I'm not engaged, but very much in love with my sweet geek and amazing boyfriend and I'm thinking about popping the question. I would like to give him something like an engagement ring but not really. I feel so confused… how do I propose without a ring, and what should I propose with??
What would you suggest as cool alternatives for an engagement ring for a guy?
-Melissa
If you're thinking of proposing to your masculine partner of any gender, we think there are two things to keep in mind when thinking of what object you should give your partner:
- Whatever you choose should have specific relevance to your relationship
- You want it to be something long-lasting like a ring would be
I'm reminded of an Offbeat Bride reader who proposed to her boyfriend with a spoon! Franki explained:
We were talking about engagements one night and I said, ‘Who decided on rings, anyway? Rings are completely arbitrary and I don't really want one. An engagment spoon — now that would be original.' A month or so later… I bought a spoon and proposed to him. Most people think it's neat, some people don't get it at all. The important part is that we both like it and he was totally over the moon when I asked — just as much as I was over the moon when he said yes.
But, if you don't happen to have convenient inside jokes that revolve around engagement traditions, I've compiled a super fun list of things you could use to propose to your boy or otherwise masculine partner:
A necklace
Okay, so maybe your partner isn't into an engagement ring, but would they wear a necklace?
A handkerchief
Remember the “bromance notes” Ariel featured in her gifts for groomsmen post? Well you could use them as their original purpose… to convey words of love!
A fancy watch
Watches are sort of like rings in that you can find them in any price range. Here are a few we like…
Engraved lock
Customized Leatherman
Leatherman, maker of those all-in-one tools, make some truly stunning personalized and custom options… perfect for proposing to your handy sweety.
An engraved lighter
We know one Offbeat Bride reader proposed to her guy with an engraved “engagement lighter.”
An engraved axe
Are you proposing to a viking? We gotchoo…
Pocket watch
Other ideas…
Anyone else have any ideas? Leave 'em in the comments!