Christmas is a notoriously tricky time if you are at the beginning of a new relationship. If you have just started dating somebody, you may be wondering what on earth you should buy him or her? The last thing you want to be is empty-handed when they turn up with a thoughtful pressie but you also don’t want to go overboard either, a mistake easily made amidst the flurry of early relationship excitement…
Here are our dos and don’ts, so you get this one just right:
DO aim for something small and personal. If a gift is thoughtful and affordable you are on the right track. Something like a book they have mentioned they’d like to read, tickets to a gig or a band they love or a funny t-shirt are all good choices.
DON’T feel like you have to go overboard with a huge grand gesture because both you and they are likely to end up feeling a bit embarrassed.
DO keep your own expectations in check. You may have talked about exchanging gifts but that doesn’t mean an expensive piece of jewellery or a weekend mini-break will be on the cards.
DO consider buying a gift that is something you can do together – like a dinner out to a nice restaurant or tickets to a gig.
DON’T make it for months in advance; just in case…
DO listen carefully to what they say. It’s a cliché but it really is the thought that counts. The next time you are out shopping, if they say that need a new pair of gloves, for example, this could be the perfect gift.
DON’T buy them a coat, hat and gloves. Too much, people.
DO walk away from the novelty socks and gift boxes. A naff present is worse than no present at all.
DON’T go shopping in a rush – this is likely to lead to panic buying of the bad socks and dodgy fragrance variety.
DO try to be original if you can. A surprise date activity, like a cookery class, can be fun.
DON’T overcook it with flying lessons (when you have yet discover if they have a fear of flying), a new pet or something as equally off the wall…
Finally, don’t spend hours worrying over what to buy them. You’ve both already bagged the best gift of all…each other.
Do you have any fab ‘first gift’ ideas?
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