What will you gift President Obama on his birthday?

United States President Barack Obama celebrates his 48th birthday on Tuesday.

However, instead of taking a day off, the world's most powerful man prefers to have lunch with Senate Democrats at the White House.

According to media reports, they are likely to discuss health care, the economy, energy legislation and the so-called 'Cash for Clunkers' programme that would provide federal vouchers of up to $4,500 for people to trade in their vehicles for new ones that get better mileage. Now that's quite an agenda on your birthday, Mr President!

With his approval rating edging back up to 56 per cent in the last three days from a low 52 per cent in the middle of the last week, Obama could not have asked for a better birthday present.

Starting Tuesday, Madame Tussauds' Oval Office exhibit will feature wax figures of Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as singer Beyonce and former President George W Bush, wearing party hats and surrounded by a sea of red and yellow balloons.

An interesting thought on his birthday is, what kind of gift can one give the world's most powerful leader? World peace? Economic recovery?