by Patti Beckert

Created on: November 14, 2009   Last Updated: December 11, 2009

What Christmas gift you buy for your boyfriend is going to depend on how serious your relationship is. For instance, if you have just met, you don't want to give a gift that screams commitment such as a piece of jewelry or something very personal. Conversely, if you and your boyfriend have been together for quite some time, giving him something impersonal will also send a wrong message.

Also, if you know for a fact that your boyfriend is strapped for cash this holiday season, don't give him something expensive, knowing that you may not get something equally expensive. Keep in mind his financial situation and buy accordingly. This will send a message that you are in tune with his situation and will go far in how he perceives you as his girlfriend.

Some great boyfriend gifts this year are:

*iTunes or music store gift card. If you aren't sure what cd's your boyfriend has in his collection or what tunes he has on his iPod, giving him a gift card so that he can choose the latest hits is a great gift. Everyone loves the gift of music.

*CD holder for home or auto. If your boyfriend is one of those people who has his cd's strewn all over the place with no organization, then buy him a cd case or a cd tower to put his cd's into.

*Movie tickets. This is a great way to help your boyfriend out when it comes to taking you on dates. Since it is traditionally the man's role to pay for a date, give him a break and let him know how much you appreciate your dates with him, and offer to pick up the tab without actually doing so on the date.

*Restaurant gift certificate. Same thing goes for dinner. Sometimes it's nice to reverse the roles in dating and offer to pick up the tab without being obvious. Just hope that you are the one he decides to treat when using the certificate.

*Wallets and gloves. Items such as wallets and gloves are more the type of Christmas gift you give to a boyfriend when you don't want to appear too forward. These are pretty much generic gifts, and although a nice wallet or a fancy pair of leather gloves is a thoughtful gift, they are not gifts that say one way or the other how you feel about the relationship and therefore do not commit you to anything in the beginning stages of a relationship.

*Gift certificate from the local auto parts store. Guys like to personalize their cars and a gift from a local auto parts store allows your boyfriend to pick up a nice steering wheel cover or any number of other auto accessories that allow him to give his car that personal touch. This type of gift also says that you understand what a guy likes.

*Personal gifts. If your relationship is headed down the aisle, then gifts of a more personal nature are completely appropriate such as silk pajamas or silk underwear, a gold chain, a sporty new watch, or his favorite cologne. Being in a long-term relationship gives you the opportunity to learn more information about your boyfriend-his likes and dislikes-and allows you to buy gifts that show just how much you love him.

*Joke gifts. As your relationship grows, and you and your boyfriend begin to share more and more inside jokes that only you and he are privy to, finding little trinkets to strengthen that private bond will not only bring a smile to your boyfriend's face, but will serve to bring you both closer together in a fun way.

If you are at a loss as to what you get your boyfriend for Christmas, ask your friends and family for some suggestions. Sometimes an objective opinion can help you make the right decision so that you don't make a gift-giving mistake that could be misunderstood.

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