It can feel really tricky to know what to get that special someone you just started dating. There’s a lot of pressure to strike the right tone between formal and casual with your gift, and here are some ideas of things that are the best to buy if you’re getting stuck
- A whisky glass This is a classic, tried, and tested option for when you’re just starting to get to know a guy and is one of the best things you can buy him (unless, of course, he’s sober). It shows that you want to keep drinking with him and that you want him to look good doing so. Keeping things casual is a good way to play it. Alcohol is always a good conversation starter.
- Socks This might seem like you’re playing it safe here, but I promise you’re not. The benefit of a nice pair of warm, cozy, high-quality socks cannot be overstated. Offering this small gesture of self-care shows a guy that you’re starting to really care about him. Also, while this might suck as a gift when you’re a kid, it’s one of the best to buy and receive as an adult.
- Golf gloves Every guy and his mother seems to be into golf this summer. I wonder if it’s fallout from Covid. Either way, getting an accessory for something to do with his hobbies is a good tactic. It shows that you listen to him and know what he needs, even on a very functional level.
- Novelty ice-trays This isn’t something that we always think of when planning for a guy we’re dating, but hear me out. When you’re planning romantic summer evenings together, or fun cocktail-making nights, you’re going to want a little extra spice. Why not contribute to your next date night with a fun activity like making penis-shaped ice?
- Temporary hair dye This is one of the underrated lockdown activities, so why not replace those memories with fun ones. Get your guy some green hair dye and watch the chaos ensue. It’s a cool way to spend an afternoon of quality time with him, and you can test out how much he trusts you.
- Football tickets It doesn’t have to be football tickets; any sports team that he follows will do. This is a slightly more expensive option, but a really meaningful one. You demonstrate to him that you like him enough to dish out the dosh, while also getting involved in one of his favorite hobbies.
- Knife sharpening kit At their core, men are primal creatures. I just barely said that with a straight face. It asserts their masculine energy and their role as ‘defenders’ to sharpen their knives. Plus, when you’re cooking at his house, the only thing more frustrating than a dull date is a dull knife.
- A cookbook It subtly shows him that you’re interested in involving yourself in his life and his space. By buying a cook book, you’re saying that you want to spend more time cooking with him while you both learn new skills together. Plus, the man needs to learn how to season his food!
- A cute cushion Most men are pretty lax about decorating their spaces, or showing that they care about things. Embrace your role in encouraging him to be more earnest and intentional, and to assert his identity on spaces. You can start with a fun cushion, or add some throws and rugs to give his space a more homely feel.
More of the best gifts to buy for the guy you just started dating
- Flowers Men want flowers. They just don’t know it. We all love to feel loved or appreciated. Flowers are a nice, low-key way of showing that. It’s all the right kind of cliche but it’s low risk and high reward.
- Postcards of your travels This demonstrates to him both that you’re independent and interesting, while also showing that you’re thinking of him. Those are two important factors. Furthermore, he can pin up your words on his wall and have a reason to think of you in return.
- Handwritten notes In the age of the internet, we miss out on a lot of the old-fashioned, traditional connections we used to make. It’s still really special when you receive a handwritten letter. It shows that someone wanted to talk to you so badly that they sat down and wrote to you. The best gifts don’t have to break the bank, they just have to show that you care.
- Something handmade When you’re just getting started dating someone, you want to focus on the obvious and simple gifts. We aren’t in the business of spending hundreds of pounds on someone we haven’t properly committed to.
- A cocktail-making kit This is another one of those gifts that helps a man feel like a man. He can get some new gadgets and learn a new skill – theoretically while fixing you a drink! It’s a win-win situation when you get to see his creative side engage, and you get an expresso martini out of it.
- A nice new shirt Maybe don’t try to match his outfit just yet because that’s a little too “couply.” But, if he’s not a very inventive guy or he’s invited you to a party, help him out by suggesting an outfit. It will show him that you want to help him out.
- A new water bottle I don’t know how most men survive on three drops of water and a Monster energy drink, but somehow they do it. By getting him a mumsy gift like a water bottle, you’re giving him the means to make himself comfortable but you aren’t lecturing him like an old maid.
- A sports shirt Rugby shirts, particularly retro ones, seem to be the most stylish. This is certainly true if you want to wear his oversized shirt the morning after. Any sports shirt will do, it’s all about showing him that you’re interested in his hobbies.
- A cute accessory You’re not at the dating stage of trying to ‘change’ someone yet. But, you can get him fun accessories that he wouldn’t otherwise feel comfortable embracing. Try things like a bucket hat or a pair of fun sunglasses.
