My daughter didn’t want a big party this year.

Last year, she had a big, balloon-filled birthday bash with an art workshop ran by me. It took a lot of courage for an introvert like me to do that but it was worthwhile.

This year?

“I just want four friends,” she whispered. “And I want to make everything myself.”

And she really did.

She handpicked each of her friends with so much thought. She packed the goody bags one by one, drew little treasures just for them, and picked out prizes based on what they love. Not what’s trendy or cool, but what would make them smile. She wrote them handwritten notes.

What moved me most? She even chose her own favourite snacks and toys to give away. Things she could’ve kept, but she didn’t.

And then she asked if we could gift each of them a copy of The Magic Crystal—the book I made for her.

“Because it’s from both of us,” she said. “And it’s my favourite thing in the world.”

My heart just... broke open.

She’s turning 8. But the way she gives? That’s a soul much older than her years.

I stood there looking at the table. Sparkly treats, handwritten letters, stacks of books and it hit me:

This is the kind of magic you can’t buy.

Small. Thoughtful. Full of heart. The kind that stays with you long after the party ends. I feel so blessed to have her as my child.