In many cultures, birthdays are celebrated with a special meal, a decorated cake, and gifts. A person’s birthday is also a good time to show him or her how much they are loved and appreciated. Whether it’s a simple card or a handmade gift, giving someone something thoughtful can go a long way in making them feel special on their birthday.
In the United States, birthday celebrations often feature a cake with a number of candles matching the age of the person celebrating. Some people also wear a crown or tiara for the day. Others give a speech or read a birthday poem, and friends and family may sing happy birthday to the celebrant. Birthdays are also a common occasion for parties, though not all cultures celebrate birthdays in the same way.
A birthday is a great time to try something new. Whether it’s an exotic dish at a restaurant or a new board game at a bar, stepping out of your comfort zone can be a fun and exciting way to spend the day.
If you have a lot of friends who live far away, a trip to their hometown can be a fun way to see them and get to know them better. Choosing a place they’ve never been to can add an extra element of adventure to their celebration and give them a chance to explore somewhere they might have only seen in pictures before.
If your friend or loved one loves animals, throwing a party at the zoo is a great way to let them enjoy their special day with the animals they love. Many zoos have dedicated spaces for events and even have options that allow you to hold your party right next to their underwater exhibits.
Consider making a birthday scrapbook or photo album for the person you’re celebrating. You can gather photos and other mementos from their life ahead of time and put them together in a nice book or slideshow to surprise them on their big day. If you’re tech savvy, you can make this a digital project and share it on social media.
Another sweet birthday idea is to make a donation to a charity in the person’s honor. This is a wonderful way to give back and also gives them a thoughtful keepsake of their special day.
If you’re an introvert who prefers a quieter birthday, stay in and reread a favorite book. If you’re really feeling like indulging, pick up a bottle of your favorite spirit or treat yourself to an expensive dessert.