We all dread seeing that look of underwhelming apathy that greets the unwrapping of an ill-conceived gift, or the lack of excitement from your beloved when you reveal where you’re taking them for their birthday ‘surprise.’ But fear not, don’t put yourself under unnecessary pressure, just relax, take a deep breath and put yourself in their shoes and imagine what they want, what they really, really want, as the Spice Girls would say.
Listen for hints
Always listen for hints, positive and negative ones. Being dragged around the shops by your girlfriend one Saturday? Then take your hands out of your pockets and pay attention. Don’t sneak off to the pub, but pay attention when she points out home furnishings she loves, or gazes lovingly at a pair of shoes. Even take a sneaky photo on your mobile phone to remind you, especially if you can’t tell your Jimmy Choos from your tennis shoes. It’ll mean even more because “you remembered!”
Get something you can enjoy together
Whether it’s a jigsaw, meal out or a holiday, things are always more fun when you do them with your loved ones. Same goes for birthday presents, if it’s something that the two of you can both enjoy then it will mean more. Don’t limit it to presents you can unwrap either, experience days, a night at the theatre or activities for two are an original gift that will create memories you can both treasure for years to come.
Add a personal touch
Nobody knows your other half like you do and you want your presents to reflect that. Something simple like a framed photo from your favourite holiday together means more because it could only have come from you. Even adding a personal message to the gift tag or throwing in some quirky little presents that remind you both of a funny time together make it all seem a lot more thoughtful then just getting an anonymous gift. If you’re looking for 40th birthday ideas for example or marking another major age milestone, it is sure to be a nostalgic time, so gifts that look back on some happy memories will always go down well.
Think about what they enjoy
Fed up of listening to your boyfriend or husband bang on about football? Well don’t just switch off when he talks as you could be missing some crucial present-buying tips. What team does he support? Maybe you can book a stadium tour. Or remember that cup final he kept calling “the best day of his life”? Well, a framed photo or signed shirt from the day could be the perfect gift. The same principle applies for a whole host of other hobbies.
Add a touch of luxury
Gifts sprinkled with some luxury always make a birthday feel more special. Girls love to be pampered and men love to be made to feel like a rock star or action hero, so add a celebrity-inspired flourish to your gift ideas for something really memorable. A day of luxury spa treatments, being wined and dined or enjoying a makeover is often a winner for the ladies, or an adrenalin-packed day out firing guns, driving fast cars or jumping out of a plane should win you plenty of brownie points with the man in your life.
This article has been created by Activity Superstore, the UK’s leading gift experience days supplier.