I think this is where a friend of mine's technique would come in handy. I believe if I don't have the photo it does go into the album or at least that's what I believed up until this summer. My friend recreates scenes and takes pictures so that everyone is included in a photo layout. Get all involved and take pictures of them. If it was a surprise maybe even have the birthday picture ham it up acting surprised. Then do a lot of journalling. Maybe talk about how the camera got stolen and the fun of recreating the scene ... etc.
Lynne