You birthday planners really need to learn alot more from those
planners.
1st: plan out the day when you are to celebrate. Make sure both the
birthday person and you are available, at least. You can invite
friends or relatives too.
2nd: with your current budget, list out all possible activities
which can be done. Chalet, ktv, posh dinner, concert, short
overseas trip, etc, etc.
3rd: depending on the repetitive sending of same gifts. GO OUT
THERE into shops and malls and take a look. Find something of
interest and value to purchase and to give as a birthday present.
Be it a card, soft toy, ring, macdonalds, etc, etc. Make sure you
explain why is that gift given instead of any other possible
gifts.
4th: add ingenuity into the birthday gig. Like learning guitar
lessons and play birthday song for her. Get friends to play the
music while you sing. Perform a short skit on how you two met and
came to date each other.
5th: if you are out of time. Find a place of tranquility and bring
her there. Get a simple birthday cake and nice food. Preferably the
food is prepared by YOURSELF. Find a nice spot, like beach, park,
even void deck is no problem as the main focus is on the
birthday.
6th: Prepare a speech. Yes, a speech to show your love for her. To
affirm her and summarise what she has done for you.
7th: remember this 
gifts,
venue, preparation, etc takes second place compared to you
remembering her birthday and celebrating it with her. It does not
have to be elaborate BUT it has to be memoriable.
You are celebrating your loved one's birthday. At least try to put
in some effort to prepare it. This shows your sincerity and
meticulous planning.
