Romantic Gift Giving Tips (Part I)

Gift Giving Tips That Will 

Save Your Relationship from the EPIC Fail

Sometimes it seems the hardest part of love is figuring out what to give as a gift. You want the recipient to smile, laugh and maybe even cry with appreciation. You want them to be surprised, but most of all you want your loved one to enjoy your thoughtfulness, because—you don’t want to stick your head in the sand— and you want your partner to know you care. 

Too busy? Too poor? Sorry, those excuses just won’t work in committed relationships. Even if you recently received a pink slip, I’m sure you can take the time to write a poem.

 Here, in three parts, are some ideas that can take the hard work, the difficult decisions and the formidable tension out of gift giving drudgery, turning it into a deeply rewarding experience.  Applied properly, these ideas can take your relationship onto a level shared by those who call each other soul mates. Gift-giving can rise to a memorable art-form if you simply give it a chance.

Rule These Methods Out

Is it something they need?
Christmas, Valentine’s Day and birthdays are not about need. Do not give someone a gift they need. Example: Underwear or socks. Forgetaboutit. We need water and air for survival, but gift giving and life support are completely separate entities.

Is it something they want?
Did they say they wanted a tool set or perfume? If they specifically asked for something then opening your gift is kind of humdrum. Where’s the fun in that? What makes you a better spouse than the next door neighbor or anyone else for that matter? Let them whine, “But I wanted ____.” Shouldn't they be surprised about the gift? There are other days for the things we want....


Besides, are you just an order taker? Once you give in to this one, you’ll be ordered around for the rest of your life. (Small wink for those who have already fallen into this unfortunate one-sided cycle of life, but at least you’ll have a fairly easy shopping experience.)

A gift shouldn't be utilitarian like a part for an automobile or a household appliance.
Even though they will enjoy the clean dishes, the new tires or the coffee, they might resent the cool, impersonal and slightly out of touch insensitivity surrounding your practical gift. Not a good idea. Admit it. You had a coupon or a Black Friday special and couldn't resist. You benefited by saving money and getting a deal, but the recipient doesn't see “gift.” They see “work” as in more dish washing, carpooling, cooking, cleaning etc. Avoid giving the practical gift by selecting these things before or after a holiday.These are household necessities that you can purchase together. Aw, how sweet.

Speaking of impersonal, the laziest and most obvious lack of gift giving talent is expressed by the gift card as a gift. You can wrap it in gold, but it’s still a plastic card screaming: “They had to hurry.” The gift card makes a great gift for the office gift exchange perhaps, but not for your spouse. 

To be Continued:

Next week I'll write about connecting your personal memories and translating them into thoughtful and creative gifts.  In my final segment I'll wrap this up with a sort of pre-planned observational theory that can help you nail future gift-giving dilemmas in a flash. 

FYI:
By the way--I recently began using the Google Affiliate advertising photos for a simpler way to decorate my writing. It saves me tons of time. Of course if someone clicks on the photos and buys the stuff I'm supposedly going to make a very small commission. Thought I should let you know--and I think everything pictured here is from Sam's Club or Kohls.