For partners who are only dating and not yet in an official relationship, finding the right type of gift to give each other during special occasions can be tricky. A holiday gift for someone that you are romantically involved with is more than just a present; it is also in many ways, a message. Whether or not it may be an accurate reflection is irrelevant because in the end, what you give your partner will very often be perceived as a symbol of how you feel about your partner and about the relationship. Naturally this can cause a bit of unwelcome pressure but don’t buckle under it just yet. All it takes to give your date the perfect holiday gift is a little exercise in appreciating the alluring simplicity of thoughtfulness. In other words, it is quite possible to give a fantastic gift that sends a positive message without going overboard or coming up short.

The most important thing to remember is to avoid elaborate or overly expensive gifts. As much as you may want to spoil your date, lavish gifts should be reserved for people with whom you have already established a solid rapport. Giving something too big or too fancy could make your date feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable and could imply that there may be a hidden agenda behind the gesture.

Here are some holiday gift giving suggestions for daters:

1. Get creative – whether you have been dating for five days or five years, there is no better gift than that which comes from the heart.

** A homemade card with a special message would make a great gift for someone you are just getting to know.

** A cute and simple but original poem or song for your date to let him/her know how much fun you are having getting to know each other.

** A stocking filled with little things that you know he/she will like, such as lottery or scratch off tickets, and candies.


For those who have been dating for a little while and want to be a bit more romantic, consider these ideas:

** Homemade and interest-tailored coupons would be an ideal gift for this category. Think about what you could do for your date that he/she would really enjoy and appreciate. Based on your partner’s interests, design coupons that he/she could cash in from you at a later date, such as a homemade breakfast in bed, homemade candlelit dinner, a sensual massage, his/her pick movie night, maid service, or a car wash, etc. You could even add a little humor by throwing in a get-out-of-the-doghouse free card. It might also be a good idea to package the coupons by putting together a little basket of small items that relate to the coupons like massage oils or a dinner candle.

** A collage of photos you’ve taken together and maybe a few souvenirs from experiences you have shared.

2. Keep it simple – if you aren’t comfortable with making something for your partner then go with something small and sensible that will serve as a sweet gesture or token of appreciation for the opportunity to get to know each other.

** A box of chocolates or holiday cookies with a greeting card.

** A gift card to his/her favorite coffee shop or lunch spot.

** A daily calendar. It’s okay to pencil yourself in for a few dates but don’t overdo it by booking every weekend for the rest of the year!

** A book by his/her favorite author or a blank journal.

** Any small gesture that shows you’ve been paying attention.