Maybe you're a few weeks in, maybe a few months... Either way, it's often unclear what the score is re. buying gifts for each other early on in a new relationship. And if you do decide to exchange presents, how much should you spend and what constitutes an appropriate gift?! It's a potential minefield.
You don’t want to go too big, yet you don’t want to not give anything at all. You want a gift that says: I like you but we're still getting to know each other and I'm 100% ok with that. You could ask them what they want, but where's the romance in that? Let's save functional gifts for a few years down the line.
Here are a few hints and tips, as well as some more specific potential ideas to get you thinking...
1. Never, ever, underestimate the sheer fun of unwrapping presents.
Putting some thought and effort into the display of your gift can go a long way in making the entire gift better in itself. Ribbon, fancy paper, teeny gift bags... Make it look good and they'll like it all the more.
2. Make a list of everything the person is interested in.
Food, football, films? Boats, beer, barbecuing? Shopping, singing, swimming?
Brainstorm something to go with every item on that list, and you're bound to come up with something with festive gift potential. Whether it's cinema tickets for the two of you, a case of their favourite beer, a pair of Calvin Klein boxer shorts or a jumper from their favourite shop, this brainstorming is a sure fire way of finding a little inspiration.
3. Ask yourself what that person needs.
I know we said no functional gifts, but if YOU think of it and it's something reasonably fun, practical doesn't have to be boring. Even for those (hateful) people who seem to already have everything... They DO need something. The key is to think broad. What does a super busy successful businessman need? Time, probably. Think of all the products out there telling us how to run our lives more efficiently - you could even get creative and make them a crib sheet of major efficiency tips. Think about what characterises the person, or what they could use a little help with, and then go from there when considering what they might need. Keep your ears open too - chances are they will have complained about something at some point. Maybe your gift could solve that problem...
4. Make them laugh.
Give something that's funny between the two of you. This is often a good call, because things like this don't need to be expensive but they are light hearted and can mean a lot to the recipient.
5. Include a bit of yourself.
If the gift involves something that you've done together or talked about in the past, it will mean more to your partner. Alternatively, you could personalise your gift, but personalise it from you rather than for them. Knit a scarf, draw a picture... Use your talents to give something they'll love.
6. Experience
Experience or 'thing' is always a question that comes up in my mind when I first think about gift giving. 'Thing' is the traditional route, but giving an experience can sometimes be even more appreciated. Is there something they've always wanted to see, but never had the chance to? Buy tickets for it and go together. Derren Brown, Phantom of the Opera, their favourite band... You get the idea. Even if it's just making a special date night out of dinner at their favourite restaurant, if you package the gift in a memorable way it will be a lovely way to spend time together and show that you know what they like.
Be wary, however, not to book anything too far in advance. Although you may be hopeful about the longevity of your relationship, it's a bit presumptous to be planning months in advance this early on into your courtship!
Here are a few hints and tips, as well as some more specific potential ideas to get you thinking...
1. Never, ever, underestimate the sheer fun of unwrapping presents.
Putting some thought and effort into the display of your gift can go a long way in making the entire gift better in itself. Ribbon, fancy paper, teeny gift bags... Make it look good and they'll like it all the more.
2. Make a list of everything the person is interested in.
Food, football, films? Boats, beer, barbecuing? Shopping, singing, swimming?
Brainstorm something to go with every item on that list, and you're bound to come up with something with festive gift potential. Whether it's cinema tickets for the two of you, a case of their favourite beer, a pair of Calvin Klein boxer shorts or a jumper from their favourite shop, this brainstorming is a sure fire way of finding a little inspiration.
3. Ask yourself what that person needs.
I know we said no functional gifts, but if YOU think of it and it's something reasonably fun, practical doesn't have to be boring. Even for those (hateful) people who seem to already have everything... They DO need something. The key is to think broad. What does a super busy successful businessman need? Time, probably. Think of all the products out there telling us how to run our lives more efficiently - you could even get creative and make them a crib sheet of major efficiency tips. Think about what characterises the person, or what they could use a little help with, and then go from there when considering what they might need. Keep your ears open too - chances are they will have complained about something at some point. Maybe your gift could solve that problem...
4. Make them laugh.
Give something that's funny between the two of you. This is often a good call, because things like this don't need to be expensive but they are light hearted and can mean a lot to the recipient.
5. Include a bit of yourself.
If the gift involves something that you've done together or talked about in the past, it will mean more to your partner. Alternatively, you could personalise your gift, but personalise it from you rather than for them. Knit a scarf, draw a picture... Use your talents to give something they'll love.
6. Experience
Experience or 'thing' is always a question that comes up in my mind when I first think about gift giving. 'Thing' is the traditional route, but giving an experience can sometimes be even more appreciated. Is there something they've always wanted to see, but never had the chance to? Buy tickets for it and go together. Derren Brown, Phantom of the Opera, their favourite band... You get the idea. Even if it's just making a special date night out of dinner at their favourite restaurant, if you package the gift in a memorable way it will be a lovely way to spend time together and show that you know what they like.
Be wary, however, not to book anything too far in advance. Although you may be hopeful about the longevity of your relationship, it's a bit presumptous to be planning months in advance this early on into your courtship!
So considering all this advice, you now have to pick your present.
Don't go too flashy or expensive - generally keep it within a £10 to £30 range. A gift doesn't have to be a big deal or a big move forward, just a marker that you care about this person and want to show them that during the festive period.
So if you're taking them out to dinner that's fantastic, but a weekend away at a five-star hotel with Michelin star cuisine might be a bit overboard.
It's also better to avoid clichés or impersonal gifts. If they love music, an iTunes voucher might be appropriate, but on the whole you want your present to show that you're actually thinking of them in particular, not bulk buying ties or candles and including your partner in the shipment.
Don't go too flashy or expensive - generally keep it within a £10 to £30 range. A gift doesn't have to be a big deal or a big move forward, just a marker that you care about this person and want to show them that during the festive period.
So if you're taking them out to dinner that's fantastic, but a weekend away at a five-star hotel with Michelin star cuisine might be a bit overboard.
It's also better to avoid clichés or impersonal gifts. If they love music, an iTunes voucher might be appropriate, but on the whole you want your present to show that you're actually thinking of them in particular, not bulk buying ties or candles and including your partner in the shipment.
So get shopping... I hope they like it!
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