Your loved one's birthday is coming up soon, so you decide this birthday will be different. No more "usual" birthday gifts. You want to do something special and give a gift they will actually treasure, or at least use on a regular basis. Below are five steps to help you pinpoint that perfect birthday gift.

Step One: Determine the Season

When shopping for a birthday gift during spring, find a gift that fits the spring season. A winter coat or pair of skis probably wouldn't be best in April or May. However, pastel-colored jewelry for a mother, girlfriend or sister would be great if she likes jewelry. Or, for the wife some colorful lingerie or a beautiful leather handbag might do the trick. A set of knives for the kitchen can make a great birthday gift any time of the year.

Step Two: Giving a Collectible Gift

Collectibles make great birthday gifts for those who enjoy antiques or unique items. Find out what your friend enjoys collecting and give a collectible gift that will add to their collection. To go a step further, ask to see their collection and then find an item they do not have or a gift that will complete a set for them. You might be surprised at the things people collect. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Step Three: Give a Hobby Gift

Another great birthday gift is one that enhances their favorite hobby or past time. If the recipient enjoys listening to music, visit an electronics section of your favorite Web store to find a unique CD player or other music-related gift. If they enjoy watching movies or television, there are many electronics products to make entertainment more enjoyable than ever. Other hobbies might include gardening, fishing, hunting, playing an instrument, sports, sewing, crafts, etc.

Step Four: Shop around for Better Gift Value

With the Web, your resources for finding a great birthday gift are multiplied greatly. You can search online gift stores for fabulous products while also saving time and money. Sometimes you can even find great gifts at wholesale prices. Wholesale gift products can be provided online because the overhead costs for a Web store is much less than a "brick and mortar" storefront, and the middleman is sometimes eliminated with Web stores. These types of gift stores are able to offer more gifts at lower prices. Make a list of birthdays in advance and shop early for the best possible gift value. Also, leave plenty of time for shipping the items so your loved one will receive their gift on time.

Step Five: Don't be Afraid to Give Useful Gifts

Never assume that because someone already owns a cell phone, they wouldn't like to have another one. If someone already has a certain type of jewelry, it doesn't mean they don't want more jewelry. Birthday gifts can be practical as well as thoughtful. For example, your friend mentions getting a new cell phone with all the latest features. You find the perfect cell phone with an affordable calling package. Instead of buying something they can't use, you give them a gift certificate for the new cell phone and their first couple of month's calls.

Another example is if your friend owns a pet such as a cat, dog, bird, fish or horse. You can find gifts to help with the care of their pet. Your gift might be a new saddle or set of grooming tools for their horse, or a new training video for their dog - the possibilities are endless.

Shopping for that perfect birthday gift doesn't have to be stressful. Show you care with a personalized gift and help make your loved one's birthday the best one yet!