As your birthday approaches, you may be overwhelmed with the choice of gifts to ask for. What would you say when your grandmother called to ask what you wanted? You can make a list of gift ideas that suit you and your interests. If you're having a hard time deciding which gift you want the most, this article has some suggestions for you!
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Part 1 of 4: Contribute to Gift Ideas
Step 1. Consider your hobbies
Write down some of the things you do for fun. After that, write down some things that you use to enjoy your hobby. Choose the option you like the most from the list, and add it to the wish list. Here are some ideas that can help you:
- If you enjoy painting or drawing, you'll need a new graphite pencil, brush, or paint. If you usually paint using oil paints, you will also need linseed oil or turpentine. Show your creativity with the proposed ideas!
- If you enjoy showing your support for your favorite sports team, don't just imagine team shirts, sweaters and hats with your favorite team's logo as the only gifts. Watching your favorite team play can be a great way to show your support. In addition, you can also gain valuable experience.
- If you love music, why don't you think about your favorite band? Is there a new album or one that you don't have yet? How about a poster or band t-shirt?
- If you're interested in manga or comic books, find out if there are any new volumes out of your favorite comic series. If you like anime, look for new action figures that you might have missed.
- Click here for more ideas on more specific gifts.
Step 2. Think back to the fun things you've done before
Have you recently seen information about a musical that you like? The show may no longer be held by the time your birthday arrives, but there may be other shows you'll love. Visit the theater company's website and look for future shows that catch your eye. Tickets to shows like operas, plays, and musicals can make cool and memorable birthday gifts.
If you don't like theater, think about something else you enjoy. This could be a sporting event, a concert, or even a playground. Click here for more gift ideas based on your experience
Step 3. Think about what you need
Sometimes, it will be easier for you to think about what you really need than what you want. Think about the last few months. Ask yourself if there's something you really need, but don't have. Here are some things you can consider:
- If you cook often, it is possible that some of the pots, pans, and other cooking utensils need to be replaced or updated. You can ask for a new set of cooking utensils or a blender as a birthday present. If all your cooking utensils are still in good condition, you can ask for exotic spices. If you like gardening, you might like a set of self-help herb growing kits. You'll get pots, soil, and some popular ripe herb seeds, such as basil or basil, thyme, and min.
- If you follow a certain sport or play music, think about whether your equipment needs to be updated or replaced. Sports or music gear may not be cheap, so your birthday could be the perfect time to update your gear.
- If your birthday is close to winter, it's a good idea to check if your winter clothes still fit. If not, you can ask for a new jacket or scarf as a birthday present.
Step 4. Browse stores, websites, and catalogs for ideas
Do you have a favorite store that you would like to visit for shopping? Visit the store's website and look for new products on offer since your last visit. Sometimes, you can get ideas by visiting a store, reading a catalog, or browsing the web.
If you have free time on the weekends, try visiting the mall in your city. Make sure you take notes or remember things that catch your attention
Part 2 of 4: Possessing a Physical Item as a Gift
Step 1. If you are an artist, try choosing art/craft supplies
It is possible that you are interested in more than one field, such as drawing, painting, and knitting. You may also want anything to do with crafts. This can overwhelm you. So that you don't get confused when choosing a gift, you can ask for a set or craft kit. Typically, a device or set like this includes all the items needed to complete an art project or two. Products like this also make it easier for your friends and family when they want to buy gifts because they don't have to worry about the right equipment or worry about forgetting important items. Here are some ideas for you to consider:
- If you like making crafts from beads, you can ask for frantic supplies. Most products come with everything you need to make a necklace, a pair of earrings, and a bracelet. This kit includes wire, buckles or clips, and beads. You may also be interested in getting polymer clay to make your own beads.
- If you like DIY, you can ask for a set of soap or candle makers. You can also ask for basic DIY project supplies, such as chalkboard paint, glass jars, burlap, string, and paint brushes.
- If you enjoy drawing, try asking for a set of graphite or charcoal pencils, a sketchbook, and a how-to-draw book. Books like this cover almost every subject, from humans to plants (or plants to animals). Some books focus on how to draw specific animals, such as birds, cats, dogs, or horses. If you like fantasy creatures, there are books on how to draw mermaids, fairies, elves, and dragons. In fact, there are several books that discuss how to draw anime-style.
- If you like painting, ask for a set of painting tools. Many arts and crafts stores sell painting kits in wood or metal packaging. You can also get good quality acrylic, oil, or water paints. Some sets even come with a how-to book, painting paper, or canvas.
- If you enjoy knitting or crocheting, don't just use old woven yarn with boring looking ones. "Pamper" yourself with woven yarn that is more beautiful and expensive, with a variety of fibers and textures. There are also weaving pattern books that you might like.
Step 2. Think about accessories for your electronic device
Devices like computers, cell phones, and tablets are constantly being updated, and within a year, any new devices currently out there will be out of date. However, accessories such as phone cases and earphones don't go out of style easily and can last longer. There are several products you can consider:
- If you have a phone or tablet, ask for a protective case. Usually, a sarong like this can be modified and embellished with your name, design, or a specific image.
- Headphones, speakers, or other small devices can make your device even more powerful.
- You can also choose something nostalgic, such as a record player to play your collection of LPs.
Step 3. Consider jewelry or accessories if you like fashion
Although usually expensive, you can choose jewelry at a more affordable price. Get a variety of beautiful, homemade jewelry from artisan websites, such as Etsy, or from craft fairs. Take a look at your jewelry collection and think about whether there are pieces of jewelry that can complete your look, such as brooches, bracelets, or necklaces. If you don't like jewelry, you can ask for a special hat or bag. There are a few ideas you can consider:
- When asking for jewelry, try to ask for a complete set: a matching necklace and earrings.
- If you've got a lot of jewelry, but don't have a place to store it, you can ask for a jewelry box.
- If you're a boy, you can ask for tie pins, cufflinks, or even a new watch.
- Belts and purses make great gifts. If you ask for a leather belt or wallet, you can modify it. Some leather products can be stamped with a design or writing.
Step 4. If you enjoy pampering yourself, think about make-up, bath and beauty products
Make sure you include the colors, patterns, and scents that you like because these things are personal. Like jewelry, makeup products don't take up much space and can be used almost every day. Here are some ideas you can think of:
- Many makeup companies offer gift sets that include a makeup bag, eye shadow, lipstick, and blush.
- Bath and beauty products stores often offer “gift baskets” that include lotion and soap. Some products even come with bath bombs, bath salts, and bath bubbles.
- If you enjoy using moisturizing lotions or expensive perfumes, your birthday could be the perfect time to ask for these products.
Step 5. Ask for sports memorabilia to support your favorite team
Most sports teams open online gift shops. You can visit the store's website for gift ideas. If your favorite team is playing in your city ahead of your birthday, ask if you can get tickets for the match. There are a few other ideas you can consider:
- Ask for a team shirt (jersey), a hat, or a sweater you can wear to a match to show your support.
- If you want to show your support at work, try to find clothes that are appropriate to wear to work, such as a tie, socks, cufflinks, or scarf.
- If you like hosting parties or watching movies together, you can ask for your favorite team themed/designed bowl. A gift like this can give your party a personal touch.
- You can also ask for items that can help you exercise, such as sportswear, special shoes, rackets, or balls.
Step 6. Expand your horizons as a book lover
If you have a favorite author or genre of books, ask for the newest book in the series by that author (or in a preferred genre). The New York Times bestseller list can guide you to find the most popular books across a wide range of genres. Tell the gift giver your taste. Maybe he has enjoyed reading that you will like. There are a few suggestions you can think of:
- Ask for an e-reader device. With this device, you can take all your favorite books with you, wherever you go.
- If you already have the device, ask for a special case for your e-reader. You can also request a gift card or gift card so you can buy more e-books.
- If you have a favorite book, see if you can find a canvas book bag or a poster featuring the cover of the book. You can even search for T-shirts/shirts, mockups, or even mouse pads with your favorite book cover print design.
- If you have a favorite quote about reading or from your favorite author, go online to look for products such as posters, prints, or other items that contain or feature those quotes.
Step 7. Ask for toys and games if you are a child (or have a child's side)
If you already have several action figures from a particular set, request more action figures to complete your collection. If you enjoy playing games, you might like board games or card games like Uno, Clue, or Apples to Apples.
- If you're older, you might like strategy games like Ticket to Ride, or word games like Cards Against Humanity.
- You may also be interested in model devices. Some devices are quite simple with parts only needing to be paired. Simple model kits usually do not require gluing or painting. Meanwhile, there are also devices that are more complicated models. You have to glue the parts of the model and paint them. You can buy models of cars, airplanes, ships, helicopters, and motorcycles. You can even buy a set of starship models from popular sci-fi movies like Star Wars and Star Trek.
Step 8. Fulfill your inner geek
If you enjoy a certain television show, book series, or video game, you can ask for mementos or memorabilia from your favorite entertainment. For example, you could ask for a wand from the Harry Potter movies, an action figure or model from the Lord of the Rings movies, or a t-shirt with your favorite video game design. You can also request DVDs or books to complete your collection. Here are a few things worth considering:
- Video game fans might like a Minecraft backpack or pajamas with the Crest of Hyrule logo from the game Legend of Zelda.
- If you like cosplay, you can ask for a wig or accessory to complete your look. You can also ask for a voucher or gift card to buy the cosplay supplies you need from a fabric store, art store, or craft store.
- Ask for posters or action figures from your favorite character, comic book, movie, or video game.
- If you enjoy reading manga, ask for the latest book from the manga series you are following. If you like anime, ask for the latest DVD episodes for the series you're watching. Some animation studios also make films adapted from related series.
- Try asking for books featuring artwork or concept paintings from your favorite video games, comic books, manga, or anime.
Step 9. Ask for a homemade gift
Gifts like these are usually more personal and special than store-bought gifts. The gift giver will even be flattered because you feel that his talent is valuable. Besides being unique and special, homemade gifts are also "more prominent" than other gifts. There are several things you can ask for as your birthday present:
- If you know someone who enjoys knitting, ask if they'd like to make a scarf or hat for you.
- If you have a friend who is good at sewing, she may want to make you a new bag.
- If one of your friends enjoys making soap or candles, ask if they'd like to make you a soap or candle set.
Step 10. Ask for your favorite store's voucher or gift card
Sometimes, your favorite store doesn't sell or have something you like at the moment. Having a voucher card allows you to set aside your money, while still being able to buy something you like when it's available.
Some people don't like to give voucher cards as gifts. In this situation, ask if the gift giver would like to come with you to your favorite store to buy a special gift when the time comes
Part 3 of 4: Choosing Experiences As Birthday Gifts
Step 1. Ask for a trip as a birthday gift if you love to travel
If the budget is big, you can ask for a trip or vacation to a place that has never been visited before. If you have limited funds, ask the gift giver to spend a day with you. You can go enjoy lunch/dinner together or visit a museum in your city. Apart from that, there are some ideas you can try:
- Visit another country or city that you've been dreaming of for a long time. If you don't know which destination to choose, try closing your eyes and pointing your finger at a place on the map. Open your eyes, and visit the country or area your index finger points to.
- Enjoy the cruise. Often times, cruises allow you to get off “land” and enjoy a tour of your destination. You won't always be “unfettered” on the boat.
- Visit the park. As an easy option, you can visit parks in your city or area. You can also visit national parks.
- Camp. Keep in mind that camping alone is not a good idea. Therefore, invite one or two of your friends.
Step 2. If you like suspense, ask for activities that require you to stay active
As with travelling, experiences or activities like these require planning. Often, this activity requires some equipment. However, these challenging activities can be combined with your trip. For example, if you are vacationing on a tropical island, you can try scuba diving. If you want to camp, you can enter a cave or try hiking. There are a few other ideas you can consider:
- Bungee jumping
- Explore the cave
- Hiking or backpacking
- horse riding
- Kayaking
- Rock climbing
- Scuba diving
Step 3. Treat yourself to a visit to the spa on your birthday
Many spas offer special additional treatments, such as luxurious pedicures complete with bath salts, oils, and extensive massage services. If you don't like pedicures, you might like a massage or a facial with a mud mask. Make sure you make a schedule from the start because customer quotas at some popular spa centers fill up quickly.
Step 4. Find out if you can learn a new skill on your birthday
Many businesses or companies offer coupons or vouchers to their customers to learn a new skill, such as dancing, martial arts, painting, or woodworking. You can also spend your birthday learning special skills from your family members. Your grandma will love teaching you how to bake a cake or cook your favorite dish. The best thing you can get is that you can eat the dish you have made afterwards. Apart from that, there are some ideas you can try:
- If you enjoy making beadwork, cake decorating, crochet, knitting, or painting, visit an art or craft supply store. Shops like these in your city usually offer classes that you can take.
- Some community centers also offer classes such as pottery classes, weaving classes, and music classes.
Step 5. Make a visit to the museum your birthday present
A visit to a museum can be a great gift for people who love art or history. Usually, each museum has its own theme and focuses on a particular type of history (eg the Museum of the Asian-African Conference in Bandung or the Museum of Antiquities in Bedulu, Bali). Apart from history, certain museums also focus on different art forms (eg the MACAN Museum in West Jakarta or the Fine Arts and Ceramics Museum in Jakarta's Old Town area). Think about things you find interesting, and find out if there are museums that reflect that in your city/area.
If you're not interested in history or art, you might be interested in places or museums featuring famous figures from sports or music. You can also visit a wax museum or a museum that focuses on technology and innovation
Step 6. Visit an aquarium or zoo if you like wildlife
Usually, you only need to pay for the entrance ticket and can spend as long as you want. Some zoos and aquariums allow you to be near certain animals (perhaps for a fee). If you're interested, visit the website of the zoo or aquarium in your city and determine if it's a viable option.
Step 7. Ask for concert tickets if you like music or performing arts
Sometimes, the memories of an event can outweigh the physical gifts. Some theaters and concert halls have gift shops that sell posters, CDs, and t-shirts/shirts that you can buy so you can reminisce about the experience.
- Find out if your favorite band is holding a concert in your city and ask for tickets to the concert as a birthday present. You can make the moment even more special by asking for a VIP card or ticket so you can meet your favorite band members and ask them to sign your belongings.
- If you like classical music, you may be interested in attending a concert with a live orchestra performance.
- If you enjoy singing and dancing, you may like musical performances. If you like performing arts (no singing or dancing), try watching a drama performance.
Step 8. Ask for tickets to an anime or comic book show
However, keep in mind that if the event is taking place outside the city and you need to stay overnight in the city, you need a place to rest. Many hotels that host such events offer special room rates.
- If you don't like anime or comic books, you may be drawn to certain festivals (eg cultural festivals). Events like this are generally held on weekends, so you don't have to stay out of town. This festival can be the right medium to immerse yourself in history and fantasy.
- If you have a favorite writer or illustrator, find out if he or she is hosting a book or work reading or signing event in your city. Besides being able to meet someone you admire, you can also take home a book or work that he has signed.
Step 9. Celebrate your birthday by enjoying dinner at your favorite restaurant
Experience does not have to be active. You can enjoy a delicious meal with your friends and family on your birthday. Choose a restaurant that you like or have wanted to visit for a long time.
Step 10. Ask the gift giver to send a donation using your name
Sometimes, giving feels more satisfying than receiving. Think about the issues that interest you, and try to find an organization that supports them. Here are some issues or issues you might be following:
- Animals and nature
- Homeless
- Disaster management
- Education
Part 4 of 4: Pursue Options in Wish List
Step 1. Record the positives and negatives of each gift
If you can't choose one of the entries, make a list of the positives and negatives. Make a note of the good and the bad for each entry on the list. Choose the gift that has the most advantages and the least harm. For example, even though it's not the most impressive gift, you can wear a jacket and pair it with a variety of outfits. In addition, the jacket also keeps your body warm in cold weather.
Step 2. Think about the most important things in your life
These things include school, work, sports, or anything else. If exercise is the most important thing to you, new gym equipment may be more useful than a new video game (which you may not have time to play in between your busy training schedule).
Step 3. Think ahead
Sometimes, what you want now is not what you want or need in the future. If you can't pick one out of several, try to imagine your life without each of these items in the next few months. Choose items that you will continue to use (or at least still have an interest in) over new items that quickly get boring.
You can try to imagine what it's like when you don't get one of these gifts. Choose an item that makes you very upset if you don't get it
Step 4. Consider the funds the gift giver has
Not everyone can afford to set aside money to buy gifts. If you want a very expensive gift, try asking the gift giver what funds he or she has before you upload or send your wish list. If you ask him for something he can't afford, he may feel embarrassed. There are several options you can consider:
- If you're too shy to ask questions about funds, list some expensive and inexpensive items on your wish list. In this way, people can buy gifts according to the funds they have.
- Ask for gifts from the group. This way, everyone (both family and friends) can join hands to buy an expensive gift.
- Ask for one prize for two different events. For example, if your birthday falls in winter or December, you can ask for a gift for your birthday and Christmas.
- Offer to pay some of the cost of the prize. The combination of your money and the prize-giver's money gives you the opportunity to get the expensive gifts you crave.
Step 5. Let someone else determine the prize
If you can't pick one of the two or three options, ask someone else to determine your prize. Give the person your wish list, and ask him to choose an option from the list. Some people may feel happier when they can choose their own gift that will be given to you.
Step 6. Think about what you want, and not what other people expect
If you want to try to live up to other people's expectations, you will end up feeling pressured. You may also not get what you want.
If a trip or vacation to the beach can make you happy, let your family know. You don't have to choose cheap gifts for your birthday just because your friends choose such gifts for their birthdays
Tips
- Make sure you make a wish list. As you collect gift suggestions for your birthday, jot down the ideas you come up with in a notebook. You can also use the internet to create wish lists. Various shopping websites offer wish list options. You can add items you like to the list, then send the list to your friends and family members.
- When searching the internet for gift ideas, use search terms/phrases such as " best _ " (" _ best") or " most durable _ under [price] " (" _ most durable under [price]". Also, get advice purchases from forums that focus on the item you want.
- You can follow the steps in this article when you want to ask for a gift for a certain event/holiday, such as a Christmas gift.
- Try asking for watercolor pencils, encaustic candles, or certain fabrics. Find out the different types of supplies you need for your craft projects.
- When visiting a store, pay attention to the items you want, but don't have at the moment. These items can be the right choice when you are confused when choosing a gift.
- Never make long lists. If you keep your list short, it will be easier for you to get what you want. Try limiting the entries on your wish list.
- Think of a gift someone else got for their birthday-and you've always wanted to. Ask for it as your birthday present.
- If you collect something (eg action figures), ask for it to be added to your collection.
Warning
- Don't wait until the last minute. The longer you wait, the less time your friends and family will have to buy gifts. Sometimes, the gift you want is sold out when you decide you want it. Therefore, try uploading or submitting your wish list early. This way, your friends and family have more time to plan purchases and get what you want.
- Double check your wish list if you made it early. What you wanted a few months ago may no longer appeal to you.
- If you want something, don't force someone else to buy it, especially if it's expensive. Others may not be able to afford it or have already purchased a different gift. Be realistic when asking for gifts.
