Birthday gifts

* Since its a close friend, a Kinokuniya/MAC/Tangs voucher ain't going to cut it. Its got to be something with a hint of thoughtfulness and preparation.
* There's always the danger of getting something that she doesn't need, or worse still, doesn't want. Or worse yet, already has!
* If she's someone you want to impress, it becomes doubly difficult. Buy a lavish gift and your intentions become too obvious. Buy something cheap, or tacky, and you won't even get to first base.

Some people have told me the best way to buy presents (especially for birthdays), is to ask the birthday boy/girl what she wants. That takes out a lot of guesswork from the equation.

But i disagree - while that approach might work for gifts between casual friends, buying a gift for someone you care for, or are close to, is not really just about the gift, but also about your observations and attention to who and what that person is. In a way, its a test of friendship - if you really know me, you'll know exactly what i want, or need. And given that knowledge, buying a gift should be easy.

Personally, my family and i have never been very big on the whole birthday gift thing. During my birthday, mom will cook me a special dish - pulut kuning and rendang ayam. That, i believe is all i could ever want from her for my birthday. Dad regularly forgets, but that's ok because i don't remember his birthday either and the last birthday gift i got him was a shaver when i was 13. My sisters ditto, but i do make it a point to give them some money on their birthdays. My friends? Most don't know when i was born, not even my close ones, and that's ok, preferred almost. Never was one to make a big deal out of it.

But having said that, i must add, i do enjoy surprises.