As the holiday season quickly approaches, it’s time to start brainstorming gift ideas. Whether it’s for a loved one or a friend, trying to come up with the perfect present can be stressful. It is always a little challenging for me, but I remember feeling particularly daunted when shopping for my girlfriend for the first time.
We were only a few months into our relationship, and all the gift ideas I could find and think of seemed too superficial or overwhelming. Christmas was the first time I was buying my girlfriend a formal present and I wanted to make it memorable. How do you find the perfect gift that says “I love you,” and “I know you” without coming on too strong? With a little creativity and thoughtfulness, you can find something that will make them feel genuinely appreciated. I’ve compiled some advice that’s helped me in the past:
Keep it personal
When working on a tight budget, making a present yourself is a great way to personalize its message. Plus, creating something unique will make your partner feel cherished and loved. If you’re not sure where to start, the Smith College DTI is an excellent resource for making crafts — their facility boasts an extensive collection of art supplies, including a laser cutter! You’ll have everything you need to create a truly one-of-a-kind gift that your partner will treasure. I like to enhance the presents I make for my girlfriend with notes or decorative wrapping. I even lazer-cut a message into the book I bought her at the DTI. Super cool.
My pick: Choose a book that has some significance to your relationship and personalize it with a dedication to your partner!
Warm hugs are always a good idea
Want to incorporate your partner’s favorite animal or character into their gift? Jellycat makes pricey, but impossibly adorable stuffed animals in a wide variety. I’ve personally been collecting the whimsical creatures and can say they are the perfect stuffed animal. I love how well all the colors pair together. They also have a collection of food stuffies — perfect if your partner is an avid lover of a specific pastry or veggie. Your partner will love snuggling up with their new cuddly friend, and it will remind them of you every time they do.
My pick: This adorable and quirky Nessie Nessa stuffie is perfect for hugs— not to mention an epic bed centerpiece.
Get them something so cozy, you’ll want to steal it!
For something even cozier, get your partner a soft blanket or sweater to keep them warm all winter. These can vary in price and give you the opportunity to style your partner. My girlfriend and I love to pick outfits for each other, and I find it really touching when she wants to style me. Make it a special moment for both! Or simply snuggle up together under the blanket for a cozy night in.
My pick: As cute as faux fur or sherpa blankets start out, I feel like they always get matted and look dirty too quickly. I love the feeling of combed wool and the bold colors of this Crate and Barrel throw.
Build and bond!
If your partner’s primary love language is quality time, get them a present that invites you to spend time on an activity together. This could be a craft kit of any kind and can lend itself to your partner’s specific interests. Try a book nook for your library-obsessed lover, a grown-up lego set for your architect nerd or even a personalized puzzle, complete with pictures from your favorite moments together. My girlfriend and I have spent countless hours poring over our craft sets. These have proved to be a surprisingly good teamwork exercise. And who knows, maybe this present will be the beginning of a holiday tradition.
My pick: My girlfriend and I have loved constructing this mini detective’s office. Neither of us have a particular passion for mystery but it was just too cute to resist! I will admit it’s pretty time consuming, but the result is well worth the work.
And finally, when all else fails, a little bit of everything!
If nothing seems perfect for your partner, why not make a basket with a little bit of everything your partner loves? This works well if your partner has a lot of hobbies or interests, or you think they might appreciate a few smaller gifts instead of one big one. This basket could include makeup, skincare, collectible figures (think Sonny Angels and Smiskis), their favorite snacks (especially ones that are hard to find), little books, handmade jewelry, drawings, a homemade scrapbook, letters and more.
This gift will show your partner how much you care and just how well you know them! I absolutely love receiving these. It’s so much fun getting to incorporate all the little presents into my everyday life. Now, every time I look at the candle she bought me, I am reminded of my girlfriend’s love. When I arrange baskets for my girlfriend, I usually focus on her favorite foods, especially the less common ones. She’s got a big thing for these Swedish ginger cookies and I love to hunt them down and see the look on her face when I give them to her! It’s the little things.
My pick(s): My dream basket consists of Weleda skin food (lifesaver for dry skin), Pacifica Beauty reusable eye patches that I have been longing to try, Sonny Angels hippers and mini children’s books to add to my collection. Kind of an eclectic mix, but that’s what makes it perfect!
Hopefully, this list sparks some ideas and makes this holiday season all the more special for you and those you love.
