Do any of you more experienced SDs break the no gifts w/o bcd rule for the holidays? Or do you give extra?  

I have had the pleasure of introducing my delicious 24yo SB to the joys of motorcycling.  She loves riding on the back of my bike with me, something we usually do after we've had a ride of a different sort in the bedroom. So I got her her very own full featured motorcycle helmet, modular visor, built in sun shade, finished in black with pink graphics, the works.  She LOVED it and showed her appreciation the best way!

Gifts for holidays, birthdays, Valentine's Day, etc. should never be the expected norm.  That's a trap you need to avoid. Your SB does not get to demand, expect or even ask for anything above your agreed upon allowance.  

 
BUT: You always have the power to provide a gift, as long as it's your idea and your budget.  

 
For me, I tend to give gifts and perhaps a celebratory dinner to selected SB's that are long-term (over 6 months) and consistently drama- and grief-free.  With rare exceptions, these are small budget items.  I just got my #2 SB Latina 5 small Xmas gifts, all nursing related (socks, coffee mug, key chain, etc.) as she just got accepted to nursing school. Total budget was $65.  She loved it and seemed grateful for the support of her career choice (which she is not getting from her family or BF).  I was rewarded with a marathon BCD session.  

 
For the rest of my rotation, if asked, I'll be busy on key holidays and/or dates.  

 
Life is good

 
The Cat

Nothing better than a good ride, after a good ride, after a good ride!  

 
Life is good

 
The Cat

I bought my 22 yr old AA SB A $100 pair of boots and let’s just say … she appreciated it