Pop Culture

Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for a New Relationship

Go too hard and you might induce a panic that things are getting 2 Fast 2 Serious. Cop something under $20 and you end up single.

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You know what they say about love: It has no reasoning. While it may have been financially prudent to hold off on signing that cuff contract until, say, January 5th, you've gone and made things official with a full month to go before gift-giving szn is over. Now you're in a perplexing ​situation—go too hard and you might induce a panic that things are getting 2 Fast 2 Serious. Cop something under $20 and you may be involuntarily single by January 5th.

One thing's for certain: Nobody ever truly means it when they say "no gifts." You've gotta buckle down and find the perfect gift that straddles the line, lest you enter the new year in very awkward territory. Don't worry, though—we've got you covered. Here are The Best Gifts for a New Relationship.

Pendleton Thomas Kay Lambswool Throw Blanket

Price: $254

Buy it now at: Goodhood

This is self-explanatory, no? It's chilly now, but pretty soon it's going to be brick. A hallmark of cuffing szn is laying up in the spot and staying toasty while all the lol-singles of the world freeze to death on club lines and get their parkas stolen in bars. Enter the winter with a War Ready luxe blanket, perfect for cuddling, snuggling, or even a dolo nap during rare alone time. The lay-up game is not to be half-assed.

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Be Dazzling Amber Candle by Lenox

Price: $40

Buy it now at: Amazon

No human being with a soul can hate on a candle. And as far as the Millennial Gang goes, we appreciate a good burning scent to weirdly high degrees. (Millennial ambassador Aubrey Drake Graham's life goal is to open a candle shop for crying out loud.) And best of all, the price is perfect—a solid gesture was made, and the bank account wasn't inappropriately broken over a very new situation.

Alex and Ani Bangle Bar "Key To My Heart" Rafaelian Silver Finish Expandable Bracelet

Price: $27

Buy it now at: Amazon



Another trend everyone's into right now: It's all about the wrist, wrist, wrist. Do enough, but not the most, by lacing your brand new significant other's forearm. The ladies love their charms; for the gentlemen, an understated leather wraparound will do just fine.



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Nixon Watch

Price: $195

Buy it now at: Amazon



Of course, there's one type of wrist wear that's a timeless gift. A solid watch goes a long way for both genders. No rollies necessary—it's quite easy to stunt and keep the receipt relatively light.



You're the Worst Season 1

Price: $22

Buy it now at: Amazon Instant

What better TV show to lay up together in front of and stream than one of the best depictions of modern-day romance (or lack thereof) out right now? Chances are you slept on this hilarious FX show when it aired this past summer, and everybody loves a new show recommendation. Catch up on You're the Worst during those cold nights spent inside, and hope that it doesn't hit too close to home.

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Tom Ford Noir / YSL Paris Rebel

Price: Tom Ford Noir, $96; YSL Paris Rebel, $105

Buy Tom Ford Noir now at: Amazon

Buy YSL Paris Rebel now at: YSL

This isn't a veiled message to your significant other that whatever eau de toilette they're currently on is struggle, or, worse, straight-up stinky. No, this is an invitation to luxe-level scent. If you two are going to really do this thing, you're not going to half-ass it. This is entry-level dual upgrading right here.

Living Social Gift Card

Buy it now at: Living Social

Maybe it's a cop-out. Maybe it's just a mere reality. You don't know each other well enough yet to floss confidently in the gift-giving department. Instead of making a risky choice that either says too much or underwhelms, why not give your new squeeze the option to get whatever the hell their heart desires? You'll learn more about each other's interests in the process, and let's be honest—it'll probably be redeemed in a way that'll result in a fire date. Win now, and win later.

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Drawer space

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Of course, the ultimate, poignant-but-not-too-serious gesture will cost you nothing yet award a windfall of points. A house/apartment key would be jumping the gun, but relinquishing precious drawer space in an apartment that's no doubt already too cluttered? That's a silent death knell for the overnight bag and the strongest signal that you're thinking ahead at the proper pace. Not to mention, less space is a fair trade for a fully stocked wallet.

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