By Mea Donnelly
I love Christmas and the holidays – any holiday, really. Getting gifts for others is my vice: I’m the gift master of my friend group. Gifts for Mom, Dad and my siblings are easy, but significant others can pose more of a challenge. Why? Because the gift will change depending on how long you two have been together. So here are my gift ideas for that special someone in your life.
FOR A GIRLFRIEND
Less Than Two Months
Okay, so if you have been dating for less than two months, first make sure you two are getting each other gifts. I personally don’t like getting a new person gifts because frankly, you never know (I know that sounds horrible, but I am a realist). So for less than two months of dating, try to keep costs low. Flowers are always a good idea, but get them with something else: maybe a scarf that she mentioned she liked, or maybe a large stuffed animal.
Less Than a Year
At this point, you two are probably serious and this will likely be your first holiday season together. That means this year will set the precedent. Do not set the bar unreachably high. No, I’m not saying to get her a sack of flour, but don’t do a huge romantic gesture that you will never be able to top. This is the perfect time to get her concert or festival tickets — cute events to go to together are always a good idea. Jewelry also makes sense for this length of time. You could get her a cute tennis bracelet she has been eyeing, or an anklet or necklace. This shows her that you care and are willing to spend a little more on her.
Over a Year
Longer than a year is easy. You two are pretty serious by now so I would go one of two ways: a vacation or more expensive jewelry. A vacation could be a weekend getaway to Toledo or somewhere to explore. As for a more expensive piece of jewelry, you probably know her well enough to have a good idea of what she truly wants.
FOR A BOYFRIEND
Less Than Six Months
Personally, this category is the trickiest. You don’t want to spend too much, but you also want to get him a nice gift. If your guy is a business major or really likes suits, I would suggest a nice tie from somewhere like Nordstrom or Macy’s, and maybe a dress shirt to go with it. If he doesn’t suit up, then go for the video game he’s been mentioning (WARNING: His mom may have already bought it, so make sure to check with her first). Another route you could take would be to get him a jersey. Jerseys are a safe choice because 1.) everyone loves them, and 2.) even if he doesn’t love it at first, he can wear it to Happy Hour or Block so he ultimately will.
More Than Six Months
You two are likely more serious, which means it is time to break out the big bucks. Just kidding (sort of). I would definitely suggest a watch or sports tickets. Maybe not a Rolex, but another really nice watch to show him how much you care. If you are like me, however, and are a die-hard Blackhawks fan, use Christmas as an excuse to treat you both to a sporting event with nice seats and a good view. Make sure it is a sport he actually enjoys, and you two can make a day of it. Sports tickets are the best gift anyone can get, if we are being honest.
So there you have it, my go-to gift guide for significant others. May you and your person have a very happy holiday, and maybe find some mistletoe too.
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*Image Sources:
The Spread 