Macaron Birthday Gift Ideas: How to Send the Perfect Sweet Surprise
Birthday gifts are hard to get right. Too generic and it feels like you didn't think. Too niche and you risk missing. French macarons hit a sweet spot: they're universally loved, they feel personal (especially if you pick flavors they'd like), and they arrive in beautiful packaging that requires no effort on your end.
Here's how to nail it.
Which Flavors to Pick for a Birthday Gift
If You Know What They Like
Build a custom pack from their favorites. Someone who always orders chocolate desserts? Dark Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Espresso, Hazelnut. A fruit and floral person? Raspberry, Lemon, Strawberry, Rose.
If You're Not Sure
Go with the universal crowd-pleasers: Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, Vanilla Bean. This combination has yet to disappoint anyone.
For Kids' Birthdays
Strawberry, Vanilla Bean, Lemon, Coconut, Raspberry. Bright, accessible flavors that kids love. Avoid Espresso, Lavender, and Rose for younger palates.
How Many to Order
- 6: "I thought of you" — personal, intimate, perfect for a close friend
- 12: The standard birthday gift. Enough to share or savor over several days.
- 24: A celebration gift. For milestone birthdays (30, 40, 50) or anyone who deserves the extra gesture.
Timing Your Birthday Order
The key is ordering early enough that the macarons arrive on or before the birthday, not after. Order at least 3 business days before the target date. We ship Monday through Friday and orders go out the next business day after baking.
For birthday deliveries: select your preferred delivery window at checkout and we'll schedule the bake and ship date accordingly.
Adding the Personal Touch
Add a birthday message at checkout. We print it on a card and place it inside the box. It takes 30 seconds and transforms a nice gift into a genuinely thoughtful one. Say whatever you'd actually say — no need for formality.
Shipping to a Different Address
Surprise someone long-distance? Ship directly to their address. Just make sure you have their full address including apartment number. We'll send tracking to your email so you can follow the delivery.
Last-Minute Birthdays
We ship Monday–Friday with 2-day delivery available. If today is Monday and the birthday is Wednesday, you can still make it happen. Just select 2-day shipping at checkout and order before noon ET.