I am consistent with every SB that I am willing, even happy to help them with occasional gifts beyond negotiated allowance for things they need, but not so much for things they want.  

 
For example: She may want a Dior handbag for $3,500. But what she needs is a $45 purse from Target.  I use the same approach for holiday, birthday, and when appropriate Valentine's Day gifts.  

 
This year, I am giving gifts to 2 SB's. One just moved into a new apartment - her first time living without a roommate. She got the place with zero furniture or even basic stuff like lamps, kitchen stuff, bedding, etc. and has been buying based on priority and budget. I just got her a work desk and office chair so she could do her work-from-home job without sitting on the floor or her bed. I am also getting her an Ember mug and a set of assorted teas.   Another (former) SB (but we remain friends) is getting some much-needed new sneakers and socks.  

 
One of the unintended benefits of my approach is that the gifts I give tend to hit big with my SB's. They see that, first, I was listening to them, and second, I really want to help improve their quality of life.  

 
Gift cards a problematic, IMO. They may project a lack of care or thought about finding a gift with meaning. In addition, a gift card is often seen a poor substitute for cash. Why, because they will need to spend that card at the store which issued it (unless it's a Visa, MasterCard, or AMEX card).  To illustrate my point, flip the script: What if she gave you a gift card for Kohls or Dennys? In the past I have seen SB's take the gift cards I gave them and flip them for cash, which ironically, they see as a hassle when I could have just sent funds to their bank account.  

 
Last idea: Ask her what she really needs right now to make her life a little easier. Maybe ask her to list 3-5 things for you and you can pick one or two, assuming they are reasonable.  

 
For the SB's who will not be getting a gift this year, I avoid scheduling them within 2-3 weeks before Christmas.  

 
About budget:  My general rule of thumb is 25% to 100% of her regular allowance.  

 
Life is good

 
The Cat

I only have 1 consistent SB.  My rotation collapsed.  Only one that stuck around was GCG.  We've had weekly dates.  So Saturday is date night.  And it's going really well.  She wants to be exclusive to me.  

Her Christmas present will probably be some earrings with her birth stone.  But I'll ask this weekend if she wants something specific.  I've noticed she's not super high maintenance.  Clothes are older, still look good, but you can see small tears and seems coming apart.  

Normally, it depends on the girl.  I had a main for years who got whatever she asked for.  Others usually got gifts in the $75-100 range.  

For the first time in years, I'm only shopping for one sex partner.