Shopping·12 min read

Perfect Presents for the Person You’re in Love With

Gifts for your Significant other
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Etsy
November 1, 2023

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Why does it always seem like the better you know them, the less you know what to buy for them? Whether you just defined the relationship, or you’re in it for the long haul, holiday shopping for your partner can be a feat (to say the least). After a lot of deliberation, we’ve found the best gifts for every budget and relationship stage. These finds are the perfect marriage (pun intended) of thoughtful and practical — and we’ll even let you take the credit. Allow us to point you in the right direction…

Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out our full list of gift guides for everyone on your list.

Phone case
TheCherishedMemory via Etsy

A functional gift for their other significant other…

For the partner who’s married to their phone, this budget-friendly pick will help protect their most cherished possession. Plus, it’s sentimental, but only as mushy as you want to make it. Truly, this is a great gift for any stage of the relationship. PS: Cases are available for iPhone models, Samsungs, and Google Pixel phones. There’s even an option to choose MagSafe, which will make wireless charging a breeze. ($17+, TheCherishedMemory via Etsy)

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Cheese Board
Uncommon Goods

A cheese board you’ll use for every date night in…

Want to make any gift more thoughtful? Add a personal engraving. This crowd-pleasing (literally) cheese board has a unique, space-saving design that can be used in a smaller, triangular shape or as a full, multi-height wheel. Plus, It swivels. For an even more romantic touch, etch a significant date with your two initials. ($56+, Uncommon Goods)

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lightbox round brilliant bezel lariat pendant
Lightbox Jewelry

An elegant lab-grown diamond necklace…

If your SO has places to go and people to impress, they’ll love this handcrafted, 14k gold necklace. The diamonds are grown in a Portland lab using 100% renewable wind energy. And the bezel settings strike that modern yet classic vibe. Plus, they can adjust the length based on their look. Three words: Prepare. for. smiles. (Lightbox Jewelry, $1,200)*

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Book
Amazon

A pre-filled journal to say how much you care…

With 50 prompts ranging from “I believe the world needs your unique BLANK” to “I love to BLANK your BLANK,” this book allows you to say all the things you feel but might not express as often as you (read: they) would like. If you struggle to find the words, this sweet keepsake will have you covered for the foreseeable future (or at least until the next holiday comes around). ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Bedding
Uncommon Goods

A bedding set that might just save you from a sleep divorce…

It’s a tale as old as time: You sleep hot; they sleep cold. You steal the covers; they wake up annoyed. Keep your cool (literally) and give everyone the gift of better sleep with this split bedding that’s saving couples left and right. In other words, no more blanket fights. It’s a win-win. ($85+, Uncommon Goods)

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apple gift card
Apple

A gift card even the pickiest person will love…

Whether they’re a tech fiend, culture vulture, or gamer, Apple Gift Card’s got you covered. Your SO can use it to buy Apple products, movies, music subscriptions, games, and so. much. more. Better yet? They can add it to the Apple Wallet on their iPhone for easy use. Phew. ($10+, Apple)*

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Calendar
JornoTravelGoods via Etsy

A year-round display of affection…

Practical meets sentimental with this custom calendar. Turn your favorite memories into a work of art to be displayed all year long. You can even add important dates (you know, in case they tend to forget). ($30.74+, JornoTravelGoods via Etsy)

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Wall print
OurLoveTag via Etsy

A wall print that's written in the stars…

Whether they’re an astronomy nerd or a wall art fanatic, they’ll love the thought that went into this star map print. Customize the image to their birthday, an anniversary, or any significant date. Whatever you choose, this is one unique gift we can guarantee won’t be a double. ($15.99+, OurLoveTag via Etsy)

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Hand lotion
Net-A-Porter

Not just another stocking stuffer…

This year, stuff their stocking with something they’ll actually use. This simple plant-based hand lotion has a warm-yet-subtle scent and a luxe consistency that won’t leave their hands feeling greasy. A win for holiday season hand-holding. ($43, Net-A-Porter)

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Sweatshirts
CharmingClovers via Etsy

A sweatshirt to put your heart on their sleeve…

Did someone say Blair Waldorf (IYKYK)? This custom embroidered sweatshirt is giving all the feels. It comes in 13 colors and unisex sizes S to 4XL. Psst…you won’t regret it if you buy a matching set. ($30.40+, CharmingClovers via Etsy)

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Wine subscription
Vinebox

A built-in excuse for more frequent date nights…

Wine enthusiasts and newbies alike will love this tasting experience. They’ll receive six new wines each month, equipped with tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and sommelier-led tasting videos. Boxes ship the first week of each month, with tracking provided. Heads up — someone of age will need to sign at the time of delivery. ($79, Vinebox)

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Food subscription
Goldbelly

A gift that keeps the food on the table…

Picky eaters and food connoisseurs alike will be impressed by these mouthwatering eats. Seriously, we can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t love this monthly food subscription box. Specify your partner’s favorite cuisine or let Goldbelly take the reins — either way, they’ll enjoy a monthly feast from renowned chefs and restaurants. ($84.95, Goldbelly)

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Bath salts
Maude

A bath soak to release the holiday stress…

We could all use a little more relaxation in our lives, and this nourishing soak with notes of eucalyptus and sandalwood will help them do just that. Made with salt crystals from the Southern Dead Sea and essential vitamins and minerals, it’s exactly what the self-care doctor ordered. PS: It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and will work to soften and nourish skin. ($18, Maude)

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Journal
Amazon

A written keepsake sure to make them tear up…

Nothing says “I love you” like a journal that’s literally full of things you love about them. This guided journal features 100 fill-in prompts, lists, and more that take the pressure off saying how you feel. No matter their love language, they’ll tear up reading everything you’ve written. ($10.79+, Amazon)

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Magnets
SnapMagnetsInc via Etsy

Photo magnets to capture the most precious memories…

Customize these small, medium, or large refrigerator photo magnets to commemorate your favorite moments. They’re a great gift for your own partner or any couple in your life. If you’ve got a load of vacation photos, now’s the time to finally clear up the storage space on your phone. ($8.99+, SnapMagnetsInc via Etsy)

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Book
The Adventure Challenge

A book to deepen your relationship…

Another gift that keeps on giving, this book will guide you and your partner through unique experiences anytime you’re craving connection. Each time you use it, you’ll scratch off a new challenge (think: bake an apple pie or recreate your grandparents’ first date) that’s sure to bring you closer and break you out of any monotony. Since you won’t be able to see what challenge you’re picking, there are money and time guidelines over each box, so you’ll know what you’re getting yourself and your partner into. ($49.99, The Adventure Challenge)

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Card Game
Free People

A game to spark meaningful conversations…

You know those conversations you want to be having, but are too shy to bring up? It’s much easier when a card game does it for you. This interactive deck contains three levels of questions to deepen your relationship and wildcards to spice things up. Expect conversations like “what intrigues you about me?” or “when was the last time you surprised yourself?” Yes, we know you know your partner…but there’s always room to go deeper. ($25, Free People)

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Moisturizer
Kate Mcleod

A nourishing moisturizer for a self-care moment…

Skip the standard body lotion and give them this unique and indulgent bar that melts right into the skin. It’s made with plant-forward, healing ingredients their skin will thank you for. It’s solid at room temperature so it can stay out in their bathroom, but once they hold the bar, it’ll begin to soften and melt. We love the subtle scent of rose, frankincense, and neroli, plus how sustainable it is (it’s waterless and plastic-free). ($45, Kate Mcleod)

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Memory book
Amazon

A guided journal they'll use daily…

For the partner who loves to let it all out, this five-year memory book will keep them grounded. It’s pretty easy to use since it only requires one line a day, which can also take the pressure off of journaling. Pro tip: Fill it out together for a shared ritual you’ll cherish down the road. PS: It’s a bestseller for a reason, with over 2.5 million copies sold. One of our editors loves it because it can easily track thoughts and feelings over time. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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*This denotes a sponsored post.

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