Focus on the Relationship

• Focus on the relationship you have with the person whose birthday gift you're shopping for, as it can impact the type of gift you purchase. You may likely set aside a larger budget for a closer friend or family member than you would for a co-worker or other business associate. Lingerie may be an appropriate birthday gift for your wife, while a book may be more appropriate for a sister or brother.
  
  

Consider the Age

• Find out how old your gift recipient is turning before you set out to purchase a gift. For kids, certain toys and trinkets are best suited for a specific age group. For adults, it's good to know if the person is turning a milestone age, such as 21, or 30, 40, or another decade milestone. There are many gift options for such milestones.
  
  

Consider Hobbies and Interests

• If the gift recipient has hobbies or interests such as crafting, photography, writing, collecting sports trading cards or making music, you can use these hobbies and interests to come up with clues for which types of gifts to purchase. If you're unsure about what to purchase, opt for a gift card from a store that carries items that fit the gift recipient's hobbies and interests.
  
  

Check OUt Favorite Stores

• Knowing a person's favorite places to shop can put you once step closer to finding the best birthday present. Whether you purchase a gift certificate, or select a gift, purchasing from a person's favorite store can help ensure that you get a gift that matches the recipient's tastes.
  
  

Listen for Clues

• People often make reference to things that they want or need during conversations; the key to purchasing the best birthday presents is opening your ears and listening for clues. By paying attention, you can get signals on what to get, where to get it and the size or color to purchase it in for the gift recipient.
  
  

Recognize a Need

• If you're close with the guest of honor, you may recognize something the person needs that you can snag as a birthday present. A new college student may need laptop accessories. A significant other or parent,may need a new robe, while a child may need rain boots or a hat and glove set.