When I was little, my mom used to throw me the best birthday parties known to man (or eight year old). Chock-full of arts and crafts, fun entertainers, and the best goodie bags in Brooklyn (I ran into someone I knew from elementary school at happy hour the other week, and after asking how I was and what I was doing, they told me they still had one of the magnets from the goodie bag at my 11th birthday. Except now, of course, they lived in Williamsburg and were using it to ironically pin trendy Chinese food menus to their fridge).

When I started high school, my birthdays became considerably less exciting (with the exception of my 21st birthday party, which I still proudly proclaim was one of my best successes ever–thanks, AP, and an incredible surprise party thrown by my boyfriend last year). This year, I’m thrilled to be grabbing a bunch of my best girlfriends and heading off  to Atlantic City (we are staying at The Revel, which I have been dying to check out). I also plan to brunch, enjoy quality time with my boyfriend, and treat myself to a big girl purchase.

For those who have been asking what I want for my birthday (hi, mom!), below are just a few things I’m currently craving:

 

[The “Stuff”: Casual classics I can wear forever! Jacket: Rag & Bone, Sunnies: Karen Walker, Bracelet: Alexander McQueen,  Sandals: Balenciaga, Bag: YSL (will you be my big girl purchase? Perrrrhaps), Shoes: Alexander Wang]

 

Other than the usual “expensive stuff” option, I love experience gifts. The ones I’m lusting over below:

 

[A trip to the 65th Annual Maine Lobster Festival (the weekend of the big 2-4), a weekend getaway–San Francisco has been very much on my mind–or a bicycle for fun rides around the city (SoulCycle gift certificates will do, as well)]

Happy shopping, internet! Just kidding (unless you gon’ do it).