Birthday

Editor's Note: The following is a guest post written by Emily Giffin, author of Something Borrowed and four other best-selling novels. For more from Emily, like her on Facebook.

At this point in my (very) late thirties, I don’t necessarily relish the anniversary of my birth, but I do confess to loving a beautifully wrapped, satisfying gem of a gift. My dearest friends certainly delivered last week, cushioning the cruel blow of thirty-nine.

As I opened one particularly thoughtful gift — a pair of fine cotton, drawstring pajama pants and a lovely-scented travel candle from two gal pals who know how much time I spend in hotels — I thought of what makes the perfect gift: an indulgence that you are thrilled to receive but probably wouldn’t buy for yourself.

Here are five specific gifting tips:

1. Buy in advance — or at least take notes. How many times have we found the perfect card months before our cousin’s birthday? Or heard our best friend muse in a department store that she really “needs” to spice up her underwear drawer? Seize these moments and either buy in advance, allocating a drawer or shelf in your home for the collection, or record the idea in a “gift” notebook. An extreme example: I recently bought a darling Sweet Sixteen card for my Goddaughter who is only seven — but I know I will be grateful to have it in 2020!
2. Gifts aren’t just for birthdays. I have two friends who always gift me upon the publication of my novels. An engraved bookmark, a bouquet of fresh flowers, or a sweet token that coordinates with my book jacket art, e.g. a tiny bootie for Baby Proof with a 2006 penny inside (the year that book was released). I cherish these gifts and love the generous spirit in which they are given. So go ahead and celebrate your friend’s new home, job, or car (or help ease the blow of a bad break-up). She will never forget the gesture.
3. Try to avoid the generic candle or bath product and choose something that reflects your friend’s personal style. Having a gift monogrammed or personalized will show you thought of her way in advance of her day. And if you simply can’t resist the candle-bath product route — be sure to pick the perfect scent or color.

Get the rest below!

If you've ever created an OKCupid profile, expect to receive a doting email on your birthday that not only reminds you of the passing of time, but also inquires about your relationship status with the subtlety of an overbearing family. "Still single?" the text reads. "Come check out your matches and find the men who want to meet you for your birthday!"

I'm sure it's standard marketing procedure, but I'm surprised a dating site that prides itself on revealing our hidden natures would make this gaffe, however trivial and humorous. There are middle-age people on these sites! Could you imagine receiving an email on your 50th birthday asking if you're still single? Apparently, nobody has studied the effect of age reminders and relationship-status inquiries on mood-regulating brain chemicals. Not positive brand association!

Is it already time for a Pride and Prejudice/Bridget Jones's Diary remake for dating in the Internet age?

If you love Benefit's Brow Bar (or just like getting nice freebies on your birthday), here's an insider tip. Benefit has started giving away free brow arch services to birthday girls and boys. All you have to do is walk up to the Brow Bar in your nearest department store or Benefit boutique, show them a valid driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID, and plonk down for your free brow arch. It's a nice way to get pampered on your big day without spending any cash.