So, You’re Seeing Someone New — Here’s What To Get Them For The Holidays
December 13, 2021BruceDayneYou know how sometimes, you’re dating someone but you’re not dating someone? Sure, you go on dates, you keep a toothbrush at their apartment, you co-habited during a global pandemic — but be warned: In 2021, these things do not a relationship make.
In our current dating landscape, nobody’s your romantic partner until you say they are, goddamn it. In between a first encounter and a full-blown capital R Relationship, there are any number of other buckets you might find yourself in. And if you’re having trouble determining what in the Sam Hill is going on between you and your whatever-they-are, odds are you're in A Situationship.
Broadly speaking, a situationship is — shockingly enough — a situational relationship. You have not yet DTR-ed (Defined The Relationship), but something is happening. With that said, the dipping-your-toes stage of intimacy doesn't exactly lend itself well to the holiday season. Do you introduce this person to your visiting family members? Are you supposed to spend New Year's together? And what on earth are you supposed to gift them?!
Well, we can’t answer even a single one of your lingering questions about the nature of your not-quite-counterpart, but on the gifting front, we can offer our services. 'Tis the season for showing love (or the potential for love) with treats, trinkets, and acts of kindness. And you need not gift your person a sports car just to show them that you care. That's why we partnered with Target to help you navigate the joyful, awkward nuances of holiday gifting when you're dating someone new. Ahead, shop the absolute best, appropriately non-committal (but still affectionate!) gifts on the market.
Xbox One Elite Series Wireless Controller
If your particular partner-adjacent figure is in possession of an Xbox, it’s hard to imagine a more convenient gift than an Elite Series wireless controller. It’s practical, it’s recreational, and it carries no emotional weight. Plus, you, too, can use it for gaming purposes (it’s a gift for them; it’s a gift for you).
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, $, available at Target
Throw Throw Avocado
When you’re not exactly sure where you stand with someone else, an activity-oriented gift is always a safe bet. Not only can you can enjoy it together, but it’s a good way of sussing out some important info: Are they competitive? Short in attention span? Do they cheat??
If these are questions you can't answer just yet, fear not: A game like Throw Throw Avocado — which describes itself as “the world’s first ever dodgeball card game” — will surely cover all your bases.
Exploding Kittens Throw Throw Avocado Game, $, available at Target
Gingerbread Mansion Kit
Speaking of activities, everyone knows that gingerbread house building is a hella cute, romantic holiday pastime. So this time around, make things a little sexy and opt for a full-on mansion instead of the regular ol' cottage model.
Wondershop Holiday Mansion Gingerbread Kit, $, available at Target
FujiFilm Instax Camera
Assuming you don’t feel like actual, tangible photographs (as opposed to the less tactile, iPhone variety) are too emotionally binding, an Instax camera like this one is a great way to make your relationship feel a little more like a real-life Pinterest board.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Camera, $, available at Target
We're Not Really Strangers
If you’ve yet to delve into all the fun psychological nuances of, say, attachment theory or love language diagnoses, then do we have the card game for you. We’re Not Really Strangers offers a full deck of carefully curated questions designed to help you get to know someone better, all of which are conveniently categorized into three separate levels of intimacy — so you can go as vulnerable as you like.
We're Not Really Strangers Game, $, available at Target
LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Wizards Chess Building Kit
Bring a bit of nostalgic charm into your shared holiday experience with this LEGO Harry Potter Wizard's chess set. Not only will it allow you to pass romantic winter afternoons sharing rousing games of chess, but you can also use the whole Harry Potter shtick as a litmus test for whether or not said individual is worth your time in the first place (we’re pro Potter, to be clear).
LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Wizard’s Chess Building Kit, $, available at Target
Settlers of Catan
Few things are more revelatory about a person than their approach to a serious game of Settlers of Catan. Are they trusting? Wildly competitive? Strategic and resourceful? Good in a crisis?
Catan Studio Settlers of Catan Board Game, $, available at Target
Stars Above Fur Slippers
For when you’re truly stumped on the gift-giving front: a pair of throw-on furry slippers. Mid-winter, everyone could use an extra pair of slippers. So let your special someone know that their foot warmth is a top-priority concern for you.
Stars Above Women's Paris Crossband Fur Slippers, $, available at Target
Men's Gnome Cozy Crew Socks
When in doubt, go for novelty. A jokey gift — like, say, socks stamped in a gorgeous gnome-forward print — will make someone feel considered, without added pressure.
Wondershop Men's Gnome Cozy Crew Socks with Giftcard Holder, $, available at Target
Snow Leopard Long Faux Fur Throw Blanket Neutral
For sultry holiday movie viewing! Or not! Either way, adding one more layer of warmth — in the form of a chic (but neutral) throw blanket — will certainly go over well with your Designated Person. Or, at least with their roommates.
Threshold Snow Leopard Long Faux Fur Throw Blanket Neutral, $, available at Target
CultureTags
Plenty of early-stage romantic banter is all about learning each other’s cultural touchpoints. Are you big on literature references? Can you recite important, intimate details about each of the Kardashians? Are you a real podcast junkie? No matter the verdict, a game like Culture Tags will help you parse out where, exactly, the two of you crossover.
Culture Brands CultureTags Card Game, $, available at Target
McBride Sisters Sauv Blanc
There’s a reason everyone brings a boring ol' bottle of wine to a party. And that reason is: Everybody wants wine.
Better yet, it just so happens that this bottle isn’t boring: Crafted by women-owned California-based wine purveyors, the McBride Sisters, this particular Sauv Blanc is as exciting as it is classic.
McBride Sisters Sauvignon Blanc White Wine, $, available at Target
Adult Apron
If you’d like your special-ish someone to cook for you, nothing says, “Won’t you please make me dinner sometime?” like a gifted apron.
Threshold Cotton Stripe Apron Red, $, available at Target
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Eliza Dumais, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,
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