What Do I Get My Daughter's Boyfriend for Christmas?

Updated on December 09, 2013
M.C. asks from Ann Arbor, MI
19 answers

My daughter is bringing her boyfriend over this Christmas for the first time. He's 19 and a college student. My daughter says that he isn't fussy about gifts, but I really don't know what to get him since I have only met him a few times. Is a gift card sufficient? Cash? Clothing?

All suggestions are appreciated.

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So What Happened?

I am so thankful for all of you:-) Thank you so much for all of the wonderful suggestions. Rachel D.-- I ordered that T-Shirt....what an awesome gift for him. Both my daughter and the boyfriend will get a kick out of it.

Mamapedia Rocks!

Featured Answers

L.A.

answers from Austin on

I love the etsy tshirt, the gift cards and remember, most guys love salty snacks. Nuts, popcorn, snack mixes.

Hand warmers, socks, Fleece PJ's..

Netflix Gift Certificate

3 moms found this helpful

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L.M.

answers from New York on

If he will be with you when you open your stockings, then it would be a good idea to make a stocking for him also. My daughter's boyfriend will be at our house for Christmas, his stocking includes a pair of gloves (which I know he needs), socks, chapstick, and a box of his favorite candy. Other ideas ... hat, scarf, flash drive, pens, snacks.

For an actual gift, consider a gift card for something that you could give to both of them to do together, like to a restaurant or movie tickets (basically pick up the tab for a date).

I would also recommend a gift card to the college bookstore, or an iTunes gift card.

I don't think clothing is that great of an idea, but something from his college like a t-shirt or hoodie would be nice.

I don't like the idea of giving cash.

4 moms found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Last year when our daughter brought her bf over, we gave him a gift card because he was in his first year of community college because he was having to pay for college on his own. That kid worked his behind off so he could get to college. No thanks to his mom who basically kicked him out at 18. Sad sad because she didn't help any of her children.

Now I am off my soap box... we also gave him a Swiss Army knife that would fit on his keychain. We gave daughter one as well.

They are broken up now but daughter still has her Swiss Army knife on her keychain. Just don't forget and go to board a flight with it!!!

3 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

How sweet of you to think of him too!!

I would have her go shopping with me and help me pick something out.

Does he have an iPhone? or iPad? Maybe an iTunes card?

sweaters might be nice...
college students always like cash!! :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

3 moms found this helpful
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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

I would probably only get him a pair of gloves or a scarf or something simple. I am pretty sure the only reason you are getting him a gift is so that he doesn't feel left out. You can get him a more personal gift next year when you know him better.

3 moms found this helpful
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K.N.

answers from Boston on

Some suggestions:
- lottery / scratch tickets (make him promise to share if he hits big!)
- coffee shop gift cards (my college sophomore LIVES on Dunkin' Donuts coffee!
- college bookstore gift card
- movie tickets &/or a restaurant gift card to go with it
- gas card

Other options:
Would he use a new cover for his phone?
sweater, t-shirt, dress shirt or tie (depending on his personality & major) would always be good
Gloves

How thoughtful of you to want to make sure he's included!

3 moms found this helpful

F.W.

answers from Danville on

I have always 'made' a stocking for the 'girlfriend/boyfriend' in a first x mas visit scenario...an in expensive stocking...and some 'glitter glue' for the name. I fill it with candy...and joke type presents.

If It is a longer term relationship, then the gifts 'grow' along with it!

Best!

Merry merry!

3 moms found this helpful
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T.M.

answers from Tampa on

Would he use an iTunes gift card? If I didn't know him well and knew he had some sort of Apple product, that is what I would go with...

3 moms found this helpful
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B..

answers from Dallas on

That's perfect. Gift card to his fav food place or an iTunes card. I have a freshman college guy and that would be good.

2 moms found this helpful
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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

It's nice that you're thinking of this. I would ask her about music, books, clothes, etc...he might enjoy getting a tank of gasoline too. That's what my daughter always wants.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

We made the girl friend one of those fleece blankets with the knots. And also a gift card to Starbucks.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.R.

answers from Washington DC on

I'm not sure he would really even expect a gift, but something small would be fine. If he drinks coffee, perhaps a coffee gift pack from Starbucks...comes with a cup, ground coffee, etc.

2 moms found this helpful

L.M.

answers from Dover on

You could have your daughter help you pick out a shirt or get him a Amex or Visa gift card or a gift card for places near his college (local pizza place, Subway, Target, Walmart etc.)

2 moms found this helpful

S.D.

answers from Phoenix on

gift card wreath or assorted nuts or the home-made snack with cereal.
I would not do cash or clothing. maybe socks or a blanket.

2 moms found this helpful
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O.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

Food, gift card(s) for food, gas, movie tickets?

1 mom found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

How about chocolate?

1 mom found this helpful
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M.T.

answers from New York on

Sure, a gift card is fine, or if he lives on campus, maybe a goodie basket. Mug with cocoa packets and/or kcups if he has a Keurig.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.B.

answers from Detroit on

Why not ask your daughter? She would have the best insight.

A gift card is a great idea. What teen does not like a gift card.

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