Connect with us

People & Lifestyle

Practical Birthday Gift Ideas That Cost $30 or Less

Published

on

77654061

When it comes to birthdays, nearly everyone loves a fair share of balloons, cake, and fanfare. Such a special occasion also calls for thoughtful gifts, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to spend a small fortune on a birthday present. Gift-giving is, after all, about joy — a way to celebrate and show the birthday boy or girl that you care.  It really is the thought that counts.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet thoughtful present, we offer you 9 practical birthday gift suggestions that each cost under $30. These are all meaningful and cool options, so you can help the birthday celebrant kick off their new year of life in style without breaking the bank!

– Dress Socks

Practical birthday gift idea for him.

Admittedly, dress socks may not stoke up our excitement the way top-dollar smart gadgets, jewelry, and the latest car models do, but perhaps that’s partly because when we give socks, we tend to focus on the wrong elements. If you can get the right pair, the gift some truly fine dress socks can provide is great joy and comfort.

Advertisement

Let’s not forget that socks are not only useful, wallet-friendly and practical but also simultaneously timeless and trendy. They don’t hog space but they give you so many ways to get creative with your gift.  There is indeed a dress sock for everyone, whether it be the trendsetter, the dapper gentleman, or the conservative dresser.

When giving dress socks as a gift, consider the recipient’s style and taste in fashion. Plenty of other factors go into choosing the right sock, though. No Cold Feet has a helpful guide to buying birthday socks as a gift.

– Revlon Hair Dryer Brush

Practical birthday gift for her

If you’re looking for one of the hottest birthday gifts for her today, you won’t be let down by Revlon’s new line of hair dryer brushes. With almost 100K raving Amazon reviews in just a month, this product has earned cult status in the beauty and cosmetic world.  Happily, most hairstylists and beauty experts say it lives up to the hype.

Advertisement

As a gift, you can get the brush for well under $30.  If you’re looking for more brownie points, add the volumizer for an additional $15 or less to get the combo. This is one present she will treasure for many years.

– Multi-Device Wireless Charging Dock Station

Useful birthday gift idea for the techie

Do you have a techie in your life who is about to celebrate a birthday? We live in a gadget-centric society, with dependence on connected devices growing every other day. That’s why a multi-device wireless charging dock station is perhaps the perfect gift for a techie with several gadgets.

Several options are available on  the market today: 5-in-1, 4-in-1, and 3-in-1 charging docks from brands like Nomad, Powlaken, Popsockets, etc.. You can get a pretty decent dock station for $30 or less, allowing your loved one to simultaneously charge their iPhone, Apple Watch, Pencil, and other gizmos. Best of all, this gift will help keep nightstands looking neat and clean.

Advertisement

– Himalayan Salt Lamp

Practical birthday gift idea for the wellness enthusiast

The beautiful amber glow of the Himalayan salt lamp is prized for its calming, air-purification, and healing properties. The lamp itself is gorgeous, so it can be used as an interior décor piece for a living room, bedroom, or bathroom. The recipient will appreciate that it creates a relaxing ambiance in your living space when turned on, helping to ward off stress and enjoy a higher sense of well-being.

– Night Light Bluetooth Speakers

Handy birthday gift idea for the little one

Advertisement

If your little one is not fond of old-school bed-side lamps, we highly suggest a night light Bluetooth speaker for their birthday.  Although these differ from one model to the next, they typically play music on command, connect wirelessly to your smartphone, and flash 4-6 different bright colors. That combination is a dream come true for most kids.

– Stainless Steel Tumbler

Practical birthday gift idea for the teacher

If you’re looking for an affordable birthday gift for a teacher — whether yours, your kid’s, or a friend, there’s nothing more thoughtful than a travel mug that can keep hot beverages warm and cool drinks cold. Look for one that features stainless steel construction and double-wall vacuum insulation.  This way, your favorite teacher can easily take piping hot coffee, tea, or cocoa to school. Coloring Books For Kids can be given although most likely the teacher will hand it over to his or her favourite kid.

Stainless steel tumblers are not only sleek-looking but also easy to clean and portable. Even more exciting, they usually come in an array of cool colors, so you are sure to score one that suits the recipient.

Advertisement

– Handmade Clay Earrings

Best under $30 birthday gift for the lover of artisan stuff

Dainty earrings are usually the go-to birthday gift for budget shoppers.  Earrings make a beautiful, practical, and thoughtful gift.  For someone who loves all things artisanal, you won’t go wrong with handcrafted clay earrings. Clay earrings are comfortable, lightweight and gorgeous to boot.  You’ll find them on Etsy, Amazon, and other marketplaces — and they usually come in elegant modern patterns and colors.

– Scented Candles

Best under $30 birthday gift idea for everyone

Advertisement

Scented candles are an effortless go-to gift for birthdays, and it’s easy to see why. For just a few bucks more than you would spend for a mass-produced candle at a big-box retailer, you can get a unique product from an organic candle shop.

These boutique brands use a combination of soy wax and lovely scents to whip up candles that smell sweet and look pretty. Bonus tip: get a scent that will remind the recipient of their favorite destination/place.

– A Custom Star Map

Best sentimental yet practical birthday gift idea for $30 or less

Simply go online, order a custom star map, and you’re sure to make someone’s day. This map shows the stars exactly as they appeared on the date and at the location where the person was born, plus you can add a short message to make it truly personal.

Advertisement
Advertisement

People & Lifestyle

Met Gala 2024: See fashion highlights and best looks

Published

on

PhotoGrid 1 20240507060546

The Met Gala’s red carpet never fails to deliver unforgettable moments in celebrity fashion, and this year’s event in New York City, themed “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” was no exception. (more…)

Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Social Trends: Elite Prom Night: Ugandan High Schoolers Arrive in Choppers & Supercars

Published

on

elite high school prom

Entebbe, Uganda – Elite High School’s prom night showcased opulence as students arrived in helicopters, Tesla cars, Mercedes-Benz, and Lamborghini, sparking social media buzz and discussions on the source of such wealth in a developing country.

Elite High School typically attracts attention from a wide range of people due to their extravagant Prom parties. The 2024 Prom party followed suit and garnered attention from government officials. On May 4th, a Saturday, students were eager to attend their Prom, which occurs before candidates start their final exams.

Advertisement

Most students arrived dressed in their best attire, while some even hired luxurious cars. One student arrived in a helicopter with his date. After getting out of the helicopter, they were escorted into a luxurious car that transported them to the Prom venue.

According to an interview with our presenters, Pam Malaika, and MC Ollo, sources revealed that the helicopter was hired from Bar Aviation at $1200 (approximately Ugandan Shillings 4.5 million), while the car, a V8 2022 Model, was hired for 6 hours at 3 million Ugandan Shillings.

Minister John Muyingo, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the Prom trends, stating, “Are these things happening in Uganda? Where are we going? Money is a scarce resource; it shouldn’t be given out and spent like that.

Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Social Trends: Ghana’s ‘Beans’ Dilemma: Prices Surge to 50 Cedis

Published

on

gari and beans

Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their disbelief and frustration over the recent surge in bean prices, with some reporting costs as high as 50 Ghanaian cedis for a single serving.

The conversation, filled with humor and sarcasm, has highlighted the broader issue of the rising cost of living in Ghana, including the increased prices of other staples such as gari and plantain.

Read Also: Several uprooted trees cause damage to properties in parts of Accra after downpour

Advertisement

Despite the serious underlying issue, the posts have provided a light-hearted take on a challenging situation.

Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Telecel Cash Now Available as a Payment Option on Google Play in Ghana

Published

on

Telecel Cash Logo

Telecel Mobile Financial Services Ltd, operators of Telecel Cash, in partnership with Cellulant, a leading technology company, has announced the availability of Telecel Cash as a convenient payment method for Google Play users in Ghana. This integration enables Telecel Cash customers to seamlessly purchase apps and services directly from Google Play, enhancing their digital experience.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand payment options and improve transaction ease for Google Play users, especially in regions where the use of traditional credit cards is uncommon. By incorporating Telecel Cash, Telecel Ghana and Cellulant are providing a seamless, secure, and convenient payment method tailored to the needs of the Ghanaian market.

Richard Gesimba, Vice President, Cellulant Checkout Business Unit, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “Our partnership with Telecel Ghana aims to innovate and deliver payment solutions that address the evolving needs of African consumers. This integration makes it easier for them to access a world of apps and content on Google Play without traditional banking facilities.” He noted.

Philip Amoateng, Director for Telecel Cash, emphasized the benefits for customers.  “The inclusion of Telecel Cash as a payment option on Google Play significantly enhances our service offerings. It offers our customers a straightforward and secure way to enjoy all the features and capabilities that Google Play has to offer. We are committed to enhancing our customers’ digital experiences and ensuring they can access global digital content with ease.”, he added.

Google Play, a digital distribution service operated and developed by Google, is the official app store for the Android operating system. It allows users to browse and download applications developed with the Android software development kit and published through Google.

Advertisement

The availability of Telecel Cash as a payment method on Google Play is expected to boost the platform’s usage in Ghana, where mobile money has become a dominant force in financial transactions.

This also demonstrates Telecel Ghana’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and expanding digital accessibility.

Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Tips for a Successful Physician Assistant Job Search

Published

on

How to Become a Nurse

Thanks to staffing shortages across the healthcare industry, many healthcare organizations today rely heavily on PAs. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for PAs will increase 28 percent by 2031. However, men and women who choose to pursue a career as a PA may struggle to secure open positions that meet their needs. They must differentiate themselves from other applicants to land their dream jobs. How can they do so?

Highlight Work Experience

Employers want to know each physician assistant’s work experience when evaluating candidates. Clinical rotations allow PAs to practice their skills, but a physician assistant also must work well within a team and contribute meaningfully to that team. The PA will work closely with others in the industry, including doctors and nurses. They must collaborate effectively to provide the highest level of care. Share this teamwork on the CV or resume to attract more attention. This single step will be of help finding PA work that meets the individual’s needs.

Consider a Speciality

Many PAs enter the industry expecting to work in general practice. However, once they hone their skills, they find they are drawn to a particular specialty. To generate more job offers within this specialized field, the PA should focus on starting immediately upon graduation or gaining experience in another healthcare area before moving to their desired specialty. Never accept a job in a specialty that is not interesting, as doing so could diminish the joy this job should bring.

Advertisement

Additional Training and Certifications

PAs should take advantage of continuing education seminars, classes, and more. Doing so will allow them to advance in their careers and open up more job opportunities. Every PA must complete an accredited physician assistant program and be certified by the NCCPA before practicing. However, having these qualifications won’t be enough to allow a candidate to stand out when applying for open positions. Complete a postgraduate residency, earn a certificate, or collect CE credits and share this information on the resume. Employers appreciate having workers who take the initiative to advance their skills because they know the company benefits from this added expertise.

Loan Repayment Options

Look into employers who offer to satisfy all or part of a student loan when applying for PA jobs. While a PA makes a nice salary, paying back student loans can put a big dent in their monthly budget. Hospitals often offer loan repayment options for individuals who take positions as PAs within the organization. However, don’t overlook Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and NHSC-funded loan repayment opportunities.

Why Medicine?

Advertisement

Every PA should share the story of what led them into medicine. Employers like to see that the candidate views the opportunity as more than a job. If one is secured, be prepared to share this same story during the interview. It’s important to provide an authentic story, as employers can pick up on material written by the PA just to include information. They easily distinguish between this and a compelling authentic story.

Thanks to the number of job openings in this field, finding the right PA job shouldn’t be challenging. However, finding the right candidate for an open position or the right position for a candidate takes time. Consider working with a staffing agency to make the process easier. This agency will help clients narrow the available options to find the right fit for each open position. When this connection is made, all parties win.

Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Valerie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae get 25 years to life in prison for beating their child to death

Published

on

Valerie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae get 25 years to life in prison for beating their child to death

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Valerie Owusu, 28, and Emmanuel Addae, 28, of Corona, Queens, were found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree after a jury trial, for the 2021 beating death of Owusu’s 5-year-old son, King Owusu.

“This little boy was beaten and suffered for days at the hands of these defendants, one of whom was his own mother, until he unfortunately succumbed to his severe and extensive injuries,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the thorough investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department, the relentless pursuit of justice by the prosecutors assigned to this case, and the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence presented, the defendants have been held accountable for this horrific crime.”

The evidence at trial established that between March 30 and April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brutally beat King with at least four different instruments inside of their apartment in Lefrak City, Queens. The couple watched King’s physical condition deteriorate for approximately three days until King lost unconsciousness. During that time, both Owusu and Addae did not call 911, take King to the doctor, or provide any medical care to the child.

On April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brought King to a family member’s home in Brentwood and left him there to die. The Suffolk County Police Department was called after the family member returned home the same day and discovered that the boy was deceased. The child was taken to Southside Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Advertisement

The medical examiner who conducted the child’s autopsy testified that King was beaten from head to toe, and that his injuries, which were too numerous to count, caused his death.

On March 22, 2024, Owusu and Addae were each convicted of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, after a two-and-a-half-week-long jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Each defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Owusu and Addae are due back in court for sentencing on May 1, 2024. Owusu is being represented by Rene Myatt, Esq. Addae is being represented by Raymond Baierlein, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Scott Romano of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Patrick Portella and Detective James Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending