Gifting, especially when it carries a touch of luxury, transcends the exchange of material possessions.
Each gift becomes a messenger that conveys your partner’s sentiments, desires, and intentions.
From timeless classics like vintage perfumes to the modern allure of more bespoke fragrances, and from the warmth of a cashmere sweater to the spicier wink of more intimate devices, gifts speak their own language.
What do they mean, then? With Christmas on its way, we have decoded the language of gift-giving.
When you’re in the luxury dating realm, gifts will be a reality— it’s time we examined some of the implications, because let’s be honest… every gift on earth is a symbol of some kind, signifying an emotion, a want, or an expression of your partner’s intentions towards you.
The Scent of Sophistication
The most popular gifts on Seeking’s gifting platform, Real Gifts, are as you might expect; fragrances.
They’re intimate, they sit against the wearer’s skin. “The beauty of fragrance is that it speaks to your heart… and hopefully, someone else’s,” Elizabeth Taylor once said. Marylin Monroe once claimed that all she wore to bed was her Chanel No. 5. The great beauties of the ages have worn perfume like a second skin— and to receive a perfume is to know precisely what your partner is attracted to.
Choosing a perfume for a partner says more about you than it does anything else. Fragrance is deeply personal— but it’s also up to you to interpret what they mean by a gift like this.
Take Chanel No.5 for example; an iconic fragrance synonymous with sophistication and timelessness. When presented with this classic scent, the giver communicates an appreciation for tradition and an acknowledgment of the recipient’s refined taste. The essence of Chanel No.5 is its floral notes and undertones of warmth. It could also be read as being a little old-fashioned. Does the gifter want a more traditional relationship? Chanel No. 5 is polarizing but luxurious— you either adore it, or cannot stand it. A gift like this is a bold move; they’re very sure of themselves, and they’re sure of you, too.
A Modern Muse
Even the greats of perfumery have their modern scents, and the fun, more flirtatious gesture of gifting one implies a fresh, youthful interest. They’re meeting you on your level, they want things to be fun, they want the chase.
A shift towards modern fragrances signals an understanding of evolving preferences and a desire to align with contemporary trends. These scents, often crafted with intricate blends and innovative notes, speak to a dynamic, forward-thinking individual. Gifting a modern fragrance is an invitation to explore the boundaries of sensory experiences— they understand that you want your freedom, they’re willing to try to keep up, and are along for the ride.
Sweater Weather
A cashmere sweater, or any kind of luxury clothing item, represents the epitome of comfort and indulgence, and carries a message of caretaking. wrapped up in this kind of specific, timeless gift, the recipient is not only presented with warmth but also with an expression of the giver’s desire to provide comfort and solace. The act of choosing cashmere, or any other high-quality fabric, implies a certain level of intimacy and thoughtfulness, as it signifies not just a garment but a token of well-being.
They want to take care of you— this kind of gift might not be quite as warm as a trip to the Maldives in Summer, but it implies a nurturing kind of interest in you that will certainly outlast the season.
Navigating Intimacy
The choice to gift intimacy devices requires delicacy and a deep understanding of the dynamics between the giver and the recipient. When received, it signifies more than a mere acknowledgment of desire—it speaks to a shared exploration of intimacy and a level of trust between partners.
This type of gift is an expression of openness, communication, and a shared commitment to enhancing the intimate aspects of a relationship. It requires a level of mutual consent that goes beyond the surface of material indulgence.
It says: I want you, but on your own terms.
Still Bejeweled
Jewelry carries a language that varies with each piece— no two pieces speak the same dialect. A diamond necklace may symbolize commitment and everlasting love; an investment, while a pair of pearl earrings may signify purity and grace; old Hollywood glamor. The choice of gemstone, metal, and design all contribute to the narrative that jewelry weaves.
Gifting jewelry, whether it be a statement piece or a subtle accessory, is an investment in the language of symbolism, allowing the giver to say, without mincing words: you are worth something of unusual value, you are worth more than the most precious metals and gemstones. It mimics the gifting of a ring— it’s not a marriage proposal, but it echoes the sentiment.
If your lover is purchasing diamonds for you this Christmas, they most certainly have their eye on something long-term.
For Want of a Wishlist
In the realm of luxury gifting, the act of personalization elevates the whole message.
A monogrammed leather-bound journal, a piece of artwork, or a custom-tailored sheath dress all become not just possessions but reflections of the giver’s dedication. Personalized gifts convey a message of exclusivity, showing that the giver has invested time and thought into creating something that resonates with the recipient.
Personalization also can mean choosing a gift that they know, specifically, is something that will make you happy.
It’s tricky to find out just what your partner wants, but there are features that make this a lot easier. Consider Seeking’s wishlist feature; find that list on a potential date’s profile, and scroll through to see their personal taste. To choose something that your date actually desires, enough to put on her wishlist… there’s no better way to get someone’s attention than that.
The language of gifting goes beyond material exchange; it is a conversation, a dance, and a manifestation of the connection between you and your date. Spoiling your partner or date at Christmas is all well and good, but this love language is one for any season at all. The trick is finding a partner who understands that.
It’s time to update your Wishlist on Seeking— Christmas is on its way, and this is the season for unwrapping a diamond necklace. No more lumps of coal, thanks— beneath the Christmas tree, and in your dating life.
