As college students, a great many of us turn 21 away from home and away from where, for most of our lives, we spent our birthdays. The old traditions of family and friends we’ve known forever are replaced with our college roommates and the friends we make in college. Needless to say, everyone wants to feel special on his or her birthday. But, I found that a lot of people don’t want to make the effort for other people on their special day. So here’s a list of things some of my best friends did for me on my 21st birthday, or things I feel we all wish someone would.

1. Cake

Cake. Duh. It’s a no-brainer. What is a birthday without a birthday cake? If one of your best friends is turning 21, no doubt they will want to go out etc. BUT we have to start somewhere. And that somewhere is with cake.

2. Bottle of Something

Hello! One of your best friends just turned 21. They need a bottle of something. Whatever you think they’ll like more. Some people are wine kind of people, others tequila…it doesn’t matter. Just get something.

3. Decorate

Is there anything better than waking up on your birthday and finding someone has decorated your door or your car or your room? The answer is no. It’s the best. It shows someone you care enough not only to have done it but that you cared enough to think about them in advance and actually get the decorations.

4. Balloons

Maybe this is a bit of a repeat from #3 but come on. Balloons matter. Especially when your 21. Don’t even try to tell me those “21” balloons aren’t all over your Instagram on your birthday.

5. Text (or phone call)

I think that when someone cares enough about my birthday enough to think about it a day in advance, I just think they are the best people alive. Seriously, if you have a friend that texts you the minute it's your birthday, dig your nails into them and never let them go.

6. Happy Birthday Post

I know that there are, of course, more personal ways to show your friends love on their birthdays. But isn’t it great when friends post a cute picture of you two on your birthday? It's like holding up a sign that not only says “happy birthday” but also “I love my friend and look how cute they are”. It’s a great (and free) thing to do to make your bff feel the love.

7. Gift

This is #7 because we are college students, and sometimes we just don’t have the funds to get our friends an elaborate gift. But it doesn’t have to be big; it just has to be thoughtful. It should show you know them in some way that is unique.

8. Random Surprise(s)

When I turned 21, one of my best friends spent basically the whole day leaving surprise treats at my door. She left the cereal that I liked and the candy I liked etc. Then she came to my door holding a candle from her room and sang the Venezuelan version of the “happy birthday” song at the top of her lungs at my door. It was the best thing ever.

9. Buy them a drink at a bar/restaurant

That same friend who did all those cute things for me made it a point to make a reservation at a restaurant where we went with some other friends. She then volunteered to buy my drinks and split the check for me with my boyfriend (who also made my day so special by taking a 10-hour bus ride to see me for my birthday). Get you some friends like mine.

10. Card

It’s a detail that is often overlooked, but getting a card from the people you love is the best feeling! Get a card and write a heartfelt message in it about why your friend rocks your socks. Show that love.

At the end of the day, I think we should all make it a point to celebrate and acknowledge our friends birthdays the way we would want others to do for us.