inexpensive birthday treats

i'm a girl who loves surprises. especially birthday surprises. (hint...hint!)
but no, i'm not going to talk about my birthday just yet, it's a little early. ^-^

we celebrated the husband's birthday on the first week of january. he used to dislike celebrating his birthday because it's so close to the holidays making it one too many celebrations in a matter of two weeks. that said, i feel it my duty to try to make a little something special for him on his birthday, that wouldn't feel like an extension of the holidays.

it would have been easier if i can just buy him a present and take him out to dinner and be done with it, but no, my husband is a man who doesn't seem to need anything! he's a very simple guy who doesn't get blown away with new clothes or new gadgets. so, since he loves thoughful surprises (as long as it doesn't involve a party with 50 of his relatives ^-^) and handmade presents, there we go!

• i made a paper garland for him, from my paper stash. - this is very simple to make. just cut a triangle pattern, trace it to your favorite prints and cut away. punch two holes on the base of your triangle and thread through whatever twine you have on hand. you can pick a theme for the colors (mine is pastel), and you can use magazine pages, newspapers (which you can paint with your favorite color if you have time), scrapbook paper, even construction paper.
• i printed his own birthday boy banner. - you can design in your computer your own happy birthday banner, play with fonts and graphics, print on a stiff cardstock and cut away. you may layer a colored construction paper behind to jazz it up. punch two holes on top, and thread through your twine. if you are satisfied with your banner, you may laminate it even so you can use it again the next year.
• i used Pritt Sticky Tac to secure my banners on the wall. it's very easy to use and won't damage your wall.

• i picked up these happy birthday candles from the thrift shop for a euro a few months ago. they're like red-violet in color. i bought the birthday boy card for him early last year as well (Paperchase had a closing down sale, so i grabbed a few stuffs) , and it inspired me to make the matching banner for it. it pays to pick up things you like in advance, helps make the preparations easier.
• i baked him a chocolate cake! anything made with lots of love always tastes good.
• and lastly, i made a short movie for him. - there are lots of free programs online which you can use to make a mini-movie/slideshow. i used onetruemedia.com. i scanned Kj's photographs from when he was a baby, along with pictures i took of him (most of which he wasn't aware of) and our wedding pictures too. it played with my favorite music, and lots of texts for my birthday message for him. and he loved it!

the husband is looking forward for the next time he's the birthday boy again. he's absolutely enjoying it!

please add in your favorite birthday ideas, and how you make celebrations more meaningful! ♥

happy weekend!