New Relationship Christmas Gift Ideas

New relationships are fun but often stressful. The Holidays are a time where new relationships either get closer or fall apart. No matter what your agreement, you need to give some type of gift if you are dating exclusively. She/he may say that they do not want anything, but it is your job to get them a gift anyways. At the very least purchase a gift in case they get you one, and return it if they don't, just be prepared. Here are several tips and gift ideas to help continue your new relationship:

Tips

Going Overboard is Never a Good Idea
You may think that buying a plethora of items is a good idea and she/he will only grow fonder of you, but it may have the opposite effect. Not only will you show them up if they purchase you something small, you may come off being clingy and obsessed with them, even though that is usually not the case. Go with something thoughtful and not too pricey.

Topical Gifts
Something you both share in common or something you have discussed before and maybe even made fun of could make for a good gift. Inside jokes can make for a decent gift as long as it is possibly paired with something small that can actually be used and has value to the person. If you are going to buy a gift based on an inside joke make sure the joke isn't making fun of her/him, but something shared as a joke.

Shared Gifts
Shared gifts are the best possible gifts for new relationships. This shows that you want to experience something with that person. Use your creativity with this. Depending on how comfortable you are with each other you could plan an entire weekend together or just a day trip. If it is very new stick to a day trip just in case.

Gift Ideas

Tickets
The most important aspect of this gift is that the other person will enjoy this event more than you, otherwise you bought yourself the gift instead of for them. Buying tickets to a concert where someone is performing that she/he loves, that you are not a fan of is a great gesture and gets you on their good side. Ladies, this means getting tickets to a sporting event, and you have to act like you're enjoying the game. This gift can also be inexpensive and on a smaller scale, think local comedy club or concert at a local university.

Framed Picture
This one applies more to men purchasing for women, but some men like displaying photographs as well. Take a picture of the both of you and use your creativity and a little Adobe Photoshop magic to edit the picture, print and frame it. This is an often used and sometimes tired gift, but it always receives a good reaction and you can use your creativity when editing. A picture of both of you is a good sign to the other party that you are interested, and even if the frame is expensive this gift never seems over the top. Usually you can do this for under $20, if not for $10.

Romantic Evening
Another gift under the 'Shared Gifts' category. This one can get pricey, but gifts that are shared are okay to be a little more expensive. For this to work you should pick a restaurant that you actually need to make a reservation for. After dinner try something unique like a horse carriage ride or possibly ice skating in a local park if they are able to and if there is a place available to do so. Cap the night off with either a drink at an upper class martini bar or just a walk around town.

Dropped Hints
Whether he/she has tried to or not, we all usually drop a hint or two of things that we like or want but don't have, or don't have enough of. You might pick something that you know they love just to show you have been listening. Even if it is something simple, at least you know that they will like it.

If All Else Fails
This is not a good gift idea, it is a desperate last minute 'I don't know what else to get' idea. Cologne for men and lotion/perfume for women. This is a subtle but respected gift that might not get you any extra brownie points, but it shows you cared enough to get something, and that you're not cheap.

Bad Ideas

Jewelry
You can get away with this if it is a simple necklace and not too expensive, but otherwise you are probably sending too strong of a message.

Gifts that Are Actually for You
Probably the worst thing you could do. A sibling of mine (male) received perfume from his girlfriend, as she tried to explain it was for him because he would enjoy the smell of it on her. They didn't last much longer.

Stuffed Animals
Unless you are 15, don't buy a big cuddly bear or anything along those lines.

Gift Cards
You can do better than gift cards, don't be lame.

Have a good Holiday season and if you are still out of ideas pick something fun and creative!