Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Brainstorming gift ideas
• Part 2 of 4: Asking for helpful gifts
• Part 3 of 4: Choose an outing as a gift
• Part 4 of 4: Reducing the number of items on your list
• Tips
• Warnings

Your birthday is coming up again and the choice of a birthday present can sometimes feel overwhelming. So what do you say to your grandmother when she asks what you want for your birthday? You could make a list of birthday wishes. If you are struggling to decide which gifts you would prefer, this article may help! Read on for some ideas and suggestions.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Brainstorming gift ideas

1. Think about your hobbies. Write down some of the things you enjoy doing. Then write down the supplies you need for each hobby. Choose the supplies you really like and add them to your wish list. Here are some ideas to get you started:
   • If you like to paint or draw, you may want to use some new graphite pencils, brushes, or paint pots. If you enjoy working with oil paint, you may be interested in linseed oil or turpentine. Be creative!
   • If you like to show your support for your favorite sports team or club, don't limit your options to T-shirts, sweaters and caps with the logo of your favorite team. Attending a sports game is a great way to show your unconditional support and can also be an unforgettable experience.
   • If you like music, think about your favorite band for a moment. Have new albums been released recently or is your collection incomplete? How about posters or T-shirts?
   • If you are interested in manga or comic books, see if new releases have appeared in your favorite series.
   • If you love anime, see if there are any new action figures released to add to your collection.
2. Try to remember something nice that you did in the past. Have you recently seen a musical that you liked? Perhaps the musical will no longer be in theaters when your birthday is around the corner, but there may be another musical that is also good. Visit the website of the theater in your area to see if there are interesting performances on the program. Tickets to shows such as operas, plays and musicals are memorable gifts.
   • If you don't like the theater, think about other outings you have enjoyed. This could be a sports game, concert or a day at an amusement park. Click here for gift ideas for fun outings.
3. Think about what you need. Sometimes determining what you need is easier than determining what you would like. Think about the past months. Ask yourself if there was a particular item that you really needed at some point, but simply didn't own. Here are a few things to get you started:
   • If you are in the kitchen a lot and love to cook, some pots, pans or other utensils may need to be replaced or updated. You could request a new set or a blender. If all of your cooking supplies are still in tip-top shape, you could ask for some exotic spices for your birthday. If you have a green thumb, a starter kit for growing your own herbs might be an idea. A starter kit usually consists of a number of pots, soil and a number of popular herbs, such as basil, thyme and mint.
   • If you play a sport or play an instrument, you can see if one of the supplies needs to be replaced. The equipment or supplies can be quite pricey, so your birthday is the ideal time to ask for an upgrade.
   • If your birthday falls just before or in the winter months, you may be wise to see if your winter clothes still fit you. If not, you can request a new coat or scarf for your birthday.
4. View the range of stores, view websites and browse flyers for ideas. Do you have a favorite store where you like to shop? Then visit the website of this store and see if new items have been released since your last visit. Sometimes viewing the assortment in a store, browsing brochures or viewing websites will give you ideas.
   • If you have some time to spare on the weekend, you may want to go to the mall near you. Don't forget to take notes of anything you are interested in.

Part 2 of 4: Asking for helpful gifts

1. Consider asking for supplies or sets / kits if you are an artist. Chances are you are interested in more than just drawing, painting and knitting. You may want to have all the relevant supplies related to your arts and crafts. The offer can be enormous, which can make the offer seem somewhat overwhelming. To avoid this you could request a set or kit. These often include everything you need for at least one to two projects. Choosing a set or kit also makes it easier for the person who is going to give it to you, as he or she doesn't have to worry about whether it is the right supplies or if something important is missing. Here are some ideas to get you started:
   • If you like to work with beads, a bead set might be for you. Most sets will include all the supplies you need to make a necklace, a pair of earrings, or a bracelet, for example. These sets often include wire, clasps, end caps and beads. You may also have an interest in polymer clay so that you can make your own beads.
   • If you're a DIY enthusiast, you may be interested in a kit that you can use to make your own soap or candles. You can also request supplies for a simple DIY project. Think of supplies such as: blackboard paint, mason jars (Mason jar), burlap, sailing yarn and brushes.
   • If you enjoy drawing, you could ask for a set of graphite or charcoal pencils, a sketchbook and a book of drawing tips. These books exist for almost every subject, from people, plants and trees to animals. Some books even focus on specific animals, such as birds, cats, dogs or horses. If you like fantasy creatures, there are also books about mermaids, fairies, elves and dragons. There are even books on how to make anime drawings.
   • If you love to paint, consider a painting set. Many drawing and painting supplies shops sell the sets in wooden or metal cases. The sets often contain high-quality acrylic, oil and watercolor paint. Some sets even include a book of painting and drawing tips, painting and drawing paper, or canvas canvases.
   • If you like knitting or crocheting, you don't have to limit yourself to simple, old yarn when choosing a suitable gift. Go for a high-quality, expensive yarn with different fibers and textures. Many books are also sold with crochet and knitting patterns, this could also be an interesting gift for you.
2. Maybe accessories for one of your electronic devices are right for you. Devices such as computers, telephones and tablets are always updated and what is new one year is outdated less than a year later. Accessories, such as covers and earplugs, however, do not easily become obsolete and last much longer. Here are some suggestions:
   • If you have a phone or tablet, you can request a new protective cover. These can even be personalized with your name, a unique design or an image on it.
   • Headphones, speakers, and other smaller items can enhance a device you already own.
   • You may be more interested in something nostalgic, such as a record player with which you can play your record collection.
3. If fashion is all your thing, you can look at jewelry and accessories. Jewelry can be quite pricey, but of course there are different price ranges. You can get a lot of beautiful, handmade jewelry through jewelry maker web shops, such as Etsy, and at jewelry fairs. View your own jewelry collection and determine whether something is missing for a certain outfit, such as a brooch, bracelet or necklace. If jewelry isn't your thing, you might want to add a special hat or bag to your wish list. Here are a few more ideas:
   • If you would like jewelry for your birthday, consider asking for a full set, so a necklace with matching earrings.
   • If you already have a decent jewelry collection, but don't have a suitable place to keep the jewelry, you could ask for a jewelry box for your birthday.
   • If you're a man, you could also ask for a tie clip, cufflinks, or even a new watch.
   • Belts and wallets are also very suitable gifts. If you go for a variant of leather, it may even be possible to have the item personalized. Certain leather can be stamped with a design or letters.
4. Keep makeup, bath and beauty products in mind if you want to pamper yourself. Make sure to pass on your favorite colors, shadows and scents as personal tastes may vary. Like jewelry, makeup doesn't take up a lot of space and can be used on a daily basis. Here are some ideas to get you started:
   • Many make-up manufacturers market gift sets, which usually include a make-up bag, eyeshadow, lipstick and blush.
   • Stores that specialize in bath and beauty products often sell gift baskets of lotions and soaps. Some even include items such as: bath bombs, bath salts and bubbles.
   • Obviously, if you love expensive moisturizers or perfumes, your birthday is a great time to ask for them.
5. Request sports memorabilia to support your favorite team. Most professional clubs have a webshop where you can go for fan articles. A webshop is a good place to view the range. If your favorite team is playing nearby for your birthday, you can try to get tickets to the game. Here are some ideas:
   • Ask for a shirt, cap, or sweater that you can wear on match days to show your love for the club.
   • If you want to show your support for the club at work, look for slightly more subtle fan articles suitable for work. Think of a tie, socks, cufflinks or a scarf.
   • If you like to host parties at home around watching your favorite team's game on TV, you could ask for a bowl with your favorite club as the theme. Such items give a personal touch to your party.
   • You could also ask for sports equipment that you can use while exercising, such as sportswear, special shoes, rackets or balls.
6. Broaden your horizons as a bookworm. If you have a favorite writer or genre, ask for the latest book in that series. The New York Times' Best Selling List can be a useful resource when looking for popular books in a variety of genres. Let the person who is going to give you the gift clearly know what your taste is. He or she may have read something that will interest you too. Here are some ideas:
   • Ask for an e-reader as a gift, with this handy gadget you always have your favorite books at hand.
   • If you already own an e-reader, you could request a special cover for your e-reader. You could also ask for a gift card to purchase new ebooks.
   • If you have a favorite book, see if there are canvas satchels or posters on sale with the cover of your favorite book on it. With a little luck, you might find an image of the cover printed on a T-shirt, mug or even a mouse pad.
   • If you have a favorite quote about reading or from a famous writer, check online to see if the quote is printed on a poster, mug, or other object.
7. Ask for toys and games if you are still a kid or you still feel a bit like a kid. If you already own a number of figures from a certain set, ask for the other figures to complete your collection. If you like to play games, you may want a new board game or card games, such as Uno, Clue, or Apples to Apples.
   • Older players are probably more interested in strategy games like "Ticket to Ride" or board games like "Cards Against Humanity".
   • You may also be interested in building kits. Some are very simple, you just need to connect the separate parts. No paint or glue is involved with such simple packages. Other kits are of a higher level, you have to glue and paint the different parts together. There are kits of cars, planes, ships, helicopters and motorcycles. Even the spaceships from popular science fiction movies, such as Star Wars and Star Trek are available.
8. Provide yourself for your geek needs. If you love a particular series, book series, or video game, you could ask for merchandise for your birthday. For example, you could make a magic wand Harry Potter, a figure from Lord of the Rings or ask for a T-shirt from your favorite video game. You might want to add these to your collection of DVDs or books. Here are some more ideas:
   • Video game enthusiasts may be interested in a backpack from Minecraft or pajamas with "Crest of Hyrule" from the Legend of Zelda.
   • If you're a fan of cosplay, you could ask for a wig or accessories to complete your latest project. You could also ask for a gift card to your favorite hobby store so you can buy the materials for a cosplay outfit yourself.
   • Ask for posters or action figures of your favorite character, comic book, movie or video game.
   • If you are reading manga, you could ask for the last part of a particular series. If you like anime you can ask for the latest episodes on DVD, some studios also make movies based on certain series.
   • Consider asking for a book containing the designs and concepts of your favorite video games, comic books, manga, or anime.
9. Ask for a handmade gift. Such gifts are often more personal and special than gifts straight from a store. The person will likely be very happy if you indicate that his or her homemade item is gift-worthy. Handmade gifts are both unique and special and are sure to stand out. Here are some suggestions you could ask for:
   • If you know someone who loves knitting, ask if they are willing to make a scarf or hat for you.
   • If you know someone who loves to sew, ask if they are willing to make a new bag for you.
   • If one of your friends likes to make soaps and candles themselves, ask them to make a set for you.
10. Ask for a gift card for your favorite store. It is possible that the range of your favorite store does not really appeal to you at a certain moment. A gift card allows you to temporarily put the money aside so that you can spend it later in your favorite store when you do come across something nice.
    • Some people don't like gift cards. If this also applies to you, you could ask the person who gave you the receipt to go to the store with you so that you can find something together.

Part 3 of 4: Choose an outing as a gift

1. Ask for a trip or outing if you like to travel. If the budget is big, you could ask for a trip to a destination you've never been to. If the budget is on the smaller side, you could spend the day out with the giver. With such simple trips you should think of going out for dinner or visiting a museum near you. Here are some ideas:
   • Visit another state, province, or even country you've always wanted to go to. If you don't know where you'd like to go, you can always close your eyes and then point out a spot on a map. Then open your eyes and go to the destination you have designated.
   • Take a cruise. A cruise often comes in combination with trips ashore, so you are not constantly on board.
   • Go to the park. This could even be the park near you. It could also be a national park.
   • Go camping. Keep in mind that camping alone is not a good idea, you would be wise to go with one or even two people.
2. Ask for an active outing if you are a true adrenaline junkie. As well as going on a trip, these trips should be planned. In many cases you will also need certain equipment. However, they can also be combined with travel. For example, if you are going to a tropical island, you may be able to go scuba diving. If you decide to go camping, you can also explore some caves or go hiking in the mountains. Here are some suggestions to consider:
   • Bungee jumping
   • Caving (exploring caves)
   • Hiking or backpacking
   • Horse riding
   • Kayaking
   • Rock climbing
   • To dive
3. Let yourself be pampered by planning a trip to a spa on your birthday. Many spas offer special treatments, such as extensive pedicures with salt, oils and extra long massages. If pedicures aren't your thing, you might prefer a massage or facial with a clay or mud mask. Make sure to book this outing early as some popular spas fill up quickly.
4. You might be able to learn a new skill on your birthday. Many companies offer certificates to learn a new skill, these certificates people can give to each other. Such skills include dancing, martial arts, painting or woodworking. You may also want to spend a day with one of your family members so he or she can teach you a special skill. Your grandmother will love teaching you how to bake a cake or make a favorite dish. The best thing about it is that you then get to eat it yourself. Here are a few more ideas:
   • If you enjoy working with beads, decorating cakes, crocheting, knitting, or painting, visit a craft store or a store that specializes in these areas. Most stores will also offer courses.
   • Some community centers also offer pottery, weaving and music courses.
5. Ask for a trip to a museum. This is a great gift for anyone who loves art and history. Many museums have a specific theme and focus on a specific period in history (eg Ancient Egypt or the Middle Ages) or a particular art movement (eg Asian or French Impressionism). Think about where your interests lie and see if there is a museum that suits your interests.
   • If history or art isn't quite your thing, you may be more interested in sports or a hall of fame related to music. Maybe you prefer to go to a museum with wax figures or a museum that focuses on technology and innovation.
6. Head to the zoo or an aquarium if the animal kingdom is your thing. Often you only have to pay an entrance fee, after which you can stay as long as you want. Some zoos and aquariums offer you the opportunity to touch the animals, this is often for an additional fee. If you are interested in this, please visit the website of the zoo or aquarium in your area to see if this is an option.
7. Ask for a ticket to a concert if you like music or performances. Sometimes the memories of a concert can be more valuable than a tangible gift. Many theaters and theaters have gift shops where you can buy posters, CDs and shirts that will remind you of this experience even longer.
   • See if your favorite band will be performing near you anytime soon and ask for a ticket to their concert. You could make this experience even more special by requesting a VIP ticket so you can meet the band members and have their items signed.
   • If you enjoy classical music, you may want to attend a concert by an orchestra.
   • If you like singing and dancing, a musical might be more for you. If you like shows, but without singing and dancing, a play might be a better option.
8. Request an entrance ticket to an anime or comic book convention for your birthday. However, keep in mind that if this convention takes place elsewhere, you may also need to book an overnight stay somewhere. Many hotels that organize such conventions themselves offer special room rates during the convention.
   • If anime or comic books are anything but your thing, you may be more interested in a Renaissance Faire. Such events are often only open on weekends, so you probably won't need to spend the night elsewhere. A Renaissance Faire offers you an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of history and fantasy.
   • If you have a favorite writer or draftsman, see if he or she is holding a lecture or book signing near you in the near future. Not only will you meet someone you are quite a fan of, but you can also get his or her signature.
9. Celebrate your birthday by going out for dinner at your favorite restaurant. An outing does not always have to be active. You can also just enjoy tasty dishes with your friends and family. Choose a restaurant where you like to eat or one where you have always wanted to go.
10. Ask to make a donation on your behalf. Sometimes giving a gift feels better than receiving a present. Try to find out what you are really passionate about and try to find an organization that resembles it. Here are some ideas:
    • Animals and nature
    • Shelter for the homeless
    • Emergency disaster relief
    • Education

Part 4 of 4: Reducing the number of items on your list

1. Check out the pros and cons of each gift. If you're very unsure about a few options, make a list of the pros and cons of each gift. Write down the positives and negatives of all items on your wish list. Choose the gift with the most benefits and least drawbacks. For example, a new coat is not really an exciting gift, but you could combine it with many different outfits. The jacket could even keep you warm during the winter months.
2. Try to identify what is most important to you. This can be your school, work, sports or something completely different. If exercise is most important to you, sports equipment or new sports equipment may be more helpful than a new video game. In fact, you may not even have time to play a video game at all, even in between workouts.
3. Think forward. Sometimes a present that you want right now is not something you will use in the near future. When in doubt between a few items, try to imagine life without those items a few months later. Choose the item you will continue to use, or still be interested in, instead of the items that will disappear at the bottom of your closet pretty quickly.
   • You could also imagine how you would feel if you did not receive one of the gifts. Choose the gift that will make you most disappointed if you don't get it.
4. Keep the people's budget in mind. Not everyone will be able to spend a large amount on a gift. If you have something expensive in mind, try to determine the person's budget before showing your wish list. If you ask for an overpriced gift that the person cannot actually afford, he or she will be ashamed of it. Here are a few other options:
   • If you're too shy to ask for the budget, put a few expensive and a few affordable gifts on your wish list. This allows people to choose a gift for you that fits their budget.
   • Ask for a group gift. Everyone in your family or group of friends can put in a certain amount and then buy an expensive gift for you.
   • Ask for one gift for two different occasions, so combine your birthday with a holiday. For example, if your birthday is in winter, you could ask for a present that is both your birthday and Christmas present.
   • Offer to add a certain amount yourself. The combination of your money and the amount they contribute may enable you to buy an expensive gift that you really want.
5. Let someone else decide for you. If you are unsure between two or three items, you could ask someone else to make the decision for you. Give this person the list and ask him or her to make a choice. Some people prefer to choose a gift for the other.
6. Thinking about what you want is more important than thinking about what is expected of you. Trying to meet other people's expectations will make you feel very stressed. You may not even get what you wanted for your birthday in the end.
   • If a trip to the beach is something that makes you happy, let your family know. Your friends may always go for expensive gifts, but this does not automatically mean that you also have to.

Tips

• Make sure to make a wish list. When you have a new idea for a gift, write it down in your notebook. You can also create a wish list online. Many web shops have an option that allows you to add items to a wish list. You can add the items you want to the virtual wish list and then send the link to your friends and family members.
• When looking for a gift online, you can use search terms such as: "the best _______" or "the most durable ________ under [price]". Also consult various forums for purchase advice regarding your desired gift.
• The steps can also come in handy during other holidays, such as Sinterklaas or Christmas!
• Try watercolor brushes, encaustic wax (beeswax), or fabric. Immerse yourself in the different types of supplies on offer.
• When you go to certain stores, keep your eyes peeled for the items you wanted but couldn't get at the time. It will help you if you don't remember for a while.
• Never make an extremely long wish list. The shorter the list, the greater the chance that you will receive your desired gift. Try to keep the number of items on your list limited.

Warnings

• Check your wish list if you have prepared these months in advance. What you wanted at the time may not be of interest to you today.
• Don't wait until the last minute. The longer you wait, the less time your friends and family will have to buy you a gift. It is possible that certain items are already sold out by the time you have made your choice. Try to submit your wish list in time. This way your friends and family have more time to plan the purchase of your gift.
• Even if you really want a gift, don't pressure anyone to make the purchase, especially if it's an expensive gift. They may not be able to afford the gift or they may have already bought you a present. Be realistic when asking for gifts for your birthday.