When a man and woman meet, there is a lot of excitement about getting to know one another and it is appropriate for an exchange of gifts to take place throughout the relationship. When searching for just the right gift, it may seem awkward in the early months, but as the relationship progresses and the couple discovers more about one another, the giving of gifts becomes an enjoyable experience. When considering Christmas gifts, the same general gift giving guidelines for a new relationship should be followed for the special holiday time.

First month

Very early on, gifts for new relationships should be kept friendly and inexpensive. In the first month, the man and woman are spending a lot of time learning about each other. Gifts for a 1st month anniversary can include sweets, key chains, home baked cookies, small stuffed animals, candles or even a handmade card for a sentimental touch. A framed snapshot would be a nice gift so that the other person could see a photo even while away from his or her partner. Homemade gifts add to the thoughtfulness of the first month anniversary celebration without taking too much time or spending too much money.

Third Month

When the relationship has made it to the third month, the couple may be taking things more seriously than at the one-month anniversary. Buying gifts that are thoughtful, yet not too expensive helps to reinforce how much each one treasures the relationship that is growing.  Usually around the third month, the couple has learned enough about one another to know favorite music, favorite restaurants or foods and favorite activities. One example of a nice 3rd month anniversary gift is to go out to dinner or to give a CD containing favorite music. A more personalized CD would include music that the couple has shared together or songs they have labeled, “our song” during the relationship.  If the couple enjoys dancing, they could sign up for a couples dance class.  Another thoughtful gift is to attend a concert of a favorite artist.

Sixth Month

Around the sixth month, the couple is feeling more comfortable with one another and taking things more seriously.  They have spent a considerable amount of time together and know a lot of special information about one another. At six months, some appropriate gifts to share include shopping for a new cologne or perfume that is enjoyed by both or looking for watches for the man or woman and jewelry that does not include an engagement ring just yet.  The couple could also shop together to find some clothing items.  Providing a homemade meal with a special table setting is a romantic and personal gift and the couples’ favorite soft music could be played in the background to create a mood setting that shows love for one another.

One year

The one-year anniversary of a relationship is a very wonderful time of celebration.  It is a happy time, but also a time to consider some more extravagant and possibly more serious gifts to share.  If the relationship has been marriage focused, the 1st anniversary may be a time when the man proposes to his lady and gives her an engagement ring.  If the relationship has not quite progressed to that level, then a very nice necklace or diamond earrings can be given.  Whatever the gift, it should be appropriate for the stage of the relationship at that time.  One option for a 1st anniversary gift is a weekend getaway for the couple so they can spend some quality alone time with one another. Other ideas include a photo album of pictures taken during the first year of the relationship, a scrapbook containing mementos of the first year, a special photograph framed or a love letter written to remember the first year together.

Anniversary and Christmas gifts for new relationships should be stage appropriate and thoughtful to make one another feel special, but not overwhelmed during the getting to know one another phases. 

She starts her day at dawn, juggles work and home life, and still manages to look great at the end of the day. This is not some genetic miracle. She is as fit as she is because she constantly works on her figure. Between a good stationary bicycle and a box of chocolates, she would probably prefer the prior. Besides, chocolates and other such sugar-rich food items are inconsiderate gift ideas to someone who is obviously watching her weight. Look into gifts for fitness buffs. Instead of giving her another clichéd gift like a bottle perfume that she may potentially be allergic to, why not make a gift of longevity? There are many fitness gifts in the market, each targeting a specific part of the body—the abs, the buttocks, the arms, or the thighs. Other women want more oomph in their cardio workouts. 

Here are some examples of gifts fitness lovers cherish:

1. Nike+ iPod Sport Kit (and a Sportsuit Sensor+ from Marware for non-Nike users)
This iPod Sport tool contains an accelerometer the size of a wad of gum that you can easily insert in your Nike+ shoes (or you can use Marware’s Sportsuit Sensor+ to put your hardware in the tongue of your non-Nike trainers). This hardware connects to also a tiny receiver that you can plug into your iPod’s port with a permanent battery meant to last a thousand hours (that translates to 1,000 days or 2 years and a little over 7 months for people who work out an hour a day). Once you are plugged in, then you can measure the time, pace and distance you have covered during your daily jogs or walks. The data is about 90% accurate. Users can opt for the Basic Workout or the Power Song on the menu of your iPod under Nike+ iPod. The Sports Kit also allows you to get interactive by competing with friends on the Nike+ site, serving as a good motivator. If she is a gear-head and she does not have a kit yet, she is definitely going to love this.

2. Treadmill with a laptop cradle
If the woman in your life works from home (e.g., writer, web developer, etc.), she might want to spice things up a little by incorporating some cardiovascular exercise on the job. This can get the creative juices going and keep her alert whenever she gets bored with the humdrum of just sitting in front of the computer, trying to figure out the next thing to put in. As you know, exercise produces endorphins which make people happier (and therefore, more likely to be productive and creative). If she has an existing treadmill but she does not have the laptop attachment, you can get her a separate laptop stand she can attach to her treadmill or to her stationary bike. It is a great gift for women constantly working on the computer.

3. Comfortable Yoga Sticky Mats
Give her a pair in different colors that she will like. That way, she can have something to use while the other one is in the wash.