24 CANDLES
a romantic birthday gift idea

It's 5:00 p.m. and Anna is hurrying to get home so she can celebrate her 24th birthday with her husband. She wouldn't have normally been so excited had her husband Chris not set up dinner reservations at a "surprise" restaurant. Once Anna was home, she hastily opened her front door so she could get ready for the evening.

When she did however, she was immediately halted by a huge birthday present oddly marked with the number "1". Excitedly, she went up to the gift and began unwrapping it. Once opened, she giggled as she removed a very cuddly teddy bear holding a small note.

The note was short, saying only "#2 is under your pillow." Before she followed the note however, she noticed a birthday candle was taped to the bottom. Next to it, simply read "pick me up." She went ahead and removed the candle and then headed toward her bedroom.

Once there, who would she find laying on the bed but Chris holding another gift. "Happy birthday honey!" exclaimed Chris as his wife walked into the room. The two embraced and then Chris suggested opening her second gift. "won't we be late for dinner Chris?" asks Anna. Chris smiles and explains that there is plenty of time and they won't be late. Reassured, Anna opens her gift.

This time she pulls out a birthday card. After readying the cute birthday card, she reveals yet another birthday candle and the signature tells her she will find "#3" under the sofa. The couple exchanges smiles and then headed to the living room.

The fun continues as she unwraps her way through 20 more gifts filled with little tokens from flowers to chocolates to even weekend movie tickets. By this point, she has collected 22 candles and is starting to pick up on the one gift for every year thing. With a reluctant excitement, Anna unwraps what is going to be one of her last presents.

After setting aside the lovely gift, Anna removed the candle and read the final note "#24 is on the patio." The couple headed outside, enjoying the fun they'd had the whole way. Once she opened the back door, there on the patio table sat a beautifully set table for two with a small gift sitting on one of the plates. In the center sat a round chocolate cake with one candle in the center.

"So this is where the reservations are at!" laughed Anna. Chris took the candles and began setting then into the cake as Anna unwrapped her final gift.

By the time Chris had set the candles, Anna revealed her gift. A light tear made its way down her face as she looked down at the birthstone ring Chris had chosen for her. Anna jumped into his arms and thanked him for the lovely birthday surprise. After slipping the ring on her finger, Anna blew out her candles. The two laughed and talked over dinner that evening with nearly endless conversation. Chris asked, "what did you wish for honey?" To which Anna simply replied "You already came true."

What You Need For This Romantic Birthday Gift Idea

• Birthstone Jewelry
• Wrapping Paper, and LOTS of it!
• Birthday Candles
• Birthday Cake

As you may have noticed after reading the latter romantic birthday gift idea, there are a lot of gifts involved. I'd recommend choosing some little, inexpensive gifts with BIG and creative wrapping. Remember, the romance isn't in the gift, it's in the giving. Here are a few great, romantic birthday gift for you consider.

• Flowers
• Teddy Bear
• Cards
• Love Tokens
• Chocolates
• Movie Tickets
• Mixed CD
• Photographs
• Photo Puzzle

Really, don't be afraid to think outside the box on this one. The more creativity and personality you put into it, the more fun your romantic birthday gift idea is sure to be. So, what are you waiting for? Get creative!

How to Re-create This Romantic Birthday Gift Idea

**Note: It is not necessary to follow all the directions as stated and are only explained as such for ease of use. Alterations to, or inspirations from, any romantic ideas are very welcome and encouraged.

1. Tell your partner you set up dinner at a "surprise" restaurant for her birthday.

2. Write out the notes specifying where the next present will be. *Note: Make sure to make a copy as well so you have a guide the day of.

3. Make sure #1 directs her to where you will be waiting so you can join in the fun!

4. Have the final note lead her to the dinner for two. Can't cook? Curbside is a wonderful alternative.

5. Tape a birthday candle to all the notes.

6. Make sure you do all this and wrap the gifts beforehand. Also, number the gifts as you go so you don't get lost.

Now that you're through setting up your romantic birthday gift idea, here's what you need to do the day of.

7. Set gift #1 by the front door so she's sure not to miss it.

8. Then, hide the rest of the presents in nooks and crannies throughout the rest of the house. Excluding the final gift of course!

9. Set up a table for two out on the patio. Make the cake the center piece and set a birthday candle in the center. Then, set her main gift waiting on her plate.

10. Once you and your significant other have made your way to the patio, take the candles and set them into the cake for her while she opens her gift.

* Whew! Now all you got to do is wait for the *gasp*... and dinner!

**Note: If she asks about being late for the reservations, assure her you have everything taken care of and that you won't be late.

Tips to Personalize This Romantic Birthday Gift Idea

• If it is relevant for your romantic birthday gift idea, try making each present add on to the next. For example, if she wants something that requires assembly, try putting the pieces in order and put it together as you go!
• Got your own romantic plans? Great! Run with it and make your romantic idea a reality.

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