A Guy's Basic Holiday Gift Guide...for the New Relationship There aren't any clearly defined rules when it comes toexchanging gifts, let alone giving during the holiday season toa new lover. From Christmas, to Hanakkuh, Kwanzaa and others,what does one buy for the holiday season to show her you care?
Exchanging gifts during the budding of a new relationship isquite a quandary. The idea behind the gift is to show you carewithout forcing the next commitment level of the pairing.Nevertheless, there are a few ways to wow her with the perfectgift - based on the length of your courtship, of course. Itstarts with the following objectives:
-- Something she would not buy herself -- Unique with a littlemeaning -- Budgeted based on the span of your dating life
But before we review a few brilliant ideas let's review badholiday gift examples.
Bad Holiday Gift Idea Scenarios A holiday gift with you in mind - Let's say she hascable television but she does not have every single sport'schannels. A subscription to all the stations with baseball,football, hockey and so forth are not going to make her gushwith joy.
Self-improvement gift - If you think she's nice butyou'd like her a few pounds lighter, the subscription to WeightWatchers® is not the way to go.
Household chore products - For most women, the newimproved mop is not a dream holiday gift. Don't botherentertaining the idea unless she has been adamant about wantingthe new turbo waxer.
Too Useful - Just because you dream of the killertoolbox set, she won't be as enthralled with the new state ofthe art sewing kit.
Excessively extravagant - Expensive holiday for therelationship under one year old can result in a myriad ofcatastrophes. If she cares only about receiving the priciestgift, it may be a sign of her gold-digging élan. Alternatively,you could be setting yourself up to constantly raise the bar.Not to mention, you don't want to over spend until you know ifthe relationship is set for longevity.
Holiday Gifting Ideas for Her Dating her for 3 weeks to 1 month If you've only beendating under a month, there's no need to break your bank. Afterall, you don't know where everything is headed. Since the futureof the relationship is a little uncertain, think cheapattentiveness. For example, if she drinks green tea, a matchingteacup and kettle in a favorite color demonstrates that you aretuned into to her taste.
The present does not need to exceed $40. It's enough to
sayyou'd like to continue dating and see where things go.
Here are a few other ideas:
-- A cool candle and holder from Pier 1 (She'll think of youeach time she lights it).
-- Body scrub and an aromatherapy candle from the Body Shop
-- A symbolic spirit - Try to buy her the same bottle of wineyou shared on your first date. If you're both beer drinkers, buyher beer of choice along with a pair of mugs with a note sayingthe six-pack is to be shared only with you.
-- One CD of the first song you heard together on your firstdate and a box of Godiva chocolate.
Holiday gift budget: Under $40
Dating her for 2-4 months Two to three months is not enough time to buy her the Tiffanybracelet. The destiny of the relationship is still questionable.As a result, think outside of the jewelry box.
-- Her favorite movie set on DVD (i.e Sex in the City) and abox of PoppyCock
-- A Coach key chain, wallet with your photo inside.
-- Tickets to her favorite play, orchestra
Holiday gift budget: Under $100
Dating her for 5-8 months -- Bracelet or necklace - Every gal loves jewelry; especiallyfrom the guy she's falling head over heels.
-- A key to your apartment along with a leather toiletries bagfilled with body gel, her shampoo, toothbrush, lotion, massageoil and anything else you may want to add.
- Sexy lingerie chock full of thigh highs, boots and whateverturns you on with a sexy note saying, "I can't wait to see youin these items tonight."
Holiday gift budget: Under $200
Dating her for 9-12 months -- Her favorite artist's work
-- Just about any Tiffany jewelry
-- A day at the spa and a silky Victoria Secret robe
-- A watch by Michael Kors or Kenneth Cole, inscribed with: "I'mcounting the moments we're apart."
Holiday gift budget: Under $300
Whatever you decide to buy her this holiday season, make surethe present depicts a little more meaning than you did theobligatory deed, you bought her a gift.
About the author:
Holly Bentz is the author of the Single's Guide to Establishinga Longlasting Relationship, "Dating For I Do." Visit
the dating blog or Dating For I Do for moresmart dating strategies.
