By Kaleigh Werner, Assistant Editor in Chief
Whether you find yourself in a budding romance or head over heels in love with your long-term partner, the pressure to find the perfect holiday present is on! Let’s be honest, you don’t want to be the one sitting across the table watching the other person pull back the half-wrapped pack of socks you found on sale at Target after you just opened their envelope with tickets for you guys to go on vacation. So how do you make sure that doesn’t happen to you? Or your partner for that matter. There’s no real art to choosing the perfect gift other than being able to know your partner and what will make them happy. The problem is if they’re like my boyfriend, anything will make them happy knowing it’s coming from you. So amazing, but that doesn’t help you decide what to get! Luckily, I have come up with a few suggestions for all you struggling boyfriends and girlfriends out there!
- Concert or show tickets
The best presents produce experiences and shared memories. Buy two tickets to go see a concert that you and your special someone love! After the pandemic shut down live concerts and events, the rush of finally being back in a crowd or theater (following safety guidelines of course) will feel 100 times better with the person you’re crushing on. You can even go see something outdoors and bundle up together if you’re still nervous to be with a lot of people inside! There are tons of shows scheduled in the coming month and into the new year at venues like The Anthem and the 9:30 Club right here in D.C.!
- Vintage pieces
If you’re going to buy a clothing item for your partner, at least purchase a recycled piece. Vintage and thrifted clothes have a story that combines sentiment and material. This is the perfect gift for a girlfriend or boyfriend! While a lot of people look immediately to buying nice, new, and maybe even designer pieces for their loved ones, this can be costly. Buying used pieces, from the same designer brands, brings those prices drastically down! Grailed and StockX are two of my go-to places to find vintage items, so make sure to check those out if you’re thinking you want to get a nice sweatshirt or pair of Nikes but for less money.
- Token items
Getting or making a gift that represents something meaningful to the other person or your relationship is a great way to show that you listen and care about them. You can get something or a collection of items that serve as tokens in their life or a past memory they cherish. Last year I aimed to recreate and represent the experience my boyfriend had during his time abroad. I tried to find his favorite kind of beer he drank while he was in Spain, made some tapas, and took a coin he had saved and strung it through a chain as a necklace. Little things can be the most important presents you give as they show that what matters to them is also what matters to you!
- Gift card for spa service
With the seasons changing and no hope for a random 70-degree sunny day, it’s likely that your partner might be experiencing mild seasonal depression. The cold weather is harsh on the skin and the lack of sun can make bad days even darker. A certificate to a facial, massage, nail, or even hair appointment is the perfect present to cure some of these winter blues while also letting the other person know that you are there to help to care for them however you can!
- A nice dinner or meal
Again, it’s all about the experiences. If there is a restaurant, type of food, or location you guys have been dying to try, do it! Going to a nice place and eating good food together is a love language in itself. Who says you have to do or buy anything else other than creating the memory of peaceful (or rowdy if that’s your guy’s vibe) day or night spent out of each other’s places? You don’t have to overthink anything, a date out on the town can be a present too!
