BigGolem: Do you want to give these gifts to build an emotional connection?
From what Mussar47 said, forming an emotional connection comes from couples “talking about their feelings, their thoughts for the future, their goals in life, what type of qualities impress and/or repulse them, past experiences that gave them hope, discouraged them, saddened them or changed their life” (Mussar47).
While we’re here giving you ideas, I wonder if giving gifts is a way to avoid getting to the talking and opening up about yourself part of the relationship.
You have no need to defend yourself here. Please forgive me if I am wrong. In my eyes, it wouldn’t be right to not have you consider this, and it’s not something for me to know.
Investing in a relationship requires one to share one’s feelings, including and especially that vulnerable squishy stuff that the rest of the world doesn’t see. It requires one to let one’s guard down.
The biggest gift that you can give someone is being open and honest. While you’re asking about whether certain gifts are acceptable, perhaps the biggest test is seeing whether or not this person accepts you for you. Foremost, you must accept yourself.
You have a lot to offer.