Have Fun • Do Good: 6 Alternative Birthday Gift Ideas

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

6 Alternative Birthday Gift Ideas

I don't know about you, but I have a lot of stuff. No matter how many things I give away on Freecycle, or on Craigslist's free stuff classifieds, or to Goodwill, the closets and cupboards and drawers keep filling back up. Plus, I think everyone is feeling the pinch of the economic situation these days. It seems crazy for people to spend money buying more things.

Below are a few ideas I've been thinking of telling my friends and family are on my wish list:

Something they make (i.e. a handmade crafty item, a tasty treat, a poem, a CD mix).
Something I can use to make something (i.e. fabric, embroidery patterns, a six-pack of plants, a favorite recipe, ShrinkyDinks--remember how fun those were!)
Something they already have. I know regifting is considered to be tacky, but I think it can work if you put a little thought behind it. For example, a former housemate once gave me a beautiful Moroccan plate of hers that had hung in our kitchen when we lived together. Whenever I look at it, I remember those happy times.
A favorite quote or words of wisdom. Maybe you've got life figured out, but I sure don't. I can use all the inspiring quotes and advice I can get!
A date to do something together. In our fast paced world, spending time with someone can be more valuable and memorable than a physical gift. A friend of mine's mom has been giving the gift of time to her grandchildren and children for years.
A donation. When I tell people that I'd like a donation as a gift I try to give them a few organizations to choose from, in case my favorite cause rubs them the wrong way, and a variety of ways to give (online, via mail, via Facebook Cause, etc.). Some of my favorites these days are Women for Women International, UNICEF and Maine Coon Adoptions.