Gift Ideas

Overview
Reviews

Overview

This theme works for anyone, which makes it a good option when you’re stuck for ideas or don’t know the person that well.

You can try to incorporate all the elements in this gift, or just stick to one or two (eg: fire and ice). Here are examples for each of the elements (click on each element for our full list of suggestions):
- Water: a day at the beach, boating, jet skiing, a trip to the aquarium, fish (for dinner or a new pet), bathing suit, bubble bath, a beverage (wine, bottle of water), bathroom fixtures, a hockey game, a trip somewhere near water…
- Earth: camping, hiking, a mud bath (at a spa, or just play in the mud), pottery (make it or buy it), gardening (classes or supplies), mud mask, bottle of sand, any gemstone, a trip somewhere with a volcano, rock climbing/caving, or simply make your community a bit greener by picking up some garbage.
- Fire: build a fire, watch some fireworks, dining where food is grilled (eg: barbecue, steak), a flammable beverage (eg: flaming sambuca), candle/matches, movies with explosions (eg: Die Hard), travel somewhere with an active volcano or hot springs…
- Air: fly a kite, hot air balloon ride, bungee jumping (for the more adventurous giftee), a flight lesson, popcorn (especially if it’s air popped), a fan, balloons, air travel, bird watching…
Looking for dining options? Search online for restaurants with wood fired ovens/grills or go somewhere that has a fireplace.
Consider stretching the water theme and go see a local sports team with an aquatic title (eg: Sharks, Dolphins, Seahawks). You can also do this with fire (eg: Flames, Devils, Rockets, Lightning, Blazers).
On a budget?
- Going for a hike in the woods or a mud mask could be earthy.
- A swim at the local recreation centre or simply drawing your giftee a bath works for water.
- Flying a kite or blowing bubbles could work for air.
- Roasting a few marshmallows by a campfire or some candlelight could both work beautifully for fire.
Need something quick on the way home? A scented candle (fire), mud mask (earth), bottle of wine (water) and some balloons (air) are easily accessible.
If you’re giving jewelry, gemstones are just rocks and rocks are earthy so they fit with this theme nicely.
Think outside the box: keep in mind water comes in several forms: steam, liquid and solid. So consider things like ice skating or going to a place with a steam room in your gifts.

Wrapping

Wrapping or tissue paper with clouds can often be bought, or you can simply wrap the gift with plain paper and draw some clouds on the paper yourself.
To represent the fire theme, try (in a safe environment) burning the edges of the paper before you use them to wrap the gift.

Presentation

You could start by giving your giftee hints about the theme. A small fan, some soil, a lit candle and a glass of water could represent each element.
Use quotes or phrases that relate to your theme when you present the gifts or in your card. For example:
- Get all fired up on your birthday
- For someone who isn’t feeling well: Hope you’re firing on all cylinders again soon.
- Thanks for always being a breath of fresh air
- When I’m with you, it always feels like I’m walking on air.
- I would go through fire and water for you.
- Being with you is like heaven on Earth. Happy anniversary!
- Come hell or high water, I’ll always be there for you.