The DOs and DON’Ts of Buying a Holiday Gift for Your S.O.
Buying a holiday gift for your significant other is tricky, especially because there are plenty of variables to keep in mind.
Whether it's your first festive season with your partner or you two are old pros at this, scroll down for a list of dos and don'ts for buying a holiday gift for your S.O.
DON'T: Get Them Something Impersonal
Sure, buying a gift card is easy, efficient and gets the job done, but it's also really impersonal and doesn't let your significant other know how much you care about them. Stay away from impersonal gifts when it comes to your S.O. and save those for Secret Santa instead.
Also read about: 8 Signs You're Obsessed With Christmas
DO: Get Them Something With Significance
When it comes time to select a holiday gift for your boyfriend or girlfriend, aim to get them something with significance, be it for them personally or for the two of you as a couple. The gift doesn't need to be extravagant or expensive, but it should be meaningful in some way. Consider arranging a date night that's reminiscent of the first date the two of you had together, or buying them concert tickets to see their favorite band.
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DON'T: Get Them a Gift That's Really for You
Though it can be tempting to buy your significant other a gift that will also make you happy, resist the urge to do that. For example, if you're always complaining about how your partner's shoes are dirty and worn but they don't seem to mind, don't go out and buy them a new pair of sneakers for the holidays. Sure, it's a nice gesture, but that gift is really something to make you happy (not your loved one), and chances are they'll see right through it.
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DO: Get Them Something You Can Enjoy Together
Still, just because you should refrain from getting your S.O. a gift that's really meant to benefit you, that doesn't mean you can't get them something the two of you can enjoy together—especially if it's related to an interest you both share. Try something such as tickets to a sporting event or a new museum exhibit.
DON'T: Spend Too Much Money
Another temptation you might fall into—especially if it's the first holiday season you two are sharing together—is spending too much money on a lavish gift. Though it's a wonderful thought and a kind gesture, it's unnecessary and might even make your significant other feel uncomfortable or put too much pressure on them. This is especially true if your partner didn't (or wasn't able to) buy you a pricey present of their own.
DO: Put Thought Into Your Gift
Though it's not necessary to buy your significant other something expensive or flashy in order to convey what they mean to you, there's certainly no rule against putting a tremendous amount of thought into your present. In fact, if you want your partner to know how special and important they are to you, this is the way to do it. Put together a photo album with pictures of you two, or plan a surprise date that you know they'll. Thought goes a long way when it comes to excellent holiday presents.
(via Unsplash)
Also read about: 6 Tips for a Harmonious Relationship With Relationship Expert Michelle W. Lentz
DON'T: Buy Them Something Boring
Buying your S.O. something they might need, like a new shirt or a new wallet, might seem like a good idea since you know it's something they'll use, but let's be honest, those gifts are kind of boring and people don't want boring holiday presents. Save the necessity gifts for their parents.
DO: Buy Them Something They Wouldn't Buy Themselves
Instead of purchasing an interesting holiday gift, try finding something fun that you know your significant other likely won't buy for themselves. That new shirt, for example, could be a concert tee that pays homage to their favorite band, while the wallet could be a new overnight bag in their favorite color that they can use for an upcoming trip.
For more holiday content, click HERE for a list of Instagram captions for when you're under the mistletoe.