Simple and Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate Birthdays

There’s something special about acknowledging someone's birthday, and it doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money to make someone feel cherished. A simple gesture with a thoughtful note can go a long way in showing love to others. As people get older, it’s easy to slip into the habit of downplaying birthdays—sometimes even dreading them. We joke about getting older, adding another candle to the cake, or feeling the years pile up, but maybe it’s time to flip the script. Each birthday is a chance to celebrate growth, resilience, and life’s journey. Even when someone acts like they're not excited about "another birthday," deep down, we all long to feel valued and seen. A simple acknowledgment, a heartfelt gesture, or a few kind words can make anyone’s day and remind them just how loved they are. So let's talk about how we can love those around us on their birthdays!

Remembering Important Dates

Remember the excitement we all had about birthdays as children? That anticipation, the joy of being celebrated, the feeling that the day was truly special just for us. Even if it wasn't YOUR birthday- the anticipation of a friend's birthday coming up seemed magical when we were kids! But as we age, the celebrations often fade. We might say that birthdays become “just another day,” when we get older and spend our day at work or shuffling kids to activities- yet isn’t there even more to celebrate with each passing year? Wisdom, friendships, memories, and life’s lessons are all worth honoring! But things are just DIFFERENT as we get older! Let’s face it! Half the battle these days is simply REMEMBERING what day it is! -Much less that it's someone's birthday! So what can we do to not let those special days slip by unnoticed, even if we’re all busy?! Here are two simple tools to help us keep celebrating others, especially in our full schedules.

Tool 1: Using Your Phone to Remember Birthdays

Your phone is a great tool for making birthdays unforgettable! (Another way that little box isn't so bad after all!!- I have a whole post about using technology to grow your faith!) Here’s how to add birthdays directly to your contacts so they automatically appear on your calendar (iPhone users!):

1. Open Contacts: Start by opening your contacts app.

2. Select the Contact: Find or add the person whose birthday you want to remember.

3. Edit the Contact: Tap to edit and look for the “Birthday” field (you may need to select “Add Field” or “More options”).

4. Enter the Date: Add their birthday, and save the contact.

5. Sync with Calendar: This should now sync with your calendar and send reminders, so you’ll always remember to celebrate them!

   
   

It’s quick and easy, and it ensures your phone will remind you to show up for your loved ones! But what if technology isn't your thing?! I've got you!

Tool 2: Birthday and Event Tracker Printable

For those who love a paper option, I’ve created a Printable Birthday and Event Tracker! This super simple, single-page printable has all twelve months, with space for you to write out birthdays and other important events you want to remember. I encourage you to keep it with your Bible or study materials so that each time you see it, you’re reminded to pray for these people on their special day and beyond. [Grab it in my Freebie Library Here!]

Acknowledging the Special Day

So we now that we have a plan for remembering birthdays- how do we acknowledge or celebrate people on their special day? I wish I could buy everyone their most desired gift! But let's face it- that's not possible! Most people in my phone are getting a text! And if I'm completely honest- they're probably getting a pre-generated message that I have saved in my phone as a keyboard shortcut! Let me share that secret weapon with you real fast! When I type the letters "hbd" on my Apple devices... the devices automatically replace those three letters with this custom phrase that I've put in my phone- "Happy Birthday!! 🥳 Hope it’s fantastic! 🎈". I've had this phrase saved for a few years now so I probably need to change it soon! But let me tell you how simple this is! Again... these directions are for iPhone users, but I'm sure Android can do the same!

1. Open Settings: On your iPhone, go to the Settings app.

2. Tap on General: Scroll down and select “General.”

3. Choose Keyboard: Scroll again to find and tap “Keyboard.”

4. Select Text Replacement: Tap on “Text Replacement” at the top.

5. Add a Shortcut: Tap the “+” in the upper-right corner to add a new text replacement.

6. Enter the Phrase and Shortcut: In the “Phrase” field, type the full phrase you want your phone to enter automatically. In the “Shortcut” field, type the few letters you want to use as a shortcut.

7. Save: Tap “Save” in the upper right corner, and you’re all set!

   
   

Now, whenever you type those letters, your phone will replace them with the full phrase. It’s a quick and easy way to save time typing common phrases! I know, I know! It doesn't feel very personal, but until I gave this little secret away just now- people for years have thought that I've stopped and typed that out for a text or social media message. You could store a few different messages in your phone with labels like hbd1, 2, etc. or familyhbd, churchhbd, etc. Just remember that you have to type it EXACTLY as you label it so that it populates the phrase! So you want it to be something easy to remember! For those that are going to give me a hard time about this- I would say that nine times out of ten this sparks a real, authentic convo after! "Thanks so much for thinking of me!"... "Absolutely! What are you doing to celebrate today? We should do lunch soon!"...etc.... Ok... moving on!

More Than a Text

So what if you feel that you need to send MORE than a text? A text is great for a co-worker or an acquaintance, but sometimes we have those friendships that we feel we need to honor a little more!

Lunch dates

I have loved making time in my calendar to take friends to lunch lately! Those lunch dates are so life giving for me! It's so great to catch up with an old friend and what better reason than to celebrate their birthday.

Snail Mail a Card

But what if your friends are long distance? I have a friend who still sends a "snail mail" birthday card and it makes me smile every year! Not a lot of people do that anymore- other than some Ulta coupons or Amazon packages- there's not a lot that arrives on my doorstep or in my mail box and brings me that kind of joy! I have lots of tips coming for managing this in the form of a birthday celebration freebie that I'm working on! So stay tuned!

Small Gifts

Maybe you feel the need to actually hand the birthday girl (or guy!) something at lunch! Well, I've got some ideas for small items that won't break the bank! I worked in the Elementary school setting for over a decade and if there's one thing that Admin, Teachers, PTA, Parents, etc. love to include with little gifts- it's a good PUN! (i.e. You're the WRITE teacher for us- with a pack of pens!) So I've put together a couple of ideas of small trinkets/gifts and I've even included easy tags for you to print and give! Nothing crazy! Just nice little "happies" is what I like to call them! You can find the tags in my Freebie Library!

1. Candle with a Verse Gift a candle with a note that says: — "Thank you for being such a bright light to those around you!" Matthew 5:14 You can wait for the Bath and Body Works candle sale (usually twice a year in December and June!) and get there 3 wick candles for less than $13 each! If your budget doesn't allow that there are actually some really great candles at Walmart, Target, and even Dollar Tree! I suggest going with a clean, fresh scent if you don't know your recipient's preference. Stay away from strong, perfume smells. The great thing about Bath and Body Works is that they can easily exchange it for a scent they DO like!

2. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with a Playful Note Attach a tag that says: "I heard you had a birthday Reese-ntly!" Missed a birthday? This is the perfect little happy! (Assuming your friend isn't allergic to peanut butter! Definitely check that first!). Tie some ribbon or a tulle in the middle of the bag so that it looks like a bow and attach your note. I love this one b/c they can be done in advance and kept so you're ready to go! It can also be customized based on your budget since there are lots of options for sizes of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Reese's Pieces!

3. Assortment Box of Teas Give a small box of teas with the note: "I hope your day is TEA-rriffic! Wishing you a birthday as warm and wonderful as you are!" Tea is another gift that can be customized based on your budget depending on the size of the box of tea you purchase and/or adding a special cup, kettle, etc. with your gift!

These are just a few simple and customizable ideas to fit your budget, but there are plenty more ways to make someone feel loved on their special day! What do you like to do to celebrate friends? Leave an idea in the comments below! And don't forget to grab the important date sheet and the free gift tags!