They were. Just not for the poor. The poor just got married and be done. Worst case: they sold the girl for a goat or so, and that’s it.

I mean in the past there was a point in expensive rings. But since, times changed and marketing got more insane.
Engagement rings were basically insurance for the ladies - because it actually hurt to have an engagement broken. Damage to reputation could meant literal starvation.

Sounds interesting. I will wait for people who are smarter than me to look at this an dissect, before I put my own little understanding to the task :)

Do it again. Because why not? It makes her happy.
And if you want a cynical comment: you can always re-gift the same things again.

Top Mom move if the kid had a spare elf costume. I hope he did have one, and just had to change :)