Everything is going strong with your new relationship, but the spectre of Christmas is looming large as every day brings you closer to the 25th. You may feel a bit nervous about finding Christmas gifts for the boyfriend this early into your liaison. Thankfully, if you resist any urges to go to the extreme and take time to consider what would really tug at his heart strings, you'll likely land on the perfect item.
Step 1: Don't Freak Out
If your instincts are telling you to avoid an extravagant gift, they're probably right. Even though you may be crazy about your new guy, you don't want to make him feel like the relationship is moving too quickly - and you don't want him to feel self-conscious about the gift he bought you. Instead, surprise him with how much you've learned about him in such a short amount of time.
Step 2: Make It Meaningful
Think back to a special moment the two of you shared, such as your first kiss at a baseball game, or a detail about his past that he's talked about - like how good his grandmother's brownies tasted when he was a kid.
After you've nailed the occasion or story that you want your gift to reference, settle on the memento. For example, look for a baseball hat or shirt that commemorates the team that witnessed the beginning of your relationship. Even though you can't replicate his grandmother's recipe, you could have gourmet brownies delivered, with a note mentioning how happy he looked when he talked about his grandmother's recipe.
Step 3: Make It Sweet
Food gifts are always a great standby because it's hard to be disappointed with a sweet treat, and they're affordable enough that you won't accidentally put him off with a high price tag.
Do you think you and your new guy might have real staying power? Give him a gift that will start a tradition that the two of you can keep up every year. Sharing couple photos and frames, for example, can make for great annual collages (just keep this tradition on the down low or your single friends and relatives might think it's a little over-the-top).
No matter what you decide on, as long as it's a simple gift that shows you're into him and excited about your new relationship, you've got no reason to sweat.