I Forgot My Best Friend's Birthday! What Do I Do?!
I had one of those jolting realizations this morning at 6AM that my friend's birthday was on Thursday - and I hadn't called him, texted, emailed, etc. etc. TWO DAYS ago. I feel awful, terrible, horrible, and any combination of those words, and would call him right now except it's 4AM in California.
To try to make up for it I'm sending him a care package. I'm thinking of a bunch of little things, but I want to include a food item that will make it across the country in one piece. Any suggestions? He's sort of a foodie meets high school boy in tastes, quantities, etc. Also, he can't cook or bake. He can assemble, but that's about it.
Please help!!
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10 Comments:
Well, basically, you need to send a gift certificate intended to buy out the French Laundry for an evening and make sure Chef Thomas Keller cooks everything right there at the table.
Oh ... right ... that's too expensive ... ummm ...
Zingerman's might provide some inspiration in their Reuben Sandwich Kit. As you said he's, "a foodie meets high school boy in tastes", you might make up your own version of this pack or something similar but still with a "foodie bent" to it. Add in some other sealed sandwich spreads and real handmade jerkies and such, and there might be enough to last him for a while.
LunaPierCook at 7:54AM on 05/31/08
Yikes! Well, at least you're trying to remedy the situation. I'd suggest meats, but that would involve cooking--I love your description of him, by the way, it's so perfect for so many people I know--'can assemble, can't cook.'
Russ & Daughters has some nice stuff--like bagels, smoked meats, chocolates, in gift packages: http://www.russanddaughters.com/order_cgi.html
I like the 'breakfast' gift spread with the bagels, cream cheeses, fish, honey, and so forth--might save him the trouble of going out to get his own for a few days, at least!
HeartofGlass at 8:36AM on 05/31/08
Yesterday was my dear friend's birthday (ending with a 0), but she died suddenly last week, without any warning. It's never too late to convey your love until it's actually too late. Send him your apologies and your love, however works best for you.
PerkyMac at 9:18AM on 05/31/08
(((Perky))) You are so right.
@embolini - make the call, send the text - whatever you have to do. Convey birthday wishes, apologize for missing the day and send off your care package. Some fun foods as a joke (microwave mac & cheese) along with some serious good eats, preferably something that can't be purchased in Cali, will fit the bill nicely.
Regardless of technology and everything we have in place to remind us of stuff we are human. Hopefully your friend will handle the belated birthday greetings somewhat similar to my method - I generally tell the late-wisher, "It only makes my birthday last longer!"
chiff0nade at 9:29AM on 05/31/08
@embolini - Best friends are best friends for a reason. Right? And best friends understand that life gets in the way every so often. Best friends don't need a particular day to celebrate when any day is good for a celebration.
izatryt at 10:40AM on 05/31/08
I am so sorry Perky. What a terrible shock. And I agree with Chiff, you are so right. It doesn't matter when, Embolini, but just do say to your friend how you love him.
I missed a friend's recently, but she had also missed mine earlier in the year. I got in a muddle because I hoped she didn't think it was 'revenge'. But I managed to overlook the most important thing - that we are *friends* and she forgave me as quickly as I forgave her! The only person who doesn't forgive me for missing her, her husband's, her daughter's, her daughter's husband's and, finally, her grand-daughter's birthdays is my sister! I like very much the various suggestions given for presents. What about some wonderful cheese that your friend might be missing in California?
Foodlexi at 12:06PM on 05/31/08
@Perky - sending a big warm hug your way. I'm so, so sorry for your loss.
@embolini - I didn't see your thread earlier, so it's probably too late for any advice but I hope everything worked out. My younger brother forgets my birthday (or rather, he forgets to send a card or an email for my birthday) on a regular basis, and I am yet to be offended by it, because I know how much he really loves me, whether I do or don't get a birthday card from him (I also know that he may be quite absent-minded and that he certainly isn't the best organised person in the world). Make sure your friend knows he is loved and appreciated, that's what really matters
brooke29 at 3:07PM on 06/01/08
Never feel bad your friend will understand. Look my inlaws were here at thanksgiving and it was my birthday that Saturday. They stayed at my house all that week and not a card nor gift, not even a raised glass.
They never remember birthdays and after all this time I don't worry about it anymore.
JerzeeTomato at 1:48AM on 06/02/08
@Perky, I am so sorry about your friend, I know losing friends can be worse than losing family. Big warm hugs from me, too.
Thanks for the suggestions, I calmed down a LOT after I read your comments and thought about it for awhile. I think the air is cleared - after 2 days of phone tag I spent last night apologizing profusely! I also sent him some Omaha filet mignons (which I haven't had in years, but remember as being good?) so hopefully all is forgiven and forgotten!
embolini9 at 10:13AM on 06/02/08
Tell him that you wanted to be unique and wanted to celebrate his Birthday + x days... everyone would celebrate him on his birthday, but only the best of friends celebrate all the other days in between...
and then send him the care package of your choice... i would love to receive a batch of Ghirardelli's brownies... they sell the mix at Costco here, but probably your supermarket carries it. It's the best, and I am sure that if you package it well, overnight mail will not be an issue.
Good Luck
Madelyn
KarmaFreeCooking
MadelynRodriguez at 5:22PM on 06/02/08