Can you give your sweetheart a vacuum cleaner for Christmas? What if you really need one, and it's a good model, like a Dyson? Is that OK, or are you sleeping on the far edge of the bed that night?

Every couple has its own take on whether or not it's cool to give a practical gift -- socks, underwear or a dishwasher also fall into this category -- or if it's a complete romance buzz kill.

But what do you think? Do you want a practical or a romantic gift this year? And what about gift cards? Are they ever acceptable from a significant other?

Practical. There's nothing wrong with giving a practical gift. There's a lot of stuff a person needs, and they might not get it if it weren't for the holidays. Especially once a couple has been together for a while, finances become a serious issue, and you can't always justify expensive jewelry when your oven isn't working properly. Practical gifts can be just as romantic, only in a different way. They say "I'm in this domestic life with you, and I want to support it."

Romantic. Regardless of the holidays, you'll buy a new toaster if you need one. This is not the case with an awesome sweater or a piece of jewelry. The holidays are a time to treat others to something special that they wouldn't buy for themselves. Plus, if you go practical, you aren't really tailoring the gift to the individual, which is what gift giving is all about. As for gift cards, forget it. They are fine for people you don't know very well, but significant others who choose gift cards are basically saying they didn't feel like thinking about a gift this year.

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Posted by T15 on Dec. 26, 2007 at 2:16 p.m. (report)

Get one of each or one that's both practical and romatic at the same time. It depends on your prospective.