Have You Left It Too Late To Buy a Birthday Gift? My 5 Top Excuses To Make

By My Linh Duong

If you have left it too late to buy a birthday gift, which happens to many of us, here are my top 5 excuses to make to get you out of a sticky situation.

1) Did you get my birthday card (and/or gift)? NO?! I sent it over a week ago. OH NO, I'll call the post office, it must have got lost in the post.

2) I've been sick all week with the flu and couldn't leave the house. I've just managed to put something in the post to you.

3) It's the time of the month. I think any male who hears this tends to not push things any further!

4) I didn't buy you anything because I want to take you out for a meal/drink instead.

5) Put together a 'Belated IOU' Gift Voucher, something that says 'I, xxxxx, certify that I will spend the day shopping with xxxx, so that xxxxx can buy the gift of her choice'. Then coupled with something like 'I wanted to buy you some new clothes, but thought it best that you are with me so you can choose'. Putting it so that it resembles a contractual binding agreement adds a little humour, which seems to work. My partner gave me this once when he didn't have a gift for me on my birthday, and not only did I forgive him, it made me smile knowing that I could spend the day shopping with him with his credit card on hand!

Ideally, I would say, try not to leave things to late, especially if it's your partner. If you do, then maybe using one of the above will help. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

My Linh Duong writes articles on gifts and gift ideas. If you get stuck, visit MyRedPacket UK for birthday gifts. There is also an events reminder tool which you can use so that you never leave your gift buying too late.