Finding the perfect gift
At 4:30 this morning I put on my heaviest jacket, took a deep breath and set out for the stores. Granted, I was going out as part of an assignment for the paper, but checking out other shoppers' carts got me thinking hard about Christmas presents. And with today marking the first official day of holiday shopping (at least in my book), it's really time to get going.
Picking out a gift for a significant other sometimes can be painstaking, and a lot of times what you get depends on how long you've been in a relationship. Getting your partner a gold watch after dating for only two weeks is a little overboard, but giving only a dozen homemade chocolate chip cookies doesn't even begin to cut it after one year.
And so, to help you with your shopping this year, here's my unofficial guide to gift giving, according to how long you've been together. Oh, and I'm a big fan of always giving a card, so no matter how long you've been together, make sure to pick one up (or make it yourself).
Less than a month: Less than $15. Nothing too expensive or flashy. You're still in the beginning of the relationship, and you have no idea where this is going to go. You also don't want to give the impression that you're getting attached too fast. Homemade treats that you decorate yourself are nice, as are mixed CDs or framed picture of the two of you together.
One to three months: $15 to $25. Still nothing super expensive, but head out to the store. Candles are good, as are lotions, soaps or aftershave. Buy a smell that you like, then whenever you smell it you can think of the other person.
Three to six months: $25 to $45. Getting a little bit more serious. Up the price range, and think of something your sweetie will really like. Some CDs, a sweater, DVDs, a nice hat and scarf are good picks.
Six months to nine months: $45 to $75. You guys really like each other by now, right? One option is to get something that you can do together. Buy tickets to the Georgia Aquarium, go out for a nice meal at the Downtown Grill or take your honey out to a show at The Grand Opera House or The Fox.
Nine months to a year: $75 to $100. Nice jewelry -- I'm talking some real stones or silver or gold here guys (it's OK if it's small). Cashmere. Those in long distance relationships could purchase a video camera for the computer, so you can see each other next time you talk.
A year plus: $100+. You're on your own here. Any combinations of the previous categories would work, as would pricier electronics, like cameras or iPods.
Remember, these are only guidelines. You can spend more or less depending on your own relationship. Just make sure to keep your significant other's interests in mind when you do it.
For another detailed guide to gift giving by relationship stage, check out couplescompany.com. (Scroll down past the first question.)
Post any other ideas you may have here, or let me know if you think I'm completely off mark.
Picking out a gift for a significant other sometimes can be painstaking, and a lot of times what you get depends on how long you've been in a relationship. Getting your partner a gold watch after dating for only two weeks is a little overboard, but giving only a dozen homemade chocolate chip cookies doesn't even begin to cut it after one year.
And so, to help you with your shopping this year, here's my unofficial guide to gift giving, according to how long you've been together. Oh, and I'm a big fan of always giving a card, so no matter how long you've been together, make sure to pick one up (or make it yourself).
Less than a month: Less than $15. Nothing too expensive or flashy. You're still in the beginning of the relationship, and you have no idea where this is going to go. You also don't want to give the impression that you're getting attached too fast. Homemade treats that you decorate yourself are nice, as are mixed CDs or framed picture of the two of you together.
One to three months: $15 to $25. Still nothing super expensive, but head out to the store. Candles are good, as are lotions, soaps or aftershave. Buy a smell that you like, then whenever you smell it you can think of the other person.
Three to six months: $25 to $45. Getting a little bit more serious. Up the price range, and think of something your sweetie will really like. Some CDs, a sweater, DVDs, a nice hat and scarf are good picks.
Six months to nine months: $45 to $75. You guys really like each other by now, right? One option is to get something that you can do together. Buy tickets to the Georgia Aquarium, go out for a nice meal at the Downtown Grill or take your honey out to a show at The Grand Opera House or The Fox.
Nine months to a year: $75 to $100. Nice jewelry -- I'm talking some real stones or silver or gold here guys (it's OK if it's small). Cashmere. Those in long distance relationships could purchase a video camera for the computer, so you can see each other next time you talk.
A year plus: $100+. You're on your own here. Any combinations of the previous categories would work, as would pricier electronics, like cameras or iPods.
Remember, these are only guidelines. You can spend more or less depending on your own relationship. Just make sure to keep your significant other's interests in mind when you do it.
For another detailed guide to gift giving by relationship stage, check out couplescompany.com. (Scroll down past the first question.)
Post any other ideas you may have here, or let me know if you think I'm completely off mark.
posted by Anonymous at 8:11 AM
4 Comments:
The first Christmas my BF and I spent together (after six months of dating), I got him a bunch of little things he wanted (probably around $150 total) - he gave me a surround sound system with a DVD player....needless to we didn't obey pricing guides.
I think it really depends on our relationship, and the kind of gift you want to give. Pricing guides are okay, if it makes you feel comfortable, but I suggest just giving the gift you would like.
Or spend time doing something together. Not everything has to be materialistic, as you advise.
Anon #1 — I'm confused on where you got the idea that Rose or myself were "advising" being materialistic. I don't think that was the idea on either of our parts.
What I was trying to convey, and apparently need to make more clear, was that if you are nervous about spending too much or too little, than use a pricing guide. Otherwise, enjoy the holidays and the gifts you choose to give and don't worry about the price tag!
Happy Holidays! : )
I don't think they were putting a price on gifts, just trying to give out ideas. I like the idea of doing something together though. Maybe get tickets to a concert you both would like, a comedian, or a weekend getaway. Sometimes doing stuff for your relationship is better than any present you can buy for the other person.
Post a Comment
<< Home