LDS Young Women Birthday Gift Ideas
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As another year comes to a close, we begin to think about the new year and all the fun in the future including birthdays! Birthdays are the perfect time to make people feel seen and loved. But what in the world can you give out this year to the young women in ward for their birthdays?! We’ve got you covered.
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The whole point of a birthday gift is to make that individual feel loved and noticed. Think about your group of young women and what they would actually enjoy this year- not just something that sounds cute. Bring a list of ideas to your class presidencies and let them weigh in. Birthday boxes can be a great way to help everyone find something they like just be sure to constantly refill it so there is always a variety. That being said, someone will always not like something. All you can do is your best.
Things to keep in mind:
When will you gift it? On their birthday, the closest Sunday, youth night, once a month?
Allergies? Watch out for anything with a scent. This includes lotions, chapsticks, food, bath bombs, face masks, candles, etc. Remember, check the allergies of the other people in the household too as they will be around when they use that item- especially if dropping it off at the home. No need to cause any family to head to the ER.
Who will gift it and how- adults or class presidency? In front of everyone or one on one?
Remember to buy extras! Or at least get something that’s easy to grab more of later. You never know when someone new will move in.
What about those who don’t come to church? Are you going to include them or get them something different?
Birthday Gift Ideas for Latter-day Saint Young Women
Framed Gospel Picture
There are so many beautiful gospel art pieces out there! You can get them for cheap at a church distribution store or even buy a digital print on places like Etsy and print yourself (check their terms first and be sure it allows multiple prints). Give just the print or make it easy for them to put up in their room with a frame. Here are a couple of images to get you started:
- Jesus the Christ print (shown above) starts at just 40 cents each
- Jesus and the Lamb digital download
- I Will Deliver You digital download
I received two framed images when I was growing up and still use them. It was nice to have something small enough to put in my dorm room when I went off to college then again when we were newlyweds and really couldn’t get anything else.
“Faith Guides” Pens
Soft to the touch and brimming with meaning, our "Faith Guides" pens are a useful birthday gift they can carry with them. The chicken icon reminds us of the Savior’s call to gather Israel. Each pen comes with a thoughtfully designed card that reads: "Fear lies. Faith guides. Write that inspiration down." Order a couple extras for baptism and missionary gifts- they come in handy!
Paint by Number Gospel Craft
If your young women enjoy art, this is a great option. It’s twice the gift as it gives them something fun to do and hang on their wall. These are on the more expensive end though. Try one of these kits:
Mini Sewing Kit
These sure come in handy and are especially great for those going off on their own soon. Make them yourself or grab some in bulk. The nice thing about making them is you can do it as elaborate or simple as you want. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Mason Jar Pin Cushion plus printable tag from Skip to My Lou
Ideas of what to put inside from Bellewood Cottage
Be sure you have an activity that teaches them how to use it too!
Flashlight
You know how you go camping every year? Make it easy for them to cross flashlight off their list with a new one from you. There are ones for the head and fingers or snag a hand crank one. Get 30 mini flashlights that shine bright for easy gifting.
Socks
Unless your young women prefer bare feet, socks are a great option. There are so many printable tags you can use to go with them too so you can easily tie in that gospel message. Go with silly socks, extra comfy socks, or socks you all tie-dye together at an activity beforehand (just remember to do some extras).
- Packaged and ready to give, try our "Walk by Faith, Not Cold Feet" labeled cozy socks.
- Grab this printable tag from Marci Coombs. It has a gospel message plus says "Happy Birthday" making it an easy to assemble gift.
Ward Cookbook
Work with your Relief Society and create a ward cookbook! Keep it super simple and order in bulk to keep the cost down. The young women can even request certain recipes they have loved at a ward potluck or activity night. If you can afford it, add pictures of the people who submitted the recipes with their creations. It’s a great keepsake and handy to have once they move out of the house. Plus they can start to learn how to cook some of the recipes with their parents now (or with the owner of the recipes for an activity night). There are some famous recipes in our ward that I know my kids would love the recipe for.
Blanket
Blankets fit everyone. Add a note to cozy up with a warm blanket and read your scriptures or compare the blanket to how the Holy Ghost can feel, or the Lord’s warm embrace. Blankets come in handy and depending on where you get them, can still be economical.
Keychains
Whether it’s for a house key, their car, or simply their backpack, keychains are a great option! You can get sayings from Latter-day Saint leaders written on them or pick a mascot that represents your group. Add a cute note that talks about how prayer is the key when making decisions (see this quote from President Russell M. Nelson).
- Check out this great keychain with the reminder to think celestial.
Water bottle stickers
The amount of fun you can have with these is endless. Make your own stickers and order in bulk from a place like Sticker Mule (save $10 at Sticker Mule with my referral link,), get a cheap bulk pack (these won't last long though), or get some designed with gospel sayings already when you support a small business. Here are a few on Etsy to get you started:
- I am a Disciple of Christ stickers from Olive Tree Media
- Gospel sticker variety from Olive Tree Media
- Potato and Jesus sticker is a favorite among tweens and teens because life is better with them. Add a bag of potato chips for extra fun.
- Temple stickers from Tausha Schumann Art
One year for camp, every ward made their own sticker and then traded them at camp. All the young women came home with new water bottles and a bunch of fun stickers plastered all over them.
Heartfelt card
Birthday cards are a great option… when they aren’t something that is just signed. Assign your class presidencies to write genuine notes to each girl. This may take some examples from you first and it will take a group effort to make sure you can say something special about each person. It’s worth the effort though and can really make people feel loved.
- We've enjoyed this birthday card pack. Cute cards with plenty of room to write a note. Plus, who doesn't love a little extra wow factor with that envelope lining?
- Or try our vintage greeting cards for a special touch.
Chapstick
An ever-popular idea through the years, chapstick is simple and fun…. if there are no allergies to the ingredients. There are a ton of ideas for tags to go with them on Pinterest too, start with these:
Fun Soda Bottles
Go for the glass soda bottles and all the unique flavors. This is a great opportunity to support local places too. Add a straw and tag and you’re good to go! These free printable tags from Polka Dot Chair are a great addition.
Scrunchies or Hair clips
If your young women have flowing locks of hair, this is a fun and frugal option. Silk scrunchies, scrunchies with pockets, velvet scrunchies, some with a bow, even the elastic coil ones. So many options! Same with the hair clips.
“We love you a bunch” printable tag from A Girl and A Glue Gun
Combine it some socks and you could say you love them from their head to their toes.
Rubber Duckies that Point to Christ
Add a splash of joy and inspiration with our Faithful Rubber Ducks! Each adorable duck comes with an uplifting card featuring one of two faith-filled messages:
“Don’t duck your blessings! Let this duck be a reminder to slow down and take the time to commune with God.”
“Float above life’s challenges. May this duck remind you to always look to Christ. Jesus will lift you, guide you, and help you find peace in every storm.”
It’s a great way to give a little fun while pointing them back to Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father.
P.S. One of the cards has a Santa hat on right now for Christmas. We can take it off, just email us and let us know you want it for birthdays instead.
Take them out
If you can, taking them out for some ice cream or lunch is such a great way to truly connect with them. You can even host a brunch and invite all those with birthdays that month to come. Smaller settings help you see a whole new side. And remember! Involve your class presidency when you can.
Candy Bars or Birthday Leis
Candy bars are simple, classic, and cost-efficient. Just make sure you get the kind they like and can eat (remember braces too). You can even jazz them up with a printable candy wrapper (try the free printable ones from Crazy Little Projects). Or make it extra fun by making candy leis instead!
Phone Call
You don’t actually have to spend money on a birthday gift. Give them a call on their birthday instead. Be ready with a few questions to get the conversation going and enjoy a chat together.
Decorations
Decorate their room or front lawn with some balloons and signs. You can buy birthday signs to stick on the lawn for the day. Reuse the signs all year, just be clear that you will pick up the signs 24 hours later. Or sneak into their room and decorate with crepe paper and balloons.
Jewelry
Lots of people love to gift and give jewelry and you can always find some that tie into the gospel. Be sure to ask your young women and see if this is something they are interested in. Here are a few great gospel options: