It's that time of year again when many people find themselves scrambling to find the perfect gifts to give their friends, families, coworkers, and probably the most difficult of all, romantic partners. However, there are those who experience a bit of hesitation when it comes to getting a gift for someone with whom they're still in a dating phase.
You know the types of situationship I'm talking about.
You just started dating this summer after connecting on Tinder and it's all working out pretty well but...
You met at a mutual friend's birthday party and have had some fun dates and a few Netflix-and-Chill moments but...
Your family wants to meet the new person who has taken so much of your attention and has put a new light in your eyes, yet...
You don't know what to get this person but you know you want to get something.
Here's a few ideas that might be just right for the both of you:
1. A Groupon Date
Image: Groupon.com screenshot
Nothing says "I care about our financial future and still love to turn up" more than catching a hot deal on Groupon. Download the app onto your device or simply go to the website and choose Food & Drink deals. The great thing is that many of these deals have distant expiration dates and if they expire, you can still apply the value of what you paid towards whatever food or services are available.
(You can also pick up some cutesy gifts on the cheap that are appropriate for this kind of early gift exchange.)
2. Teach Something New
Image: dnainfo.com
There are so many wonderful holidays celebrated this time of year. Why not share a new cultural experience with your new bae and plan an awesome holi-date? Maybe you've heard of Kwanzaa but have never been to any organized event? Look for something local like the Celebrate Culture! event at NYC's American Museum of Natural History. Sharing new ideas and exposing your partner (and maybe yourself) to new experiences is the gift that keeps on giving.
3. Smell Goods Always Win
Image: theessentialwellness.com
You really can't go wrong with giving the gift of beautiful aromas. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about your new friend's health conditions (maybe skin allergies?) and aromatic preferences. I love giving essential oils and incense because they make any home feel more welcoming and inviting. You can also catch a good holiday sale from retailers like The Body Shop, who have gifts under $20 and something for nearly everyone. Bonus: They are transparent about the fair-trade products they use and support sustainability in other countries.
4. Spice It Up
Image: disneyfoodblog.com
Last year, my boyfriend and I went to Mystic, CT and came across what is now one of my favorite stores, The Spice and Tea Exchange. As a cook, I was so overwhelmed by all of the amazing blends of spices and teas they had and I wanted to buy them ALL. If you want to see what your new beau can cook up in the kitchen, give the gift of a spice set or if you look forward to cozy evenings in the cold winter months, give a blend of unique teas for you to both sip on.
I really love the seafood blends and rubs, many of which represent cuisines from around the world, so I recommend getting your order in by December 14, in time for Christmas/ Kwanzaa/ New Year celebrations.
These are just a few ideas to get the wheels churning in your heads. You might be able to think of something more unique and specific to your own partner. Just keep in mind that you want to err on the smaller, less expensive side and you want to give something that keeps on giving. It's always a bonus if your special someone shares the gift experience with you, but if that doesn't happen, well... I mean...
Feminista Jones is the Love & Sex editor at BlogHer.com and author of the erotic thriller, Push The Button. Follow her on Twitter @FeministaJones.