Surprise Special Events

Struggling to come up with a really original surprise event for a special celebration? Will the usual party and birthday cake combo just not cut the mustard this time around? Are 'thinking outside the box' and 'off the wall' your buzz words and phrases of the moment?!

Birthday celebrations generally mean parties, or at very least, a meal out or a special dinner at home. But if you are trying to organise a really special surprise celebration, for your loved one, then you might want to cast your net a bit further than the same-old tried and tested celebratory methods!

Public Service Announcements!

Planned well enough in advance, you might just be able to wing a once in a lifetime birthday greeting from some pretty amazing sources - if your partner is football mad and never misses their favourite team play, make enquires as to how you could get a birthday greeting flashed up on the score board at half time. Or how about arranging for them to be serenaded at their place of work by a Barber Shop Quartet or classical singer? Clear any such entertainment with your loved ones bosses though - and what ever you do, don't send a stripping telegram into their work place!

Placing a greeting in the announcements column of your local paper is also a nice way to surprise someone on their birthday - and if you can club together with other friends or relatives to take out a quarter or half page space, even better!

Go Extreme!

A fabulous idea for those action hero types who have a taste for adventure and a 'can do' attitude is to arrange a top secret activity day for them - for instance, take them to watch motor racing, abseiling, hang-gliding or whatever extreme sport floats their boat, then reveal your trump card - "It's your turn next, darling!"

Celebrity Style!

How about treating your special guest to an evening following in the footsteps of the celebrity jet set? Invite them out for dinner, without revealing your cunning plan: a night of star spotting at a famous eaterie, or a celebrity chef's flagship restaurant. Search the internet for midweek deals or special offers - celebrity hangouts are often not as expensive as you might imagine! Finish your night off with a boogie at a top night spot - check out the gossip mags for the VIP frequented clubs and bars. OK, so you might not make it into the VIP area, but you'll still be soaking up the atmosphere and dodging the paparazzi on your way out!

Or what about getting tickets to the recording of your favourite TV show? Most panel game shows, quizzes and sitcom makers have a dedicated contact for audience tickets and welcome the public at their recordings. Search the internet for information on obtaining tickets or check out your local newspaper - sometimes TV companies place small ads specifically for local audiences. And remember, these tickets are usually free, so your surprise night out will not cost you a bean! For a real 'themed' celebration, why not base your loved ones whole birthday around the show you are going to see, with themed presents and card - but don't reveal the main surprise until you arrive at the studios!