In an effort to evade skyrocketing postage rates, many societies train carrier pigeons to coo birthday greetings, and some send gifts via catapult. Plan a less labor-intensive celebration with today's Groupon: for $47, you get a one-day rental from Yard Card Critters (up to a $95 value). Click here for a list of service areas in central and west New York.

Yard Card Critters' staff stealthily ornaments front lawns with rental decorations celebrating any imaginable special occasion. Orchestrate an unusual birthday surprise with a yard full of toasting flamingos, or commemorate a perfect vision test with a display of glassless spectacles. Each one-day rental typically includes a 4'x5' sign or personalized-message sandwich board, along with 15–20 small, plastic critters who mill about the yard, proclaiming congratulations and growling at passing rickshaws. A 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. setup ensures that recipients awaken to yards overrun with goodwill, and the evening teardown accommodates a full day of visual observance. Groupon holders should book as early as possible to ensure preferred date and display options are available.