Kylie Zielinski loves watching Christmas gift idea videos on TikTok.
So, after she finished Christmas shopping for her boyfriend, Teddy, Zielinski thought it would be a great idea to make a video showing everything she bought for him. Her goal was to get into the holiday spirit and also help other young women with gift ideas for their boyfriends.
However, after posting the video, the content creator’s clip went viral, garnering more than 3 million views and 3,000 comments. She also sparked a discussion about how much is appropriate to spend on a partner for the holidays.
“My bank account could NEVER,” one user commented.
“My SO would have a panic attack if I gave him this much stuff,” another person wrote.
“I would never do this until, until I get a ring lol,” said someone else.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Mom of 4 shares daughter’s $5,000 Christmas list — and why she plans to fulfill every wish (Exclusive)
In an interview with PEOPLE, Zielinski, a 22-year-old from New Jersey, explains that all the things she bought her boyfriend — including New Balance shoes, Skims and Lululemon threads — were things he truly needed. The only gift she gave him, which he didn’t necessarily need, but which she considers her favorite, was The New York Times The Philadelphia Phillies book.
“He loves baseball, he loves the Phillies, and he loves history, so I thought this would be perfect,” she says. “I even had his name engraved on the book to make it more personal. I know he’ll think it’s great.”
“I think I spent about $600,” she adds. “I don’t really want to know how much I’ve spent, though! My friend did the math a few weeks ago when she asked me what I bought Teddy, and she said, ‘Oh girl, you don’t want to know.’ ‘ ”
Kylie Zielinski shows off her boyfriend’s Christmas gifts.
Kylie Zielinski
Zielinski, who has been in a relationship with her boyfriend for five years, adds that the two of them agree every year not to buy much for Christmas. But regardless, each holiday season they both end up overdoing it.
I am very grateful to be able to spoil Teddy and I wouldn’t change a thing!, she says.
“I’m really lucky and privileged to have work opportunities that allow me to spoil my boyfriend, but I would never expect that in return,” she adds. “I love a good love letter and I was looking for a pair of socks!”
She continues, “Materials are just materials. They have no value and mean nothing. As long as you’re in a happy relationship, that’s all.”
She also says budgets are a great idea when it comes to holiday shopping and can help make gift giving more fair and balanced.
“This could take the pressure off both partners and ensure that no one feels overwhelmed or like they have to spend too much,” she says. “As long as both partners feel comfortable and happy with whatever they spend, I think it’s really important to find what works for any relationship! It’s more about the love and care you put into it than the price.”
“[Teddy] he always says my love is enough but I like to give gifts and surprise him so I just got what I felt he would love!” she adds.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education