Ask the Strategist: What’s the Best Birthday Gift (When You’re Quarantined Together?)
In our advice column, Ask the Strategist, we take your most burning shopping questions and survey friends, call up experts, and draw on our own personal experience to answer them. As always, please comment with any questions of your own — we’re here to help.
Question: What do you suggest buying for someone’s birthday when you’re trapped in quarantine together?
Celebrating a birthday when there’s a stay-at-home order in effect is kind of a bummer (but hey, at least it’s historic?). And just because we’re all practicing social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun. We’ve uncovered 26 gifts for every kind of person, whether you’re observing the birth of your partner, your child, or your roommate you only sort of know. Best of all, these gifts can all be purchased online — but consider ordering a couple of weeks before you’ll need it, since delivery drivers are working overtime right now and some nonessentials are experiencing delays.
If the news is giving them insomnia
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If they panic-cut their own bangs (or dyed their own hair) and it didn’t go so well
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Madewell Denim Baseball Cap
If you can name their favorite YouTube channels by now
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If they’ve finally given in and started a TikTok
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If they’re tired of doing the Instagram push-up challenge
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If they’ve binged on Tiger King (twice)
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If they’ve run out of whodunnits on Netflix
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If they’ve exhausted Animal Crossing
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‘The Sims 4’
If they’re so bored they’ve started talking to their succulents
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If they have a standing weekly manicure appointment
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If they’ve been indulging in skin care lately
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If their sloungewear needs an upgrade
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If they’ve been subtly mentioning they need a loungewear upgrade
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If they’re not sure how to adapt their Little Women-inspired wardrobe to fit their indoor life
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If their toes are always cold
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If they’re antsy to spring-clean their quarantine quarters
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If they’re navigating being a new parent while self-isolating
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If they are a preschool fashionista
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If you can’t bake (or order a cake from their favorite bakery)
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John Derian Cupcake Candles
If they wish they could have a pizza party with all their friends
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If they’re patient enough to wait awhile for their birthday dinner
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If they’re missing their daily commute croissant
New! You can now save this product for later.
If they need a pre-Passover babka fix
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If they’ve suddenly become a master chef
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If they’re consistently at a loss for what to make for lunch
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If their quarantine diet is mostly beige
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The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
