Magazine Subscriptions

• A great gift often forgotten in the era of instant gratification and super technology, print media is still alive and cherished by literary and visual enthusiasts alike. There's something satisfying about being able to physically thumb through pages, and while you're likely to grab a magazine and pay full cover price from the grocery store, you rarely sit down and fill out the subscription form, though you'd like to. Tailor the magazine choice to the recipient's interests or hobbies -- or even better select one you can share together. This gives the gift a personal touch and shows the birthday gal that you know a little something about her taste. You can even center the gift around the magazine and build a basket full of add-ons or supporting gifts that follow the theme!
  
  

Photo Mosaic

• For the technology lover, design a gift built around memories -- literally. Tons of photo websites offer photo mosaic prints that allow you to create a gift based on virtual albums. Upload your favorite digital photos, and pick a main image. Sites will shrink your pictures to tile-size and then compile them to make up your large, overall image. You can pick a print size and have it shipped to you or the recipient. A great way to immortalize time spent together with friends and family, these prints one-up any scrapbook or framed photo of the past.
  
  

Do-It-Yourself Books

• Project books are gifts that keep on giving. For the crafty, handy, artistic types, or those who'd like to be, DIY books will inspire projects for years to come. Published for home improvement lovers, fashionistas and penny savers alike, there's a DIY title to fit any recipient. Most major bookstores have an entire DIY section. Kids, teens, adults or seniors can relish in the pride and fun of DIY projects that last well beyond the birthday celebrations.
  
  

Gifts That Give Back

• A donation to a charity of the celebrator's choice is great, especially if it comes with a little something they can keep as an added bonus! Fashion for a cause is the newest craze and for good reason: Organizations are donating money or even goods to aid others. Wearing these brands spread the movement and add to the aid. Give a pair of TOMS shoes, and the company will give a pair to a child in need. Give a Falling Whistles piece, and they'll put 100 percent of the proceeds toward helping war-affected children in the Congo. Give a Krochet Kids hat, and help empower women in northern Uganda. Give a gift that you can both feel good about!