What to get a person for their birthday?

[Dark Spider]

Among the sea of problems that I've encountered these past few months, I'm still being hit with waves (i.e. my parents are contemplating divorce).... but there has been a ray of sunshine, and that's my current love interest "Chrissy" (don't want to give out her real name).

We've been talking for only a month and a half, but in that short time we sort of bonded together. But the only bad part of this relationship is that I moved away to college a few weeks ago....while she's going to college more closer to home. We are more than 30 miles apart and....yes, I hate to say this....but our relationship has turned into the dreaded "Long Distance Relationship". We haven't even been on a date yet... :( .

But the key to these kinds of relationships is communication, and we've been talking to each other EVERY day...getting closer to each other with each conversation. As long as there are no misconceptions, then the relationship is fine.

Her birthday is coming up in about a month and I made up my mind to get her a present. But the thing is....what should I get her? This is really my first time buying stuff for a love interest, so I'm hung.

What do you guys think?

[Tienshin]

I'd say err on the side on conservatism. A present is nice, so go with something small (50 bucks or less). But the real kicker would be spending time together, so plan a nice dinner as well (restaraunt or home made) and have a romantic evening together. At least that way you can break down those 30 miles, and get some quality time. The phone is nice...but face time is much better.

[Delthayre]

My first instinct is always, "is there a nice hat this person would look good in" But I realize that my love of hats is more exception than rule.

Not that I don't want you all to go out and buy Homburgs (http://www.villagehatshop.com/product151.html), Fedoras (http://www.villagehatshop.com/crushable_pinch_crown_fedora.html), Porkpies (http://www.villagehatshop.com/vhs_porkpie_hat.html), and even Bowlers (http://www.villagehatshop.com/product1277.html).

Sorry, my passions have caused me to digress.

I believe you would do best with something modestly priced (more or less as Tienshin suggested) and tied to some sort of get together (also as Tienshin suggets). The gift should be have an air of personal charm. An accompanying reservedly romantic letter would add a element of specialness. As your impressions may tell you, this is more about the human element than the material one.

But the material element is still there.

You would do well to give her something that either plays into her intersts or seems to be tied to something unique about you. An ancilliary fashion item, such as a hat (sorry), modest piece of jewelry, or something of the like might work. You might also try a book, preferably one that is slightly unusual, that she would enjoy. A piece of artwork, such as a print of a painting or photograph, might also be endearing. Again, it's the personal touch that is needed so this feels (and I should hope is) like somthing special.

Best of luck in your endeavors, they are the essence of what makes being human worthwhile.

[Elven Moon]

Well, what kind of things does she like? That may be a starting place.

[supermonkey]

Santa Poop (cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2192221015), for the person who has everything.

[Barb Gordon]

Well, taking her out to a nice restaraunt could always work if you have a hard time thinking of an object to get her. If she's into reading, try a book, or a simple, not too expensive bracelet or pair of earrings. But a restaraunt is nice because you can go to a nice one that isn't too expensive, the two of you get to be alone having a romantic evening, and she can get sung Happy Birthday to, etc. You could give her roses during that too. All that makes a very nice birthday for a girlfriend.

~Barb