With apparent links to a third wave of feminism, the movement that was Girl Power was first associated with Riot Grrl, but later attached itself to bands such as Shampoo and the Spice Girls, who arguably used the term most effectively. Girl Power has even made it into the Oxford English Dictionary, where in 2001 it was defined as "a self-reliant attitude among girls and young women manifested in ambition, assertiveness, and individualism".



Girl Power was a theme heavily adopted by the Spice Girls and came to symbolise a situation where femininity and sensuality could exist in a state of equality between men and women. And in a move that surely appealed to women of all ages, the Spice Girls even went on to develop the 10 Golden Rules of Girl Power.

Under the golden rules, in addition to being positive and strong, women - and girls - should not allow themselves to be put down by anyone, and should ensure that they retained control of both their own lives and destiny. The rules also urged girls to offer support for their female friends and to accept support in return. In addition to having fun, the group's rules stressed the need for a girl to be open about what was on her mind, deal with life with a bit of attitude and to make sure that no person tried to stop a girl from doing something on the basis of her sex. Powerful stuff that has surely given many women - as well as younger girls - gifts of self-confidence. Certainly, they're more inspiring than the chancellor's golden rules.

So now, in 2008, we are in a climate where Girl Power is no longer declared from every media source. But that does not render it any less relevant and you are sure to know a number of women who firmly believe in its tenants, and maybe even the 10 Golden Rules. But when it comes to birthdays and Gifts can you be sure that such a woman will tell you what she wants, what she really really wants? Or are you going to have to figure it out on your own? Don't worry though; all you have to do is listen to the title of a popular Spice Girls track and let love lead the way.

For perfect Girl Power birthday gifts, why not treat her to a Health Spa Experience Day? It's no longer a man's world and spa experiences offer the perfect opportunity to escape from the world of work, into a land where everything is designed to aid relaxation and help the busy birthday girl unwind. The exact beauty or health treatments deployed all come down to personal choice, but they will no doubt be highly invigorating and are guaranteed to please.

However, if the birthday girl is looking for something a little bit more active, why not let her show off her Girl Power by giving her an Experience Day Gift Choice for Her? With a total of 40 different experiences to choose from, these birthday gifts can easily entertain even the most dynamic of women - the only real question is whether or not you'll be able to match the pace if you come along for the ride.

But what about the woman who has won one of the biggest battles of them all and found a partner that respects and loves her just as she is? Well, if the birthday girl has opted to start a family, of the greatest birthday Gifts you could give is a Family Portrait Experience. Especially if she has some Girl Power new recruits of her own, a Family Portrait Experience is the perfect way to capture the moment, and preserve a snapshot of life that can be treasured for many years to come.

Indeed, Girl Power could perhaps be seen using the metaphor of photography - outside of the pictures of the past it no longer looks the same, because time has changed it. It's moved on, matured and shifted to new areas, away from where old battles have already been won. Girl Power certainly still exists, but she's chosen a different outfit to wear.

The same cannot easily be said of the Spice Girls however. Love them of loathe them; they came back with the Return of the Spice Girls tour. Did you go, and did it make you Holler?