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Every year it's the same old story... a shirt or tie, an outfit or piece of jewelry, a CD or (gasp) kitchen appliance. Feel like you've hit a "gifting" rut when someone's birthday rolls around? Well we hope these timeless tips on finding the perfect birthday gift idea will bring you a fresh perspective and help to transform birthday "gifting" from a chore to something (dare we say it?!) you might actually like to explore:

* IT'S THE QUALITY OF THE YEARS NOT THE QUANTITY OF THE CANDLES

When "gifting" to family and good friends, a little ribbing about getting older is all in good fun, but don't let that be the total focus. Instead, think of ways to remind them of the simple pleasures they have enjoyed, all of which point to a life being well lived.

As an overall suggestion throughout the year, whenever you find yourself having a great time with someone special in your life -- be it at a backyard barbecue, a vacation, or even a baseball game - be sure to capture the fun on film, and keep ticket stubs or programs or any other little mementos related to the happy day tucked away for safe keeping.

When birthday time comes around, and you want to create a unique birthday gift, buy a "themed" picture frame that represents the event well, choose your favorite picture from the memorable day, and along with all the other pieces you've collected, frame your gift! We guarantee the "remember when" stories will begin to flow, and all the joys you experienced on the actual day will be rekindled.

We are strong proponents of gifts with meaning, so while this birthday gift idea may not carry a high price value, it carries the kind of sentimental value on which no price tag can be placed. Who wouldn't be touched to see that you transformed what was seemingly an ordinary and happy event into a keepsake that reflects the relationship you share. Simple... personal... and most memorable. Our favorite kind of birthday gift!

* GREAT THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

"Themed" birthday gifts are great fun, because they are usually made up of many small, gift-wrapped items, and who doesn't enjoy opening gifts! We do suggest, however, that if you choose to include edible items in your gift presentation, that you also include tangible items on which they can be served or used. Once the edible items are gone, so is the memory of your gift, but the tangible items live on as will the memory of your thoughtful gift!

The "theme" should be something of personal interest to the gift recipient. Perhaps they love to entertain, so whimsical serving plates with matching wine glasses and glass charms is very popular. Or maybe they are movie lovers, so create the makings for a movie night at home complete with popcorn bowls, flavored popcorn, a favorite DVD, and maybe a soft throw to cozy up with on the couch.

* FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING

We all have those people in life who are very tough to buy for because they seemingly have everything they need. Instead of looking at this as the toughest birthday case scenario, we are here to say this could be the easiest person to celebrate!

Sometimes what touches the heart most is showing people how well you know them, so tell the birthday person you are giving them the gift of a "favorites" party. You'll make their favorite meal, bake their favorite dessert (and make sure there's plenty extra for them to take home), have their favorite flowers scattered throughout the house, their favorite "tunes" will be played throughout the evening, their closet friends will attend and will be ready to share a favorite "remember when" story of the birthday person, favorite pictures will be passed, and we guarantee it will be one of the most memorable birthday gift ideas the person of honor has ever received!