No. 01Amazon
Lindt LINDOR Holiday Assorted Truffles Gift Box
Chocolate says “I thought of you” without saying “I've thought about our future.”
Real-life use: Shareable truffles for a movie night that is definitely not a date.
Check price on AmazonSituationship gifts · 14 picks · Updated
Situationship Gifts: What to Buy When You're ‘Not Really Dating’
You're not dating. You're also not “just friends.” You text daily, they know your coffee order and nobody has used a label. Then a birthday or Valentine's Day shows up and suddenly you have to decide exactly how much you care, in gift form. Pick your tier below and buy the gift that matches where things actually are.
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Pick your tier
Tier 1: Talking for Two Weeks
Low stakes, low spend. The goal is “that's cute,” not “what does this mean?”
No. 02Amazon
Exploding Kittens Card Game (Original Edition)
A game for the hang that's technically “with friends.”
Real-life use: Quick, silly rounds for two or a group.
Check price on AmazonNo. 03Amazon
Burt's Bees Classics Gift Set (6 Products in a Tin)
Thoughtful, useful and completely deniable.
Real-life use: Six classic travel-size Burt's Bees products in a tin.
Check price on AmazonTier 2: You've Met the Dog
The dog likes you. That's basically a commitment. Spend a little more and maybe win the dog's vote too.
No. 04Amazon
KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy (Medium)
A gift for the dog. Strategic. Brilliant. The dog will remember.
Real-life use: Stuff it with treats for a long, quiet chew.
Check price on AmazonNo. 05Amazon
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera
Instant photos of nights out. A soft launch, in print.
Real-life use: A fun camera for hangouts, trips and fridge doors.
Check price on AmazonNo. 06Amazon
LEGO Botanicals Pretty Pink Flower Bouquet
Flowers, but noncommittal. They won't die, which is more than we can say for this situationship's defining conversation.
Real-life use: A relaxing build for two that becomes decor.
Check price on AmazonNo. 07Amazon
Owala FreeSip Stainless Water Bottle (24 oz)
Practical and cute, like a person who remembers how much water you drink.
Real-life use: A leak-proof bottle with a straw and a chug spout.
Check price on AmazonTier 3: They've Seen You Cry
Feelings have been witnessed. You can be sincere now. (Still not labeling it, apparently.)
No. 08Amazon
Bedsure GentleSoft Heated Throw (50 x 60 in)
A warm blanket for couch nights that are, let's be honest, dates.
Real-life use: Warmth on demand for movies and naps.
Check price on AmazonNo. 09Amazon
Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase (Queen)
A silk pillowcase: a little luxe, a little intimate, very thoughtful.
Real-life use: Smooth silk that feels great every night.
Check price on AmazonNo. 10Amazon
One Question a Day for You & Me: A Three-Year Journal
Three years of daily questions. Bold. Hopeful. Let's go.
Real-life use: A journal for two with a question for every day.
Check price on AmazonNo. 11Amazon
Custom Star Map Print (Personalized)
The stars on the night you met, for the person you're definitely not dating.
Real-life use: A personalized print of the sky on a chosen date and place.
Check price on AmazonThe Valentine's Day Situation
February 14 is the ultimate situationship stress test. These say “I care” without forcing the talk.
No. 12Amazon
LEGO Botanicals Bouquet of Pink Roses
Roses that last longer than the situationship might. Or forever! No pressure.
Real-life use: A rose bouquet build that never wilts.
Check price on AmazonNo. 13Amazon
Lindt LINDOR Deluxe Assorted Truffles Gift Box
Valentine's chocolate, classic and safe.
Real-life use: Assorted truffles to share or keep.
Check price on AmazonNo. 14Amazon
We're Not Really Strangers: Couples Edition
The card game that might finally lead to The Talk. Use with caution.
Real-life use: Questions for two that get past small talk fast.
Check price on AmazonPairs Well With: Ready-Made Bundles
Pairs well with
The Safe Bet
Works at any stage.
- AmazonLindt LINDOR Deluxe Assorted Truffles Gift BoxCheck price
- AmazonFujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant CameraCheck price
- AmazonLEGO Botanicals Pretty Pink Flower BouquetCheck price
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Quick questions
Should I get my situationship a gift?
If you hang out regularly and would feel weird showing up empty-handed for a birthday or holiday, a small, thoughtful gift is a nice gesture. Keep it low-key early on and match what they're likely to do.
How much should I spend on a situationship gift?
Less than you would for a partner. Early on, think a treat or something small and fun; once you've met friends (or the dog), you can go a little bigger. Expensive gifts can feel like pressure.
What's a good Valentine's gift for a situationship?
Something sweet but not intense: chocolate, faux flowers like a LEGO bouquet or a conversation game. Skip jewelry with initials unless you've had The Talk.
What gifts should I avoid?
Anything that assumes a future you haven't discussed: couples' jewelry, matching outfits, big trips or a three-year commitment (unless it's a journal and you're feeling brave).
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