Affordable Gifts To Give Your SO If He Makes Way More Than You
You love your boyfriend so much, your heart could practically burst. So obviously you want to give him the world and more because, if anyone deserves it, it's him.
You know he's going to buy you something fantastic. I'm talking something like doves flying, Bocceli performing and millions of dollars in jewelry. And for him, it'll just be a drop in the bucket. NBD.
But unfortunately, your bank account isn't quite as large as his.
In an ideal world, you'd hire Celine Dion to perform "Because You Loved Me" live while Ina Garten prepared the two of you a home-cooked meal.
And finally, you'd present him with the brand new Lambo you bought him and a couple of courtside Knicks tickets (his fav team, duh), along with the Rolex you just bought him.
But life's not fair, and in reality, you're getting paid more like a fry cook than a hedge fund manager.
So HOW do you still show your SO he's literally the best human who deserves everything life has to offer and then some when you're on a budget?
I talked to Andrea Syrtash, relationship expert and author of "He's Just Not Your Type (And That's a Good Thing)" (now on Audible), about what to do to show your SO you care about him (or her) when you make so much less.
Make a day out of it.
Instead of getting him something, try taking him out for the day of his dreams.
"It really is true that when it comes to gifting, it's the thought that counts," Syrtash says. "You should tailor an experience to your significant other instead of getting them something generic."
So maybe your SO is a huge "Harry Potter" nerd. If that's the case, dress up as Hermione and maybe even make him his own DIY Harry costume to wear while you both snuggle up all day for a full HP marathon.
Or, if he just can't get ENOUGH of fun Christmas decorations, take him for a tour of all the best Christmas decorations around your town, followed by an entire evening of decking out your own home in Christmas decor.
You get the picture. Give him an unforgettable day of doing exactly what he loves.
Focus on getting them something that'll make them happy.
Instead of splurging on something super extravagant for your bae, focus more on the little things.
In this case, Syrtash advises,
It's better to spend less on something you know he likes. So, if he loves cookies, surprise your SO with a special box. Or, if your partner loves live music, plan to see a local artist one night (shows aren't usually too pricey). You don't have to spend a lot to make your partner feel special.
You don't have to spend a lot to make your partner feel special.
Just putting it out there: I LOVE Pillsbury holiday-edition cookies. And I'm going to go on record saying I would appreciate that $2 gift over a diamond necklace any time.
Try staying in.
You don't need to go to the most expensive restaurant in town to have a special night together. Syrtash explains, "You can show you care by cleaning up the kitchen and preparing a special candlelit meal. Sometimes this is more romantic than splurging on a meal out..."
So, break out the candles and call his mom for that one chicken recipe he's obsessed with! Time to treat him to a night in for the books.
Put some thought into the card.
Last, but not least, don't forget about the card.
I've forgotten about and/or lost most of the gifts I've received over the years. But I have every Christmas and birthday card anyone's ever written me saved in a shoe box.
Granted, your SO might not be a card-obsessed weirdo like I am, but I promise, if you write a nice enough one, you might turn them into one.
If you don't have the means to buy something that shows your SO how much you care, just put a pen to paper and tell them.
And Syrtash agrees, saying,
Don't forget the card! Cards are often overlooked; but a thoughtfully written one goes a long way in making your SO feel like you care.
A thoughtfully written [card] goes a long way in making your SO feel like you care.
So throw the ready-made "To/From" sticker in the trash and get to writing!
