Fun Birthday Ideas for Your Girlfriend

• Whatever you do to celebrate your girlriend's birthday it should always come from your heart. Birthday No.1 image by Martina Taylor from Fotolia.com

  Whether you've just started dating or have been together for years, coming up with ideas for celebrating your girlfriend's birthday can sometimes be stressful. Remember the old saying is really true, it is the thought that counts. Even if she likes really nice things, the thought you put into her birthday will likely mean more to her than any dollar amount you might spend.

Consider Her Deeper Interests

• What is she interested in? Are there themes or general subjects you are sure she cares about? Does she tear up at ads for abandoned animals? Visiting the pet shelter and holding kittens together could be perfect. Is she a jock at heart? Challenge her to a game of tennis or a run around the local lake. Whatever the activity, follow it up with a picnic lunch or dinner at her favorite restaurant and lavish your appreciation of her with words as you do. Don't be shy about telling her what you like about her. Noticing what she really likes will make her feel important, and ultimately, she'll know you care.

Make it a Day

• A day-long celebration would be a dream come true for many women. Start first thing in the morning by making her breakfast, or picking her up to take her out to your favorite spot for coffee and bagels. Be sure to talk about how you want to make this day special for her because you are so glad she was born. If she is the kind of woman who enjoys surprises, tell her to pack a bag of particular supplies -- like a change of clothes, shoes, etc. Just the fact that you've considered what she might need throughout the day will be a gift --- and sweep her away. A day trip to a nearby town to visit the local orchard, shopping mall or museum will surely fit the bill.

Create Your Own Work of Art

• You might feel silly, but getting past that sensation and making something for her based on what you like about her will definitely warm her heart. Write a poem, or find one online and print it in a beautiful font and frame it. Make a collage of photos of the two of you, or frame a favorite picture of you together. Baking or cooking her favorite foods, especially if it isn't a normal activity for you, will be appreciated as well. Dismiss advice online that says not to attempt your own creations if you aren't already a professional artist. If your gift centers on what she likes -- and says you have thought about who she is, not just what advertisers say she will want -- it will be the right thing.

Buy It

• Of course, some women's interests actually do center around things like perfumes, jewelry or stuffed animals. If your girlfriend is addicted to fabulous nails, a gift certificate to her favorite salon paired with a personal note from you would work beautifully. If she can't get enough jewelry, set your budget and go with her to pick out something special. The point is to do whatever it is your girlfriend likes, not what other people expect you to do.