It's not all fun and games being a celebrity these days, that's for sure. What with writers' strikes, cancelled awards shows and Britney careering a smidgen too far off the rails for comfort, we might be tempted to think it's non-stop doom and gloom. Luckily, five birthday boys and girls have some good news on the horizon in the shape of unique and thoughtful gifts from their pals at DS. We just hope they can ignore the jealous glares shooting like arrows in their direction and luxuriate in feeling spoiled on their special day. Of course, if they're feeling really guilty, they could always sneak a few crumbs of cake to those poor stars left out in the cold. Personally, we think sending any spare slices our way would be a much more satisfying option!

Emma Bunton

How many candles? Baby Spice celebrates her 32nd birthday today. Congratulations, Em!

DS' birthday present: Forgetting the lyrics to her old Spice Girls numbers could get a tad embarrassing, so we've sent Emma some ginseng pills and a bumper book of Sudoku to keep her memory sharp. Aren't we kind?

Malcolm McLaren

How many candles? The outrageous impresario is 62 on Tuesday.

DS' birthday present: We don't want Malc to regret quitting I'm A Celebrity... now his would-be campmates are being lavished with attention on the chatshow circuit. A nice plate of crocodile nadgers on a bed of fish guts should help convince him he did the right thing.

Vic Reeves

How many candles? Bob Mortimer's best pal turns 49 on Thursday.

DS' birthday present: Vic gets up close and personal with some major explosions now he's doing the Brainiac honours, so wouldn't a pair of industrial-strength designer goggles come in handy?

Mischa Barton

How many candles? The ex-OC teen queen celebrates her 22nd birthday on Thursday.

DS' birthday present: We bought Mischa a bus pass since we have a sneaky suspicion she won't be driving anywhere any time soon!

Mark Owen

How many candles? The boyband veteran is 36 on Sunday. We couldn't believe it either!

DS' birthday present: Take That may end up with enough Brits to keep one each this year, so Mark will need to keep his new prize possession in tip-top condition. A tin of Brasso and a packet of dusters is whizzing its way to him as we speak.