Birthday gifts for someone you just started dating (for under £40)
The early stages of dating somebody are stressful enough. Then suddenly they let on that it’s almost their birthday and you need to get them a gift. You want to show them you think they’re special and you want to mark the occasion in the right way. But do you go super casual so you don’t seem too eager? Or it might be the perfect moment to make a sweet gesture that keeps the spark going. This is a crucial moment to communicate the message at the right intensity to not a) come on too strong, or b) seem like you’re not interested. The below options have been hand selected to strike the right balance.
A book is one of the best gifts to get someone you’ve just started dating not just because they’re inexpensive.
It’s also a chance to show off your literary acumen while sending your giftee messages through the written word that they’ll most likely read into and decide you’re very clever and definitely worth hanging on to.
In the case of Franny and Zoey (£9.19, Amazon.co.uk), the quirky characters and derisory allusions to phoney materialism will help paint you as emotionally mature and above the rat race.
Your favourite book
This brand was founded in the 17th century and its history is palpable just when looking at the candle designs. Napoleon Bonaparte is even counted among its fans
The pillar candles come with cameo reliefs that will keep you there in spirit with the flame of burning passion whenever it’s lit.
From £26, Trudon.co.uk
A pretty candle
A novelty mug
A mug is light-hearted, a little bit cheeky, and will remind them of you when they have their morning coffee.
This Peanuts mug with a cute cowboy Snoopy will definitely make them smile. And prompt a good morning text?
£12, earlofeast.com
A cup of tea is some people’s love language, and Mariage Frères makes really good tea, and great gifts too.
This gift set includes a caddy of tea plus a flavoured tea jelly, which can be used like jam and spread on toast or scones.
£39, mariagefreres.com
A fancy version of their favourite tea
A cool plant
Flowers are nice but they die after a few days, unlike the romance we’re hoping will continue to blossom for many years to come.
Hydroponic plants are fun, easy to look after and can be switched between planters as desired.
Hydroponic anthurium, £35, patchplants.com
The art of letter writing is all but dead - Denmark’s national postal service won’t even deliver them anymore - so show how analogue and romantic you are by encouraging your burgeoning beau to put pen to paper.
You might even get a love letter in the post.
Smythson, bordered correspondence cards, £26, Smythson.com
Correspondence cards
One of the best gifts you can give someone when you’re both not sure how the other person feels is a little bit of certainty.
With this in mind, tickets to the theatre, a concert, an exhibition or the bougie cinema will let them know you want to see them at least once more.
Get inspo on Ticketmaster, Everyman Cinemas, or Art Fund
