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How much should I spend on my boyfriend's birthday present?


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Posted

It's my boyfriend's birthday next week and I'm not sure what to get him for a gift - or how much to spend!

 

We've been "official" since September last year. We're both 26 and this is my first "official relationship". I know that cost shouldn't be an issue when it comes to gifts and that it's the thought that counts, but he spent $150 on my Christmas present - a beautiful bracelet with a lot of thought involved. We haven't really talked about how much we earn, but I know he earns more than me; we both have good jobs though, so technically we can afford it (but usually I'd probably spend $70-$100 on gifts for members of my immediate family.) He buys me flowers sometimes and when we go out, he often pays for dinner or the movies (even though I offer to pay my share; I usually buy drinks or dessert instead). He says that he likes making me feel special because I'm special to him.

 

Although I really like being treated like this, I do like to have a sense of equality in the relationship. When I found out how much the bracelet cost, I made sure his Christmas present was around the same value. But $150 is a little more than I'd like to spend, especially given the fact that I'm saving to buy a house. Knowing him, he won't really care about the cost (he doesn't really like it when people make a fuss of him) - but like I said, I prefer a more equal relationship.

 

So, I guess I have two questions:

1) what should I get him / how should we celebrate his birthday?

2) does the cost matter?

Posted

Consider his hobbies, what he likes doing....

 

Is he an outdoor type? Would he like a day whitewater rafting or a scuba diving lesson?

How about a drive round a track?

 

You'll have to investigate budget-wise...

 

What type of clothes does he like?

(Hint: Don't buy him what he might need: But him what he would LIKE.)

 

Books. What book does he like to read?

Has he got an interest in a box set of movies....?

Posted

Cost doesn't matter all that much. But I'm a thrifty shopper. I like sales & discounts. For a birthday about 6 months in after you both spent about $150 on Christmas, I'd probably buy him a sweater on sale ($100 sweater you get on clearance for $35) and either take him out to dinner or make dinner. Don't forget a cake (even a cup cake) with a card.

Posted

There is nothing easier than just a steak and a BJ... seriously.. guys just need food and sex :)

 

Don't overthink this and spend too much

  • Like 1
Posted

Thoughtful gifts always mean so much more than the cost.

 

Really.

 

I have know people spend hundreds on tat. Its just that a gift for the sake of it with no input or thought. I have known people spend £10 on something really thoughtful and wanted/ needed and it has meant the world to the person receiving it.

 

If you normally spend $70-100 and you can afford it then that is what you spend.

 

Do not go getting yourself into debt.

Posted

Don't have a mindset of having to match your BF dollar for dollar. As the relationship goes on, you'll each end up paying more for something or other. I'm sure he's not going to look at the receipt for whatever you get him and go, "I spent $40 more on you." If you only want to spend $75, I think that's fine, especially if you do make less. I always go by the notion of, "what do I want to get this person, and what can I afford?" With my ex, it was either nice whiskies, or things related to his hobbies. I took him out for a nice dinner on our anniversary.

  • Like 1
Posted

In a relationship and love, cost shouldn,t come in between.....no limits.

What heart feels....when I love someone, I want to treat him the best way that I can and give best of things I can give. I hold nothing back nor put a price on it....I don't go broke nor use credit card either....

That is me thought....

My boy friend collects and likes Antique stuff especially Opalescent glass items and he cares about how he look and dress for work.

So I bought him Versace and Gucci ties and shirts and sunglasses and Micheal Kors suit.

even though he earns a lot of money and can buy whatever he wants but he never buys name brand so I bought high brand name stuff and I want him to look good and want to give him nice things and for his birthday, I spend $800 bought nice Antique glass items.

He treat me the very nice too.

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