Appropriate Presents – Part 2

In Part 1 of Appropriate Presents, we went through the right gifts for newly connected couples. In Part 2, we’ll start in on what to get for a true significant other.

Second Holidays, Dating 1 – 2 Years

If this is the second Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Boxing Day that you two have shared, then the golden rule is to make sure you do something better than last year. No, this is not a pattern destined to extend until you are buying islands for your love – you just have to get something better for the second Christmas than you did for the first. Why? Because the human mind functions in pairs (in fact, that’s why you two are an item). Reflexively, your girl/boy friend will compare and contrast this present with the first one. Once you start in with the third and fourth presents, they will no longer be grouping things in the same way so you won’t have to up the ante.

Of course, a “better” present is not necessarily a more expensive present. It often is a bit costlier, but that’s not the crux of the matter. What you are looking for is something that gets them at a deeper level than the last one did. The Second Present is to the First Present as your relationship then is to your relationship now. It should be deeper, stronger and more meaningful.

Family Holidays

A few tips on gift-giving for your partner on holidays shared with a greater family unit:

1. Nothing major for your sweetheart. A major present is not something to spring on your partner in front of their family. Which is not to say that you can’t get them a new car – just deal with that present a little before the family gift session. That way they go into it knowing what they’ve gotten from you and can focus on the family as a whole.
2. But always something for your sweetheart. Even if you did get him a Lexus, make sure to give him a little something in front of the family. It’s fun for everyone to see a gift get opened; it’s almost a glimpse into the way a person feels about someone else. While the love you two have should remain intimate and more or less private between the two of you, a book, a blu-ray or even a goofy joke present is called for to play along with the festive nature of the event.

Worried about what to get her Mother? Or what to get his brother? Read Part 3 of Appropriate Presents for advice on giving gifts to In-Laws and relatives.

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