Any ideas?

[jsh2]

I think that it's time for some new ideas about what gifts to give to a fiancee. Something original, exciting and suprising. Not the same old things our parents gave but rather something that they'll appreciate and tell all their friends about. Something that will now make them think of how to top that gift! Can't wait for the ideas to start pouring in.

[94steve]

Hmmmmm, me and my girlfriend set a budget on how much money we spend on each other @ christmas and for birthdays of 500 per person per holiday. I find that "gift topping" turns into an arms race ala the US and the Soviets circa 1968 before detante.

That being said I recomend skydiving lessons =P.

[alissaroot]

If your girlfriend is a girly-girl like me, I love receiving gifts that took time and effort rather than money. I like the sappy sentimental stuff, too. I had a boyfriend in high school who drew a rose for me, and I still have it. I thought it was so sweet!

No bad poetry though. Same boyfriend also wrote me a poem:

A is for blah blah
L is for something something
I is for this and that
S....You get the idea.

I think I still have the poem, too, but it was so bad!

Anyway, that's what I suggest. Compose a song or whatever your talent is. My more recent ex made me a ring when he asked me to marry him, and I still have that, too (I did get a nicer ring later, though!). I love receiving original gifts that have some sentimental value rather than more store bought stuff I do not need.

Except I also like jewelry, especially if it has my name on it.

Cheers!

[cinderly]

Are you looking for a gift to give to your intended for a special occasion or are you looking for an engagement gift?

I'm not sure about the "top this" aspect as it's not really our style as a couple, but showing that you are paying attention to what makes your partner tick goes a long way at our house.

My husband greatly cherishes a pieced-paper bit of art I gave him. My favorite gift from him was a canister of very good loose Earl Grey.

What makes your beloved happy? That's where you start.

[Ruddigore]

My favorite gift from him was a canister of very good loose Earl Grey.

I had to post just to say, I LOVE Earl Grey tea.

What makes your beloved happy? That's where you start.

Wise words. Simply taking the effort to figure out what someone likes shows your affection for him or her. Like Alissa said, gifts that take effort can go a bit further. This reminds me of a C.S. Lewis quote, but I'll forbear.