Another thought:  since she just arrived, it would be nice for her to have a few au pairs over and have a cake and pizza party for her - welcome her to the cluster by way of her birthday - she will be thrilled I am sure!!

We love to shop for our au pair on her birthday!  We did buy her Broadway tickets (2) and she just loved this gift!  She loves musicals and she did invite another au pair who was thrilled to go with her.  The au pair's parents kicked in for dinner and our au pair had the best time in NYC.

The second year we bought her gift certificate to the GAP.  She shopped there all the time and lives in their clothes and she was so excited to receive the gift card and went on a shopping spree!

It is important to find out what interests the au pair has - have a conversation with her about "her" and you will most likely find what she likes and would appreciate the most.  Happy Birthday!

Well, it all depends on what the au pair likes!  Finding out what her interests are is fun and also lends itself to bonding with your new au pair.  If in doubt, two tickets to a Broadway show or play/concert in your area is ideal - she can invite another au pair to accompany her and it is a great way to say happy birthday!