Small Ways to Make a Big Difference on Someone's Birthday
These small gestures can have a big impact
Rita Maas
Birthdays
“The most memorable gift I ever got was on my 26th birthday. I was living in New York City, far from my parents in Atlanta, and had gone to dinner with a bunch of friends. Together, we had managed to rack up quite a bill. When we asked for the check, the waiter smiled and told us, ‘It’s been taken care of. Oh, and your mom and dad wish you a very happy birthday.’ I couldn’t believe it!” Sharon Tanenbaum, 27, New York City
You’re going to buy a gift anyway, so customize it. Find a jigsaw puzzle with the image of the New York Times front page from the day of the person’s birth at www.personalizationmall.com (search for “Puzzle”; $46). Or buy packets of M&M’s with a personalized message stamped on them at www.mymms.com ($48).
On a child’s birthday, remember the woman who carried him for nine months. Give her something you know she’ll love — a Toblerone chocolate bar, a DVD of her favorite old movie, a small bouquet of wildflowers — and a note that reads, “Happy birthday to little James, and thanks to you for bringing him into our world!”
