Just Because Gifts

So today on Twitter we had this little conversation about what my wife and I have always called “just because gifts.”

These could be anything from as simple as a candy bar in the middle of the afternoon to a new piece of jewelry. The what is never as important as the why in our book.

Happy Valentines Day Laura

Sure, most every couple out there exchange gifts on major holidays, birthdays and anniversaries. But, those are expected and if they don’t happen you are certainly in the dog house. But, if you really want to keep the playful, fun and romantic nature in your relationship then I suggest getting something for no other reason then to make the other person smile.

Some ideas to help you get started:

  • If you are making their lunch, write a little note or poem to let them know you care
  • Send flowers to their office on a random day. (bonus points because everyone they work with will go ahhhhh….)
  • Come home with their special dessert, from their favorite little bakery
  • Buy (or make) a card for them and send it to them in the mail.
  • Surprise them with a home cooked meal and the kids at a babysitters for the night

The key here is NOT to get hung up so much on what it is. The more simple and playful the better sometimes. The key is to just do it for absolutely no reason at all and do it “just because.”

Guys, do you ever do things like this? Help other guys out by leaving your suggestions in the comments.

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C.C. Chapman is a father of two (a boy and a girl) who loves the outdoors, creating media and playing with technology. When not on the computer he can most likely be found cooking or taking photos. He is also the co-founder of The Advance Guard and a busy public speaker.
  • Great ideas! And, like the comment above said, it's a smart idea to find "reminders" for gift-giving. Otherwise, it's too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day routine.
  • John E Cat
    I am a guy who likes routine. So I found an easy way for me to be "routine" about "random" gifts. I pick up a pen from the flower shop when I bought my wife flowers. When the pen runs out, that's when I go to the flower shop to buy flowers. Easy reminder and you never know when it will happen.

    Just don't tell her, or else she'll "use" your pen all the time.
  • We are like JP. We don't go crazy around gifts. We have not Christmas since my wife was in Law School. Now with the kid it is all about time. Letting the other sleep in or go the gym or go shopping. Some alone without the kid time. Those are the small gifts.

    Great post CC and definitely something all hubbies and dads need to remember.
  • JP
    My wife and I also don't make a big deal of the major gift-giving holidays and instead have grown fond of more spontaneous times through the year to surprise each other with little things. We still make a big deal out of Christmas, especially since we have a young son. Our anniversary is also special; I always buy her roses--one for each year we've been married, but often there aren't any major gifts exchanged. As our son grows up, we'll emphasize his birthday too. As he watches us though, it'll be interesting to see how his views develop. In the end, we're not against the more traditional approach; we've just kind of evolved into enjoying giving those "just because" gifts.
  • I'm definitely in the minority here, but my wife and I actually don't exchange gifts for holidays. As long as I have a card, I'm good to go in her book. This will change when our little man gets a little older and starts to understand things like Christmas and birthdays. When we do it will be something small because if we need or want something we usually just buy it.

    However, I do think these 'Just Because' gifts are a great, and necessary, idea. I usually make her lunch for the week on Sundays and then I'll pack it up for her every night. I like to throw in a surprise like her favorite chocolate or something she isn't expecting. I also will surprise her with a fancy home cooked meal in the middle of the week for no apparent reason.
  • How lame, I just get my wife some flowers when I feel to give her a gift just because. I need to start thinking on upgrading my gifts to her. Good post CC.
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