Hi everyone. First and foremost I just want to thank everyone who helped me through a very difficult time in my life when I broke up with my ex. This site is priceless. Ok, now on to what I need help with.

My girlfriend is turning 30 in July and I really want to do something special for her. I can definitely see myself marrying her, but I am not ready financially right now to make a big purchase (by the way, we've been together for 3 years) to get her a ring. She loves to travel so I was thinking of getting her a ticket to Thailand, but besides that I have no clue whatsoever on what to get her. Last year I got her a beautiful necklace which she absolutely loves, but this year I don't know what I should get her. I was thinking of getting her a promise ring also, but yet again I'm not sure. What does a woman who is turning 30 want? Thanks.

Side note: Not that it matters, but I'm 26 years old and neither one of us have any kids, but I do know that marriage and kids are on both of our minds. I don't feel pressured though and we have talked about this on numerous occasions.

First you say that you can see yourself marrying her, but you say you have financial troubles. So how can you afford a plane ticket? Shouldn't you be saving up.

Furthermore, why do you think that it will be more expensive to get married? I'm assuming that you're not living together. But living together would actually reduce expenses, unless you're currently living at home.

Have you talked about marriage with her? Is financial stability the only thing holdnig you back?

If you're serious about marriage, then I suggest that you save your money. Buy her a simpler gift (something that has more meaning as opposed to something that is expensive) and take her out to a nice dinner.

Based on information provided... being that you are not financially able to make a huge purchase should not stand in the way of a promise ring or engagement. If you can afford her a ticket to Thailand than surely you could afford to buy her a promise ring... women who are really in love do not care what you pay for the ring you place on their finger... they care about the way it is presented to them and the way you hold to its meaning. I think it would be a great idea if you are really in love with her to just take her out on a FUN DATE and then present her with a promise/engagement ring. I am sure she has been secretly wishing for it. By the way even if you buy her a ring... she will be happiest with what ever comes from your heart.

If you can afford a ticket to Thailand, you surely can afford an engagement ring.

Why not buy a smaller more conservative model for now, with a promise to upgrade it after you both finish school?

Im with others here, a ring would be a great present, and I too think she may be secretly hoping for one, and she wouldn't be bothered by the price it's the thought that counts, and just for good measure if you intend to marry her anyway, then go down on one knee when you give her the ring, shell be absolutely delighted.

So delighted it could be a ring out of a christmas cracker for all she will care...

Women like romance...

I think if you can get her a ticket to Thailand you can get her a ring instanded she might love that more and it doesn't have to me big or anything you can get her a small one for now and you promise her when you get more money and you guys are still together you will get her a better one. To me all she will care for is that your ready to be with her she won't care of the size of the ring. WISH YOU BEST OF LUCK.