How to Surprise with a Birthday Celebration in a Box

Birthdays... everyone has them, and everyone deserves to have their special day recognized and celebrated. However, sometimes you can’t be there in person to celebrate and wish your loved one a “Happy Birthday!” , but don’t let the miles between you dampen the celebration. Follow these simple steps to create a Happy Birthday in a Box Surprise that you can mail to the grown-up birthday boy or girl in your life – we all grow up, but we never grow out of having birthdays! This Happy Birthday box is sure to make anyone feel special on their special day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 Medium Mailing Box
• Colorful Tissue Paper
• Colorful Confetti
• Curling Ribbon
• Birthday Card
• Happy Birthday sign or banner
• Party Blow-Out
• Happy Birthday Hat
• Happy Birthday Paper Napkins
• Happy Birthday Paper Cake Plates
• Box Cake Mix
• Canned Cake Icing
• Cake Sprinkles
• Birthday Candles
• Packing Tape
• Added Optional Bonus: Gift Card to their local movie theater or video store OR their local pizzeria.

1. 
    

   First let's start with a medium to large size box. The size of the box is dependent upon how many items you have decided to include, and the sizes of those items. When selecting the box keep in mind that you will be mailing this box, so make sure the box you select is sturdy and in good shape for mailing.

2. 
    

   Arrange several sheets of the colorful tissue paper on along the bottom of the box, creating a nice cushion for the items you will be including.

3. 
    

   Sprinkle some colorful confetti on top of the tissue paper cushion you have created.

4. 
    

   Now it's time to insert and arrange the paper plates, paper napkins, cake mix, canned icing, sprinkles, birthday candles, birthday hat, and any other items or little gifts you have decided to include (if any). Use additional sheets of tissue paper to help arrange, prop up, and surround items.

5. 
    

   Cut several pieces of curling ribbon (approximately 12 inches in length) and curl with scissors. Toss the curls into the box on top of the items you have arranged. Feel free to sprinkle a little more confetti on top of the items as well.

6. 
    

   Arrange several more sheets of colorful tissue paper securely on top of the items you previously arranged to help keep them in place.

7. 
    

   Lay the Happy Birthday sign or banner on top of the tissue papper -- tucking in on the sides if needed. Arrange the birthday blow-out and the birthday card nicely next to the sign. (If you have decided to include a gift card, tuck that into the envelope with the birthday card before you seal the envelope). Toss a few more curling ribbon curls and confetti on top.

8. 
    

   Your box is now complete! Gently tuck in more colorful tissue paper to fill the empty space between the items and the top of the box. Then firmly seal the box with packing tape, and write the to and from mailing address on the box.

9. 
    

   Now go mail that baby, and wait for the excited phone call from your loved one!

10. 
     

    BONUS SURPRISE: If you really want an additional "oomph" for your Happy Birthday surprise box, you may want to consider including a small mylar balloon. When they open the box and remove the first layer of tissue paper it will float up! *If you decide to do this you will need a larger box!* Here's how to do it: After you have completed Step 7, tuck several sheet of tissue paper on top to create a new cushion for the mylar balloon. Make sure there is a pretty nice thick and snug cushion of tissue paper there to prevent any of the items from poking the mylar balloon. Next line the walls of the box with a thick and snug cushion of tissue paper. Now insert a small mylar balloon into the box, and top with another cushion of tissue paper up to the lid of the box -- making sure that the mylar balloon is kept snuggly in place by the tissue paper.

Tips & Warnings

• In addition to confetti, you can also sprinkle wrapped hard candy. Do not use chocolate -- it melts and becomes messy.
• If you choose to include a gift card, remember that it is the thought that counts and the denomination amount does not need to break the bank. A $10-$20 gift card is a nice gesture, and will be much appreciated.
• If you decide to add some "oomph" by using the mylar balloon, please note that it is very important that you only use mylar balloons. Mylar balloons are much more durable than regular balloons -- they won't pop like regular balloons, and they stay inflated longer than regular balloons. To ensure optimal inflation upon arrival choose the fastest shipping method your budget will allow.

Resources

• The Secret Language of Birthdays
• Miss Sarah's Online Store - Powered by Amazon.com

[Gardengates]

on 8/17/2008 Where were you last week on my birthday? :-) Good article!

[Hapworth]

on 8/17/2008 What a great idea!

[Cherst1031]

on 8/16/2008 What a lovely gift box this would be - thanks for sharing the instructions!

[vallain]

on 8/16/2008 What a nice surprise it would be to get this in the mail. I sent my sister a college survival box once. Unfortunately the talcum powder mixed with the animal crackers making them inedible. oh well...

[LilacGirl]

on 8/16/2008 Great idea, this looks fun.