Asked

Feb 8 2010

Female

The guy that I have been dating was offered a job about 1400 miles away from me. I knew when we started dating that he would be leaving, so I guess what we have is just a fling. Anyway, he leaves the weekend after valentine's day which happens to be the week before his birthday. I want to get him something nice and do something special for him. Do you have a suggestion of a small gift that a guy would like and how I can make it a great last night for us together?

anonymous post in Dating Scene

Answered

Feb 24 2010

The gift really depends on how long you have been dating, however there is some safe advice for whenever you are buying a gift for a guy. Try to stay away from casual clothes (i.e. t-shirts, jeans, a hoodie) however since he is leaving to go to a new job, it would be thoughtful to buy him something work oriented to show your support for him in what he does. If he is going to a workplace where he will be expected to dress up, pick out a classy silk tie, or an easy-wear cotton dress shirt (wrinkle resistant is great for guys, its a throw it in the washer, dryer then on shirt). For the most part, guys love technology. Is he always listening to his iPod? look in to a pair of good headphones, which could be too expensive for him to ever buy for himself (I recommend Skull Candy). Or if as previously mentioned he is going to a workplace where he will be expected to look good, you could look into getting him a nice briefcase. The one thing you have to keep in mind when shopping for a guy is that the present has to be seen as useful by them. The majority of guys arent fans of frivolous gifts, it has to be something they can use and enjoy. The amount you are willing to spend depends on how long you have been going out. Try to be supportive of him so you can remain friends and dont buy him something overly sentimental. As for a great last night together, dont put pressure on him, try to keep it relaxed. Maybe go for dinner at your guys' favourite restaurant, catch a movie that you both want to see, then go home and open a nice bottle of wine and toast to his future career. After that its up to you and where you want to go with the night.

Best of luck!

[reply to answer]

I just got this email from my boyfriend of two years the day of his birthday. It expresses his disappointment re: my performance on his birhtday this year. First, some pertinent background:

Last year for his birthday I took him to see a Tony award winning play. After, he said he hated the play and that I took him because it was a gift for me and not him. I actually saw it before ... read more