US President-elect Barack Obama celebrated his vice-president's 66th birthday with some edible birthday gifts and traditional party ideas, according to new Washington reports.

The politician surprised Delaware senator Joe Biden with a dozen cupcakes and birthday candles, accompanied by a staff rendition of 'Happy Birthday' at the transition offices in Chicago.

Commenting on the mini birthday cakes, Barack joked: "You're 12 years old." Biden replied: "Maybe in dog years."

Obama also presented Mr Biden with some Chicago-themed birthday gifts including White Sox and Chicago Bears hats and a bucket of popcorn.

It would appear to be a season of celebrations for the Obama family and entourage, with wedding anniversaries, election wins and Christmas all filling up Barack's winter calendar.

Last month, the president-elect celebrated his 16th wedding anniversary with wife Michelle. The couple shared a romantic dinner in the windy city and asked paparazzi for privacy as an anniversary gift.