Finding the right gift for someone special can be difficult enough, but factoring in what stage of the relationship you’re in, and what a possible present can mean or be interpreted as, is almost impossible. Here are some guidelines for picking out the best present for your man or woman, that’s heartfelt, and political.
FOR WOMEN BUYING FOR THEIR MAN
By Fritz Klug
News Editor
Guys are usually easy to shop for. If you don’t know what to get, get a gift card.
Marriage or marriage tracked:
Married: While some gifts the husband may want are unprintable in the newspaper, he will always like things for around the house: new tools, a nice recliner, dishwasher, a leaf blower, basically anything that makes life easier.
Engaged: This is when you can buy big: iPods, GPSs, a guitar (with the amp.), a nice digital camera (with printer). This is not the time to go cheap. $300-$400
Seriously Dating:
3-4 years: It’s your third Christmas together! I would get him something totally different than in years past. A good way to mix it up is by getting him something from the Army Surplus store — Nothing says a long-term commitment like a Vietnam-era machete. – $50, Young’s Army Navy Surplus
2 years: By this time, things that may have been considered stalkerish are now kosher. I would find out what classes he is taking and buy some of his books for the upcoming semester – $50 to $300, WMU Bookstore
1 year: Get him something he will use every day (he’ll think about you when he uses it). Get some good shaving creme (Origin) nice mint shampoo, or a collection of Burt’s Beeswax. He’ll enjoy the luxury items he would never buy. $30, Macy’s.
6 months: Clothing is a good thing to get at this stage.
Less than 6 months: This is still a time when you’re testing the waters. I would get a guy something safe — a few DVDs, or a video game he wants. If you really want to make an impression.
For the someone who you’re seeing, but not really dating:
Friend with benefits: A DVD that he likes that you can watch together. If you don’t know, some good options are There Will Be Blood, Casino, Boondock Saints, Smiles of a Summer Night – $20, Best Buy.
One night stand: Nothing.
FOR MEN BUYING FOR THEIR WOMAN
By Kelsey Klug
Special to the Herald
Getting your significant other the right gift can be difficult. This is especially true if you are shopping for a woman. Depending on the gift, you will either get an ecstatic girlfriend or a lie and the cold shoulder. Gifts can say a lot. Buying expensive jewelry for a girl you’re barely dating can be too strong of a message. But if you’ve been with a girl for three years, jewelry is perfectly expectable… all the time.
Married: Children. — around $7,000 a year.
Engaged: A designer purse (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada) – $400
Seriously Dating:
(3-4 years): An engagement ring, seriously – $3,500-$4,000
(2 years): Tickets to her favorite artist or show (make sure you get the really good seats) or really nice jewelry, but have her best friend help you pick it out. – around $100.
(1 year): Something nice from Victoria’s Secret. $80
Not so seriously dating:
(6 months): Dolce and Gabbana “The One” Perfume. 2.5 oz, $82, amazon.com
(Less than 6 months): A compilation of her favorite things (books, movies, music). – $20 to $30
For the someone who you’re seeing, but not really dating:
A friend with benefits: Gag gifts (stick to inside jokes) or nothing at all, if they’re really your “friend” they’ll understand. -The price of a friendship?
One night stand: A text message. – around $0.10, depending on your plan.
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