Thanks for suggestions. My friends and I tend to make a call or send a card and leave it at that, but agree more of an effort should be made to make a friend feel special on their day.

I certainly spend enough time shopping/wrapping gifts for dd's endless stream of birthday parties, so should do a bit of the same for MY friends!

Used to buy gifts, now often take them for lunch instead so we can spend some girly time together.

Always a card. Some related to them, ie a japanese print, or similar - they might like to frame, if they are close to DD, she will make a card with a hand or foot print or something equally tacky! Very close friend, something they want - ornament, photo in a frame, piece of artwork, something smelly for the bath, tickets to theatre (if very close and done something to deserve additional treating like, be at the birth of my baby!), some music if there is an artist they like. Often, share a glass of wine, some dinner together, if not going out to celebrate.

I think a token gift is nice - like picking up a cream cake at the bakers or something.

A gift is great esp if it's something you want/need.
A card is nice (esp if posted).
An email or facebook type message is enough.
But expect nothing and you'll never be disappointed.

Remember to return the thought on your friends birthdays too.

I rarely purchase a gift (unless there is a landmark year birthday party), but often wonder if a phone call and/or card is enough.

Do you do anything for your good friends on their birthdays, and if so, what? What (if anything) do you want/expect friends to do on your birthday?