When we become parents, it is hard to celebrate your own birthday because now you have your kid’s birthdays on your mind.    I know that I have been to twenty kid parties for every one of my adult-friend’s parties.

A few weeks ago, I was so excited to attend my friend’s 40th birthday party!    I had a great time and it was so nice to have time to really catch up.

When thinking about what I wanted to get her, I wasn’t really sure where to begin.  It is hard to find a gift that says “You are special.  You are a great friend.”  Instead of just a “Hey- looks who is having a birthday!” type of gift.

My favorite types of gifts are practical, but it is fun to have a non-practical gift, too!  I like to give two gifts: one of each.

Here goes: 5 gift ideas for your friend… the busy mom!

1). Thirty-One Bag.   (practical gift)
This is my latest bag.
 I LOVE it!  I ordered it through my friend, Danielle (you can see her page here).  I use it for the kids sports.  Last week, my friend, Deanna, stopped by to pick up our older two kids for a park-play date, while I had some time with our two younger ones.  I just threw a soccer ball, baseball gloves, a few water bottles and a few other fun activities into the bag and they were set.  The kids could carry it because while the bag is roomy, its not over-sized.

Plus, in August, you get a Chill-icious Thermal for $10 for every $35 you spend.  

On top of that, if you host a party, you can get this adorable Lunch Break Thermal for only $5.  

Win-Win!    (I would be saving the Lunch Thermal for a teacher gift and fill it with things!)
I would jump on this August offer while it lasts!  Find out more here or by e-mailing Danielle at danova25@outlook.com

2.  Jamberry Nails (fun gift)
You can find details to it right here. 
If you aren’t familiar with it, here is a little video to help

3). Gift card to a fast-food type of place. (PRACTICAL)

I can’t tell you how many times I have planned on having lunch at home, only to find that we are running really late and now have to eat out or at least stop for a quick snack (like McDonalds apples that run two for $1.00 or a quick drink for me!)  Other moms find themselves in similar situations, so give them this gift of convenience.

4. BOOK (FUN)
A great book to keep in the car is a great gift!  Now more than ever, parents are told how important it is to talk meaningfully to their kids. This is the book that makes it easy:  The Kids Book of Questions. 

If your friend has young kids, you can pass along my book, Potty Train in a Weekend (you can buy it on paperback on Amazon)

5- Drink Bands!   (Practical AND fun!)
I love these so much!!  

We used these on vacation and they are AWESOME!   We had a family reunion with 20+ people, and we each had our own color, so we could keep track of our drinks.   Here we are… 

The best part is that we have been using it at home, too.  With six of us in one house, these bands have been great!
Plus, you can even get them personalized (Fun idea for a birthday party,  or if I were giving it as a gift, I would order them for my friend’s family members).  

Ok- those are my best suggestions, but I’d love to hear yours, too!!