Gift Experiences

I recently went to a  5 year old birthday party.  It was a I-SPY birthday theme.  It was pretty neat.  My daughter is 6 years old and she loves I-Spy.  It wasn’t a real big party, maybe a group of 10.

There was this one game that I really enjoyed.  They had their pool table filled with items.  Small soldiers, stuffed little animals, blocks, little cars, just about anything.  It was a nice sight and I could see they put some thought into it.

They had a list of 30 items to be found and each item had a small number somewhere on it.  It was the luck of the draw.  Each number was associated with a prize.  There were balls, dolls, games, trucks, educational items, so many different things as prizes.

My daughter won a flash card set, a soft stuffed cat, a tea cup set, and a dump truck, which she exchange for a doll with another kid.  It was fun, so much fun we adults did it while the kids were playing, well some of them joined us.

Everything else was pretty much ordinary, don’t get me wrong, it was fun but that game on the pool table so just to much fun and having about 10 kids running around asking for help, looking for an item, was just to much excitement.Maria

I have a great experience that I would like to share.  It was totally awesome.  I took my 12 year old son to his friends birthday pool party.  They told us in advance what they were going to do and it was a surprise.  They were going to have the jacuzzi filled with red and green apples, oranges, lemons and spaghetti.

They asked for a 10 donation and to bring the gift in something waterproof so it won’t be ruined.  There are some that just gift wrapped it and brought it like that so it won’t get wet, which was ok.   When we arrived they had the jacuzzi half full of water.  The kids started swimming right away.

I gave my donation to his dad and an hour later he came back with the truck full of fruit and plenty of spaghetti.  I thought it was to much, but he made all of it fit in the jacuzzi.  He put the gifts inside the jacuzzi.  I bought him a hexbug which was perfect.  I put it in a waterproof egg and painted it red. 

The birthday kid was to busy swimming and having fun, he didn’t even realize what we were doing.  We had to cook the spaghetti so it won’t be hard.  We put all the gifts in the jacuzzi, I believe there were 13 gifts, camouflaged with the fruit and spaghetti.

When we were ready we called him over and explained what we did.  He got in there and it was just hilarious.  That spaghetti was just in his way and you can just see him getting frustrated with it.  He even shouted, “Who’s idea was it to put spaghetti in here.”  It took him a while to find all the presents, he even had his friend help him look for them.

It was absolutely awesome.  We enjoyed the whole party but that topped it.  Even after it was all over, the other kids wanted to do it, we would throw things in there and have them dig for them.  They loved it, I even thought about jumping in and seeing what it was like.  It was a great idea that I wanted to share with you.  Maybe this can give someone an idea for a birthday party.Clarissa

I wanted to do something nice for my boyfriends birthday.  He really enjoys the outdoors and wanted to do something with fishing or hunting.  Hunting seems to dangerous so I decided to do fishing.

His birthday was on a Tuesday and I told him to take the day off so we can do something fun.  I did tell him we were going fishing and he seemed very excited but he thought we were going near the lake and fish.  He’s very good at fishing, me, not so much, but I wanted to do something he enjoys.

Early Tuesday morning we went to the dock where I had rented a medium size boat.  He was thrilled.  We got all supplies for fishing and went deep into the lake.  He taught me how to fish and I was hooked.  We must of caught at least 15 big fish.  He was telling me the name and how much they weighed and so forth, but I was just happy I caught some fish.  I don’t know who had the most fun, him or me.

We then went to this place they told us about at the edge of the lake and he cooked some of the fish for lunch.  I was really good.  We relaxed at the lake and on the boat, basically all day, worry free.  He told me it was the best present anybody could give him.  He just loved being outdoors relaxing. 

We did more fishing and went back to our spot and had a very romantic dinner.  I didn’t realize how good he can cook fish.  We spent the whole day at the lake.  I’ve been hooked since and we try to go at least every other month.  We both loved the fact of spending time together.  I’ve become quite good in fishing thanks to him.  If you are looking for a gift for your boyfriend, I highly recommend spending the day together at the lake.Cassandra

Hi, my name is Carol and I have a gift experience that blew me away. First I thought it was weird, but as I went along with it and got into it, everything seemed normal and it was so much fun.

2 weeks before my 49th birthday, my husband asked me if I were to be a certain age again, what would it be? I told him 20. My birthday was on a Friday, so it was perfect. He asked 3 of our coupled friends to find babysitters and we were going to have a 20th birthday for me.

Friday came and at 3 p.m. he left saying we have a date at 7 p.m. The girls showed up a little before 5 p.m. We did our nails, our hair, and we laughed at the idea when we realized that we were having so much fun and we haven’t even started yet. I was expecting him to show up at the door at 7 but he was 20 minutes late.

Finally he showed up, but not at the door. He was knocking at the window which really frightened me. At first I was going to call 911 until my friend realized who it was. There he was standing outside and I asked him what he was doing. His reply “I didn’t want to wake your parents.” So we snuck out the window. Here we are 49 year old along with 3 other friends about the same age, sneaking out the window. How crazy is that.

We walked to the end of the block where the other guys were at and we just couldn’t stop laughing, at least us girls couldn’t. We first went to a small restaurant, nothing fancy at all, almost like a drive through but also had booths inside. First thing our friend says is “Party of 8 for a 20 year old birthday girl.” There are a couple of us that don’t drink, we had milk shakes, the others had a beer. Afterwards, the restaurant brought me a cake.

We then went to the movies. Behind the movies there’s a little lake, with a walking trail, ducks and it’s lighted. The guys brought bread and we fed the ducks and walked and talked. There were times when we were all walking and laughing together. Then there were times when it was only the couples together. It was really sweet. It was about 3 in the morning when they dropped us off at home.

We went to the door. He kissed me goodnight. I knew he had something else planned. He said I better go inside before my parents catch us. I went to our room and to the window when I saw a little picnic area. He said it’s a midnight snack. It was a little after 3. He had made sandwiches and brought chips, I was a little hungry so the timing was perfect. After that I was extremely tired. We must of gone to sleep about 5 in the morning.

I loved every minute of it. He says he could have done things a little different but I think everything was just perfect. I loved the idea of having a 20th birthday for my 49 birthday. Anything is possible on your birthday.Carol

Every year for my birthday we go out and eat dinner at Abalos restaurant. I am married, with kids and turned 47 last month. We’ve been going to Abalos for the last 20 years, it has become a tradition. My parents, in-laws, kids, a group of about 20 people.

This last birthday was very special, it even brought tears to my eyes. Like every year, after dinner we go home and spend time together and open some gifts. This time we went home and I found the living room set up like a theatre. There were chairs throughout the living room facing the TV set.

I was wondering what was going on, and even asked if we were going to watch a movie. I had a front seat. My son turned on the video, and it was a slide show of my entire life.

From the time I was born till now.  Everybody had a part of it. It had the time my daughter got married and the birth of my grandson.  Also when my sister and I use to walk to elementary school, when I met my husband and got married.  When my father would take me fishing, and it goes on and on.

It was full of memories which I will Cherish forever. I loved it so much. We laughed and we cried. The video last about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but it was well worth it. My son was the one that put every slide together and it must of been a tough job.  Kathy

Hello there.  Recently we’ve had our 2 year anniversary and it was one to remember.  My husband, Brian, and I were together for 4 years before we got married.  He has always tried to do something nice for my birthday, or any special occasion and on our 2nd anniversary, he topped them all.

It was a Tuesday morning when he woke me up early and had breakfast waiting for me.  At the time I did not know he had taken the day off.  I went to work and he pretended to go to work.  It must of been a busy day for him because when I got home from work, it was absolutely perfect.

I arrived from work at 6:30 p.m. and when I walked in there were candle lights and a trail of rose pedals leading to the kitchen.  There I found a very nice dinner.  He had made fish, crab cakes, rice, wine and some kind of chocolate desert that was delicious.  I don’t know what it was and he keeps saying its a secret cause he wants to make it again for me.

We talked over dinner and we decided to turn off our phones and pager, this night was going to be only us.  We talked and laughed for about an hour.  I mentioned to him how lovely and perfect this was for our anniversary.  He said the night is not over yet.

He led me to the guest room and there I found a massage table he had borrowed from our friend.  Our friend is a massage therapist but I have never had a massage, especially from him, just feels weird because he’s a guy and he’s our friend.  I just feel odd having other hands touch me, so I’ve never had a massage.

Brian had some pointers on massaging and that night he gave me an hour massage.  He probably wished he didn’t do that cause now I ask for them more.  I think I will probably be getting massages more often, either by him or a professional.  The massage he gave me must of been good, because I fell asleep, he had to wake me up to go to bed.  A gift of a massage is a great gift especially if it’s by the one you love. Jana & Brian

A little about myself.  I’m 27 years old male from Amarillo TX.  I recently graduated from Amarillo College and recieved my degree in radiology.  I’ve been working at the Hospital for about 2 months.  I am shy and not very creative.  I don’t have much money but I am beginning to get back in track.

I met a nurse at the hospital a little under a month.  Kacy, the nurse, is someone I really enjoy being with.  I want to do something for her birthday on Sept. 12.  I know its early but I want to make sure everything goes smoothly.  I haven’t had a gift experience to give you yet, but I like some of the ideas on your site and hope someone out there can help me.

Kacy is 24 and will be turning 25 in Sept.  She enjoys the outdoors and she is a people person.  She has a great attitude at work and off of work.  She does not like crowded places and she’s orginally from San Diego.  Hope this helps.

I don’t want to give her a card and flowers and say happy birthday.  I want to do something nice, something she will remember for a long time.  I don’t have much money, so I need something original or creative.  I really enjoy the idea of a flower every hour, but they’ve been married for 8 years.  I don’t know how to associate that idea with 3 weeks of going out.

Any idea is greatly appreciated.  Thank You.  Ron - Amarillo, TX

Hi, my name is Belinda and I have 1 brother 2 sisters and 3 daughters. We wanted to do something nice for my parents 42 anniversary. We weren’t sure what and a friend suggested an apple orchard.

They are early birds so we woke up very early, about 5 am. and had a 2 hour drive to Walpole NH (Alyson Orchard). We stopped and ate breakfast at nice restaurant and bought some souvenirs.  At their age we had to tell them where we were going.  They were very excited.

We arrived at the apple orchard about 9 am and we told the front desk it was their 42 anniversary.  They treated them with great respect.  We reserved them a room of their own and we had the whole day.  We let them do their own thing with help from the orchard.  They picked apples, played games, took a walk in the wilderness, they looked so cute holding hands, hugging and kissing as if they were young adults.

It was an awesome feeling seeing them in love.  They had a nice romantic dinner with candle lights.  They were so happy.  The next day, we left at noon, which was check-out time.  They had their baskets full of apples and bags full of goodies.  We went home, and mom was very thankful.  She baked us a couple of apple pies.  I would recommend an apple orchard for any occasion.Belinda - Rutland, VT

I am a mother of 4, Mathew (12), Kyle (8) and the twins Kayla and Jayla (5).  We pretty much have our birthdays close to each other.  Mathew’s is June 2, Kyle’s is May 24, Kay and Jay are May 26 and mine is May 29. We didn’t plan it that way, it’s just a coincidence.   The only odd ball is my husbands which is November 9.

Early May my husband, Jim, decided to take out the Christmas tree and the decorations for Christmas.  He didn’t say much he just did it.  Then he got everyone together and told us we are going to celebrate Christmas in May for our birthdays.  The kids seem excited.  We decorated the inside of the house like Christmas, put stockings up, lights, the whole works.

I have to say, I was embarrased and nervous to have family or company over but they all liked the idea.  They even cooperated, bought presents and our neighbor even volunteered to be Santa.  Before you knew it the whole block was involved in some way.  There were even presents for the neighbors kids. 

We decided that May 29, since it fell in the middle, was the day.  Kay and Jay wrote a letter to Santa letting him know we were going to have Christmas in May.  On May 29th, the kids were so excited, Santa brought them some presents, our neighbors came by with more presents and food.  Of course, most presents had Happy Birthday.  We had so much food it was incredible.  We played games, told stories ate pies and cookies.

It truly was like Christmas.  Even though I had my doubts at first, Jim had a great idea that the kids really enjoyed and that’s what it’s about.  It was a Christmas birthday we will never forget.  Who knows, it may become a tradition, the kids have asked if we can do it every year. Liz & Jim - Little Rock, AR

This may have not only been a gift, but a memory.  We lost Michael Jackson yesterday and I’ve been devastated.  I was a big fan since I was 8.  When I turned 8, my big sister took me to a Jackson 5 concert.

My sister, bless her soul, loved Michael Jackson and took me to one of their concerts for my birthday.  It was an awesome concert.  We were near the front, I’m thinking about the 4th row, but after a while, there were no rows.  My sister was holding my hand tight and everybody was screaming.  I remember the Jackson 5 with their Afros and their bright clothing.

It was my first concert ever, it was a great birthday gift.  I was hooked on their music ever since.  My respects to the Jackson family and our prayers are with them.  I’ve enjoyed the stories posted on this website and felt this is appropriate.  RIP Michael Jackson.  You will be missed.  Mikalah - Sacramento  CA