Perfect Gift, Perfect Price

The pressure of holiday shopping is upon us. From family to friends, our bank accounts are suffering from all the gifts we are shopping for this season. And for those with significant others, that is just another added expense.

Surprise your special someone with the prefect gift within your budget. (Photo: Getty Images)

Often times you want to spoil your partner and show them how much they mean to you. If you had all the money in the world, you would do this every year. But what if you find yourself on a budget this time around? Is it awkward to ask for a cap on holiday gift spending? Not at all. It may be uncomfortable to bring up at first, but your significant other will definitely understand and love you no matter what.

Agreeing to gift on a budget could turn out to be even better than you plan. It gives you and your partner the availability to get creative and focus less on money and more on the experience.

If you need help brainstorming gift ideas, just think about what your significant other values most. If they are into sports, take them out to the park and set up a day of fun. If they are into travel, book cheap travel and explore a new place together. Or if they are simply into acts of kindness, plan a whole date for them in which they don’t have to lift a finger. If there is a new hot item they want, look for bargains and smart shop. The ideas are endless.

If you are still having trouble narrowing down what to get or do, maybe agree on a tiered budget so it is easier and even, but still factors the element of surprise. You don’t want it to seem like a simple transaction. You need to keep the suspense up and keep them guessing. If you want, you can give clues leading up to the big day. Pull out all the works to make your partner feel extra special even on a budget.

Drop hints but don’t ruin the surprise. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Here are a couple idea for your special person this holiday season, broken down by price tiers.

Under $25

Movie night: Rent their favorite movie, snacks and start the show. String some lights around the room to set the mood and cater to them because it is their special date night.

Just dessert: There is no such thing as too many sweets. Treat your someone special to a buffet of all their favorite desserts. Why decide between ice cream or cake when you can give them both and cookies.

Under $50

Meal for two: Pull out all the stops for this special dinner. Your partner will be impressed with all the details from prep to finish.

Sexy time: Do something out the box this year. Surpise your significant other with a sexy surprise that they will love in the bedroom. Get an assortment of things and see what what excites them the most.

Under $100

New wardrobe: Dress your significant other from head to toe with a brand new outfit. Pick them up and surprise them to a trip to their favorite store and hand over the credit card.

Hot tickets: If your partner is into sports, tickets are often cheaper the day of a game. Check out Ticketmaster and see if you can snag a ticket to one of your significant other’s top teams at a great discount.