| Finding a truly unique birthday present requires careful | | | | jumping, a flying lesson or perhaps scuba diving. |
| thought and research. First, think about the person you | | | | Or, if he'd prefer something more sedate and you find |
| are buying for - what might they want, need or simply | | | | yourself drawn back to the clothes option, how about |
| enjoy? It needn't be a physical gift; it could be an | | | | an image makeover or a tailor-made suit? Smaller yet |
| experience. Throw the net wide and focus on | | | | equally personalised gifts include bespoke cufflinks and |
| something different and personal. | | | | engraved wine glasses or beer tankards. |
| For a busy woman, a day out at a luxurious spa or an | | | | For girls and boys from birth to 18, there is a range of |
| all-inclusive weekend away could be just what she | | | | age-appropriate gifts online. What about a personalised |
| needs to unwind. Specific treatments can be booked | | | | book, a t-shirt with their favourite slogan, or their own |
| or else vouchers given so that the receiver can tailor | | | | customised armchair? Or perhaps they'd like a day out |
| the experience herself. Find a venue that's local to her | | | | at the local aerodrome or a lesson at the local dance |
| and keep the date flexible. | | | | school? Choose a gift that will stand out or an |
| Or perhaps she'd prefer something more daring: sky | | | | experience that will stay with them forever. |
| diving, white-water rafting or car racing may be just | | | | When you buy online, choosing your gift is all you need |
| the ticket. If not, how about a night at a theatre or | | | | to worry about. The gifts can then be delivered direct |
| comedy club, or an intimate meal for two? Again, such | | | | to the receiver gift-wrapped and 'signed' by you with |
| experiences can be presented as vouchers to ensure | | | | your own personal message. |
| maximum flexibility. | | | | Some gifts can be delivered within 24 hours - perfect |
| For a smaller and more immediate gift, champagne | | | | if time has run away from you. And if you'd like to be |
| and chocolates can be delivered as a fresh alternative | | | | reminded of future celebrations in advance, most online |
| to flowers. Likewise, jewellery can be designed to | | | | retailers will log this information and send you an email |
| order and engraved with your own heartfelt message. | | | | ahead of time to provide ample time to shop again. |
| And there are gadgets aplenty - from time-saving | | | | Most products are also accompanied by customer |
| domestic gifts to the latest handheld computers. | | | | reviews. So, in addition to the site's own |
| Resist the urge to buy the man in your life socks or a | | | | recommendations, you can read the buyers' ratings. If |
| tie again this year. Instead, opt for a unique birthday | | | | you are in need of inspiration, view the bestsellers; this |
| present by adding a bit of colour to his day with an | | | | is normally enough to get the cogs whirring. |
| adrenalin-filled experience: power boating, bungee | | | | |