?The early days of dating are always a trial, but when you start dating someone right before a holiday or birthday, new challenges arise. Deciding when to give a gift, what to buy and how much to spend are questions that anyone in a new relationship eventually encounters.
When it comes to gift giving, the length of the relationship is more important than any upcoming holiday. If you start dating someone a few days before a holiday, gifts aren’t expected. After three dates, it’s acceptable to give inexpensive gifts if you wish. Gifts that cost more than the price of dinner and movie are probably too extravagant at this stage. Impractical, fun gifts are fine.
If you’ve been seeing each other for several weeks, gifts that show thoughtfulness are appropriate. If she’s mentioned that she likes a certain kind of music, giving her the artist’s latest CD shows her that you’re paying attention to her likes and dislikes. If a holiday falls during this second phase of dating, you may want to spend a bit more for the gift, but the present should still reflect your growing intimacy. If she spotted something in a store and expressed admiration, that’s a good choice.
When the two of you begin dating each other exclusively, gifts can become more extravagant. Gifts that represent your relationship together will be appreciated. A photo of the two of you, set in a frame that you’ll know she’ll like is one idea. Tickets to see a show that you’ll both enjoy is another. For a birthday or holiday, a getaway weekend is a romantic option.
Should your girlfriend give you a gift, you needn’t feel obligated to rush out and buy her a gift, too. Just let her know how much her thoughtfulness means to you. While exchanging gifts is pleasant and can be meaningful, it’s important to remember that relationships worth keeping aren’t really about money and gifts. In the end, the best present to give a girlfriend is love and attention.