How to Personalize Birthday Gifts

Brainstorming

• 1). Think about the recipient's style, including the clothes he likes to wear, the way he decorates his home or bedroom, his favorite stores, colors, interests, music, hobbies and places to visit. This will aid you in choosing a gift that fits his personality.
  
  
• 2). Try to remember things he has recently bought for himself, mentioned that he likes, plans to buy or wishes that he had as clues to what kind of gift he would most appreciate. An old Christmas wish list can provide clues for this purpose.
  
  
• 3). Ask for ideas from those who live with or are very close to the recipient, especially if you don't know her very well personally. Her friends, family or neighbors can usually give you hints or specific ideas based on their knowledge of the person.
  
  
• 4). Write down all of the information that you acquire through brainstorming and any gift ideas that have occurred to you, and use this list when shopping for your birthday gift.
  
  

Finding a Gift

• 1). Look for stores or products that reflect your friend's personality. If you see something that immediately brings her to mind, that's a good sign that it would be the perfect birthday gift or place to shop.
  
  
• 2). Make your friend's birthday gift, if you're tool-handy or craft-skilled. Nothing is more personalized than something you have made yourself, just for your friend.
  
  
• 3). Choose a birthday card that also fits your friend's tastes. The options are nearly limitless, and you could also make your own card. Ask your family members or friends where they've had success in finding cards that are a good fit for the recipient.
  
  

Finishing Touches

• 1). Choose wrapping paper for your birthday gift that reflect the recipient's style --- his favorite color, pattern or hobby. If the recipient has a sharp sense of humor, you can choose to make your own wrapping paper that's written on or stamped with jokes or funny cartoons. Any ribbon used to wrap the gift should fit into the packaging's theme.
  
  
• 2). Write a handwritten personal message in your card that expresses appreciation for the recipient and who she is as an individual. Avoid cliches and general things that could apply to anyone, or words you don't really mean.
  
  
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  To add small gifts to a main gift, make or shop for small items that can be attached to the outside of the gift or included in a gift bag. A gift for a devoted reader could include a clip-on reading light and a selection of bookmarks.