He just wants to be himself on his birthday.
Boys do not want a big deal made about their birthdays after a certain (usually teenage) age. They fear a surprise party with extended family pinching cheeks and dread singing waiters at restaurants. No worries -- there are still ways to make the day special for your boyfriend without sending him running for the hills. You just have to determine what type of guy he is, because he does want to have fun. Does this Spark an idea?
Outdoors Guy
Every guy is a "food guy."
Organize a campfire. Trek to the local forest preserve or dig a fire pit in your backyard if the neighborhood allows burning. A small gathering of friends around a fire can be stress-free fun. Turn this into a barbecue during the day. Have each friend bring something to grill and something to drink. Prep the meat and veggies for your boyfriend and let him cook.
Sports Guy
Several sports might be a hit at your barbecue.
Gather your boyfriend and a few of his best pals to engage in something competitive, indoors or out: bowling, ping-pong, laser tag, disc golf, mini-golf, badminton, volleyball or paintball. Some activities may require a bit of preparation and organization -- such as baseball; some require almost none -- like meeting friends at a bar for darts.
Music Guy
Boys dig being in the garage, especially if it involves making noise.
Concert tickets for a party of three or four might be in order. Or maybe there is a local club that features jazz or blues. Does your boyfriend play an instrument? Invite some other musicians and have them bring their keyboards or guitars. Buy some cheap tambourines, shakers and wood blocks and have a jam session. Maybe it's an occasion for a karaoke party or sing-along. Or just buy him that new album and play it over drinks.
You Guy
Is the relationship relatively new? Order something from his favorite restaurant and rent a zombie movie. Grab a six-pack you know he hasn't tried. Pull out that old Connect Four game from the closet or even dust off the Wii for a tennis match. Be sure to doll yourself up -- you might be his favorite gift of all.
Tags: your boyfriend, your boyfriend