Relationship Column: Are You Serious Enough for a Gift?

Alex Parker

Well folks, it’s that time of year again. Everywhere you look people are starting to put out their Christmas, Hanukah, and Kwanza decorations, and the stores started bombarding us with the holidays weeks ago. Some gifts are easy to buy, like my little brother is getting some kind of remote control car/boat/helicopter, my sister is getting clothes, and the list goes on and on. But what do you get your boyfriend/girlfriend? If you have been together for a significant amount of time that may be an easy question, but what if this is a new relationship?

How much is an appropriate amount to spend? Is he/she getting something for you too? Where do you even begin? This is completely nerve-wracking. For starters, if you’re unsure if the gift giving is going both ways and don’t want to feel unprepared, perhaps you should bring it up. If you feel uncomfortable asking, stick with something small and inexpensive. I’m not saying to run to your nearest vending machine for a toy. Something like a funny tee-shirt or something with a favorite sports team on it isn’t a bad idea.

I happen to take a lot of pride in my gift-giving abilities. One of my favorite little things to give is a stocking filled with the recipients’ favorite kinds of candy. It’s very inexpensive and it’s a cute to give if you and your guy/girl aren’t too serious. I used to give one to my ex-boyfriend every year and he loved it.

It’s a tricky balancing act; you don’t want to feel stupid if the gift is not reciprocated, and you don’t want to feel awkward if he/she gets you a gift and you didn’t get one for him/her. It’s not always easy to come right out and ask if you’ll be exchanging gifts. You could always try a more subtle approach; just ask what he or she asked Santa for this year and see.