The holidays can be a fun, romantic time for new couples. Yet they also can be stressful — meeting the parents for the first time is intimidating and trying to figure out the right gift can seem overwhelming. Follow these tips and suggestions to help you find the perfect holiday gift for your new boyfriend or new girlfriend.
Don’t spend too much
If your relationship is in its initial stages, you dont want to spend too much money. Find a gift that is personal and nice yet not expensive. You can’t go wrong with a funny graphic tee or a DVD set of his favorite movie or TV show. Another cool idea is a digital photo frame. The Kodak EasyShare 7″ LCD Digital Photo Frame is a fantastic choice. The 512MB internal memory allows you to save and manage 4,000 digital photographs. You can also use the automatic slideshow mode by just inserting a memory card, providing a continuous stream of favorite photos. $89.99, www.bestbuy.com.
Make careful observations
In the weeks leading up to the holidays, make observations about your boyfriend’s lifestyle and surroundings. Does he need a new laptop bag or iPhone case? Could he use a piece of artwork on his barren apartment walls? Keep in mind when shopping for home décor, he might not like your style choices. Pick something that is fairly neutral or a piece that you know will match his other décor. Prints.com offers limited edition prints, posters and other collectibles at reasonable prices. For under $100, you can find something very nice. Varied, www.prints.com.
Incorporate hobbies
When shopping for a holiday gift for your new boyfriend or new girlfriend, keep his/her hobbies in mind. For the sports fan, you can’t beat a pair of game tickets. For the car buff, a trip to a car show is a fantastic option. Is your partner in a band? How about a gift certificate to the local guitar shop or music store where they can pick out their own gift. Though normally gift cards and certificates are a little impersonal, one to a specialty store can make a fantastic present. $5 & up, www.guitarcenter.com
Get creative
Avoid cliché gifts like jewelry or cologne. When your relationship is just starting out, you want to make a good impression, so get a little creative. Homemade gifts are a terrific option. Start out in the kitchen. Bake up a batch of his favorite cookies, brownies and other treats to put together your own gift basket. You can pick up a basket at your local craft store for just a few dollars. If he’s not into sweets, a basket containing homemade pasta sauce, gourmet pasta, garlic bulbs and a block of Parmesan cheese would make a fantastic gift. You could also assemble a movie basket (popcorn, Red Vines, Milk Duds and a few movie rental coupons). These gift baskets can be put together for under $40.
Give love coupons
Are you turning up the heat in your relationship? Give your boyfriend or girlfriend some steamy, love coupons. You can make them yourself or purchase these fun coupons for very cheap. A packet of Bedroom Bucks contains 60 bills that are good for things such as Breakfast in the Buff, One Rich Meal or a Full Body Massage. $9.99, www.amazon.com
When shopping for holiday gifts for your new boyfriend or girlfriend, keep things simple, light-hearted and fun. Make your gift perfect by incorporating hobbies and interests, and adding a little personal touch.
