Whether you’ve been dating for a few weeks or in a relationship for years, choosing the perfect gift for your partner can be tricky. Will your significant other go the romantic and sentimental route? Or do something extremely generous and over-the-top? It’s just as hard to think of gift ideas for a new relationship as it is to be original after 10 years of marriage.
The goal is to find a gift that’s appropriate and accurately conveys how you feel, with the hope that your partner is on the same page. Some are more appropriate for those who have been dating a few weeks while others are better suited for a few years.
To help you on your gift-giving search, I’ve created a gift guide for every stage of your relationship:
Gift Ideas for a New Relationship
If you’ve been seeing each other for a few weeks, you probably have a glimpse into your partner’s hobbies and interests. When it comes to gift ideas for a new relationship, the goal is to keep it light, fun and not too expensive.
1. A Book About a Topic They’re Interested in
Books are a neutral gift, but you can personalize it with a topic they’re passionate about. Books are also less costly, which is appropriate since you two are still in the casual phase. As excited as you may be, keep gift ideas or a new relationship on the less expensive side.
For him, you could find a sports autobiography. What’s his favorite sport? Is there a particular player he always mentions? Some of the top-rated sports autobiographies are NFL 100, Kobe Bryant’s The Mamba Mentality, and Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike.
For her, you could look for The Game of Thrones series, if she’s mentioned she loves the show.
2. A Gift Card That can Be Used for Your Next Date Night
For her, you can buy a gift card from her favorite restaurant.
For him, you can get a Fandango gift card and tell him to use it when a good movie is coming out.
Both of these gift cards are not too personal, yet still show you are planning a fun date in the future. It’s an invite to continue spending time together.
3. A Pun-derful Mug
This is your chance to be witty. Find a mug with a pun that relates to one of their interests or an inside joke you share.
Let’s say you’re dating a science teacher. This Etsy mug will make him laugh.
If you’re seeing a woman who loves cats, this pun mug will make her smile.
Similar to the gift cards, this is an invitation to continue spending time together without going overboard.
Dating for Several Months
While you are still getting to know each other, your gift-giving strategy should be slightly different. Unlike gift ideas for a new relationship, you will want to step out of the neutral zone and get more personal.
1. A Personalized Accessory
For her, this could be a necklace with her birthstone or a bracelet with a thoughtful engraved message.
For him, you could look for a new wallet because the one he has is ten years old, or a new briefcase to bring to his new job. This type of gift is sentimental without being too extravagant. It shows you pay attention to the details.
2. Anything That Helps Them Unwind
Life can be stressful, and you want to ease the burden for your significant other.
For her, that could be a Spafinder gift card to get a massage.
For him, Ralph Lauren slippers paired with an L.L. Bean fleece-lined bathrobe would be great to help him relax after a long day at the office.
3. Tickets to an Event or Concert
She could enjoy going to see Bruno Mars and¬¬ a Suns’ game may get him pumped. You can check out many different options on StubHub.
Committed/ Married
At this stage, you have established a deeper, more meaningful connection and this should be reflected in your gift.
1. Make a Scrapbook
This is a gift that is perfect for both him and her. Go through the pictures of you two and create a photo album that tells your love story. Even if you aren’t creative, your significant other will appreciate this type of heartfelt gift. A scrapbook is something you can both go back to and cherish.
2. Something They Buy for Themselves
No, this is not an excuse to buy him socks or buy her a blender.
Let’s say you’ve heard your partner complain about needing somewhere to put his phone while he goes on his morning run. You can buy him the Apple Airpods and an arm band to hold his phone so he is free to run.
If your significant other has started meditation, you can get her a meditation cushion kit and some essential oils to take her practice to the next level.
3. Take a Trip Together
A vacation can be expensive, but it can be a romantic getaway to spend quality time together. Whether you opt for the tropical paradise or cozy cabin in the woods, a trip is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your connection.
All of these ideas are intimate and show your significant other how much you care. Gift ideas for a committed relationship and marriage should be drastically different than gift ideas for a new relationship.
A gift in the early stage of dating should be light and fun, whereas a gift in the later stage of a relationship should be an expression of your love and devotion.
At Every Stage of Your Relationship
To increase your chances of choosing the right gift, ask yourself:
What is she interested in?
What is he passionate about?
Is my partner the type to enjoy an experience versus something extravagant?
The point is to be thoughtful yet appropriate. If you’re thinking of gift ideas for a new relationship, don’t buy her a new phone. And if you’ve been married for 20 years, don’t buy your husband clothes. Think outside-the-box and give your partner something that’s memorable and special to the two of you.
P.S. I receive no fees, payments, etc. for the recommendations here. As a Matchmaker, I get a lot of questions about what gifts should be given at different stages of the relationship. My recommendations are intended to be helpful.
