it’s as dramatic as visiting a foreign country and learning that it’s perfectly acceptable to eat with your hands or realizing that some toilets don’t come with seat covers.
It might be as simple as visiting a restaurant in a nearby town and finding out that there’s a better way to make pancakes.
A birthday trip gets you all the benefits of traveling and allows the birthday person to shine in a new locale.
Who knows?
You might even discover a bakery that makes the best birthday cake ever.
Ask most people how they spent their 48th birthday or 49th birthday and you’ll probably get a blank stare.
Inquire how they celebrated their 50th birthday and they’ll likely have the answer at their fingertips.
By planning a trip for their birthday, you ensure the individual will have an experience they’ll never forget.
Planning a birthday trip for your loved one is a wonderful sign of affection and love. Plus, there's no need to worry about finding the right size or model number. All you need to do is get started!
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Welcome to July!
(I loved the quote above---you never quite know what you’ll get weather-wise in July, at least in many parts of the United States)
Whether you were born in July, need a gift for someone with a birthday this month, or just like to be in the know, you’re in the right place.
Keep reading to learn these things about the 7th month, filled with 31 days. Or just click on the link below to jump to that particular section:
The birthstone of July is the ruby.
Rubies are typically a deep red, though some less valuable ones may have a bit of orange or purple color in them.
The ruby is known as the king of gems. It symbolizes health, wisdom and love. Legend has it that a person who wearing a fine red Ruby receives good fortune.
The ruby is July's birthstone.
The birth flowers of July are larkspurs and water lilies—both very noticeable, yet extremely different from one another!
Larkspurs are a taller flower with dainty blue blossoms along its stalk. Since Mother Nature doesn’t make many things in blue, it’s a favorite of many.
Often seen in gardens, larkspurs can range in color from pale blue to a deep, dark blue. They’re also known as delphiniums.
Larkspurs symbolize strong bonds of love, whether romantic, platonic, or just a positive openness for all.
Larkspur, also called delphinium, is one of July's birth flowers.
Water lilies are lotus-like flowers that float on the surface of fresh water.
If you could peer about 18” underneath the surface of the pond, stream, or lake, you’d find this graceful flower grew up from the mud. As its stem continues upward, it blooms once it reaches the water.
There are dozens of species of water lilies, so you can find them in a range of colors and sizes.
Water lilies close-up at night and reopen at dawn. It’s no surprise then they symbolize rebirth and purity.
Their transformation from unseen stem in the mud to a floating beauty on the water can also represent the resurrection or the enlightenment.
Water lilies are one of July's two birth flowers.
Cancer and Leo are the zodiac signs associated with the month of July. Cancer is for people who are born on June 21 to July 22, while Leo covers those with birthdays July 23 and August 22.
The color for Cancer is white and its symbol is a crab. Those born under the sign of Cancer are typically very compassionate and intuitive. They value loyalty and have a sentimental nature.
Other traits of people belonging to the Cancer sign:
Cancer is the zodiac sign from June 21 to July 22.
The colors for Leo are yellow and orange, which represents the color of the sun. Its zodiac symbol is a lion, which is why most Leos are dominant and self-confident. Leos are ambitious and optimistic, which often puts them in a leadership position.
Here are the other traits Leos are said to possess:
Leo is the zodiac sign from July 23 to August 22.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the birthday of the United States falls on July 4th.
The USA’s birthday is typically referred to as the 4th of July or Independence Day. It’s a federal holiday that celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776 which marked the 13 American colonies breaking free from English rule.
Most Americans take advantage of the summer weather and celebrate with BBQs, picnics and fireworks displays.
What to get the US as birthday gift?
Peace, liberty and justice for all are most certainly on her wish list! 😉
With the intelligence and passion that Leo and Cancer share, it is no wonder that a lot of great people are born in the month of July.
You can also use the person’s birthday “twin” as inspiration for a gift.
Simply look up the person’s birthdate (or use our list below!) and see who might share their birthday. Use that shared connection for a gift idea
For my friend’s daughter who is in art school and has a July 6th birthday, I might gift a book of Frida Kahlo’s paintings.
My wonderful cousin Suzanne was born on July 11, as was the fashion icon Giorgio Armani. I could use that tidbit to select a fabulous scarf that she’d love
Living July Birthdays include:
July 1st - Pamela Anderson, actress
July 3rd - Tom Cruise, actor
July 6th - George W. Bush, U.S. President
July 7th - Pierre Cardin, fashion designer
July 7th - Michelle Kwan, figure skater
July 9th - Tom Hanks, actor
July 11th - Giorgio Armani, fashion designer
July 13th - Harrison Ford, actor
July 17th - Camilla Parker Bowles, second wife of England's Prince Charles
July 23rd - Daniel Radcliffe, actor
July 24th - Jennifer Lopez, singer
July 25th - Matt LeBlanc, actor
July 30th - Lisa Kudrow, actress
Deceased July Birthdays include:
July 1, 1961 - Princess Diana, member of the British royal family
July 4, 1872 - Calvin Coolidge, U.S. President
July 6, 1907 - Frida Kahlo, painter
July 9, 1819 - Elias Howe, inventor of the sewing machine
July 11, 1889 - E.B. White, author
July 11, 1767 - John Quincy Adams, U.S. President
July 12, 1817 - Henry David Thoreau, author
July 12, 1817 - Andrew Wyeth, artist
July 18, 1918 - Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president
July 21, 1899 - Ernest Hemingway, journalist
July 24, 1897 - Amelia Earhart, American aviation pioneer
July birthday party ideas abound!
The summer weather means you can head outdoors for your birthday party whether that's your own backyard or the nearest beach or lake.
You could also host a Mexican fiesta for their July birthday! (For details on how to host one, click here.)
Be sure to include red decorations to reflect July's birthstone.
Make decorating a snap with this birthday party from Birthday Butler.
In less than 10 minutes, you can be ready to celebrate!
Make their July birthday happier with this party kit!
If you know someone with a birthday this month, you can gift them something that represents their birth month.
10 Gift Ideas for July Birthdays
1. Send them larkspurs.3. Give them a piece of ruby jewelry.
4. Get them a fabulous shirt in ruby red.
5. Give them something with their zodiac sign, such as a mug, earrings or a trinket dish.
6. Give them something in red, white and blue. Perhaps a cozy blanket for stargazing or a picnic basket.
7. For the history buff on your list, gift them a copy of the Declaration of Independence.
8. For the friend who loves outdoor fun, gift her and her family, tickets to a nearby water park.
9. Take the birthday person on an adventure! Spend the morning at a Farmer’s Market and enjoy lunch at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try.
10. Help them beat the summer heat by gifting them movie passes! Many upscale movie theaters today even offer cocktails and food service, or you could throw in gift cards for popcorn and snacks.
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Birthdays are a funny thing.
Though we (technically) know a year in advance when someone’s birthday is, we’re often scrambling at the last minute to get a card in the mail or find that perfect gift.
A younger me might have thought a forgotten birthday wast a statement about the quality of the relationship.
The older me knows that sometimes, despite our best intentions, we don't do everything we intend to in a timely fashion.
Here are seven things you can do to make sure you’re never late with another birthday:
Most of us recall the birthdates of those closest to us.
The problem?
When we do remember someone’s birthday is coming up, it's very often at an inopportune time to do something about it...like when we're in the shower or driving.
There’s an easy fix to remember birthdays in a timely fashion:
By having that reminder 30 days ahead of time, you have many more options on what to do to commemorate their special day.
For those VIPs in your life, add more reminders to your calendar if necessary.
One of the greatest sources of stress is not having the time to do the things we want to do.
By contrast, when we intentionally set aside time for an activity, it’s far less likely to cause us angst.
Case in point: Pat arrives late at work because of a dead car battery. Terry leaves early because they have a car maintenance appointment scheduled.
Both individuals are out of the office for the same amount of time.
Pat is likely stressed because his car hiccup made him miss his first two meetings. Meanwhile, Terry has no qualms about leaving early because they plan to do some expense reports while sitting at the car dealership.
Make the same structure work for you when it comes to birthdays:
Schedule time on your calendar for “Birthday Prep for _________’s Birthday”.
At the risk of stating the obvious, it’s not enough to just write the activity down. You must also block off the time, so that nothing else can be scheduled then.
If you’re willing to reserve time in your week to see your dentist, shouldn’t you set aside time to get/make a gift or card for a loved one?
After all, something like your cousin's birthday is worth celebrating!
As much fun as gifts can be, nothing beats a celebration.
In fact, a study showed that a whopping 89% of Americans liked it when their loved ones put effort into celebrating their birthday. (Given the political climate we're living in, it's especially notable to find something nearly all of us can agree on!)
Make your loved one feel extra special by sharing the plan to celebrate several weeks prior to their birthday.
The benefits of extending an invitation ahead of their birthday include:
1. Demonstrating that you're excited about their birthday and have already made a plan
2. Allowing them the sweet taste of anticipation
3. Easier scheduling further in advance
At Birthday Butler, we've seen customers gift a birthday party or an interchangeable holiday centerpiece to multiple different people.
As customer Tara Delaney put it,
"I loved giving a unique gift to everyone on my list and it saved me a ton of time shopping, wrapping and sending gifts out."
Send them a birthday party in a box! Different styles and sizes available here.
As convenient as it is to post birthday wishes on someone’s Facebook page, an actual, honest-to-goodness-you-can-hold-it-in-your-hands birthday card is a wonderful thing.
If you have trouble getting the card there in time, this tip from a neighbor of mine can help.
When our paths recently crossed, she told me that she had just welcomed grandchild #16 into her family. She went on to say that she now had 3 grandchildren born in the month of May.
I asked what her secret was for keeping the many birthdays straight for her ever-expanding brood.
She told it me it was easy because she had a “system”: the first of every month, she writes out all the birthday cards she needs to send during that month. She signs ‘em, seals ‘em and in the upper right hand corner of the envelope where the stamp would go, she indicates the day she has to drop it in the mail.
She proudly said she hasn’t been late on a single birthday card in the past 25 years. As my track record pales by comparison, I'm adopting her system.
When it comes to remembering things, I’ll take all the help I can get!
Several years ago, I moved my To Do list to my phone. I've now set up all sorts of reminders to remember everything from birthdays to groceries.
Some companies even offer “set it and forget it” reminders.
You simply enter the occasion and the date, and then the company sends you a email saying something to the effect of, “Your mom’s birthday is coming up on June 17th. Would you like to send flowers?”
This prompt makes it easier to take action AND makes you look good. Plus, there's no requirement to purchase so you can use it as a reminder service.
In business (and very often, in life as well!), there’s a term called “economies of scale.” It means that the more a business produces, the less each unit costs to make.
Economies of scale can apply to time as well physical output.
(For a more thorough and delicious explanation of economies of scale, please jump to the bottom of this post.)
For example, the time you spend cooking dinner for 2 people isn't that much different than the time it takes to cook dinner for 6 people.
The key to using economies of scale in gift giving is to consider all of the birthdays coming up in a particular month, season or year:
The more cards and gifts you select and wrap in one outing/sitting, the less time you will spend selecting and wrapping each gift.
Since we usually know the birthdays of our family and friends in advance, you can save time by:
Most people approach gift giving as unique, independent experiences: the gift selected for one person is completely unrelated to the gift selected for the second person,..which is completely separate from the gift for the third person…
A more efficient way is to select a “theme” for all the birthday gifts you give in a particular time period, and then customize the theme for each person’s birthday.
This approach is similar to selecting a design theme, which according to MBASkool, can be defined as the "recurrent, underlying objective that ensures consistency in the design of wide range of products that belong to a single family."
Imagine you're throwing a birthday fiesta for a friend. Since you've selected a Mexican-themed party, you can avoid looking at Parisian pink decorations, black and white decorations and pretty much anything else that isn't fiesta related.
For example, you might decide that this year's gifting theme is “music appreciation.”
You could give your husband concert tickets to see his favorite band; your nephew might receive an iTunes gift card because he’s always listening to music; and, for your sister who never gave up her album collection, you might gift several extended play vinyl records and a retro concert t-shirt.
And yes, it's very okay to gift yourself a new pair of AirPads Pro because you're on-theme. 😁
Selecting an overarching theme allows you to quickly narrow down the entire universe of possible gifts and find something for everyone on your list in less time.
Birthdays are a wonderful excuse to celebrate the people we love. Adopting some of these birthday tips can make it easier on you and, quite possibly, more enjoyable for them.
_________________________
Those unfamiliar with economies of scale may find this helpful:
I get excited when we can borrow principles from other disciplines to help save time and make our gift giving and celebrations more special.
You may have heard the term "economies of scale" in a business context. Basically, it means the more widgets a business produces, the less each of the widgets costs.
Since widgets are...well, boring....let's bring economies to scale to life in a more delicious way with this example.
Baking Cookies for a Friend's Birthday
You decide to bake a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies for a friend’s birthday. You get out your favorite recipe and see that one batch will yield 36 cookies.
If you didn’t have the ingredients on hand (perhaps your kids raided your pantry without telling you), you would need to purchase butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, eggs, flour, baking soda, baking powder and chocolate chips.
Once you have the necessary items, you'd make a batch of cookies (no judgment here if you eat some bites of raw cookie dough!)
As you start to clean-up the kitchen, you throw away the bag from the chocolate chip cookies you used.
The remaining eggs and butter go back in the frig, while the vanilla, sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking soda and baking powder get returned to your pantry.
Even if you only needed 2 cups of flour, you were still compelled to buy a 5 pound bag because that's how flour is sold. Ditto the other ingredients.
Mmmm!
Baking Cookies for Two Birthdays
Now assume your cousin is unexpectedly coming to town. You recall that he loves your chocolate chip cookies (though you wish he liked nuts, because you love pecans in your chocolate chip cookies).
Instead of baking just one batch of cookies for your friend’s birthday, you decide to make two batches---one for your friend and another for your cousin.
As you consider whether you need to make a second trip to the store, you realize you already own most of the items on hand. Except for purchasing a second bag of chocolate chips at a cost of $3, there’s no additional money you need to spend.
That's How the Cookie Crumbles: Breaking Down the Numbers
Looking at the receipt from the grocery store, you find that you spent $15 on ingredients for the first batch of cookies. Since the recipe made 36 cookies, it works out to $0.42 per cookie.
The second batch?
They were seemingly a bargain at $3 because the only incremental cost was an additional bag of chocolate chips.
To calculate the true cost of both batches of cookies, you need to add the cost of the first batch ($15) to the cost of the second batch ($3) for a total of $18 or $0.25/cookie.
As you can see, economies of scale apply here: making 36 cookies cost $0.42/cookie, while making 72 cookies resulted in a cost of $0.25/cookie. The more you baked, the less each cookie cost to make.
Economies of Scale Applies to Your Time as Well
If it took you 90 minutes to make the first batch of cookies, it would NOT take you another 90 minutes to make the second batch.
Even if we assume it takes the same amount of time to scoop out the dough and bake the cookies for each batch, you would still save time.
How?
The ingredients are already out on your counter, you’d probably measure out the increased amounts all at one time, you’d probably mix the two batches at the same time….
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I’d like to suggest a Mexican Fiesta. A friend and I co-hosted a Mexican themed birthday party several years ago and it’s still one of my favorites.
More reasons to love this theme?
Most people love Mexican food and drink, the bright happy colors make decorating a breeze and it’s simple to repurpose some household items you already own for the party.
Keep reading for Mexican Fiesta ideas that will make your party a hit, including:
Decorating for a Mexican Fiesta is fun! The bright colors lend themselves to a happy atmosphere.
By adding in a few classic items such as sombreros and serapes (woven Mexican blankets; very often with fringes on the edges) you’ll be ready before you know it.
A buffet works well for a Mexican fiesta!
When it comes to entertaining, I recommend selecting a few key areas to decorate. There are several advantages to this approach:
For a Mexican themed birthday party, decorating the buffet/dinner/food table is a great place to focus. Use several overlapping serapes as tablecloths, scatter a few sombreros and serve food out of clay or ceramic pots.
(Apologies that some of the photos below aren't as crisp and clear as they should be. They were shot on an earlier iPhone.)
Another focal point I usually decorate with is the dessert table. I’m a huge fan of sweets and a fiesta is just an excuse to enjoy several types.
In the picture below, you’ll see we made tissue paper flowers and used them to decorate the chandelier. We added some mesh ribbon and topped it off with a piñata and a sombrero.
If you’d like to make decorating even easier, add this Happy Birthday centerpiece to your table. Standing nearly 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, it will grab guest's attention the moment they walk in! Sold exclusively by Birthday Butler, you can have it set-up in under 2 minutes.
The easiest birthday decor to add to any fiesta! Learn more here.
(That's me in the photo. I don't usually wear a sombrero, but as a small business owner, you gotta do what you gotta do! 😉)
As always, the amount of decorations is up to you! Depending on how much time you have and what your budget is, you may choose to go big or small.
Below, is a list of decorations to consider. Items with an asterisk (*) are ones that you may be able to borrow from a friend.
Wondering how to ask for a favor in Spanish? Try this!
¿Permíteme por favor tomar prestado tu sombrero?
If your friend replies, "Of course you can borrow my sombrero!", you did well! 😀
Cacti and succulents add a lot to the decor!
Must Have Fiesta Decorations (Big Impact, Low Effort)
Things from Your House to Repurpose for the Fiesta
Fun Touches to Make Your Party Guests Smile
I can’t imagine a fiesta without margaritas...or maybe that’s just because I really like margaritas!
Margaritas are typically made with tequila, triple sec and lime. Choose to serve them frozen or on the rocks and consider offering a version with fruit like pineapple or strawberry.
Don’t worry about serving them in a classic margarita glass---I’ve learned the hard way that it can be very difficult to walk around a party with the wide, low glass and not spill.
If you’re expecting a large crowd, you may want to rent a frozen margarita machine from a local party supply company.
There are many other tequila cocktails to consider, such as the Paloma and the Tequila Sunrise.
You could also offer cerveza (Mexican beer) for those who try to stay clear of tequila. Some popular Mexican brands—Modelo, Corona, Pacifica and Tecate, Dos Equis.
I’ve hosted dozens of parties over the years and found the margarita packs a bigger punch than any other cocktail.
So that your guests don’t end up under the table before dinner is served, always have a non-alcoholic drink choice and have pitchers/containers of water available.
If you run into the situation where everyone is feeling very tipsy too early in the evening, consider adding a bit of water or limeade to the margaritas to dull their impact.
Before beginning to make your menu, consider the following:
There’s no right or wrong answers to these questions. I just find they’re really helpful in getting clear on what food items will and won’t work in a particular setting. The answers will also help you know how much prep time you’re going to need before the party.
Hors d’Oeuvres vs. Appetizers?
Hors d’Oeuvres are eaten before the meal and are typically finger foods. Appetizers are usually eaten as part of the meal while seated. If you’ve ever been at a formal wedding where waiters/waitresses are serving morsels of food on trays, those ar hors d’oeuvres.
Most importantly, both are equally tasty!
Dinner Menu for a Mexican Fiesta
Heavy Appetizers for a Mexican Birthday Party
Nachos!
This Party Tip Will Impress Your Guests!
No matter what you serve, put place cards with the name of the food near each dish. Guests always love this detail and it genuinely only takes a few minutes to do!
Over the years, i've also found that adding a few comments (spicy! or "extra sauce is great on the enchiladas" to the cards can help.
Add place cards to each dish you serve. Your guests will appreciate the information and your thoughtfulness!
Mexican Fiesta Party Tip Your Friends Will Love
Another idea that always gets rave reviews is having a menu of what you're serving.
I've done it many different ways--chalkboard, picture frame and in the photo below, I used a letter board.
Get your guests excited about the meal ahead!
Use a menu board to let them know what you're serving.
(Sorry again that the photo isn't better. No idea why it looks like I'm standing in a hole! 😉)
For the party I mentioned above, my co-host made this birthday cake. She said it was super easy. She made cakes in round pans and then dyed vanilla frosting in rich hues. Since she was running short on time, she decorated the cake using fake flowers. It was a delicious hit!
Decorating with fake flowers saves lots of time!
If you’re thinking you’d like some other sweets, a Tres Leches cake, fried ice cream balls or churros with dipping sauces would go well.
A churros bar with dipping sauces would be yummy!
It’s completely up to you whether you write “Happy Birthday” or go with “Feliz Cumpleanos.” Below you’ll find how to sing Happy Birthday in Spanish.
Happy Birthday Song in Spanish
Feliz cumpleaños a ti
feliz cumpleaños a ti
feliz cumpleaños querido a (name)
feliz cumpleaños a ti
If you’d like to offer your guests an activity during the party, here are a few that are fun and keep with the theme.
Offer a tequila tasting-Set up different tequila and mezcal varieties and let guests experience the differences. They’ll enjoy learning new phrases like reposado, blanco and añejo and more.
A tequila tasting will help your guests appreciate the spirit anew!
Hang a piñata-I’ve always found this activity to be amusing---whether it’s with kids or adults! Simply fill the piñata with candies and then string it up on a tree branch outside. Before too long, the final blow will break it open, and it will be raining candy.
Birthday Trivia-having guests answer questions about the celebrant is a good party activity. Click here to read more about including birthday trivia and worksheets.
Music helps set the mood!
Creating a playlist prior to the party means one less thing to worry about when your guests arrive.
Music for a Mexican themed birthday party can be a mix of standard party favorites with some Latin favorites thrown in.
If you're wanting to go for a more authentic experience, consider hiring a mariachi band.
11 Fun Songs to Include on Your Mexican Fiesta Playlist
Conga (Gloria Estefan)
One Margarita (Luke Bryan)
LaBamba (Ricky Martin)
Mexico (James Taylor)
Tiempo De Vals (Chayanne)
Hips Don’t Lie (Shakira)
Vivir Mi Vida (Marc Anthony)
I Like it Like That (Pete Rodriguez)
Oye Como Va (Santana)
La Cucaracha
Tequila (The Champs)
]]>Ever thought to do something for a friend/family member/colleague’s birthday...
Maybe you considered getting them a gift from that cute little shop on Main Street that finally reopened. Or perhaps you were going to send them a card and somehow never got around to it.
Then, one day in the future, you’re having your morning coffee/tea/smoothie.You check your calendar to see what’s up for the day.
You look at the date and instantly think, “ARRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!”
It’s the person’s birthday---and you haven’t done ANYTHING! 😳
Yep. It’s happened to all of us.
It doesn’t mean their birthday doesn’t matter or that you don’t want to do something to help make their day special. It’s just that our human brains forget stuff.
I recently tested out an idea that can help save the day when you need a quick and easy birthday gift...STAT.
During the pandemic, I had started using DoorDash occasionally. It was a treat for me—I didn’t have to cook and some nice person would deliver hot food to my doorstep.
One day it occurred to me that I could select ANY delivery location for a DoorDash order. I wondered if this might be a fun way to surprise someone on their birthday or another occasion.
I decided to test it out last week. A friend had flown from California to Florida to help her 20-something son move into his house. The previous owners left the home in a miserable condition---it looked like a raging frat party had happened the night before. (Who does that?!?!?)
I wanted to brighten their day, so I thought I’d send them a surprise delivery via DoorDash. My friend loves cheese, so my plan was to send her a cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a location anywhere near them.
It took me a few tries to figure out what might be a “good” restaurant to order from, but I placed an order for a giant meatball calzone and a zeppole (an Italian funnel cake filled with custard).
The order was delivered. My friend and her son were not only surprised, they were delighted to have a hot, ready-to-eat meal after a long day spent cleaning the house.
(Keep reading for lessons I learned and the play-by-play of the delivery experience.)
If you want to make something happen ON their birthday and need it to be quick and easy, try this:
Use the power of DoorDash to work for you by sending the birthday person an order of their favorite pot stickers, cupcakes or meatball calzones.
All you need to do is select the birthday person’s delivery location, estimated delivery time and the restaurant you want to order from.
In my case, I texted my friend that a delivery was on the way. She was in the shower and missed it. When the Dasher tried to deliver the food, her son was the one who answered the door. He said he hadn’t ordered anything and tried to turn the dasher away.
DoorDash tried to call me twice to resolve the issue, but I didn’t answer because I was in a meeting and the unfamiliar calls looked like spam. Thankfully, I answered the third call and told the sweet DoorDasher. “Tell him it’s from his mom’s friend, Lisa.”
Here are some things I learned along the way:
Please tuck this idea away, just in case you need it one day!
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At Birthday Butler, we're all about helping you celebrate with quick and easy ideas. You might also like these blog posts: Decadent Birthday Gifts for Women and The Ultimate Guide to Milestone Birthdays.
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