How much money would you spend on your SOs birthday present?

Question

My boyfriend is VERY bad at choosing gifts so for my birthday he decided to just ask me what i want directly. I asked for a phone case that comes up to around 21€ from amazon.

Now I am starting to feel bad because I initally hoped to find something that's in the 10-15€ price range. He doesn't have a lot of money and i don't believe in spending money on your partner as a sign of love. I don't know, should i chose something that costs a little less?

Personally i don't mind spending more on him but the presents i get him are things like concert cards or smth similar because he doesn't really care about material things. So it is more about the time spent together than the actual value and i get a lot from it as well.

Lol at this point i feel like i'm just overthinking things and rambling.

ChrisMaster69 · Accepted Answer

I really try to make gifts, presents not about money and more about the actual gift.

i then put loads of my own rules in place for myself.

keep it basic, keep it something that they like, love etc

Then I go shopping and it just goes out of the window.

i might get them their basic present, (might even be something they asked for), then however I think, ‘oh they will like this, and this’

next thing I’ve went past what I should have and it’s like a second Christmas, well without the stockings, (unless they asked for some) lol.

i sympathise on the cash side though, as I used to have pretty much zero cash and actually made presents before or had a friend make me something for my SO.

EmbraceThePain · Accepted Answer

I’m not sure what that converts to USD, but to be honest I think it’s alright and not a big deal at all. For me, I find that meaningful gifts are clearly more important than things that just cost a lot. I would feel like I’m in the wrong type of relationship if all she primarily cared about was how expensive the gift I got her was. Now, I’m not opposed to giving expensive gifts at all, but it can’t be what truly matters. I also can’t be with a woman that values this materialism too much. For my SO’s birthday, if I didn’t know what she specifically liked, I’d get her a nice fancy bag or purse, as well as some nice shoes. Also, I’d take both of us out on a super nice dinner just so we can dress somewhat fancy.

Dinklex3 · Accepted Answer

I don’t have a specific limit.
Especially depending on the birthday.
I'll just listen and find out what they like or need. Make it a good experience.
I think spending time with each other is the best. So whenever my birthday comes around i ask them to take a specific day off.

Ευδεμονια · Answer

I think sincerely maybe you’re overthinking. He doesn’t have a lot of money but once a year something can be spent and you haven’t asked for something worthy 100$! I think he should spend them or, if he doesn’t have enough money, he should speak and tell you about his difficulties so you can find a solution, maybe he can contribute to the purchase not for the total sum but for half or something like that.
I tell you, usually when we do presents we have a budget of 20€, regardless if it is for a friend or a parent.

Antman7119 · Answer

Don’t stress about it. I’m sure he will make the phone case happen since that could just be a few meals he’d have to skip to get it if money is that tight for him. I’ve been in that situation where I didn’t have money for gas but still would spend $600 or more on girlfriend which was lots of days hungry to make her happy. Now I spend what I can reasonably and maybe will make some slight budget cuts to fit in a big gift like I did with last girlfriend for $3000 Louis Vuitton bag she was dying for. But I was okay skipping some meals and nights out to save up and get it for her. Smarter to work with what you have and slight sacrifices okay for ones you love. Don’t stress sure he happy that it’s just a case and not a phone

NathanDavis · Answer

if 20 euros are giving you second thoughts... then I rather not say, lol

but if you think about it... it is just one a year, that he spent 20 euros, so don't feel bad about it, it's just a nice gesture and you really want the case so just enjoy the occasion... lol

Whatever2929292 · Answer

Depends on what I have to spend. I mean with Brandon and we all know who that is. But I guess you don't live in the US. Look he asked you what you wanted. So don't feel bad. You gave him a honest answer. That is what you should do.

Does not mean that you feel entitled or anything. You answered a question. Besides I am sure either his birthday or Christmas will come around soon enough and you can find him something nice in return if he does get it

DavidRaul · Answer

Well it really depends on my budget and she would understand if i am not buying something expensive for her. Its nice to see that you both have a good understanding. You shouldn't feel bad about it. Maybe you can spend 21€ next time you give him a gift. This wouldn't make you feel bad or you can do something special and memorable for him.

jshm2 · Answer

Wuh? I've rarely given presents costing less than a 100 bucks, and here you are overthinking 10 smackaroonies?  Are you both kids or just mentally disabled?

Anonymous · Answer

2018 and 2019 i kept it simple in 2020 i spent over 1000 not counting air travel and hotel just to be stood up in 2021 over 350 this year i haven't decided yet especially since i don't even get so much as a thank you or a card in return or a happy birthday when my birthday comes around

kinggeorge007 · Answer

Depends on the country, his income, and how you two generally do expenses. I buy phone cases for less than $3 + free shipping for myself on Amazon or eBay.

jamesgoldman · Answer

I don't really do birthdays outside of my own  . Even when I was still dating I missed them because of their birthdays fell outside of our relationships

Redstang88 · Answer

Wouldn’t think twice about spending a few hundred. Don’t really have a limit if I’ve got the money and it’s something that means a lot to her

Dormiensmortem · Answer

I normally spend around 150€ for her birthday each year for a good gift, a great date and a special night.

htmndg183 · Answer

With an SO there's no limit. Knowing inflation these days, i doubt one can find a decent gift for less than £50 lol. I think £100-150 would be the normal in terms of a tight budget gift.

maximumpower · Answer

before - ~$100. now - NONE can you say "ungrateful?"

Iron_Man · Answer

It depends maybe $500 bucks

moonpie89 · Answer

I've spent like $800 before

Zolly99999 · Answer

Depends how good she is in bed.

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