Girlfriends' Day Out
Problem: One of your very best friends has a big ol' scary birthday lurking just around the corner. What will you do? You could take her out for lunch—again. You could take her out for dinner—but isn't that just a later, more expensive version of lunch? This birthday calls for more than the same old tired menu. Solution: First, admit that this job is too big for one person. Then, call for reinforcements. With your circle of friends—well, anything is possible. And this is just the time to prove it. With a seriously fun girlfriends' day out. But you're not on your own. We've got some idea starters for you right here. And you will no doubt take it from there.
- First Things First: Make sure arrangements are made for childcare for all your kids during the day. (Maybe you can bribe a husband? Or grandma?)
- The Breakfast Club: Here's the plan. One of you will invite her out for a birthday breakfast. When you arrive, you will by complete coincidence (of course) run into another friend. Naturally, you'll invite accomplice #2 to join you.
- Card Her: So the three of you are finishing a lovely breakfast. Oh, you exclaim, I have a birthday card for you! You hand it to her, she turns it over (to make sure it's from Hallmark), and she opens it. Out falls THE NOTE.
- THE NOTE: The note will explain that this is a "girlfriends' day out" in honor of her scary birthday and that everything has been arranged. She will be giddy. This is a photo-op moment. Ask your waiter to snap a picture. It's time to start documenting the day.
- The Hunt: And then—you tell your birthday friend to turn the note over and look at the instructions on the back. You'll be going for a little walk (or drive, depending on the weather). The specifics will be completely up to you, but make it simple. Say, walk out the restaurant door, take a right turn, walk 1/2 block and stop. There, waiting, will be a small gift-wrapped box in which you have placed a gag gift like some crazy-ugly sunglasses.
- And Then There Were Four: The instructions in her gift box say she must put the sunglasses on and do an about-face back toward the restaurant. And voila—accomplice #3 appears! (You know, the one who secretly placed the gift box on the ground and made sure no one made off with it.)
- Parking Ticket: Back to the car, birthday girl spies a note under the windshield wiper (which you cleverly placed as you got out for breakfast). She reads the note, which tells her that a special birthday gift is waiting in the trunk of the car. You open the trunk, and indeed, there is another gift-wrapped box.
- Party of Five: This time, she receives a little toy phone with a note instructing her to return to the restaurant (with her phone) and ask the cashier if there are any messages for her. Embarrassing, yes, but most restaurant employees will be only too happy to play along. Why yes, the cashier will say, we do have a message for you. And out steps—who else—accomplice #4.
- Just Gettin' Started: And now the fun begins. The whole gang will caravan to one of your homes, where the party is waiting to happen, with activities like these:
- Favorite Flicks: You've got a stash of movies that are bona fide girlfriend flicks. (See our favorites by clicking the "Favorite Girlfriend Flicks" link at the bottom of this page.) There is no shame in watching them over and over and over. Make the popcorn. Order a pizza. Every food is free today. No points. No calorie counting. No kidding.
- Queen for the Day: Let her know in no uncertain terms that she is queen for the day. Crown her with a tiara, and make her a banner that you've pre-named Miss Congeniality. (Or whatever title you choose to bestow.)
- The Spa Treatment: Do the girl stuff you never get to do anymore. Have supplies ready for facials and manicures.
- Girl Talk: Remember it's a girlfriends' day away. This doesn't happen very often. Talk about your hopes and dreams. Talk about anything. Talk about everything. (Talk about a good time.)
- Gifts From the Heart: Birthday gifts don't have to be expensive to be meaningful. Make her a CD of your favorite "oldie" songs. Or songs about friends. Make your own special aromatherapy kit for her with soaps, candles, etc. Make her a memory album of your friendship. Most importantly, make it from the heart.
- Friends 4-Ever: Have some paper and pens handy, and take some time to write a paragraph to each friend on "why we'll be friends forever." Your answers could be serious (You're always there for me), or they could be silly (You're good at keeping my weight a secret). Make them anonymous. You can choose to read them aloud or in privacy later.
- You Gotta Eat: Somewhere during this day of fun, you've gotta take time to eat. Naturally, you'll have all that planned ahead of time. Or—you'll order pizza. And don't forget the birthday cake.
Okay, that should get you started. Use one idea, or use them all. Adapt them for your own situation or for the number of friends you'll be conspiring with. And—seriously—have fun. (What are friends for?)
Related Links Favorite Girlfriend Flicks...
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