planning children's parties on a budget

If your loved one is a major 'Friends' fan, they are sure to appreciate a gift that celebrates the show no matter what the special occasion is. Here are three fun gift ideas that will bring the 'Friends' fan in your life closer to Monica, Rachel, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe:

The Complete Series on Blu-Ray

Gifting your loved one with the complete TV series on Blu-ray will give them the opportunity to watch all of their favorite episodes with superior video and audio quality compared to DVDs. The vibrant colors and intricate details that Blu-ray discs provide will bring the entire 'Friends' gang to life and make your loved one feel like they're right in the middle of the action.

And because Blu-ray discs feature high-definition sound, an impressive theatrical experience is easy to accomplish with the help of a small surround sound system. Some Blu-ray players can be purchased for less than a hundred dollars nowadays so if the person you're gifting doesn't already have one, consider giving them a gift certificate along with their new 'Friends' discs that will cover at least part of the cost of a player.

A Group Trip to New York

Consider getting a group of your loved one's friends together for a trip to New York where everyone can visit iconic 'Friends' locations together. While the show was actually filmed at the Warner Brother's Studio in California, many of the landmarks and attractions featured throughout the show can be found in the Big Apple. Start the trip by paying a visit to the Pulitzer Fountain at the Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan which is portrayed in the show's opening credits. Other places that can be visited for an ultimate 'Friends' experience include:

• The Little Owl – Known as Central Perk on the show, this trendy coffee shop is where Phoebe famously sang "Smelly Cat" and where Rachel and Ross shared their first epic on-screen kiss.

• Bloomingdale's – Get some shopping done at the store where Rachel worked and created a career for herself in the fashion industry.

• The Lucille Lortel Theater – Catch an off-Broadway show in the same theater that Joey performed in three times during the first season of Friends.

• The Apartment Building – Check out the West Village building that was featured throughout the show as the place where Monica, Rachel, Joey, and Chandler lived.

While in New York, you can stay at the Plaza Hotel where Monica and Chandler went to celebrate their engagement with a toast. The twenty story building is one of the most famous in the world and features a champagne lobby with incredible views where you and your group can share a toast to commemorate the occasion.

Homemade Throw Pillows

Make some homemade 'Friends' throw pillows for your loved one to keep on their bed or couch at home. The pillows will provide extra comfort and give your loved one some company when they sit down to watch a favorite 'Friends' episode. Start by having head shots of each 'Friends' star printed on white pillowcases. Then stuff the cases with batting until they are fluffy and then sew the ends closed so the batting won't come out. You should end up with five pillows that each feature the face of a 'Friends' star on the front. For added fun, make a sixth pillow that features your loved one's face on it so they can be part of the group.

Any one of these gift ideas are sure to thrill your love one and give them new, special memories of their favorite show that will last a lifetime.