If your boyfriend is anything like mine, when asked what he wants for Christmas, he either replies with a simple “surprise me” or the best response, “I don’t know.” With this totally specific and very helpful gift criterion in mind, it can be a challenging time even for long-term couples to determine what to get their partner for the holiday season.
You want something personal, yet not too soppy; practical, but not totally aromantic; and unique, but not something too niche. Even though it seems impossible — don’t fret. I’ve created a list of unique, meaningful gifts that are achievable this holiday season for your boyfriend to love.
a homemade card
Talk about the most budget-friendly and DIY-inspired gift enhancer. Beginning any personal gift for a partner with a card gives the impression that you took your time and that you wanted to personalize something for the other person. To maximize this, consider drawing holiday imagery, adding plenty of colors (and may I recommend some glitter), and a personal note thanking them for all the fantastic memories you have created together so far during your relationship.
For the music lovers
There are so many unique ways to personalize someone’s music taste. Whether it’s the entire present or a part of a small collection of gifts, there are numerous ways to utilize the love of music. Consider some of these options: making your partner a playlist, giving them a vinyl of their favorite album, a series of posters from their favorite artists, artist merchandise, concert tickets, making your own custom vinyl mixtape, Spotify code keyring, a retro Bluetooth speaker, or these music inspired bottle openers.
for the sporties
If your boyfriend is obsessed with their fantasy football draft or is constantly updating you on the ESPN notifications on their phone, you’re in luck. I have a wide range of sports-themed presents to add to your boyfriend’s collection this season! Some options include a mock trophy for their fantasy football team, buying them a year subscription to Redzone, a customized Jersey with yours or their last name, a triangle flag for their favorite college football team (or any merch in general), new cleats, custom art of their favorite football player, or tickets to a game.
for the basic clothing lovers
It can be challenging buying clothes for your partner. Everyone’s go-to is a nice old pair of socks, and while socks are awesome, there are ways to expand the clothing horizon beyond them. My boyfriend swears by the Hollister brand shorts, as they have styles ranging from comfy cotton cargos and structured linens. Target and Walmart both have selections for matching pajama sets for couples. A designer pair of shoes for the shoe collectors. A watch is highly fashionable, and Citizen makes affordable options. Take your partner for a thrift-shopping afternoon on you.
for those who love style
A solid cologne is a staple gift. Take your partner out to a Sephora or JCPenney to discover their favorite scent. Another, differing idea is a necklace. Chains are in fashion currently and the GLD Shop has a wide range of styles. If your partner’s ears are pierced, take them to get new jewelry or even matching piercings!
for the media junkies
Those obsessed with movies, TV, or video games would normally love for their hobbies to be appreciated in the form of gifts. Purchase a trailer poster for your partner’s favorite films or television programs. Buy them a projector that can connect to a phone to take movies/streaming on the go. Gift them an annual subscription service to a platform such as Netflix or Hulu. If they are into the classics, The Top-100 Movies Of All Time Scratch Off should fuel the fire to watch more films together.
For gamers, a simple gift card for the Xbox or PlayStation goes a long way. If they don’t already have one, perhaps gift them a second console controller so you can play duo games together. Many games have action mini-figures that you could help your partner begin to collect. A highly practical option could include a portable charger, extended storage options, or paddles/stickers for controllers.
gift toppers
Finally, I like to have some variety in my gifts. “Gift toppers” are what I like to define as small, less expensive items you can just throw in with presents or combine them all together to add some variety. They’re flexible enough to pair along with most gifts. To rapid-fire some quick ideas, these would include your partner’s favorite snacks, gift cards, lip balms, pens, skincare, mugs, holiday candies, stickers, toy cars, PEZ, mini crosswords/sudokus, small stuffed animals, small Lego sets, and famously, socks!
I hope this list inspired the gears in your brain to start turning this holiday season. Happy shopping!
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