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

Have you ever tried body painting?  My husband and I did body painting for the first time on our 2nd anniversary and we loved it.

We both wanted to do something different and we thought about it for days.  Then one day we went to the museum and were looking at the paintings when we realized we can do body painting.  We always heard of it but never thought we could do it.

We went online and looked at what we could do since it was our first time.  You can get most of the supplies at a hobby store.  On the day of our anniversary we set up a room to do our painting.  At first it was not comfortable at all, it tickled, very sticky and awkward, but we adjusted very well.

We really enjoyed it.  Our first body painting of the day was absolutely terrible, we probably looked like clowns, but we learned from it and had a great time.  We took a shower and had lunch and painted ourselves again.  This time we were trying to be serious and do a good job.

He made my body like a baseball field, my boobs were the baseballs and my arms were the stands and had the diamond on my stomach with a baseball bat in the middle.  Honestly, it wasn’t as pretty as it sounds.  I drew him wearing a suit, it wasn’t as pretty either, but the point is that it is an awesome experience.  We had so much fun. 

The point is that it don’t matter how silly it is, if it’s your birthday or anniversary, you have to have fun.  You have to try body painting sometime, we loved it and think you will too. Kendra & Nick

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

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

My husband works as a grounds keeper for the high school stadium.  He did something that blew my mind away.  It was my birthday and I’m not going to tell you how old I am.  He called me up and told me to get ready, that we are going out to eat.

That evening we went out to the football field, he said it’s a surprise.  It was getting dark, so I couldn’t see a whole lot, but as I was getting closer to the 50 yard line I saw a nice table.  I figured it out, we were going to have a nice dinner on the 50 yard line.

As soon as we arrived at the table, all the lights on the stadium turned on.  We were right on the middle of the football field.  Then the loud speaker came on and some friends and co-workers started singing happy birthday.  I never expected them there at all.  It was really nice.

When they were done, they all came down, gave me some presents, wished me a happy birthday.  I was thinking to myself, “ok, I have a nice table with a bottle of wine, but no food” and I was hungry.  I opened up some presents and he finally asked me “aren’t you hungry?”

He got on his 2-way radio and a man on a golf cart came with some food and a cd player.  He put on some music and we had our dinner.  We even danced a song.  It was awesome.  He said a couple of things went wrong but I didn’t notice, everything seemed perfect.  Paula - Lafayette LA

I am a 34 year old single female and I’ve never been to Las Vegas. I’ve always wanted to go but never have enough money. My best friend decided to do something special for my 34th birthday in January.

We both always wanted to go to Las Vegas and the day before my birthday, she told me

If we can’t go to Las Vegas, we will bring Las Vegas to us.

We called up some friends and explained to them the situation, they must of called some friends because we had a big party, seemed the whole town was there. Anyway I’m getting ahead of myself. We all put in money, went to party city and bought as much as we could. Someone rented some machines, and also rented a casino, where they bring the games to you.

We started maybe about 2 in the afternoon, and by 6 it was a full house. One of our friends decided to put a donation jar around all the games and we must have made well over what we spent. There were so many people that we moved everything to the back yard. I had so much fun, and met so many people since they put a birthday hat on me. I even met a guy that we been dating since my trip to Home Vegas.

My friends told me they should have surprised me, but I am glad they didn’t. I liked the fact that I was involved. It was the best birthday ever. I would tell you much more, but what happens in Home Vegas, stays in Home Vegas.Amanda - Amarillo, TX

My husband is not much of a creative man, but he did something that I really enjoyed and would like to share with you. We have been married for 23 years.

He made me a scrapbook for our anniversary filled with lifetime of memories. I’ve asked him if he did it himself but never gives me an answer. I don’t care if he had it done, it was the nicest thing.

He gave me the scrapbook right after dinner. It had pictures of when we were kids up to now. Full of memories from our kids being born to when they went to college.

It was amazing! We must of stayed up for hours reflecting back on our memories. There has been amazing things during our marriage and this must on top of the list.Linda Bangor Maine