What to ask for your birthday

As your birthday approaches, the inevitable question arises from friends and family, “What do you want for your birthday?” Whether you’re brainstorming for yourself, your kids, friends, or family, use this guide to help yourself and others get what they really want for their birthday.

Get personal: Gifts by age, personality, and preference

Having a clear idea of what you want not only helps the gift-giver but also helps you receive gifts that are meaningful and useful. It also helps avoid duplicate gifts and re-gifting. 

For parents

Practical gifts

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• Household items: Think about appliances or gadgets that could make your life easier. A new coffee machine, a robot vacuum, or pretty serving utensils can be game-changers.

• Subscription services: How about a gift that keeps on giving? A subscription to a regular meal kit, streaming platform, or cleaning service can lighten the daily load.

Personal indulgence

• Spa day: Treat yourself or a loved one to a day of relaxation. A pampering massage or facial can help anyone unwind and recharge.

• Books or hobbies: Whether it’s a best-selling novel, cookbook, or supplies for your passion, these gifts can offer hours of enjoyment.

Family experiences

• Vacation fund: Ask for contributions towards a family trip. Creating memories together can be more valuable than any material item.

• Activity passes: Consider passes to local attractions like zoos, museums, or amusement parks.

For kids

Toys and games

• Educational toys: STEM kits, building sets, and art supplies are fun and educational.

• Fun and trendy: Research what’s popular. Dolls, action figures, board games, jewelry, and self-care can be great options.

Tech gadgets

• Tablets: A kid-friendly device can provide endless entertainment and learning opportunities.

• Smartwatches: These can be both fun and practical, offering games, fitness tracking, and communication features.

• Game system: Get the whole family playing and laughing together.

Outdoor fun

• Sports equipment: Bikes, skateboards, or a new soccer ball can encourage physical activity. Think about what they love or want to do and surprise them! 

• Outdoor playsets: Swing sets, trampolines, sandboxes, or even a treehouse can make the backyard a playground for years to come.

For teens

Tech and gadgets

• Smartphones: If they don’t already have one, a smartphone can be a big hit.

• Gaming consoles: PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch are popular choices.

Fashion and accessories

• Clothing: Gift cards to their favorite stores or trendy clothing items can be a great option.

• Jewelry and watches: A stylish watch or piece of jewelry can make a memorable gift.

Experiences

• Concert tickets: Find out their favorite band or artist and get tickets to an upcoming concert.

• Adventure activities: Think about experiences like rock climbing, zip-lining, or a day at an amusement park.

Putting it all together

Knowing what to ask for your birthday helps ensure you’re getting what you and your loved one will truly use and value. Whether you’re a parent, child, or teen, think about what everyone likes to do in their spare time. What would they like to do more? Or, what might they not splurge on for themselves? The best gifts are often those that reflect personal interests and needs.

For more fun facts and parenting hacks, visit the Greenlight Learning Center for helpful resources on family, finance, and fun.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.