CULTURE & DATING
The Art of Gift Giving in Thai Dating
From a first date’s restaurant bill to shared investment in an apartment, love’s journey is paved with price tags and receipts.
Gift-giving, in particular, remains one of the more-costly love languages, and Thai women, like many others, appreciate receiving gifts. In fact, gift giving holds a significant place in Thai dating culture, and understanding its nuances is key to fostering a meaningful connection.
So, is dating in Thailand really worth the expense?
The Pressure Is Real
Over the course of a relationship, partners expect to give and receive gifts on special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
However, people can have different attitudes when it comes to this practice. Some enjoy expressing their feelings through tangible tokens of love and affection, while others stress over finding the perfect gift.
Men dating foreign women usually feel this pressure more intensely, as they may be unfamiliar with the gift-giving traditions of the country their partner grew up in.
If you’re one of those who can relate to the anxieties that come with finding the ideal gift, fret not. There are plenty of options to consider when picking out a great present for your Thai girlfriend.
Gift Option 1: Gadgets
First on the list is gadgets.
While they can be a little pricey, gadgets have become an undeniable necessity in today’s digital age.
Smartphones and other technological devices are now a big part of people’s daily lives, making them practical gifts for just about anyone. Thai women are no exception.
If you’re also in a long-distance relationship with your girlfriend — her in Thailand, you on the other side of the globe — gadgets will help you stay connected with each other.
Gift Option 2: Suitcase
Next is a rather unconventional but practical gift suggestion: a suitcase.
It may seem peculiar at first, but given the international nature of your relationship, a suitcase exhibits gift-giving practicality.
Whether you’re both frequently traveling to see one another or you’re finally planning to introduce your girlfriend to your parents, a suitcase offers both utility and convenience.
Giving your Thai girlfriend something as sensible as a suitcase also shows that you’re willing to invest in your future together. It means you’re thinking of planning more trips so you can both enjoy the world and make it a little bit smaller so you can be together.
Gift Option 3: The Classics
If you want timeless items that’ll never fail to tug at the heartstrings of your beloved, you can consider one of the classic, tried-and-tested options when it comes to gift giving.
These include flowers, stuffed animals, and chocolates — gifts with a pleasant taste, smell, or feel that transcends cultural borders.
Classic gifts don’t even have to be as expensive as the others on this list. In Bangkok, there are a lot of places to go to if you’re not yet ready to splurge.
Most Thai women, like everyone worldwide, will still appreciate these symbols of affection, and they won’t mind at all about how much any of it costs.
As long as it’s from the heart, especially when accompanied by a personalized message written by the man they love, those gifts will be cherished forever.
Gift Option 4: . . . Engagement Ring?
While it’s probably wiser to wait until you’ve met enough potential partners before considering marriage, some hopeless romantics can’t resist purchasing an engagement ring even before truly getting to know their Thai sweetheart.
Sometimes, this can lead to disappointment when expectations don’t align with reality. The right time to propose is a deeply personal decision that you can only make once you’ve looked into your heart.
But when that moment arrives, go ahead and buy that engagement ring. It’s the ultimate gift that your future Thai bride has dreamt of since childhood.
It’s Still the Thought That Counts
Regardless of the type of present you choose, what matters most is the feeling and consideration behind it.
While the options to choose from can vary, gift giving in Thailand is essentially the same as it is everywhere else in the world, and the true value of a gift lies not in its price but in the love it conveys.
Whether it’s a suitcase, the classic combo of chocolates-and-flowers, or an engagement ring, the key to your Thai girlfriend’s happiness still rests in how effectively the gift expresses your feelings.
