What Makes the Perfect Birthday Gift?

I remember a time when I was about five or six when birthdays were just the best day of the year. I would wait for months and months to have all my friends come over for a big party with lots of junk food, videos and games. And of course there were the presents!

Skip about three decades since then and birthdays are probably now just about the most dreaded day of the year. I do not need a reminder that I am getting older. Every year though, my husband insists that we celebrate, together with friends and family around. Unfortunately, I just do not have that same excitement and anticipation I did when I was a kid. Even most of the gifts are more of a let down than anything else.

There are probably two reasons that I am always a bit disappointed when it comes to gifts on my birthday. Number one is that now that I am older, I can actually go out and buy myself whatever I feel I need or want. I am earning my own money, unlike when I was six and had to rely on my parents.  If there is a gorgeous new sweater I saw in the shops or that latest CD that just came out, I make sure I put money aside to buy it.

The second reason why birthdays are always an anticlimax is probably the biggest. For all my 34 years in existence one would think that my nearest and dearest know me well enough to buy me “the perfect birthday present”. 

I understand that coming up with an unusual gift idea is not so simple. So what makes the “perfect birthday present”?

• Remember, the best gifts do not have to be the most expensive




• Unique birthday gifts require time and thought




• Add an element of surprise to birthdays. It is always encouraging (and takes away from moping about your age)




• Incorporate presents that express one’s love and gratitude




• Choose a gift that can be cherished for years to come

I must admit that not all the presents my loved ones have given me over the years were disappointing. One of the most unusual birthday gifts I ever received was a gift called The Friendship Stone. This is a stone I hold onto at all times and carry it with me in my purse. It was given to me by my best friend of 30 years, on my birthday prior to her immigrating with her husband. It is a semi-precious Tiger’s Eye gemstone originating from Western South Africa. Whenever I miss her (and I do very often), I look at this Friendship Stone. It reminds me of those precious childhood moments and I realize that even though she is far away, I carry our bond of friendship all the time. This is truly one of those “perfect presents”.  It is like being given an engagement ring by your fiancé although this is for friends or family, and costs a hell of a lot less money.

Since I was given the Friendship Stone, I realize that the true beauty of birthdays lies more in just being able to celebrate it with my nearest and dearest, than the presents themselves. With all my frustration at the years slipping by, the bonds created from a lifetime together are worth more than any actual gift they could buy me.  I am hoping for many more birthdays ahead!