• Bring a taste of southeast Asia to the next birthday gathering you attend by giving a birthday gift inspired by the customs and goods of Thailand. This type of gift is especially appropriate if the birthday celebrant is from Thailand, has visited Thailand or is planning a vacation in that country soon.
  
  

Thai Cooking Supplies

• If someone loves eating Thai food, give a birthday gift that will help the person make Thai food at home. Purchase a cookbook with a variety of Thai recipes, including soups, curries, other main dishes and desserts. A mortar and pestle help grind spices together to make a curry base. In addition, purchase some of the specialty ingredients that the recipes call for. Fresh lemongrass and Kaffir lime leaves are two essential ingredients, and other ingredients include Thai basil, Thai chili peppers, coconut milk and galangal root. Find these ingredients at an Asian market in your area or purchase them online through a specialty retailer.
  
  

Gifts from Thailand

• If you have been to Thailand recently, bring back items to give as birthday gifts. One inexpensive and unique gift is a pair of fisherman pants. These baggy pants are made of bright-colored cloth and are tied around the waist so the one size fits just about anyone. Other ideas include gifts carved from mango wood, silk gifts, embroidered handbags or framed photos of landmarks or other scenery in Thailand.
  
  

Traditional Thai Gifts

• Give a birthday gift similar to those that would typically be given within Thailand. Common gifts include fresh flowers, fresh fruits and high-quality chocolates. If you plan to give flowers, avoid marigolds and carnations, which are used as funeral flowers in Thailand. One idea is to put together a gift basket that includes a small vase of flowers, a variety of berries and a couple dark chocolate bars, chocolate truffles or other candies. Wrap the gift basket in yellow or gold tissue paper because these colors are associated with royalty in Thailand.