Is your friend’s birthday coming up soon? Are you unsure of how to celebrate this special occasion? Do you have trouble deciding on a present to give? If any of these concerns ring true for you, you’ve come to the right place! The Clog’s got you covered with all of the ways you can make your friend’s birthday special.

First things first, no birthday is complete without some sweet and delicious cake. The Clog’s favorite spot is Sheng Kee Bakery on Telegraph Avenue, which offers a wide variety of cakes to suit your every need. From mousse cakes to fruit cakes in all different shapes and sizes, Sheng Kee is your one-stop shop for every event. If you’re looking for something smaller, the Cupcakin’ Bake Shop on Telegraph Avenue has a beautiful assortment of cupcakes to choose from. You can even make your own celebratory dessert if you’re feeling ambitious. Be sure to check out our cake recipes for inspiration.

Now comes the million dollar question: What should I gift my friend?

You’ve either found the perfect gift or you’re still scratching your head about the present. There’s no in-between. If you find yourself in the latter category, remember that the best gift is not necessarily something that you would like but rather something that your friend would love and find useful. We often look for things that we’d enjoy, but it’s important to put yourself in your friend’s shoes and think about their interests. How about a book on your friend’s must-read list? Or, a succulent they have been meaning to get? A paint set to unleash their artistic side? A bullet journal to help them organize their semester? A pair of earrings to go with the dress they were wearing yesterday? The ideas are endless! The gift doesn’t necessarily have to be store-bought. You can always create a personalized gift by making something yourself!

If you want to go beyond just the simple “cake and gift” duo, you can make the celebration all the more special by planning a surprise or making a reservation at your friend’s favorite restaurant. If you’re going the “surprise” route, gather all of your mutual friends, make a card together, decorate the venue (which can simply be the dorm or apartment lounge) and voila! Treat your friend to a lunch or dinner at a fancy restaurant if you’d like something a bit more intimate.

Finding the perfect way to celebrate a friend’s birthday can be challenging and filled with stress, but it doesn’t have to be! With this guide, we hope that you’re feeling a lot more confident about making your friend’s special day even more special.