Experts reveal 'red flag' Christmas gift that could be a sign your relationship is on the rocks

Apparently, what your partner gets you for Christmas could be a dead giveaway they're just not that into the relationship.

Although 'tis the season of joy, for many of us the holidays have become a period of stress: over-stuffing our faces with food, overspending on festivities and feeling overstimulated in the shops.

With all this considered, it's not surprising 'Break Up Day' is on December 11, while 'National Breakup Month' creeps up behind in January.

Now that we've heard the signs your partner has plans to dump you in the new year, dating experts have revealed what 'red flag' Christmas gifts could also spell trouble for your relationship status in 2026.

Concert or plane tickets

Although you'd assume tickets for experiences to share together, like a concert to an artist you both like or a vacation, suggests your partner has pencilled you into their future, some pros say to err on the side of caution with these kinds of presents.

It's a popular go-to gift but some pros say it might not be well-received (Getty Stock)

Dr. Wendy Walsh, Psychology Professor at California State University Channel Islands and expert at Datingadvice.com, said a common mistake couples make is getting 'consumable' gifts.

Champagne, chocolates, concert tickets and even plane tickets could be a 'big sign of a fragile relationship,' she says, as these are gifts that you will 'use up', probably, or at least hopefully together, and not get to hold onto as a keepsake.

It's also pretty awkward if your other half does break it off with you before the event takes place, leaving you go to solo or behind in the dust as they jet off with someone else... extra ouch.

Flashy and expensive gifts

Blaine Anderson, a professional matchmaker, added 'overly flashy or expensive gifts' can sometimes be a red flag too, especially if you're still in the early days of a relationship.

"Obviously every situation is unique, but excessive gifts can signal the giver lacks boundaries, and herald problems ahead," she clarified. "That's not to suggest you should immediately start questioning your relationship with a significant other if they give you something nice — that can also mean they care about you — but it is to say that if a gift makes you uncomfortable, you shouldn't ignore that feeling, and you should discuss it with your partner."

The gift you get your partner can say a lot (Getty Stock)

A last-minute purchase

All of the relationship experts who spoke to UNILAD agreed that no gift at all is probably the most obvious sign your lover has one foot our of the door, though a last-minute gift picked up in a frenzy doesn't bode well, either.

Claire Rénier, relationship expert at real-life dating app happn, explained: "If your partner only buys a gift after finding out you got something for them, or scrambles to produce something impersonal, they may not be emotionally invested.

"Similarly, if they refuse to accept or give a gift, they may be setting distance and signalling that they don’t see the relationship lasting long enough to become meaningful."

No present after three dates

Blaine added that if you've invested time in someone across several dates, a small token for Christmas is the norm - and it's better to get something than nothing at all.

"If you've been on more than three dates with someone, and particularly if you've been physically intimate, no gift is a bright red flag," she explained, since great gifts don't need to be costly.

"As the saying goes, 'it's the thought that counts'. So, if someone you're dating doesn't give you anything, they probably don't think much about you, and it's time to break things off."

The experts said to also watch out for how your partner behaves at friend or family events (Getty)

Turning up empty-handed to events

In the same vein, the pro said if you invite your date to a friend or family member's home for a seasonal event, it's a 'huge red flag' if they show up empty-handed.

"A good bottle of wine is table stakes," Blaine said.

She also said how they behave could be an alarming giveaway, so watch out if your date minimizes contact with everyone as this could signal 'your partner views you as a short-term prospect'.

'Green flag' Christmas presents

Fortunately, the pros have given us a list of safe present ideas - so you can breathe a sigh of relief if your partner gets you one of these.

For matchmaker Blaine, she recommended something endearing like a Christmas ornament or something that reminds your partner of a joyful experience you shared together.

Of course, a 'heartfelt card' is also a must.

Dr Walsh added that anything that's not-consumable, aka a gift 'built to last' like jewelry or 'anything that could become an heirloom' is a pretty good idea and solid signal for 2026.