Dear Jellybean,
I have been dating my boyfriend for a year. I'm not sure what I should get him for our anniversary, any ideas?
Sincerely,
Lost
Dear Lost,
The best gifts say not only, "I love you and spent a bunch of money on you", but also "I know you really well, so I knew you'd love this thoughtful gift." In fact, the more thoughtful and unique the gift, the less you have to worry about spending on it!
Since you know your BF much better than me, you've got the inside information on what would make a truly great gift for him. Think about what's important to him, from his passions to his hobbies. Does he idolize a certain band or singer? Concert tickets, signed merchandise, or a box-set of rare CDs might be a good present. Is he totally stylish, but lacks a certain accessory? A classic watch or fancy pair of sunglasses might do. Is he environmentally active? A hemp sweater and a copy of Al Gore's latest book might do the trick. Is he a sports nut? Event tickets, a subscription to his fave sports mag, or his fav player's hockey number jersey are all good picks.
So take some time to think about what your boyfriend values most, and you'll find you have lots of options for gift-buying. If you're truly stumped... an enlarged picture of you two in a nice frame, along with a handwritten poem created just for him, is a safe choice.