Gift Ideas for the Unofficial Relationship (Part 1)

Everyone has been in this situation: You just started dating someone only to find out their birthday is right around the corner.

Awkward, right? 

Here you are, with a new relationship and just as you're getting to know the person, their birthday rolls up out of nowhere and leaves you wondering about the gift.

Gift Ideas for the Unofficial Relationship

As if deciding what to wear on dates isn’t hard enough, now you’re stuck deciding what gift to buy – or even if you should get them anything at all – for their birthday.  Plus, a gift can say a lot about your feelings – are they lukewarm or red hot? The pressure to nail the proper gift that says how you feel without going overboard (or being underwhelming) is more stressful than obsessively checking your phone for a text, an email, or even (gasp) a call back. 

Today, I present Part 1 of my two-part series on the proper gift for the new or unofficial relationship. Part 1 is for the gentlemen and next week, I’ll offer some ideas for the ladies.

So with that, buck up fellas and get your romance on, ‘cause here are some gift ideas for undefined relationships in various stages (let's call 'em mild, medium, and hot). 

Tip #1: Things Just Got Started

Relationship time frame: Two weeks or 2-3 dates.

So you’ve really connected, even on the first date. The person has a great laugh, great hair, they enjoy similar activities, and even claim to want a serious relationship – imagine that!  Then they say, “So my birthday is this Saturday and some friends are getting together. I’d love for you to come out!” At first you think, “Great! I can’t wait!” Then it hits you: you have to get them a present! And the nausea creeps up with the anxiety.

When things are going well, you don’t want anything to rock the boat. You need a gift that says “I like you” but not “I want to meet your parents tomorrow.”

Rule number 1: Don’t roll out the red carpet.

Why? Well, you did just start dating and you want to save a little magic for later, if/when things get more serious. Plus, it may freak them out if you give them a present that most people save for their 10th wedding anniversary.

For this gift, fellas, I’d recommend an elegant romantic dinner out and a little something that you know they will like, to top it off. Pick a restaurant that has a long wait list but you were slick enough to swing by early on and ask the owner for a little help. That says, “It may be early, but I want to see this last longer.”

As for the present, keep it simple – maybe a book they have talked about reading or a bottle of wine they have been dying to try. This shows you have good taste but won’t make them uncomfortable. Choose something that will not, by any means, put you out financially. After all, the person is not expecting to be blown away…not just yet.

Pages