It seems like whenever someone's birthday comes around, it's hard to remember all of the great gift ideas you had when his or her birthday wasn't rapidly approaching. The perfect birthday present can be hard to find, but with a few helpful hints, you can make anyone's birthday a memorable one while giving thoughtful yet affordable gifts.

One feature of a great gift is that it is personalized to the gift receiver's personality. You don't want to get someone bath salts if they don't like taking baths. A personalized gift is always unique and can be very affordable if you look in the right places. Many photo shops will print pictures on mugs, mouse pads, t-shirts, aprons and a number of other household or office-related products. The recipient will be able to use the gift often and think of you every time she does. If you have a funny inside joke together, have the phrase printed on a mug or refrigerator magnet, so she can see it often and laugh.

A great gift is one that will be remembered for the joy it brings instead of the money that was spent. The thought and preparation behind a gift can be more important than the material object. Consider throwing a birthday party for your friend and cooking a lavish meal as the gift. The time you took and effort you put in is a gift the recipient will appreciate. Most importantly, the fun you and all of your friends had at the party will be remembered for years to come. 

It's important to choose a gift based on how well you know the recipient. If you're shopping or planning for a best friend's birthday, you'll buy something more intimate and personal than if you're shopping for a coworker you only see during office hours. Giving an expensive or elaborate gift to an acquaintance will often make them feel indebted to you and will cause more guilt than enjoyment. Even if you're on a tight budget, you don't want to settle with getting your significant other a card. If you can't afford an expensive present or dinner, cook a meal in a romantic setting or make sandwiches and arrange a picnic. The time spent together is worth more than any expensive gadget or five-star restaurant. 

Although some kids are easy to please, finding the right gift for a kid can be more difficult than an adult. Kids are active and full of wonder so taking your child to an exciting new place or throwing a party with games and a pinata can be the best gift he or she receives. A good birthday for a child involves friends and some kind of adventure, whether it's in the back yard or at an amusement park. Birthday memories are as important for children as they are for adults, and the memories always last longer than the gifts they receive.

Choosing a good birthday present can cause a lot of stress. If you keep in mind that the gift should be thoughtful, memorable and appropriate, you'll have a much easier time choosing the gift, and the recipient will undoubtedly love it.