by Holly Bentz
script
Exchanging holiday gifts during the initial stages
of a dating and relating poses many overwhelming questions; in
particular, how much to give without appearing shuddersome?
Over-gifting and even re-gifting are verisimilar to showing up at a
celebration with an inappropriate party favorite. It's almost
tantamount to bearing caviar and champagne to a tailgating party or
showing up at a Passover Seder dressed in a Nazi costume.
During the midst of a budding relationship, there
are not any written rules defining the proper gift versus an
inappropriate one. In the realm of exchanging holiday gifts, two
objectives are necessary to impactful giving: matching a present to
the recipient's personal style and making a memorable impression.
Maria Luciano suffers from the propensity of
over-gifting. She lavishes her suitors with extravagant gifts that
scare the good guys away and lure the wrong ones in. Her last
boyfriend of eight weeks made off with an iPod. Quite often, her
generosity is misconstrued as giving in the name of desperation.
Consequently, Maria has very few enduring relationships to show for
her high credit card bills.
Then again, Ralph Jacobs does the complete opposite.
Since he is carrying a lot of baggage from a failed marriage to a
materialistic vixen, he opts for recycling gifts. His concept of
giving entails re-gifting presents from family and friends. As a
result, his giving pattern makes him appear as a cheap, selfish
nincompoop.
While giving is not a pre-requisite to a sustaining
a long-lasting relationship, there is an art to giving good
presents. The dilemma with over-gifting is that the person on the
receiving end deems the extravagant gift as a means to their
affections. As far as re-gifting is concerned, it is recommended
only if the objective is to turn-off the interest -because the
message articulates "please do not take me seriously..."
Use
the following strategies and ideas to assess his gift worthiness:
? Consider how long you have been involved
?
Determine if the relationship is temporary or permanent
? Based
on the span of the interlude --- stick to a budget using the dating
lifespan of your relationship (see below)
? Give openly without
any expectations
Innovative Gift Ideas
For Him
Gift Ideas for him
Dating for 1-2 months
Price range
($15-$45)
______________________________________
All-American - a subscription to Maxim or even
Playboy (gift say's that you're okay with his obsession with
erotica). For a minimal investment, opt for the Heineken Baby Keg
(casual gift).
Sportster - Budweiser 12 pack - Beer
Mug or beer coozies with favorite sports team on mug. As a cheap
alternative, buy a pair of sports socks then buy his favorite team
in a patch and iron it on the socks.
Artsy Dude - new
sketchbook or drawing utensils (says you appreciate is artistic
talents).
Mr. Metro-sexual - a Pantherella socks,
hair and body shampoo by Acqua Di Gio Giorgio Armani, or DVD work
out series by tri-athlete, Anthony Carillo's Iron Yoga work-out
Renaissance Man - Zippo lighter, Jack Spade, passport
sleeve
Gift Ideas for him
Dating
for 2.5 - 4 months
Price range ($45 -
$100)
_____________________________________
All-American - Gap hat and scarf set, Boss Hugo Tie,
Levi's Jacket
Sportster - his favorite sport's
jersey, book on sports, or Nautica pullover- etc.
Artsy
Dude - Montblanc notebook or Cole Haan money clip.
Mr. Metro-sexual - spa facial treatment (says you
appreciate is metro-sexuality) Jack Black texture cream, Aveda
defining whip, 2 (x) IST underwear duo.
Renaissance Man
- Eddie Bauer vest, or the Swiss Army satchel, Truefitt &
Hall - shaving kit
Gift Ideas for him
Dating for 5 - 11 months
Price range ($110-
$350)
______________________________________
All-American - camping gear, Marc Ecko sweater, or
pants
Sportster - skiing peripherals, golf/tennis
equipment, or tickets to favorite sporting event
Artsy
Dude - tickets to Sundance Film Festival, Swedish massage, or
shoes by Camper
Mr. Metro-sexual - Ralph Lauren
cashmere sweater or Alain Mikli eyewear
Renaissance
Man - Kenneth Cole hoodie, ESQ Swiss watch or two personal
training sessions.
________________________________________
At the same
token, giving represents the opportunity to give some life altering
hints in a sharing, caring and subtle kind of way. For example, if
he suffers from halitosis or plaque ridden teeth, Philips Sonicare
IntelliClean system is the ideal gift to promote good dental
hygiene. Even better, if you want him to trade in his tidy whiteys
for boxer shorts, the holiday season features the chance to expand
his underwear awareness.
Regardless of the presents one
shares this holiday season, it's important to give with élan,
creativity and with the future of your relationship in mind. To
learn more about giving and receiving in relationships, review
Dating For I Do," the Single's Guide to
Establishing a Long-term Relationship
About the Author:
Holly Bentz is the author of the Single's Guide to
Establishing a Longlasting Relationship, "Dating For I Do." Visit
fruitionmedia.net or Dating
For I Do for more information on the
author