For the girl you haven’t been dating long: Progressive dinner + small memento
This is probably one of my favorite date night ideas, and when you haven’t been dating very long, you don’t want to overdo it around the holidays. For the progressive dinner, you will be visiting 3 restaurants, so it’s best to plan out which ones ahead of time (ideally they will be fairly close in proximity). Here’s how it goes: appetizers at one restaurant, dinner at another restaurant, and dessert at another. To really keep things on a good timetable, let your waiter know about your plans as soon as you’re seated; that way, he/she can have the check ready soon after your food is delivered. If you still want to end the night with a gift, try something small but still thoughtful such as a framed photo of the two of you, framed tickets/program from a previous date, or tickets (movie, sporting event, play, etc.) for a future date.
For the girl who is a student: Planner + Starbucks gift card
School is probably the last thing on her mind around the holidays. She may not even want to think about the next semester after finally wrapping up finals, but starting the year off on a productive/positive note is always a good thing. I’ve always loved Lilly Pulitzer planners because of one word: stickers! Girls LOVE stickers (at any age). Barnes and Noble carries various styles, but you can find the brand almost anywhere. This one with pineapples is adorable. You could also splurge on this Kate Spade option and totally blow her away. Throw in a Starbucks gift card for those early morning classes or all-nighters, and you’re golden!
For any guy: Timeless watch
Buying a watch for a guy can be a bit risky. A lot of guys are pretty picky when it comes to jewelry and watches. I’d recommend playing it safe here unless you know your guy very well (even then, proceed with caution). I love basically any watch from Urban Outfitters (girls or guys) and the marble trend, and this one combines them both. For something a little more basic and cost friendly, this option (also from Urban Outfitters) has a distressed leather band that is sure to go with any outfit.
For the gentleman: Handkerchiefs
I have always said that a true gentleman is never void of handkerchiefs as he never knows when he’ll come across someone that needs one. I firmly believe that no guy should go without a handkerchief. This monogrammed set from Lands’ End is practical and a great price. I’m also loving with these minimalist, engraved handkerchiefs from Mark & Graham. These are a Southern staple.
For the guy who is a sports enthusiast: Sporting event tickets
If he’s heavily into sports, it’s kind of hard to go wrong here. Local sporting events are always a go-to. The tickets are usually cheap (or even free) and your guy probably won’t be as invested so you don’t have to worry about shouting or him being disappointed if his team loses. If you want to splurge, go for a pair of tickets for his favorite professional sports team. Be sure to factor in other costs such as travel and hotel stays. If he’s never seen his favorite professional sports team play in real life, this is a must for a gift at some point. Trust me. He will never forget that you were the one to take him to his first professional sports game.