Everyone likes receiving presents on their birthday, even your friend who claims she “just isn’t a birthday person.” Although homemade goods are a fan favorite, it's likely that some of your best friends are attending different colleges than you, and sending a cake across the country isn’t a plausible option. Plus, not all of us are capable of baking without burning down the kitchen. A trend I’ve noticed is ordering birthday treats from certain websites and having them shipped to your friend’s school mailing address; here is a definitive list of the best places to order from:
1. Sugarwish
If you happen to forget your friend’s candy of choice, Sugarwish is the way to go. You are essentially buying your friends a gift card to an online candy store, and letting them pick the treats they prefer. The website allows you to make selections from over 80 different types of candy; what better way to celebrate your birthday than choosing which goodies you would like delivered to your door?
2. Shookie's Cookies
Shookie’s Cookies sells cookies by the dozen with funky flavors, like Peanut Butter Cup and S’mores. If you’re worried that a dozen will be too many, though I doubt that’s anyone’s concern, they also offer miniature cookies. In case any of my friends are reading this, I definitely want the biggest Nutella stuffed Shookies possible.
3. Baked by Melissa
Baked by Melissa is a classic, especially for anyone who comes from the Northeast, and rightly so. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t have a special place in their heart for the bite-sized cupcakes that come in a variety of different flavors. Though the company is known for its cupcakes, you can also send double stuffed macarons. I definitely recommend Baked by Melissa for your friends who have allergies, as there are both gluten-free and no nut flavors available.
4. Amazon
Though my main use of Amazon in college has been for costumes, toiletries, and school supplies, the website offers tons of fun birthday baskets. The best part of Amazon is that almost everyone has Prime these days, so if you forgot about your friend’s birthday, Prime will save you with its one-day shipping.
5. Treat House
Treat House’s rice crispy treats have dominated social media, as they are one of the most unique birthday treats out there. You could go with a special birthday package, but a popular choice is to customize the treats with actual pictures of you and your friends. Who wouldn’t love to receive rice crispy treats decorated with prom pictures?
6. Sugarfina
Special shout-out to my parents for sending me Sugarfina on my birthday last year. The arrangement is aesthetically pleasing, with candies elegantly placed in little boxes with ribbons on top. Even more elegant, though, is the selection of cocktail candies that Sugarfina offers. I can confidently say that my new favorite way to consume rosé is in the form of gummy bears.
7. Momofuku Milk Bar
Last but certainly not least, one could never go wrong with Momofuku Milk Bar. Though I’m guilty of eating their birthday cake truffles year-round, they definitely do taste a bit better on my actual birthday. Another popular option is the birthday cake, which is a vanilla rainbow cake with rainbow cake crumbs, sprinkles, and vanilla frosting.
While there are definitely other spectacular places to order birthday treats from, these happen to be a few of my favorites. With reasonable prices, an important aspect for college kids on a budget, you can't go wrong with any of these sweet treats to show your friends you're the best friend they could ever ask for. Just a reminder to my own friends, my birthday is in April in case any of you want to start planning now.