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It\u2019s after Memorial Day which means it\u2019s summer which means it\u2019s about to be July which means it\u2019s almost my birthday. A few years ago, by accident, I started a new birthday tradition. Here\u2019s what happened\u2026<\/p>\n
In late spring, I ordered some colorful glasses<\/a>. I loved the bubble-y blown glass, but when they arrived, I also felt a pang of financial irresponsibility. I certainly didn\u2019t need<\/em> them. Couldn\u2019t I just use the regular wine glasses I already owned? Then I came up with the perfect solution: I could classify them as a birthday present \u2014 to me from me \u2014 and feel absolved. <\/p>\n Nice, right?<\/em><\/p>\n Since then, whenever summer rolls around, I pick out something special for myself. It doesn\u2019t have to be expensive, and it can\u2019t be a necessity. One year, I bought a vintage black dress for twenty bucks. I already had a few black dresses, but I didn\u2019t have a perfect swing-y<\/em> one that hit at mid-calf. This dress is now hanging in my closet, and whenever I pull it out, I\u2019m reminded of my 32nd birthday. Another year, I bought a few novels at my local bookstore; they made a nice stack on my bedside table, and I always had a good beach read that summer. <\/p>\n Lifelong fan of presents.<\/em><\/p>\n This year, for gifts, I\u2019ve got a few contenders. Maybe I\u2019ll re-up on the only blush I ever want to use<\/a> or try a buzzy lipstick<\/a>. I\u2019ve been eyeing G.H. Bass fisherman sandals<\/a> for a while, but since I\u2019m trying to do better in the saving-money department, I might troll Poshmark for a cheaper pair. Or I could choose a native plant<\/a> for my balcony from a neighborhood nursery. It would be nice to watch it grow and see how big it gets by my next<\/em> birthday. <\/p>\n So, let\u2019s play a game: What would you get for yourself, if your birthday were today? If you\u2019re already in the habit of buying yourself a gift, what have been your favorites?<\/strong><\/p>\n P.S. 12 readers share their favorite birthday celebrations<\/a>, and the crazy thing Joanna did at her 40th birthday party<\/a>.<\/p>\n (Top photo by Maria Manco\/Stocksy. Bottom two photos courtesy of the author.)<\/p>\n Note: If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission or have a sponsored relationship with the brand, at no cost to you. We recommend only products we genuinely like. Thank you so much.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"colorful](\"https:\/\/cupofjo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Glasses.jpg\")
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