Proper birthday planning doesn’t happen the night before, and you’ll never even know it’s the night before if you don’t ask. You want advance warning for the preparations you should undertake.
While you’re shopping together, guess what! She will talk about things she likes. Start a list using the notes function on your smartphone, or keep a small notebook in your bookbag (do be discrete when writing in it, though). Hints can come while you’re both vegging out on the couch idly surfing the web or halfway-watching Netflix. If she’s got her iPad or phone open, keep an ear out for stray comments with gift potential. This extends out of the realm of gifts, as well. Only by actively listening could you know, for example, that your girlfriend hates surprise parties because she was savagely ridiculed by her best friends at one in the tenth grade about the print of her pajamas and it would be a terrible idea to plan such a thing for her today. Don’t assume she will like something because you like something.
If she says she doesn’t want anything, it doesn’t mean “literally don’t do anything. ” Small gestures like cooking dinner, or crafts which commemorate your time together can be appreciated even if she doesn’t want a big gift. If she doesn’t want an event, how about spending a quiet night in with just the two of you? It is not recommended to ignore any expressed wishes limiting how much to spend, especially after asking for her input. Thinking “spending more = better gift” is a common mistake when it comes to gift-giving, especially in the early stages of a relationship. While expressing a want opens a person up to disappointment if they don’t receive the desired gift, don’t be discouraged if you can’t fulfill your partner’s first choice. If they want something presently unattainable for you, however, pursue entirely different gift avenues rather than settling for a less ideal version of those limited edition sneakers or that Tom Ford perfume.
While a little online recon can provide great ideas, never use this as an excuse to invade your girlfriend’s privacy. Respecting boundaries is always important.
Coming on too strong is another of those common mistakes for a new relationship. Planning out an entire evening of festivities might not be the best bet for newbies, but be communicative, and let her know that you’re thinking of her during her day. Texts or a couple old-fashioned, handwritten notes passed back and forth can accomplish this goal.
If you’re planning a surprise party, make sure all who would be invited have time to clear their schedules and make any necessary arrangements. Exploring a museum is a fun possibility for a birthday event, but make sure you’re entirely informed when it comes to the museum’s policies, ticket prices, and hours. Expecting everything to be open because it “seems like it should be” is a good way to have excellent birthday plans dashed at the last minute.
Flowers induce emotion, when received and even when given. [3] X Research source You’re doing more for yourself than you might think with that bouquet! Just picking a particularly pretty flower you see growing outside and giving it to her without much pomp or circumstance can make her blush.
Along these same lines, keep up to date on your meteorological happenings. A storm system could spell potential disaster for your hike, while a meteor shower could provide just the right low-key end (or midnight beginning) to a birthday.
Even if you’re not culinarily inclined, a couple sodas and chicken nuggets can be just what the doctor ordered. Don’t hesitate to ask friends and family for help making bruschetta or other easy appetizers, or even with simply laying out a neat french-style spread: deli meats, butter, cheese, and a baguette.
A scavenger hunt is a fun way in which a lot of effort and thought can stretch a smaller gift budget and turn it into a fun experience. Write rhyming clues which reference events specific to your relationship, then hide them for her around your home and class (hopefully nothing that would embarrass her in this case), or at meaningful locations to her. [6] X Expert Source Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFTLicensed Relationship Therapist Expert Interview. 11 August 2021. You can ask her family for help so that she’ll have the first clue awaiting her when she wakes up for the day, dangling from her ceiling fan! Scrapbooks are sweet, inexpensive ideas. You can reflect on all your positive memories by pasting photos and old notes into it, and even stick in some ideas for future dates for the two of you. And in case you’re self-conscious about making one, hey: there’s nothing embarrassing about giving your girlfriend a really good gift.
Bonus point for bringing them their gift because you just can’t wait to give it to them, or for holding up a “happy birthday” sign.
Note: do not mistake “my undivided attention” for a satisfactory birthday gift to give your girlfriend. You may need your phone on hand to coordinate with friends and family meeting up for the birthday plans. Don’t, however, prioritize checking your cell phone over being mentally and emotionally present for your partner.
If you’re heading out to dinner, don’t just go for the fanciest place possible. Take her to the new pizza place, because you’ve both talked about studying abroad in Italy. If you’re giving her a book (or any form of art) give her something meaningful to you that you think she will like, but that will make her think of you. Make her a mixtape or an extra special playlist, and she’ll think of you every time she hears those bands.
