Plan your partner's birthday in 2025

Birthdays are about celebrating the person you love. Go all out or keep it simple- what matters is that you’ve made them feel special.

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Because everyone deserves to feel special on their birthday, and otherwise!

So, it's 2025, and we're still expecting to plan our partner's birthday like it's the Olympics of love. Seriously, how did we get here? Wasn't it enough that we invented surprise parties and "Happy Birthday" songs that are just enough to make everyone regret singing? Not. Birthdays are a competitive sport, and if you're not organizing a parade, a private jet, or a flash mob, you're just not trying hard enough!

But don't worry. Here's to guide you through the minefield of modern birthday planning without losing your sanity or relationship. Let's dive in, shall we?

Pretend you forgot

Nothing screams "surprise" like pretending you have zero idea what day it is. Casually ask your partner over breakfast, "Wait, isn't your birthday sometime this month?" and watch their reaction. If they roll their eyes, congratulations! You're on track. If they look hurt, well, buckle up because you're about to overcompensate as your life depends on it.

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"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." – Audrey Hepburn

The key here is to keep them guessing. No hints, no subtle nudges, and no Instagram posts that give you plans.

Mystery is sexy.

Or so they say.

The Budget Talk

Before you start booking that yacht or those live penguins for your Arctic-themed party, let's talk money. How much are you willing to spend on someone's annual reminder that they're aging? This is not a rhetorical question. Set a budget and stick to it, Unless you're okay with eating instant noodles for the next three months.

Now, you'll want to disguise this budget chat as a casual curiosity. Something like "Would you rather have an experience or a gift?". If they say, "I just want to spend time with you," they're lying. Nobody wants "time" for their birthday. They want something tangible. Preferably shiny.

The Gift Dilemma

Ah, gifts. The thing that can singlehandedly make or break your birthday planning.

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Here's a tip: Don't overthink it.

If your partner has been dropping hints about something–a watch, a book, a new gadget–just get that. If they haven't well, you're in trouble.

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"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." – Aristotle

When in doubt, go for something personal. A handwritten letter, a scrapbook, or even a Spotify playlist of songs that remind you of them. And if you're feeling extra generous, add a "no-complaints coupon" for one chore they hate. Trust me, it'll be a hit.

Sing this masterpiece to them

The actual day

Here's where it gets tricky. The day itself is a minefield of expectations. Should you start with breakfast in bed? Maybe. But only if you're sure you won't spill orange juice on the sheets. Should you plan an elaborate outing? Sure, but keep in mind that your partner might just want to chill and binge-watch their favourite show.

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"To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." – David Viscott

Have a backup plan. If your grand gesture falls flat, you'll need a Plan B. Something simple yet thoughtful, like a picnic or a movie marathon featuring all their favourite films. Just don't forget the snacks.

"Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own."H. Jackson Brown Jr.

The "it's the thought that counts" moment.

At some point during the day, your partner will say, "Wow, you didn't have to do all this!" This is your cue to act humble. Smile, shrug, and say something like, "Well, you deserve it." Don't ruin the moment by pointing out how much effort you put into this whole birthday planning fiasco.

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"Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own." – H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Also, don't forget to take photos. Lots of them. Because if you don't document it, did it even happen? Just make sure your partner likes being photographed, or you'll be celebrating solo next year, and we don't want that, do we?

Final thought

In all seriousness, birthdays are about celebrating the person you love. Whether you go all out or keep it simple, what matters is that you’ve made them feel special. So, Let Idyll help you meet someone amazing and then spend weeks panicking about their birthday surprise.