A birthday is the anniversary of the date of one’s own birth. It’s an occasion that is typically marked by gifts, parties and/or cards. Some cultures and religions place greater importance on certain birthdays than others. For example, Japanese men and women celebrate Coming of Age Day on their 20th birthday, while Jewish boys and girls have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah on their 12th or 13th birthday as symbols of their entry into adulthood.
While it is not a universal celebration, most people in the world recognize birthdays as a special day to honor one’s past and future contributions to the community, and to receive gifts from friends and family. In fact, it is estimated that over 2 billion cards are sent every year worldwide. The word birthday itself is derived from the Latin term for “coming of age.”
Whether you’re celebrating a friend’s big milestone or simply marking another year around the sun, it’s important to express your love and appreciation with meaningful gestures. Fortunately, there are endless ways to surprise and delight your favorite person on their special day!
Here are some of our favorite ideas:
Make a birthday wish with a personalized message. This can be done by handwriting or typing a message in a card or on social media. Adding an inspiring quote or verse can add depth and meaning to your message. You can even sprinkle some uplifting words of wisdom in their day-to-day life.
Give a gift that keeps on giving. This is a great option for those who have a lot of close friends and family. A subscription to a clothing rental service or beauty box company is a thoughtful and cost-effective way to give someone their favorite luxuries each month.
Get crafty. A painting studio like Goshen Art Academy or a sock customization company like DivvyUp can help you channel your creative side on your birthday. This is a fun activity to do with friends and can be enjoyed by all ages.
Take it outdoors. Spending time in nature can be calming and rejuvenating on your birthday. NYC is home to many exceptional botanical gardens, including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the New York Botanical Garden. Spend your special day exploring these serene landscapes, and taking in the splendor of Mother Nature.
Treat yourself to a scrumptious meal. NYC is a food lover’s paradise, and you can satiate your cravings on a culinary tour of the city. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, test your virtual reality skills on a thrilling VR experience at a venue like VR World NYC.
Spending a birthday alone can be just as exciting as spending it with loved ones. If you’re feeling like hanging out on your own, plan a staycation for yourself and enjoy your day off from work or chores. You can also invite some long-distance friends to join you for a fun online get-together on a website like GroupMe or Skype. This is a fun and easy way to have a party without having to travel!