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Relationships

What to buy girlfriend for Christmas?

27 replies

EnterNicknameHere · 16/11/2016 23:39

I have been seeing my girlfriend for 3 months now and have seriously no idea what to get her for Christmas. I do t want to spend too much or too little, what's appropriate? It's actually causing me a lot of stress thinking about what to buy.

She stays over at mine half the week, and we see each other between those times also, work and childcare permitting.

I really do not know what to go for! 😩

We are both women if that's any help. Any ideas?

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Cricrichan · 16/11/2016 23:53

A spa voucher. Jewellery. Books. Lush gift pack. Hotel chocolat gift pack. Go ape voucher. Luxurious nightwear. Amy combination of...

What does she like? What's your budget? I think if you've both ok financially then spend £100-200. Otherwise whatever you can afford.

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pringlecat · 17/11/2016 00:10

£100 to £200 sounds like a lot if they've only been together 3 months!

OP, how serious does this relationship feel to you?

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RepentAtLeisure · 17/11/2016 00:15

For a 3 month relationship I'd be thinking nearer £30 for budget. Cut down on stress by agreeing a money limit with each other. Then you won't have to worry that you'll give her a £25 bangle and she'll give you an iPad!

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EnterNicknameHere · 17/11/2016 20:51

Seems pretty commuted and I know she's been to 2 jewellers but obviously no idea on how much she has spent. I know cost doesn't really matter it's the thought but I don't want to be completely off mark. Does £200 seem ok then? I really do not know 😩 I've usually been single at Christmas so this is all new to me!

We are both okay financially.

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EnterNicknameHere · 17/11/2016 20:51

Commited not commuted

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Heirhelp · 17/11/2016 20:58

£200 seems a lot for a new relationship but then it all depends on your disposal income and how much you like to spend on gifts.

DH and I spend about £200 a year on each other and we have been together 10 years.

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Joysmum · 17/11/2016 21:02

That sounds a lot for 3 months.

I'm a big believer in not buying things, unless you know they want it. I prefer to plan experiences and to make memories.

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Inthenick · 17/11/2016 21:08

The first gift I got my now DH was a few months after we got together, a first edition of book of poetry containing a poem he had sent me when he was trying to woo me😘

You're going to have to tell us about her. Likes and dislikes. How does she dress? What is she passionate about? Any hobbies?

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IneedAdinosaurNickname · 17/11/2016 21:10

The value is relative depending on how much your disposable income is.
My bf of 9 months told me he's spent about £50 on my stocking fillers and what do I want as a main present
I was only planing on spending £50 total on him!

What does she like? A nice piece of jewellery is always good

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GloriaGaynor · 17/11/2016 21:16

Why not ask her for suggestions?

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EnterNicknameHere · 17/11/2016 21:35

She likes jewellery, silver and leather. She currently wears Thomas sabo earrings and bracelets and Michael kors watch. She dresses casual, jeans hoodies apart from work where it's suits.
I know nothing about jewellery as I don't really wear it. I feel lost haha. I think jewellery would be a good bet though to be honest although have no idea where to look.

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EnterNicknameHere · 17/11/2016 21:35

inthenick your present of a book of poetry sounds really thoughtful 😊

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mushroomsontoast · 17/11/2016 21:39

I think something personal is always best... A book she's talked about wanting to read, tickets to a show you know she'd like? After 3 months I'd go for small but thoughtful rather than spending loads.

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Princesspond · 17/11/2016 21:42

You could consider Tiffany, they do an affordable silver range £100+ But always seem special.

I've always though the fortnum and mason champagne and chocolate box would make a beautiful present if dating and want to impress. www.fortnumandmason.com/products/new-the-christmas-champagne-chocolate-box

I would discuss budget though just so you know if you're talking £20 or £100's

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Shelvesoutofbooks · 17/11/2016 21:43

Get her a silver necklace with her name in it. They cost about £30. A hoodie that has something to do with how you met. And boots. And maybe some chocolates

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applesandpears86 · 17/11/2016 21:45

I think at 3 months something thoughtful or personal but not too expensive - you don't want to put too much pressure on!

My ex and I had been seeing each other for around this time when it was his birthday - he is mad into surfing so I bought him a book related to this and a bottle of nice whiskey.

3 months in lingerie or a naughty present goes down well too!

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Bob19702 · 17/11/2016 21:50

Tough one , I would either ask for some hints to save embarrassment or for jewellery what about Pandora ?

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applesandpears86 · 17/11/2016 21:53

I disagree with advice to by jewellery - I think it's very dictated by personal tastes and if you're not sure of these then don't go there!

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Inthenick · 17/11/2016 22:49

Hmmm, is she wealthy? Are you comfortable being a bit soppy with her or are you both quite cautious? How much future does this relationship have in your hopes?

I would get her a silver charm bracelet and buy one Thomas Sabo clip charm for it. None of that costs much at all, check Amazon for some very decent looking ones. Tell her you can't be sure she'd wear a charm bracelet and she doesn't have to if she doesn't really like it but the charm itself means xyz to you and her and you hope she at least likes the meaning of it. Of course you get her a harm that has some relevance to you both like London Bridge cos you met there on your first date, a picnic basket because...., a book because..... or whatever. Be careful not to go too soppy, ie keep it to symbolising in-joke rather than a heart because you hope you'll be in love forever.

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Inthenick · 17/11/2016 22:54

I would have been disappointed at Tiffanys...too cliched and would indicate a lack of imagination or someone who throws money at gifts without taking time to think about the person.

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HeddaGarbled · 17/11/2016 23:34

It sounds like she already has a fair bit of jewellery and knows what she likes so, as you're not a jewellery expert, it's a bit risky IMO. Unless she drops any hints.

The first present I bought my partner was a framed print of a painting that I knew he liked. We still have it on the wall, nearly 30 years on. An early present he bought me that I was delighted with was the video (told you it was nearly 30 years ago!) of Casablanca which I'd told him was my favourite film.

Would she enjoy an experience day - spa day, posh afternoon tea, hot air balloon, etc?

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Trifleorbust · 18/11/2016 07:24

Get her some treats for pampering herself: White Company for a robe and slippers, Jo Malone candle, Eve Lom facial?

I wouldn't get jewellery - too much potential for her to not like it. Leave that for when you have been together a bit longer.

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3ndofth2w33k · 18/11/2016 08:29

I think jewellery is difficult to buy, very personal

I think chocolates, champagne, wine or make your own hamper

I like Lush

I like a home made or bought card and you can add the words

You could drop it into general conversation and see what she says whilst watching adverts on the TV

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whaaaaat · 18/11/2016 13:28

Hmm after 3 months being with my girlfriend, I was already a smitten kitten and if I had the money, I'd have no doubt gone OTT.

I think, within reason, it's not about how long you've been together, it's about how you feel about one another and also, it's not the amount of money you spend which is appropriate, it's about the type of preset you buy. For example, if you weren't sure where things were going and spent little money, but on something really meaningful, that would be more inappropriate than spending a lot on something without much meaning......if that makes sense Confused

Anyway, to the original question, is she quite alternative in her style?

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BlueNeighbourhood · 18/11/2016 21:15

Me and my partner (both female) are having this exact same discussion now. We'll have been together over six months by Christmas but I'm scared of being too extravagant and she's scared of me going OTT because I know what she's buying me!

I've found by listening to her mention little things she likes or noticing things helps. Like I found out one day she loves NailsInc nail polish, but it's pricey at £15 a bottle. I know all the shades she loves from random conversations so I've bought a selection and a gift set. Then I noticed in her makeup bag she has some Urban Decay eye shadow - so I bought the (bloody expensive) pallet she doesn't have.

In passing she mentioned she was wanting a new watch, she said she doesn't care about colour at all but has silver at present. So I've bought a really slim silver Michael Kors watch, which I hope to god she loves!

So everything I've bought it's because I've been listening and I write random stuff she says or favourite texts of what she says she likes. I think I've still got messages from two years ago back when we were still friends! I know her three fave perfumes too...so may do one of those but don't want to be too over the top!

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