Stuck in a situationship for the holidays? Here’s what to get (or not get) someone you’re dating but not dating.
You go on dates, know their mom’s name, and even have your own drawer in their apartment. But suddenly, getting them a gift for Christmas feels like too big of a commitment. You don’t want to get them something too forward, but at the same time, you feel like you need to get them something. Here’s how to determine if you should get the person you’re dating (but not dating) a gift this holiday season.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from dating, it’s that no one is in a relationship until it’s explicitly stated between both partners. We don’t care if you co-own a dog, keep a toothbrush at their place, or have met all their friends; if you’ve yet to DTR (define the relationship), congratulations, you’re in a situationship! So here are some dos and don’ts you should consider before getting a gift for a new partner.
Do: Start Small!
The last thing you want is to spend $500 on a gift for someone who might ghost you in two weeks. Not only does this suck for you, but it could potentially lead to an awkward moment when they show up empty-handed or feel like you’ve made too large of a gesture. If you must get your situationship a gift, start small and neutral—a bottle of wine, flowers, a gift card, etc.
Don’t: Expect a Gift in Return
Don’t expect a gift in return unless you’ve both discussed exchanging gifts this holiday. They may not get you anything at all! After all, most situationships probably lack communication. If this person has yet to mention gifts or holiday plans with you, that might be their way of hinting that they aren’t planning on getting you a gift.
Do: Assess the Type of Situationship
Let’s be honest: relationships aren’t always as straightforward as we want them to be. Are you FWB and happy that way? Maybe you had two good dates but don’t know the next steps. Are you waiting for them to have the DTR chat? Our motto is, if you plan on seeing them again post-Christmas, get them something small; if they only hit you up after 11 p.m. every Saturday, maybe they don’t deserve a gift this year…
Don’t: Gift Anything That’s Too Tied to the Future
If the relationship isn’t defined yet, things like concert tickets, vacations, or other experiences may seem too forward. This can create discomfort if you’re not aligned on the timeline of your “relationship.” Instead, consider a light-hearted gift that you both can enjoy in the present together!
If you must get your situationship a gift this holiday season, here are our favorite non-committal presents that scream, “Thank you for Netflixing and chilling with me for the past 5 months!”
A funny tee
A not-so-subtle hint.
A blanket
For said Netflix and chilling.
Fuzzy pink handcuffs
You *might* make them fall in love.
A board game
If you want to learn a little bit more about them.
Good luck out there! Want more gift ideas? Check out Kinky Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Your Significant Other or 5 Christmas Sex Positions for a Very Merry Night! *Wink, wink*
