Set "Happy Birthday to You" as the music alarm for morning call and put your gifts near the phone. A video or pictures of his/her important days in the previous year, which you made secretly. This shows your concern about him/her.
If you need some ideas for a unique birthday gift then check online. Just do a quick search for "unique gift ideas" and you will find some ideas you never thought off.
The best birthday gifts are those that relate to the recipient. What are their interests? If they play sports, you might buy them a sports-related gift. See SportsGifts.com. Do they like to cook? How...