Why Gifts Are Important in a Relationship: A Deep Dive

Have you ever wondered why gifts are important in a relationship? There are so many different kinds of relationships and many special occasions and different reasons why gifts are important in any relationship so what do gifts mean in a relationship?

The act of gift-giving is a sign of appreciation, acceptance, understanding, forgiveness, and romance, and is given for anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, New Year, and just because. Romantic partners who give gifts maintain an intimate healthy relationship and a stronger bond.

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I know you have the answer but read on for some insights as to when gift-giving may be appropriate. Also, some gift suggestions you may not have thought of and effective ways to give thoughtful gifts.

Before diving into perfect gift ideas and the best way to deliver a romantic gift it is important to recognize what the best gift is. The perfect present is quality time, physical touch, acts of service, small efforts, small gifts, and memories of a lifetime.

What Is the True Meaning of Gift Giving

The true meaning of gift-giving is to give without expecting anything in return. It is an act of kindness, generosity, and love. When you give a gift, you are putting your feelings into action. You are saying, “I care about you and I want to make you happy.”

Why Does Giving Make You Happy?

There are a few theories that researchers have put forth to explain why giving makes us happy.

One theory suggests that when we give to others, our brain releases oxytocin, which is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone” because it’s associated with feelings of happiness and bonding.

Another theory suggests that the joy of gift-giving and the words of affirmation that we get in return makes us happy. Primarily because it helps us feel connected to others and feel like we’re part of a community. Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt that giving can make us feel good!

New Relationship Gifts

This time in a relationship is probably the most difficult to select a gift for a partner. Especially if the relationship is very new and you are just getting to know each other.

If you know that an occasion such as a birthday or Christmas is looming you probably need to get in front of finding out what your partner’s likes and dislikes are pretty quickly.

You should probably keep in mind that we are all different when giving and accepting gifts.

If you are outgoing, show it to the world type of person and your partner is not – public displays of gift-giving will probably not go down too well. So keep that in mind when planning.

So get started on your homework ask questions of your partner, and engage the assistance of their family members, friends even work colleagues to find out what they would like as a gift.

Long-Term Relationship Gifts

Now in long-term relationships, this is going to vary from occasion to occasion and year to year. When we are in the new relationship stage it is all love and roses and in some cases when we are young no children to think about.

But as we get older life becomes busier we have children, get mortgages, change jobs, and even cut back to one income sometimes for long periods of time.

Some other situations in life that get in the way:-

• No money
• Small children
• Pregnant
• Holidays
• Illness
• Layoffs
• Have everything (Really do we all really have everything we want?)

There are many other reasons why we should acknowledge our relationship with our partners by spending time and searching for something that suits them.

For me, there is absolutely no excuse not to give a gift. If you have no money all the better the gift will mean so much more because of the effort you have put into doing something special.

Once you take action it will cement once again the appreciation, respect, love, and connection you have as a couple.

Some of the Occasions You May Feel That Gift Giving Is Appropriate Are!

Appreciation

The Meaning of Appreciation in a Relationship – Appreciating someone makes your partner feel good, especially about themselves.

Appreciation is very important in any relationship. We go about appreciating people in our lives every day friends, family, work colleagues even the guy at the drive-through takeaway.

But sometimes in our romantic relationships, over time, we take each other for granted. The things we appreciated about each other at the beginning of our relationships get lost in our day-to-day lives.

Understanding

To understand your partner you need to spend time together to connect, respect each other’s beliefs without judgment, allow each other to grow outside the relationship, compromise, and be open with each other.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the recognition that one partner has been hurt by the other partner. It is the willingness to find a way to continue in the relationship.

Romance

It is a relationship based on sharing the bond and connection of mutual romantic love which leads to devotion. You will be more concerned with your partner’s well-being and happiness than your own.

Anniversary Gifts

Mark the day of a special occasion, for example, the day you first met or the day you were married.

Birthday Gifts, Easter Gifts, and Christmas Gifts

These are all occasions similar to anniversaries and every relationship will celebrate these occasions differently some give gifts and others do not.

These are times when you will have to have some understanding and forgiveness in your relationship if one of you wants to and the other does not.

Valentine’s Day

Of course, you can celebrate your love in a great way with small gestures on any random day, but what better day to give a great gift than on special days like Valentine’s Day?

Try a meaningful gift without a price tag. It is a good opportunity to add your personal touch. It could consist of the simplest things like a candlelight dinner, a simple red rose, or watching a DVD of their favorite movie with them.

Gratitude Expression

Showing gratitude for the things your partner does for you play an important role in maintaining a healthy and happy relationship. It can be as simple as saying “thank you” or writing a heartfelt note, but it’s the thought that counts.

Expressing gratitude makes your partner feel appreciated and loved, which can make them want to do even more for you. It’s a simple way to keep the spark alive and shows that you’re grateful for the different ways they support you.

What Gifts Should I Give

There are so many ways to give gifts. You do not need to go out and purchase expensive gifts that you may not be able to afford. Same with gifts like flowers that will just wilt and die.

1. You can give handwritten notes or DIY cards. But don’t just hand them over. Place them somewhere you know they will find them. I guarantee they will feel so good they will be smiling all day.

2. Instead of a bunch of cut flowers why not a potted plant that will last a lot longer? Not just for her either there are some very masculine potted plants that will enhance any masculine home, office, or workspace.

Indoor plants enhance our environment for a healthier life.

3. I love the gifts that you both benefit from a dinner date, a walk at your favorite place – go to hold hands, and talk.

4. Get dressed up and go to the movies don’t go home straight away surprise them with ice cream and sit under the stars to eat it.

5. The surprise gift – think of some local quick and easy things you like to do together but do not do enough. Dinner, movies, shop, go out for a drink! Write them down on separate pieces of paper and throw them in a bowl. Get your partner to pick one out – get ready and off you go.

6. Surprise them with a weekend away.

7. Airplane tickets home for the holidays.

8. Fly their parents, sister, or brother to your home.

9. Holiday – maybe not the whole holiday planned. But you can at least plan it out together.

10. Personalized jewelry is the ultimate way to show that you have really put some thought into your gift. It does not have to be expensive but it will last. Take a look at these personalized pieces here…

How to Choose and Give a Gift

For some of us choosing gifts is like shopping for ourselves we are natural at it. Others though are not quite so lucky. It can be very a pressure-filled stressful time and there is no enjoyment in the process at all.

A couple of things you can do are first listen to your partner they will quite often mention in passing that they want this or that but never take the time to go and get it.

Secondly, is to ask the family and friends of your partner if they have mentioned anything that could be purchased as a gift.

I guarantee one of their friends will be that person who absolutely loves searching for, purchasing, and giving gifts themselves. They will see to it you have all the help you can get.

The Couple That Does Not Exchange Gifts

There are those couples I know that do not give physical gifts to one another, even cards. They have a mutual understanding that they do not wish to give gifts.

Their gift to each other is in the time they spend together working towards the same goals. Playing the same sports together, and taking up hobbies together.

Sharing the same friends and enjoying life. These activities all cost money and if a couple enjoys this sort of life together their bond will remain strong.

The ultimate gift is sharing every day with the right partner!

Not the Right Gift

If it turns out that your gift is not the right one for whatever reason one of today’s conveniences is that gifts can be exchanged for a different size, color, or shape.

Even for something else if they really don’t like it. So when you are giving gifts be open to the possibility of an exchange. And appreciate that your partner is not trying to hurt your feelings, but maybe just get the right one and also not waste money.

What Makes a Special Gift

A special gift is one that is researched, thought out, and planned for your particular loved one. The recipient will know the amount of effort through you understanding them that has been put into a gift selection.

Final Thoughts on Why Gifts Are Important in a Relationship

Everyone loves gifts, I love giving gifts, in one form or another. So whether you are just starting a new relationship or you’re in a long-term relationship why not put a little spark into your lives and revisit gift-giving?

Gift ideas for someone special…

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