As the holiday season draws near, we have two major concerns looming over us: passing finals and WHAT TO GET MY BOYFRIEND this Christmas. We know how to solve our study problems and will soon have those worries and stress behind us; however, the thought of leaving your boyfriend disappointed with a gift card or reindeer boxers this year is not an option. Browsing the Internet for hours can leave you more frustrated than when you started because all the gifts seem generic, overly romantic, or way out of your price range. The length of your relationship is also a huge consideration. Here are some ideas to help you find the prefect gift for your man no matter how long you’ve been with him or what kind of budget you are on this year.
Not So Official: If you and your guy are not officially together yet, do not go over the top this year. At this pre-point in your relationship gift-giving is not guaranteed, but you don’t want this guy to think you aren’t serious or will forget about him when you go home for the holidays. It should be small, but personal. Do-it-yourself or even baked goods are a great idea. Find out his favorite candy and add a sweet card: ”It’s a JOY to have met you”. Your guy (over 21) loves beer and cupcakes? Then make him some cupcakes and accompany them with his favorite beer.
First Christmas (on a budget): The first Christmas you spend with your boyfriend can be especially difficult to find that perfect present. You want to find something he will genuinely enjoy. This takes more work and understanding of your guy. Actually discussing and putting a price limit on the exchanging of gifts may put a damper on the fun of the holidays. Unless one of you has been saving or is lucky enough to have your parents money, it is expected that both of you will be on a budget. That does not mean you can’t make his present memorable. You can have a romantic or fun evening with your man. Invite him over and cook all of his favorite foods! Not the most expensive dishes you can think of, and not something you know is way out of your cooking abilities. Most guys are simple and easy to please. Think comfort foods, pasta, and don’t forget dessert! The main thing is to find out what he will really enjoy. Maybe you know your guy’s all-time favorite movie. Rent it! He’ll be pleasantly surprised that you remembered his favorite movie and you can use it as an excuse to cuddle up next to him for the next two hours. A great idea for any guy that likes to be pampered a little or just has had a long day at work: go to the store and buy cheap massage oil then tell you’re boyfriend he’s being rewarded for being so amazing. Try Bath & Body WorksSensual Black Currant Vanilla Aromatherapy Massage Oil.
Serious Relationship: These next ideas can work for your first Christmas or if you and your boyfriend have spent several holidays with each other already. Here are some cheaper options that also say “I love you.”
- Christmas stocking- Yes, this classic tradition you have all experienced since you were little can come in handy this holiday season. Get a cute stocking and the bigger the better! Fill the inside with small but awesome things that your boyfriend will LOVE. For example, say your guy needs new cologne, obsesses over the Yankees, has a thing for candles, thinks of his dogs as people, and can’t get enough Orbit gum. There you go: Derek Jeter cologne ($26.99 at avon.com), two small scented candles, a Christmas ornament with a picture of his adorable Labs, and the super sized pack of Winter mint Orbit.
- Make a blanket representing your boyfriend’s favorite team. Fleece fabric is very inexpensive at Walmart. A sales associate will be able to tell you exactly how much to buy. If this seems way to long or wide remember it will shrink once you make it. Using the two pieces of fabric, make an incision about two inches long every couple inches. Then tie the two pieces of fabric together, double-knotting the edges. Ta-da! You now have a very thoughtful gift that’s super easy to make.
Money in the Bank: Now if you are not on a budget this Christmas or found a great deal somewhere, then go ahead and spoil your boyfriend with tickets to the SEC Championship game (or whatever team he would be interested in watching) or to a concert he is dying to go to. Both of you will have fun together and he’ll remember that you took him on his “dream date.” Another route would be for those of us who are shaking our heads, but can admit how nerdy our boyfriends are when it comes to videogames. You will be the best girlfriend ever for getting him Modern Warfare 3 (or most other games on his wish list). Warning: Boyfriend will become addicted to this game!
One more piece of advice for making your boyfriend’s Christmas present spectacular this year: DON”T FORGET ABOUT HIS PET(S)! Buying a simple bone wrapped in a bow will go a long way in your boyfriend’s eyes.
Picking out the perfect present does not have to stress you out this year! Every guy is different, but just take a little time to think about him, and great ideas will come. No matter what your budget may be, your boyfriend will know the thought behind a present that is truly picked out just for him.