It’s safe to assume that everyone loves getting gifts. The real difficulty arises when a woman has to choose a gift for a boyfriend. We don’t want to be overly sappy or sentimental, but unlike gifts from most men, we usually want the gift to have meaning. So we’re here to help. We’ll tell you what not to get him, what to get him at various price ranges, and even what to get him for various stages of the relationship.

What not to give:
• A star named after your boyfriend. Even worse, named after your pet name for him.
• Knick-knacks that sit on shelves and serve no purpose besides looking “pretty.” That’s what you’re there for.
• Flowers and candy. You know you just want him to offer you the chocolate anyway.
• A love fern. Remember, she was trying to lose the guy.
• Scented candles: He’d probably prefer snuggling close and getting a whiff of your new shampoo.

• Early : Something to do with his hobby. Aim for practicality.
Robyn Spizman, CNN’s “Gift Guru” and author of “The Perfect Present,” says: “My favorite gift for this phase of a relationship is a pay-attention gift. You’re paying attention to something he likes. For example, if he loves to read a certain author, get him that author’s latest book. Or, if you’re dating a golfer, give him a book written by Tiger Woods. It’s thoughtful without being too personal. Also, you want to give him something he can use without you – that way you don’t look too needy.”           

• Middle : Something still practical but a little more thoughtful or personal. Spizman says, “If you’ve been together three to six months, confirm your commitment. At this stage, consider giving your guy something that would be significant to the two of you as a couple.” 

• Long : Something sentimental – not sappy – that shows him you’re in for the long haul.
According to Lifetimetv.com, “If you’ve been together for a year or longer, make it meaningful. You’re beyond the point at which you have to worry about being too personal. When your relationship is solid and sustained, no gift is out-of-bounds.”