Tag Archives: birthday gifts

The Birthday Present Dilemma

The Birthday Present Dilemma

It’s always a little difficult to buy gifts for loved ones and friends. When people mean that much to you, having to decide what they will truly like is difficult. More often than not, gifts end up being useless, things that gather dust, and may have some sentimental value, but that’s diminished by the lack of usability. Whether it’s for Christmas, or Valentine’s say, an anniversary, a birthday it bears keeping a few tips in mind.

Think about the person

Often when looking at presents, something might catch your eye: a deluxe whiskey set, a certain brand of perfume. If you’re thinking of buying these things, you should think again and remember that you’re shopping for someone else, not yourself. A tip to remembering is to think of things they already own that they covet, what sort of taste they have, their personality and individual style.

Make sure it’s appropriate

It’s important to remember the relationship you have with the person and consider that as a factor when choosing a gift. For instance, you’d buy your mother something like flowers, household gifts or a nice book. On the other hand, for a significant other you can buy something more romantic, like candles or cosmetics and fragrances or even jewellery.

Money

Spending a lot may be a way to show someone that you really care about them, but spending too much can go down the wrong way. It may come across as trying too hard and make the other person feel challenged to spend just as much when buying you a gift. It also deprives you of spending time with your friends and doing the things that you want to do because you’ve spent it all on a present.

Don’t restrict yourself

Don’t think it has to be a certain size or shape. Be creative with your ideas and get something that you think will get the message you want to give across and will be appreciated by the person receiving it.

Remember to avoid gift cards. It’s a really easy way out and comes across as incredibly insincere and lazy. So if you want to show your care, it’s worth attempting to choose something. Don’t be afraid that it might not end up being what they will want. That way, even if it’s something that falls short of their expectations, it’s the thought that you put into it that will count.

Priyanka writes articles on behalf of many online agencies, as well as developing on page content for a variety of well-established websites. Her latest project involves writing articles on the subject of graduation gifts and gifts for boyfriend for the reputable online agency Evie Darling.

History of ‘Happy Birthday to You’

It’s the song that everyone knows.  From the time we are babies clear until we are old, singing Happy Birthday is a tradition that sticks.  You’d think that it has been around for hundreds of years.  Surprisingly, it hasn’t. 

Fun Fact: ‘Happy Birthday To You’ is the most recognized song in the English language.

In 1893, sisters Patty and Mildred Hill sang a song to Patty’s Kindergarten class.  It was called “Good Morning to You.”  The lyrics went:

It was set to the tune of the song we know as ‘Happy Birthday.’  Patty and Mildred later published the song in a children’s music book.  The song was so popular with her students, they often sang it everywhere.  And eventually they sang it at birthday parties, but changing the lyrics to ‘Happy Birthday To You’. 

Fun Fact: Many believe the sisters copied an older song called ‘Happy Greeting To You’.  

The new song was officially published in 1918, but not by the sisters.  Instead, a book called Children’s Praise and Worship took credit. 

In 1935, ‘Happy Birthday’ was finally copyrighted by the Summy Company as a work for hire by Preston Ware Orem.  Why Orem received credit is unknown. 

In 1998, Time Warner Co. bought the company that held the copyright to the song.  And in 2005, it is estimated that Warner made $5000 a day in royalties.

Fun Fact: August sees the most birthday celebrations.  Oct. 5th is the most popular birth day.  And it makes sense; conception would have happened on New Year’s Eve.

With so many movies, television shows, birthday cards and countless others using the song, it racks up quite a bit in royalties.  Many people have challenged that it still holds a copyright though.  As it stands right now, in the U.S. the song will become public domain in 2030.  In Europe, it will happen earlier on Oct. 31, 2016.  This is because their copyrights last until the author dies plus an additional 70 years.  Patty Hill is credited as the author and she passed away in 1946.

Are you looking for an inventive way to advertise your business?  Consider sending out Customized Birthday Pencils.  You can include your company logo and information.  Your customers will be delighted to receive such a thoughtful gift on their special day.

 

Lisa Coronado is a web content writer for Promotional Pencils and writes specialty articles for Birthday Pencils.