Adventures in Dating By Gigi Flores and Helen Obispo

What do you do if you begin to date someone right before a major holiday of present giving or a birthday? Do you give them something? If so, what? Big? Small? What if you get him something and he doesn’t get you anything?!! How terrible would that be? Last time Gigi dated someone at Christmas time, it had already been a few months together, and we did exchange Christmas presents. This time Gigi has just begun to date him… hmmmm, we haven’t given him a name yet. Let’s call him Jonathan.

Here is what our friends thought:

From Gigi: I think that if you have been dating very casually, then no present is needed. But if you are seeing each other every weekend or more, then you should get something small. If he ends up getting you a big present for Christmas, and you only got him something small, you can do something else for him: a special, romantic night, and thank him for his thoughtful gift. 

From Dianne: I think it depends on how much of a relationship you’ve built in that short time. If you decide to exchange, I think something small like a CD, DVD, hat and scarf set.

From Bob: Cash , cash cash:)

From Jackson: Cash is the worst gift ever. Give from the heart & only what you can afford to give. Never compare the cost of gifts. If uneasy, agree to set limits.

From Bob:  Not for me a couple of twenties would go along way inmaking my season merrier

From Joanna: Just? No gifts…. more than 3 months.. gifts.. unless you have slept with them already then gifts, but dont expect to receive one. Make it simple. Maybe something homemade. Nothing romantic.. sorry.. too soon. More than a year… make it something good.

From Jim: If it feels right, do it.

From Boris: Yes. Something you know they’ll like, and appreciate

From Mike: A trip to Vegas!

From Gigi: LOL Mike…where have you been? I’ve actually missed the Vegas comments…

From Mike: You get one guess where Ive been.

From Winnie: Why not?

From Brie: If things are going well then get something you’ll both enjoy…like tickets to a concert our other event.

From Winnie: Just enjoy!!

From Anastasia: Chocolates or flowers. Safe, cute and impersonal.

From Danielle:  Oh, Good God, girl ~ that one’s on you – obviously, go with something you know he’s interested in and make it personal…a special movie, cd, book, reservations back at Frankenmuth!!!

From Alan: 
1) Peanuts
2) Crackerjacks
3) root, root root for the home team

From Rachel: Whatever he wants!!

From Amanda: I’d buy something,but not a personal gift..@ as for the family..a big basket of fruit !!

From Camille: If I just started dating someone, I wouldn’t buy a Christmas gift UNLESS you spend a lot of time with them, or it’s someone you’ve known for a long time. 

From Carlotta: A book

From Bob: Hi Gigi, I was just joking around when i said cash cash cash:) I think a few people thought i might have been serious, so… seriously,
If in a new relationship, it might be best to go with your first impressions and trust them. Usually one who is attracted to another is working off that crucial first impression, if it were me in such a situation I might go on a bit of a proverbial fishing trip. Simply ask questions of what the person likes, what their interests are etc. In terms of monetary value. It’s up to the individuals sense of the matter. 10, 20, 50 100 dollars? It doesnt matter. Just follow your heart at the moment.

From Aleja: Clothing

From Allison: If you have dated long enough to know a couple of their likes and dislikes, get them a gift card for something they like.

From Camille: Depends on what he likes. I found a children’s book that someone I’d just started dating had mentioned to surprise him. If I were just starting to date someone, I’d get concert tickets for US.