Advice needed on new partner gifts.

[Daftenough22]

Dear All,
I really need some advice on what to buy for Christmas for my son's girlfriend. Also my brothers girlfriend.
Both relationships are very new and I don't know what to get, as I don't really know them, I feel like vouchers is best but something little to unwrap to go with it?

My brother is terrible with details, I've only met his girlfriend once a month ago, as we live in different countries but will be together at Christmas.
I've asked my brother what she likes but he says everything!
Also this is my son's first serious..."bought girlfriend home to meet us" relationship too.
I usually spend around £150 on him, should I be spending the same on his girlfriend too so it is fair or would it seem over the top, (they have been together 3 months) he couldn't care less but I really want to get it right as they seem to be planning lots future wise together, they are 22/23 respectively.
Thank you for any advice.

Could you maybe spend a similar amount but do a couple of smaller gift and like a joint couples gift, we've had hampers and vouchers to put towards what we wanted/ needed for setting up home either that or for them to go for a meal maybe?

I'd thought about changing up
Some Euros and giving them that with a guide book as they are going to Florence in Feb but my other son says nobody his age looks at guide books anymore

But they might not be together at Christmas!

Hollowtalk
Of course that's a possibility but I can't not get a gift "incase" they aren't together.

They've been together for 3 months, and Christmas is 4 months away. I think you're getting ahead of yourself!
If they are still together at Christmas, £150 is definitely too much to spend on his new girlfriend. I think meal/cinema vouchers are good.

I wouldn't be spending the same on a child's new girlfriend and I would on my child. It's good that you include her but equal billing is a little intimidating at this stage.

I think the euros are a good idea. What about a little cross body bag for her. Loads of great cheapies at the moment look at Zara. Perfect for a weekend getaway but just want to take phone, money and lipstick etc.

Think you are going to have to bite the bullet with Brother's new girlfriend - vet to know her a little better. Can you email her about getting something for your brother and strike up a conversation that way.

Why are you even thinking about this in August?? If they're still together in December, decide what to get them then.

Regarding your son's girlfriend, spending the same you do on his gift would be very over the top. If they were engaged or together for a long time it would be nice and generous, but considering they've been together only a few months it will probably be awkward for her! Remember she will probably be buying a gift for you, so a big discrepancy in value may be embarassing. I'd probably buy something small but really good quality. Ask your son what her tastes are. Does she read? A hard cover book and a voucher for a coffee place can be a good choice. Is she into makeup? A basic collor lipstick of a good brand can be good idea. If you have no idea at all what to get, some posh chocolate in a very nice packaging can be a good choice. The important thing is that she feels your are happy with the relationship. If she will be spending Christmas day with you i think you might spend a bit more, tough (but not 150, more like 50!). Also, i agree with you son: very few people use travel guides nowadays.

For your brother's girlfriend it might be more dificult because, contrary to what he says, nobody likes "everything"! Lol! Try and get some more information on what might please her. Itens that she can't find in the country she lives can be very nice. How old is she? This could help us give better sugestions.

I do understand why you're thinking about this in august. You're probably like me and likes to spread the cost of gifts throughout the year and also like giving gifts.

Thanks inthetropics, it's exactly that, I like to spread the cost of gifts as I like gift giving and I usually start about this time of year with a list of who I need to buy for and work out the easy gifts eg nephews, iTunes or gaming gift cards and the not so easy gifts that will take a fair bit of shopping and research.
My FIL is recently widowed and asked me to help with his Christmas shopping this year.
So I want to get mine out the way sooner than later.

Thanks inthetropics, it's exactly that, I like to spread the cost of gifts as I like gift giving and I usually start about this time of year with a list of who I need to buy for and work out the easy gifts eg nephews, iTunes or gaming gift cards and the not so easy gifts that will take a fair bit of shopping and research.
My FIL is recently widowed and asked me to help with his Christmas shopping this year.
So I want to get mine out the way sooner than later.

For son’s girlfriend I’d spend £30-50 if she’s not living with him and not spending Christmas with you. If she spends Christmas with you, spend a little more and divide it into 3 gifts she can open to include her into the gift giving. If they are living together get them a couple present.

Assuming your brother is older, I would expect the relationship to progress faster so I’d be assuming that they are living together and that she is the hostess but I would stick to consumables (vouchers, candles, posh chocs) until you know her taste better.

Was reading this thread and work and asked some of the (early) 20 year olds there what they would like if it was them for you this afternoon!
They said
Costa vouchers
Cinema vouchers
Prezzo vouchers
Phone cover

I mentioned the travelling and they also suggested that a decent hand cased sized suitcase/ bag with some travel sized toiletries or wash bag or adaptor etc would be a great present