Birthdays are fun, especially when our kids are little, but what about when they get older? It can become a little more difficult, but you just have to become more creative. We always want to celebrate our children’s birthdays, even when they are grown adults. Sometimes we are at a loss as to what to do for them because we want our gifts to be meaningful and from our heart. Here are some ideas you may want to try with your adult children.
- Write them a letter: Life gets busy, and we don’t always get the opportunity to tell our adult children how proud we are of them or their accomplishments. Take the time to write them a letter from your heart. Maybe you have had a strained relationship for various reasons. Now would be the perfect time to let them know how much you love them and care about their happiness. A handwritten letter is something they can cherish for a long time, even after God calls you home.
- Fill Out a Memory Book: There are memory books available which you can fill with recollections from your childhood that give you a perfect chance to share some of your favorite memories. This makes a great gift not only for your adult child, but for future generations as well. There are also books designed for you to record memories of their childhood. Adult children don’t always remember everything from when they were young, and the ability to hear about a precious memory in your words can be very meaningful. The nice thing about these books is they give you promptings as to what to write about. You don’t have to struggle and wonder what you are going to write about because the book will guide you. However, you will want to purchase your book a few months before your child’s birthday to give you ample time to complete it without feeling rushed.
- Bake A Cake: Nothing says love like a homemade birthday cake. Remember all those hours you would spend baking and decorating a cake when they were little? Do it again! Imagine their surprise when you show up with their favorite cake. I bet you will see the same smile you saw when they were little. I have a confession to make. My daughter has never been a cake fan, so she either had an ice cream cake or a cookie cake. I know others who love pie more than cake. Whatever sweet treat your adult child likes you to make will be a hit! No one is ever too old to celebrate their birthday. If you want to add some fun, put those trick candles on top!
- A Gift Card: I’m not talking about any gift card, but a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant. This may sound a little impersonal to you, but it will be a welcome gift to your adult child. Many times due to budget constraints they don’t feel like they can afford to spend money on extras for themselves. My daughter is paying off student loans, and although she works full time she lives in Maryland’s D.C. suburbs, one of the most expensive places to live. Her budget doesn’t allow for her to spend money frivolously. A gift card to Starbucks, her favorite clothing store, book store or restaurant are winners for sure. Some other gift card ideas are for a carwash or movie theatre.
- Give Them Something Personal of Yours: Is there something they have always admired that belongs to you? Now that they are adults, you may want to pass it on to them. Often times we wait until our death to give our children something of ours which is valuable. However, wouldn’t it be nice to see them enjoy the item now?
- Create an Adventure: Groupon or Living Social are great ways to create an affordable adventure with your adult child. They have paint classes, cooking classes, wine tasting, golf, fishing, bowling and so much more. Creating an adventure makes long lasting memories. Time can be a factor, but with Groupon or Living Social you typically have plenty of time to make a plan. My daughter and I love going on adventures together.
- Purchase a Devotional: As adults, we all know the importance of spending time with God, but sometimes we need a little extra boost to keep us focused. A devotional is a great way to help our children with their spiritual well-being. There are wonderful devotionals to choose from on various subjects to help them grow in their faith. Find out who their favorite Christian author is and chances are they have written a devotional. As parents, we can always invest and nurture our children’s faith no matter how old they are!
How do you celebrate your adult children’s birthdays? I would love to hear your ideas! Please leave me a comment and let me know what idea you liked the most. I’m always looking for new, fun and creative ways to celebrate my daughter’s birthday.
Great ideas Sheila. For Leah Anne’s birthday this year we drove out to NM to spend her “Augus elegen” birthday. Cara made her a special strawberry birthday cake that was literally the best thing I have eaten. We made her favorite meal and loaded her up on gifts. Adult kids need to know they are special and loved always. I think as they age, marry and become mom’s the focus is too far removed. “forever my baby you’ll be…”
Hi, Sue! I bet Leah loved it! I love how you have always made the girl’s birthdays special. No matter where you were there was always a homemade cake and presents. Our children are a gift from the Lord and how precious the day the Lord gave them to us. I love our ‘Augus elegen” birthday girl. I agree just because our children get older doesn’t mean we quit celebrating their lives. Besides, any excuse for a party is fine by me 🙂
What great ideas, Sheila. I have always tried to make birthdays special for my kids. I used to decorate their bedroom doors after they would go to sleep at night with balloons and streamers. That is a little harder to do now that they don’t live at home any more, but I still try to take my girls shopping and out for lunch for their birthdays or get them something that is meaningful to them. I appreciate the tips. Have a great weekend. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Hi, Amy! What a fun idea! I’m sure that started their day out right! Shopping and lunch are always fun! I am enjoying all of your fashion tips as well! I pray you are doing well!
Omg I love these ideas! I need to pass these on to my mama haha!
Hi, Addy!
Please do pass these tips on to your mom! You can even throw some of your own ideas in too! Thanks for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Love this! My Mom likes to get me little luxuries I don’t spring for myself anymore – like a pedicure 🙂
Hi, Christine!
As women, we tend to pamper everyone, but ourselves. This is why moms like to give their daughters luxuries because we remember what it was like being young and watching our pennies. Pedicures are the best!
Sheila,
These are great suggestions. In recent years when my children have become adults, I’ve struggled with this. I usually go the gift card route, but these suggestions are personal. I know my kids would love some of the things on this list. Thanks.
Hi, Sheila!
Gift cards are great too! Sometimes, we just need a spark to get our creative juices flowing to give us some new ideas. You are very creative and I’m sure whatever you do for your children they are truly blessed in so many ways. Thanks for stopping by!
Great ideas Sheila! My baby girl will be 30 on October 14 and my baby boy will be 32 on the same day.💖💙
Hi, Cathy! How does this happen that our children grow up so fast? Wow! Two birthdays on the same day! I bet that was fun growing up! You always make everyone’s birthday special even mine! I could take some tips from you 🙂 Love you!
So much good ideas! I have a 13 year old and she will turn a year older next month, this is something I can use. Thanks for the ideas. 🙂
These ideas are so simple yet so heartwarming. The grown babies need love, too!
Hi, Britt!
Every child no matter how old they are love to be loved! Thanks for stopping by!
These are such great ideas! I absolutely love #6 too! I like to gift my nieces and nephews with “experiences” but never thought about using a groupon for this. Genius!
Hi Kate!
Thank You so much! I love using Groupon and Living Social. It is a great way to save money and have a great time! Have fun!
This is such a great post! Us adult kids still like a little attention from parents on our birthdays.. we are still their child!
Hi Shelbi!
Thanks for your encouragement! I agree we all like our parents to show us some love!