"Romantic Christmas Gift Ideas - Three Dating Scenarios"

You’re dating someone new, really new. And you need romantic Christmas gift ideas.

Or do you?

Gift-giving actually depends on where you stand in your dating relationship. Once the phase you’re in has been determined, then we can worry about which presents say too much and which don’t say enough. This gift guide will help you choose something appropriate for the new man or woman in your life who’s a not-yet-exclusive match.

Scenario #1: You met online very recently and are having your first in-person date right before Christmas.

This might seem like a tricky situation but it’s actually pretty simple. You don’t have to give a gift.

Say what?

Yeppers, you read that right. It may feel as though you know each other well because you’ve probably emailed each other or talked on the phone a bunch. And it can feel really wrong to see someone you “know so well” right around the holidays and not give them one of your romantic Christmas gift ideas. We feel ya.

But we’re here to tell you that if you show up to that first date empty-handed, no one’s going to think less of you.

If you feel you absolutely must give a gift, make it a small gesture that’s cute and memorable but not overwhelming.

For her: A small bouquet of poinsettias.
For him: A miniature stocking stuffed with a few Hershey’s Kisses.

Scenario #2: You've had one or two dates and it seems like things are going well.

Now this is a slightly delicate stage. You’re getting to know each other better every time you meet. The discovery process is so exciting that you no doubt have plenty of romantic Christmas gift ideas based on what you’ve been learning about their hobbies, habits, pet peeves, great loves, and so on.

But just because you know exactly what would make a perfect gift for someone doesn’t mean you should actually be giving it. While gifts are a nice touch if you’re in this stage of a budding relationship, you’re also in the danger zone of making a gift-giving faux pas (meaning you give a gift and they don’t).

We strongly suggest that the two of you have a brief, no-pressure discussion about gifts. Chances are, they’re feeling as unsure about how to handle this situation as you are. Don’t be afraid to pipe up and explain how you really feel about celebrating the holiday. Try not to hold it against them if they admit they think it’s too early for gifts. In fact, if they don’t give you a gift that doesn’t mean they’re not into you – it just means they’re not ready. But it shouldn’t hold you back from giving if that’s what you feel you must do in your heart. Just make sure you can mentally handle it if they don’t offer something in return. Do you think you can?

Whatever you do, make the gift personal to show that you’ve been paying attention, but keep the mushy, ooey-gooey, lovey-doveyness on the down-low. Valentine’s Day is coming up soon enough…

For her: Her favorite perfume.
For him: The newest book from his favorite author.

Scenario #3: You’ve been dating for a month or more and are feeling like it’s time to get serious.

We gotta ask: Is the “getting serious” feeling a mutual one or just one-sided? It’s important to try and make this determination because, if you’re feeling more than the other person, your romantic Christmas gift ideas could backfire.

There’s no doubt, both of you should give each other a gift. You’ve been dating long enough that there’s some kind of connection there; you may have even gotten intimate by now.

There’s no need to break out the benjamins and drop a wad of cash on something incredibly expensive, but you should put some thought into this gift. By giving a gift you can enjoy together, you can make a romantic and sentimental statement without going over-the-top.

For her: A couples massage.
For him: Tickets to see his favorite sports team.

However you choose to celebrate, keep those romantic Christmas gift ideas handy… whether you get to use ‘em this holiday or not, we have a feeling you’ll be able to use them in the very near future.