Holidays Information

Make it an Unforgettable Birthday!


The first known birthday celebrations began among the Egyptians with parades, circuses, and gladiatorial events - all complete with feasts that sometimes lasted for days. Romans celebrated the birthdays of their gods with parades and chariot races. Mortals were not encouraged to celebrate their birthdays in Rome. Germany introduced the tradition of birthday cakes about 200 years ago. The cake itself was filled with gifts that predicted the recipient's life in the upcoming year. For example, if the slice of cake contained a ring, it symbolized impending marriage. A coin guaranteed riches throughout the next year. If the cake fell while baking, it ensured impending doom to the one celebrating a birthday. Today, various countries celebrate birthdays in unique ways.

In the United States, the traditional birthday ritual calls for giving gifts to the one celebrating his special day. Selecting the "right" gift depends on the individual, his interests, and how well you know him. Instead of purchasing the "same old" thing, add a unique twist to your birthday gift selections this year and watch out for the positive feedback! Below are several ideas that you may wish to give thought to as you plan your next birthday gift list for every child, teen, or adult in your life.

Birthday Gifts for Children

-A craft-of-the-month complete with a kit is a sure bet to create a happy birthday for any child. Subscriptions usually entail receipt of a kit every month, every two months, or quarterly for one year.

-Magazine subscriptions are also a huge hit with children and a great way to challenge their minds and enhance their knowledge. Popular subscriptions include Highlights, Cobblestone, AppleSeeds, Jack and Jill, Lady Bug, Nickelodean Jr., and Sesame Street.

-Children enjoy individual attention from important people in their lives, i.e. mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, older sibling.

-Give that special child the gift of time - a day out with you complete with lunch, a movie, and/or shopping for the gift of their choice.

Birthday Gifts for Teens

Teens are probably the most difficult age group to buy for. Gift certificates are always a smart gift choice, although the concept requires little creativity. Implement some innovation by creating a unique presentation to an old concept.

-Purchase a book of theater gift certificates and package them in a movie popcorn bucket lined with popcorn printed paper.

-Magazine subscriptions are also a winning idea for teens. Favorites for that age group include Teen, Seventeen, Cosmo Girl, Boys Life, YM, American Cheerleader, Guideposts for Teens, Teen People, and Campus Life.

-Teens love the gift of privileges. A coupon book that includes gifts they can cash in at random times may include an extended curfew, driving the family car on a date or special occasion, control of television or computer, double allowance for one week, etc.

-What teen does not like candy? Check out specialty shops or online resources where you can purchase candy-making supplies and chocolate.

-Present the gifts in a large mixing bowl tied up with cellophane.

Birthday Gifts for Adults

From a family tree planner to a family history wall print, a gift of genealogy is a great pick for assisting the recipient learn about his family heritage and get back to his roots.

-Create a scrapbook of special moments throughout the past year. Include photos from family events and keepsakes that are important to the event. Recapture these moments by journaling the story of the event and quotes from participants. Embellish the pages with stickers, captions, and other items that will enhance the memories for a long time to come.

-Choose a selection of classic books to either add to or start a collection. Several choices to get you started include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Canterbury Tales, Wurthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Scarlet Letter, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Great Expectations, Tom Sawyer, and The Catcher in the Rye.

-Purchase baskets from garage sales and gift shops and fill them with homemade or gourmet jars of pickles, jams, food mixes, and/or fruit.

Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don't blow the bank. You can find Great Gift Ideas at her site. Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for Gift News her free monthly newsletter.


MORE RESOURCES:

FASTSIGNS(R) News: Greet the Holidays With Signs and Graphics
MarketWatch - Nov 21, 2008
Despite the weakened economy, throughout stores, businesses, schools and churches, signs and graphics are everywhere, generating excitement for the holiday ...


Expanded train service offered for holidays in NJ
Newsday, NY - 6 hours ago
NEWARK, NJ - New Jersey rail travelers will have more options than usual over the Thanksgiving holiday. NJ Transit is offering expanded early getaway ...


Straits Times

Kohl's to Offer Wider Price Cuts For Holidays
Wall Street Journal - Nov 19, 2008
Associated Press Last year on Black Friday, the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, the retailer didn't cut prices on its most expensive, ...
Kohl's to offer wider price cuts for holidays- WSJ Reuters
colorado voices Be apart of Christmas Denver Post
Brown: Maybe this year we should skip Thanksgiving Daily News Tribune
WCTV - Daytona Beach News-Journal
all 519 news articles


Royal Oak parade kicks off holidays
DetNews.com, MI - 1 hour ago
ROYAL OAK -- Unicycles, rock bands and Santa Claus were highlights of the seventh annual Holiday Parade on a chilly but sunny Saturday morning. "It is cold. ...


Montauk lighthouse brighter for the holidays
Newsday, NY - 17 hours ago
Almost 3000 small white bulbs will be mounted on the 110-foot tower and adjacent keepers' quarters, outlining the structures for the holidays. ...


Holidays Won’t Bring Much Cheer for Retailers
Wall Street Journal Blogs, NY - Nov 21, 2008
The low point coming squarely within the holiday season will mean a particularly brutal period for retailers, a new Conference Board survey shows. ...


Expect Wii Shortage for Holidays, Gamestop Says
PC World - 2 hours ago
Wii shortages during the holiday season are nothing new, having occurred for the past two years, but nevertheless the trend is expected to continue again ...


Investment Firm President Encourages Charitable Giving During the ...
MarketWatch - Nov 21, 2008
Heifer International -- Since 1995, FBB has given its clients an "Ark" from Heifer International each holiday season. This Gift Ark donates 15 pairs of ...


How to help during the holidays
Detroit Free Press, United States - 5 hours ago
Give the gift of food or time to those who are in need. Please see the list below for Detroit area organizations that are in need of support. ...


Crain's Chicago Business

Holidays — and then some
Crain's Chicago Business, IL - 4 hours ago
When she married a Serbian man, she extended her holiday season: After her family's celebrations on Dec. 24 and 25 are his family's events on Jan. ...
Your holiday survival guide Knoxville News Sentinel
all 2 news articles

Holidays - Google News

home | site map
© 2006