Talking with friends this week I was amused to find the rules that couples put around buying Christmas presents. It appears it is now de rigeur to:

- Agree a set price limit

Or

- Agree precisely what you will be purchasing for your partner

Where has the magic and romance of Christmas gone? Are couples scared of being embarrassed by spending more or less than their partner? Since when did Christmas present buying become a business transaction?

However, there is one upside to agreeing what present your partner will be giving you, or at least ensuring they seek out useful shopping guidance. A colleague proudly announced his wife would be receiving a back pack and hiking socks one Christmas because he wanted to inspire her to venture out into the country. Somehow they are still married, but I get the impression he was advised such a practical present wouldn’t go down well in future, as for her birthday he tapped me up for handbag advice. I sent him straight to Lulu Guinness and judging by the smile on his wife’s face in the party photos she either loved the bag or else was in exceptionally high spirits from all the champagne.

A friend brings me news that he once paid his girlfriend’s utility bill as a Christmas present. This year the romantic couple plan to exchange money in lieu of a purchased gift. I hadn’t the heart or the chutzpah to ask whether they would exchange equal amounts and whether payments would be made by cash or cheque.

While some families will be struggling this year and a budget in some cases is very sensible, it would be a crying shame if it became the norm for everyone to know what they were going to be given before the big day. The look on someone’s face when they unwrap a Christmas gift is priceless. This year why not throw the rules out of the window this Christmas and find the perfect present for a loved one, you might be surprised by how much more you enjoy the shopping and gift opening experience!

I love the idea of being surprised at Christmas by someone that has taken the time to find the perfect present, to know they listened to the subtly laid hints all December about the fantastic KG boots in Selfridges or Marc Jacobs’ bag (I wish!). Amazon’s “recommended for you” service has proved brilliant, it noted all the presents I bought for my partner last year and has suggested a range of new books, DVDS and CDs that he might like this year.  I love my online ‘virtual’ personal shoppers sending through ideas of what to buy the significant other.

Do you believe it is sensible to agree a Christmas present budget with your partner?

Maya
Fatcheese.co.uk