Tech Birthday Gifts
Mini tablet Get all the power of a tablet by asking for a high-tech mini tablet. They have a lightweight, compact design and a screen that is typically between 8 and 10 inches (20-25 centimeters), so you can take them to school, work, or when traveling, to have everything you need at your fingertips. Price range: High ($100+) Meet the wikiHow Experts Jennifer Guttman, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience treating people struggling with acute behavioral disorders. Kirin Dejonckheere is a certified life coach who provides both online and in-person 1:1 coaching sessions.
E-book reader Take your favorite stories everywhere you go with an e-book reader to replace your stack of books. They’re known for their long battery life and glare-free display, so you can read to your heart’s content and protect your eyes at the same time. Price range: High ($100+)
Digital vintage camera While deciding what you want for your birthday, you may wish to take photos and leave your phone behind. You can ask for a vintage digital camera that looks and works like an old-fashioned camera. They’re known for making it easy to point and shoot. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Air tracker tag Keep track of your tech items with a pack of air tracker tags you can easily affix to your phone, laptop, or tablet. Toss one in your backpack just in case you misplace it, so it can be found in a snap. Price range: Low (under $50)
Phone battery bank One of the most practical tech gifts you can use is a phone battery bank to charge your smartphone. Any time you’re in a rush and realize you forgot to charge your phone, you can take them with you and charge super-fast. They’re great when outdoors or camping, too, when there’s nowhere to plug in. Price range: Low (under $50)
Social media creator kit Thinking about starting a YouTube channel or travel vlog? Ask your friends to help you get started with a social media creator kit. Most digital content creator kits come with a combination of tripods, ring lights, microphones, and/or additional audio equipment made for beginners. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Music streaming subscription service (1 year) Access your favorite tunes easily when your besties give you a 1-year subscription to a music streaming service. You’ll be able to save, download, and organize the genres, artists, and albums you love most. Price range: Low (under $50)
Hiking & exploring apps If you’re an outdoorsy type, you’ll appreciate an app that helps you explore nature’s many trails and pathways. Hiking apps offer features like detailed maps, user experiences, and tips on walking, hiking, or climbing trails. Price range: Low (under $50)
Smart speaker Turn up the volume in your life when you realize the difference smart speakers can make. They range from basic styles to decorative variations that look like an old radio or tiki torches, and are ideal for everything from your smart TV to a backyard party. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Camera drone Get started flying a drone and shoot breathtaking video with a camera drone at your command. You’ll be able to coordinate all the footage you shoot and store it on your smartphone. Price range: High ($100+)
Photo printer Don’t lose track of your favorite photos—instead, print them out using a compact photo printer. Print high-quality color photos at your desk so you can share them with friends easily. Price range: High ($100+)
Media streaming stick Up your entertainment game by asking for a media streaming stick you can use with your smart TV. These compact systems aren’t bulky and won’t clutter your space, so you can stream the latest movies and series with loved ones. Price range: Low (under $50)
Wireless earbuds Talk on your phone or listen to music or a podcast, no matter where you go, with comfortable wireless earbuds. They typically charge super-fast in their carrying case and come in a variety of colors and designs to fit your personality. Price range: High ($100+)
Bluetooth record player When you love the idea of listening to vinyl, but prefer the ease of digital music, a Bluetooth record player is your best bet. This record player plays your favorite vintage records when you want to, and streams music from your phone too. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Gentle alarm clock If you can’t stand waking up to a harsh alarm bell, get your hands on a gentle alarm clock instead. Most of these clocks gradually wake you up with gentle music and/or slowly brighter light to mimic the sun. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Smart pen Go futuristic with a smart pen to make school and/or work life easier. You can use them to digitize your handwritten notes and/or drawings, so you save time and have more opportunity to explore your creative side. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100)
Robot vacuum Save time cleaning your space with a robot vacuum to help you out. You can often pre-set them to clean at a certain interval, so your home stays neat even when you’re not there. Price range: High ($100+)
Portable projector Make every night movie night when you have a portable projector on hand. Stream movies and TV series from your phone or laptop onto a screen (or a flat hanging sheet) so you can host your very own drive-in movie indoors or outdoors. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Waterproof speaker The next time you go to the beach or a friend’s pool, you can listen to music without worrying about getting your tech wet. Waterproof speakers are safe to use whether you’re water skiing or in the shower. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Handheld gaming console Take your video games with you when you have a handheld gaming console of your very own. They’re the opposite of bulky home consoles, and you can still play plenty of fun games and activities no matter where you are. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Temperature-controlled mug You’ll never have to experience cold coffee again when your best friends give you a temperature-controlled mug. Set it on your desk and program how long you want to keep your beverage warm. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Pet camera The next time you go on vacation, you’ll be thankful you received a pet camera for your birthday. Set it and forget it, until you start missing your puppy or kitten. It’ll allow you to keep an eye on your furry friend to make sure they’re safe and sound. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
LED word clock Wouldn’t it be nice to tell time using words instead of numbers? An LED word clock spells out the time of day like this: “It is five minutes past eleven” for a more personal touch. Price range: Low (under $50)
Bluetooth scent diffuser Turn your bedroom or space into a spa using modern technology with a Bluetooth scent diffuser. You can program it using your favorite essential oils and control things like intensity, timing, and shut off. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Beauty & Spa Birthday Gifts
Hair multi-styler If you’re sick of multiple styling tools and endless cord knots, change your beauty routine with a hair multi-styler tool. Most tools include a hair dryer, curling, flattening, and styling tools, a brush, and more. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Vanity mirror Get a better look at yourself before going out with a vanity mirror that magnifies every detail of your look. Many mirrors come with makeup mirror lights to enhance your view. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Massage gun Melt away stress with help from your friends when they give you a massage gun that you can use yourself. The massage gun has different attachments that can get to whatever bothers you most, from your feet and hands to your shoulders, low back, and neck. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Holographic nail polish set Step up from boring nail polish to a set containing holographic nail colors. Holographic nail polish uses a pigment to refract light and create a rainbow-like spectrum. Price range: Low (under $50)
Bubble clay masks Get in on the latest beauty trend with bubble clay masks to cleanse and purify your skin using the fizziness of carbonated water. Not only will you look good, but it’ll feel great for your face too. Price range: Low (under $50) Certified life coach Kirin Dejonckheere emphasizes how “self-care birthday gifts” are always important for women. Even a set of masks or a DIY spa day can make all the difference in your life (and is a great way to spend time with friends).
Experience Birthday Gifts
Concert tickets to a live show Tell your friends what live show you dream of seeing most—it could be your favorite band or performer, a Broadway show, or a comedy act. They’ll probably get you a few tickets so you can enjoy the show with them by your side. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Creative workshop Channel your love of crafting or building with a workshop where you can learn tons of new skills. Whether you want to knit, make jewelry, or take apart radios, there’s bound to be a creative hobby workshop for you. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+) Dr. Guttman recommends "taking part in an activity for your birthday that you enjoy, like sporting events, movies, theater, museums, etc." An experience-based birthday gift can create a long-lasting memory you’ll treasure.
Outdoor adventure experience Drop the hint that you want to celebrate your birthday by going on an outdoor adventure with your friends, so they plan it as their birthday gift for you. Go hiking, camping, or rock climbing. You can even take a road trip and be surprised where they lead you along the way. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Cooking class Do yourself a favor and learn to cook, so you can host more parties and have more fun with your foodie friends. Decide on a cuisine or dish you want to learn the most, like pizza or pasta making, or French pastry, and get friends to sign you up. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
City day trip Ask your pals to plan a day trip to your nearest local city. They can show you a good time and keep it low-key, with trips to a museum and other local attractions, while trying the best food and drink the city has to offer. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Art classes Transform your interest in art by attending one or a series of art classes in your favorite medium. Learn to paint, draw, or sculpt with expert instructors to help you along the way. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Dance classes Working up a sweat in a dance class with your friends is a great way to spend your birthday. Get into ballet, jazz, or hip hop dance moves, or learn how to salsa as you turn one year older. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Golf lessons (or other sports) Decide on a sport you want to brush up on or learn as a beginner. Then, ask friends to buy you a pack of lessons so you can be one step closer to being a pro in golf, tennis, hockey, or more. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Birthday dinner at a restaurant Going out to eat for your birthday may sound dull, but this time, you can ask friends to bring you somewhere you never would have found on your own. Maybe you want to try Peruvian food or see what a smorgasbord is all about. Broaden your horizons and enjoy how delicious a birthday meal can be. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Donation to an animal charity Take a stand on your birthday by asking those you know to donate to an animal charity, or any charity that is close to your heart. Both they and you will know what the true meanings of friendship (and birthdays) are. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Karaoke room booking Sometimes, birthday activities are more memorable than any gifts you could get. When others book a private karaoke room for you, you can all let loose by singing your favorite tunes and enjoying each other’s company. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100)
Prepaid exercise classes Get into shape starting on your birthday by asking for an exercise class pack somewhere new. Whether you try pilates, hot yoga, or boot camp, you’ll be on your way to fitness in no time. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Airbnb stay Keep the birthday party going with your closest friends when they book you a night at an Airbnb location. They may have reserved a cabin in the woods or a swanky apartment in the city, but either way, it’ll be a great birthday because you’re together. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Museum membership When you’re given a museum membership, you’ll have an all-access pass to visit your favorite exhibits anytime you like. Spending the day revisiting historical artifacts or gazing at memorable works of art will make it one of the best birthday gifts you can ask for. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Spa day Indulge in self-care with a pre-paid spa day so you can relax. Get your mani done, enjoy a relaxing (or therapeutic deep tissue) massage, or go all in with a body wrap, facial, or session in a steam room for the ultimate birthday treat. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Escape room booking Let your friends challenge you with a trip to an escape room you can experience together. Use your know-how and wits to see how fast you can break out and reward yourself with a birthday celebration afterwards. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Practical Birthday Gifts
Headphone stand A headphone stand may seem like an obvious birthday gift, but it’s an accessory you might not think to buy for yourself. Keep your headphones easily accessible, clean, and dust-free on an elevated stand so you never lose them again. Price range: Low (under $50)
Ergonomic desk chair Make your work or school life more comfortable when you have an ergonomic desk chair to settle back into. Most ergonomic chairs are adjustable to accommodate your height and the position you prefer for your elbows and head while working. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Weighted blanket Nothing says comfort like your friends getting you a weighted blanket for your birthday. Fall asleep faster, or just dissolve into the couch as you watch your favorite flicks with friends. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Free sip water bottle Stay hydrated with a stainless steel free sip water bottle you can take anywhere with you. It allows you to drink from it directly or insert a straw when preferred. Price range: Low (under $50)
Personal blender Use a personal blender to make it easier to stay healthy when you’re too busy to cook. These blenders come in a compact size so you can make a juice or smoothie for one. Price range: Low (under $50)
Fanny pack It might take your birthday for you to realize that fanny packs have come back in style. Use your fanny pack to keep your valuables safe, especially when you’re trekking or traveling. Price range: Low (under $50)
Cast iron skillet Keep your birthday simple and practical when you have a quality cast iron skillet to use in your kitchen. It’s versatile enough to see you through omelets for breakfast and a steak dinner. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Dumbbells set Get in shape at home with a set of dumbbells you can use in tandem with any workout, from pilates to HIIT. They may even buy you a set containing more than one weight you can adjust as needed. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Walking pad If you can’t go for a walk in nature, walk at home on a walking pad instead. It’s a fun and easy way to get in shape without leaving your living room. Price range: High ($100+)
Gooseneck kettle If you’re a coffee or tea lover, you can use a gooseneck kettle to heat water for any beverage you’re in the mood for. The gooseneck feature allows for a perfectly neat pout so you can avoid any spills. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Milk frother Do you dream of the perfect cappuccino? The dream can be yours when your friends are kind enough to get you a milk frother on your birthday. It adds a light and fluffy froth to milk, coffee, or any beverage. Price range: Low (under $50)
Infinity pillow Get a travel upgrade when you trade in your standard neck pillow for an infinity pillow instead. This version wraps around your head and neck, and is totally adjustable to whatever your ergonomic needs are. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Portable laptop desk This desktop for your laptop makes it super easy to study and work, no matter what type of desk or table you’re sitting at. The portable laptop desk is simple to set up, so you can adjust the height and angle of your laptop, along with your mouse/mouse pad, and any other electronic devices you need. Price range: Low (under $50)
Backpack organizer insert When you get a backpack organizer insert, you’ll have the tools you need to keep your bag totally organized. It fits into most standard-sized backpacks and features separate compartments for your laptop, phone, books, and more. Price range: Low (under $50)
Birthday Gifts for Activities & Home
Tabletop fireplace Bring the outdoors inside with a safe-to-use tabletop fireplace for you to warm yourself by. It creates the perfect mood for gatherings with friends… You can start using it for your birthday party and go from there! Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Neon sign Add some pizzazz to your bedroom or home space with a colorful neon sign. Many come customized to display a personalized message or your name. Turn off the lights and enjoy the cool look of your sign any time you need a pick-me-up. Price range: Low (under $50)
Lego building set Legos aren’t just for little kids—a Lego building set is part activity, part decoration. Create pirate ships, a picturesque sunset, or a piece of art you can display at home to impress guests. Price range: Low (under $50)
Secret puzzle When you have a puzzle set that has a code you need to crack or a more complicated process, you’ll really feel like you’ve accomplished something when you put it together. Many secret puzzles come with an unexpected message at the end, which keeps the fun going strong. Price range: Low (under $50)
Cute heating pad You may not realize how important a heating pad can be when you’re sick or catch a chill in the wintertime. If your buddies give you one that looks like an adorable cat, hamster, or puppy, all the better. Price range: Low (under $50)
LED windchime Light up the darkness with a colorful LED windchime featuring nearly any design you can think of. The windchimes use the solar power of the sun to light up in multiple colors at night. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Air fort Have the ultimate sleepover in an air fort that’ll feel like you’re miles away from home. It’s like you took an inflatable bouncy castle and made it into a tent for you and your friends to enjoy your birthday together when camping out indoors. Price range: Low (under $50)
DIY bonsai tree kit Find peace and relaxation by cultivating your own bonsai trees with a bonsai tree kit that provides everything you need. Grow your trees, trim the branches, and till the soil until you’re totally serene. Price range: Low (under $50) Dr. Guttman believes it’s important to ask for “something for your birthday to celebrate ‘you.’” Getting a birthday gift that allows you to dive into a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try gives your special day even more meaning.
Color-changing smart light bulbs Turn your room or any space you inhabit into a party with the help of color-changing smart light bulbs. They’re the birthday gift you didn’t know you needed, until you see how awesome the room looks in a rainbow of colors. Price range: Low (under $50)
Inflatable lounger When you’re outdoors or camping, nothing beats having an inflatable lounger to relax with. They inflate easily and stay that way, so you can kick back and relax, if you’re in the woods or by the pool. Price range: Low (under $50)
Indoor herb garden Grow your very own herb garden indoors with this kit to get your green thumb started. Many kits use hydroponic lights to encourage the growing process, so you can have a multitude of delicious herbs on hand for your next recipe. Price range: Mid ($50 - $100) to High ($100+)
Novelty socks Feel comfy and look adorable when you get novelty socks for your birthday. Unlike other boring socks, these come in a wide range of colors and designs, including animal patterns to make you smile. Price range: Low (under $50)
Pack of disposable cameras Take your photography hobby into retro territory when you ask for a pack of disposable cameras. Pass the birthday fun back to your friends who got the cameras for you, so you can all take fun photos easily to capture your birthday party on film forever. Price range: Low (under $50)
Food & Drink Birthday Gifts
International coffee set If you need help staying awake and crave a unique cup of coffee (or 2), ask for an international coffee gift basket or set. Some include a coffee club subscription so you can experience different varieties of coffee every month to suit your mood. Price range: Low (under $50)
Tea gift set Explore the wide-ranging flavors of tea with a tea gift set you’ll always want to dive into. Some assorted sets include teas that have themes like wellbeing, sleepiness, or stress relief. Price range: Low (under $50)
Vintage candy gift box Take your love of candy back in time with a retro candy gift box you’ll love exploring anytime you need a fun snack. Your friends can buy you one with candy from the year you were born, from your favorite decade, or specialized themes like Japanese candy. Price range: Low (under $50)
S'mores DIY kit You don’t have to spend your birthday wishing you were enjoying s’mores by a bonfire. With a s’mores tabletop kit, you and your pals can make s'mores using flameless electric heat and share them with ease. Price range: Low (under $50)
Art & Keepsake Birthday Gifts
Personalized jewelry If it’s a keepsake you’re looking for, invite friends to find personalized jewelry that feels like it was made for you (because it was). From earrings and pendants to bracelets and rings, custom jewelry is made using initials, name, or even photos of you, your friends, or your pet. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Home state scented candle If you’re at college and missing home, or don’t live where you grew up, this scented candle can take you back to your happy place. Each candle is made with your state’s familiar scents in mind; there are also themed scents like “home office” or “gone hiking.” Price range: Low (under $50)
Bookstore gift card Embrace your bookworm identity by allowing others to treat you to the unforgettable experience of shopping for books in person. They can grab you a gift card for your favorite independent or specialized bookshop so you can build your library to your heart’s content. Price range: Low (under $50) to Mid ($50 - $100)
Custom pet portrait You don’t have to spend your time away from home missing your best furry pal… not when you have a customized pet portrait to remind you of them. You can get a portrait made that’s hand-drawn or painted, or get their photos added to a mug or piece of jewelry. Price range: Low (under $50)
Birthday explosion gift box Ask those closest to you to surprise you with a birthday explosion gift box and give it to you when you least expect it. They can fill the box with small gifts or a mini birthday cake, so the party starts the second you open it. Price range: Low (under $50)
Personalized mug Few birthday gifts can make you smile as much as ones that have your face or name on them. A personalized mug is a thoughtful way for friends to show you they care on your special day. Price range: Low (under $50)
Rainbow drip candle kit Turn your love of colorful dripping candles into an art project when you receive a rainbow drip candle kit. You’ll have a blast building your cascade of colors onto a wine bottle and have an instant art piece of your own to show off. Price range: Low (under $50)
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