My boyfriend and I have our one-year anniversary coming up, along with the holiday season. What are appropriate gifts for these occasions?
—Stressed Shopper

He Said

Getting a significant other a present for holidays, birthdays and anniversaries depends on the relationship the couple has. For a lot of couples, a one-year anniversary is a very important milestone. Some couples celebrate this milestone by going out for dinner, seeing a movie or spending a romantic night together.

Making a romantic dinner night for you and him could be very nice and just spending the day or evening together is something that both of you will be able to have fun with. Another option would be to have a day of fun together: Going to an amusement park or downtown Des Moines for a day, walking around checking out local parks or other attractions.

The main thing to keep in mind is to be on the same page with your boyfriend and know how much you are spending on each other so one of you does not feel bad. Keep in mind things that you guys have done together and things your boyfriend likes when choosing a gift or something to do.

Michael Riebel is a sophomore accounting/finance major.

She Said

First and foremost, congratulations on your anniversary! Gifts for significant others can be very difficult so I am flattered you thought to ask us. Make sure your gift is something from the heart. It may also be a good idea to set a budget or limit for each others’ gifts. I think most college students would be comfortable with spending around $50 to $100 for an anniversary gift.

I have a few thoughts about anniversary gifts: The more creative or personal, the more brownie points you will receive. For example, if he’s really into sports, get him two nosebleed seats and pay for all the treats or dinner beforehand. Alternatively, for her if she really enjoys being pampered, set up a spa day for her or the two of you. Another good gift idea is something your significant other needs. We all know how college is, and how low our checking accounts get sometimes, to the point where we do not want to buy necessities like socks or shampoo. Now I am not saying buy him socks and call it a day, but it could be a funny side gift for him if he really needs something like that.

Another idea could be getting him something that bonds you or is important in your relationship. For example, if you had your first kiss to one of his favorite bands, consider purchasing tickets if they are touring in Des Moines or a nearby city; you could even make a weekend of it.

You also need to remember that every relationship is different and unique and one year could mean one thing to one couple and something completely different to another. For some, making it to a year is a milestone and something they had to work to get to, where for a different couple it could fly by or maybe they are in it for the long haul. Whatever stage you think your relationship is at, base your gift giving and cost of that.

My last piece of advice is for you to come straight out and ask him what he would like for a gift or if he has been hankering for anything in particular, like a new pair of running shoes or a new wallet. Then put your own spin on the gift. For example, if you get him a wallet, maybe make him fake credit cards that are in reality coupons for a movie date of his choice or free massage or something like that. Get creative and have fun with it!

Calder is a junior public relations major.

Jen and Michael can be contacted at [email protected].