When you're in a new, budding relationship, finding the perfect gift for Christmas, Valentine's Day, a birthday, or a "just because" occasion can be a little challenging. Maybe you don't fully know their tastes yet, and don't want to splurge on something they may not even love all that much.
Whether you've only just started dating or have been together for a few months, here are some low-key (yet still extremely thoughtful) gifts that will let your S.O. know that you're so happy you swiped right.
The best gifts for a new relationship:
A dried flower bouquet that'll last for years
The Kaden Flowers and Vase, $55, available at UrbanStems
Whether a relationship is in its early stages or well beyond the honeymoon era, flowers are always on the table. This gorgeous dried flower bouquet lights up any space with shades of bubblegum pink and — as an added plus for the less successful plant parents in our lives — doesn't require any upkeep.
You can read our full review of UrbanStems (our favorite online flower delivery service) here.
A custom box of scented candles
OtherlandCustom candle gift box, from $28.80, from Otherland
If your partner is a homebody or enjoys optimal coziness, a candle box from Otherland goes a long way. Each box is completely personalized, boasting a choice of candles with incredible scents ranging from tennis-themed Matchpoint to summer-inspired Melonspell. Add up to three candles, a charming matchbox, and a subtle but romantic note to your other half.
You can read our review of Otherland here.
A scented, warming coaster for their coffee or tea
Uncommon GoodsCozy Scented Warming Coaster, $15, available at Uncommon Goods
Are you constantly wondering if your partner has a bigger relationship with coffee than they do with you? Don't worry: this spice-filled, heat-activated coaster will keep their caffeinated beverage hot while filling their home with the scent of cinnamon and clove — ensuring they'll think about you with every sip. For an added personal touch, each coaster is wrapped with traditional, handwoven Guatemalan fabric made by woman artisans from Unidas Para Vivir Mejor.
An elegant, budget-friendly initial necklace
Kenedee Fowler/Insider; Joan Fisher/PhotographerMOMOL Initial Necklace, $8.99, available at Amazon
A tried and true gift for an S.O. you're still getting to know, this monogram necklace is both intimate and affordable. Easily personalized and endlessly fashionable, this dainty necklace is sure to make a daily appearance in your partner's wardrobe.
You can read our full review of the necklace here.
A Disney-inspired scrapbook
AmazonHolotap "Our Adventure Book" Scrapbook, $16.99, available at Amazon
Inspired by Pixar's "Up," this adorable take on Carl and Ellie's "Our Adventure Book" is just the gift for Disney lovers and craft fiends alike. Romantic and thoughtful, this colorful gift cheers to a sense of adventure and new memories together.
A set of touch-activated lamps for long-distance relationships
Uncommon GoodsA set of paired lamps for long-distance love, from $125, available at Uncommon Goods
Whether you're kicking off a new relationship across town or across the world, these stylish lamps are designed to keep you and your partner in sync. Tell your partner you're thinking about them with a simple touch, lighting up their lamp (and life) with a personalized hue.
Lightsaber chopsticks for the "Star Wars" fan
AmazonChopSabers Lightsaber Chopsticks (set of 4), $19.97, available at Amazon
For every darling and dearest with a love for "Star Wars," these glowing lightsaber-themed chopsticks will take any meal to intergalactic heights. Your partner can embrace their inner Jedi or Sith with blue, green, red, and purple color varieties — while snacking on their favorite foods, of course.
A subscription that mails "date nights" in a box
HappilyA subscription to Happily, from $32.99 monthly
While this subscription is more of a gift-for-two, a Happily-style date night is a creative way to spend time with the one you love most. From extravagantly themed evenings to something as simple as recipes or conversation starters, Happily is date night in a box. Specially curated to your interests, there are both digital and physical box plans for every couple.
Scented shower steamers based on their birth month
Uncommon GoodsBirth Month Flower Shower Steamers (4 Pack), $20, available at Uncommon Goods
Whether you're searching for a more personal birthday gift or a "just because" surprise, this fizzy four-pack of aromatherapy shower steamers is the way to go. Handmade with essential oils and made specifically for each month of the year, these relaxing must-haves transform showers with scents from rose to lily of the valley.
A delicious pack of cake truffles
Milk BarAssorted Truffle Box, $56, available at Milk Bar
This delectable assortment of cake truffles give your new (and sweet-toothed) lover a chance to try one of Milk Bar's most iconic baked goods. Each tin is stuffed with six classic b'day, chocolate b'day, and limited-time strawberry shortcake truffles — plenty to savor and (lucky for us) share.
An instant camera to get your photo album started
FujifilmFujifilm Instax Mini 11 Polaroid Camera, $69.99, available at Target
What better way to capture your new memories together than with an iconic instant camera? Choose from five timeless pastel hues, each boasting one-touch selfie, auto-exposure, and close-up modes special to this Target exclusive.
A relaxing game of conversation starters to bring you closer
Uncommon GoodsThe Hygge Conversation Game, $20, available at Uncommon Goods
Ideal for lazy Sunday mornings or casual nights in, this light-hearted game perfectly captures the feeling of wellbeing and togetherness that defines the Danish values of hygge. Enjoy up to 330 cozy conversation starters with your favorite person, each guaranteeing plenty of smiles and a deeper understanding of each other.
A luxurious massage oil set
AmazonCosmetasa Massage Oil Set, $40.95, available at Amazon
Toning, soothing and calming, this three-piece set of specialized massage oils by Cosmetasa checks all the boxes. Equipped with a luxuriant massage ball and mitt, this spa-quality treatment is the perfect gift for stressed or relaxation-loving partners — whether they'd use it solo or want to indulge in a romantic couples massage.
A comfy robe they'll thank you for later
L.L. BeanTerry Cloth Organic Cotton Robe, from $84.99, available at L.L. Bean
While robes have been made meme-able by the likes of "SNL," a high-quality robe is a covetable gift. Soft, intimate, and something your partner can use whenever they wind down for the evening, this opulent, ultra-absorbent, and 100% organic cotton robe is something they'll never get tired of wrapping themselves up in.
A camp chair they'll use all the time
Flexlite Camp Chair, $69.95, available at REI Co-op
Behold the perfect companion for all your new partner's adventures to-be…besides yourself, of course. Whether they enjoy backpacking, camping, or picnics on the beach, this comfortable, lightweight chair is abrasion-resistant, accommodates a wide range of body types, and can be folded down for optimal outdoor transport.
A handy card deck for any cat or dog owner
Uncommon GoodsHow to Speak Cat Cards, $10, available at Uncommon Goods
If you've recently started dating a cat person or a new pet parent, this cheeky deck of cards is sure to make them smile — and provide some much-needed cat care assistance. These 100 illustrated cards serve as a foolproof guide to any cat's mysterious whims, from facial expressions to inscrutable meows. There's also an equally fun version for dog lovers.
A luxe silk pillowcase
Bed Bath & BeyondPiccoCasa Silk Pillowcase, $33.49, available at Bed Bath & Beyond
Nothing says "I love you" more than helping your partner get a restful night of sleep. A 100% mulberry silk PiccoCasa pillowcase does just that, equipped with smooth, breathable properties that can promote tangle-free hair and even help fight wrinkles. Talk about beauty sleep!
A subscription to unlimited online courses led by celebs
MasterClass; InsiderA subscription to MasterClass, from $15 monthly
For a partner who loves learning new things, a subscription to MasterClass will give them the opportunity to do so from some of the world's most inspiring artists and icons. Think cooking with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, creative writing with bestselling author Margaret Atwood, and acting with Samuel L. Jackson. (Pro tip: you can upgrade to a duo account for just $5 more a month!)
You can read our full review of MasterClass here.
Yoga dice to inspire new poses
Uncommon GoodsYoga Dice, $18.95, available at Uncommon Goods
If your new partner loves fitness, look no further than this groovy set of yoga dice that turns any backyard or living room into an inviting practice space. No matter how skilled of a yogi your S.O. is, these specialized fitness dice take each of the seven asanas to new heights with the element of surprise.
A copper mug for the mojito lover
Williams SonomaAuthentic Hammered Copper Mug, $20.95, available at Williams Sonoma
If your newly-exclusive S.O. is a cocktail enthusiast, this polished copper mug is the perfect addition to their home bar. Each mug is handcrafted by artisans in Turkey who carry on the ancient traditions of Anatolian metalworking, naturally designed to keep every mojito and mule well-chilled.
A digital picture frame for all your future memories
SkylightSkylight Digital Picture frame, $159.99, available at Skylight Frame
Looking to make an unforgettable impression early on? This Wi-Fi-connected digital photo frame allows your special someone to display their favorite photos by something as simple as sending an email. With both vertical and horizontal modes, unmatched clarity and brilliance, and a 10-inch touch screen, this futuristic frame is the perfect accent to any partner's home.
An affordable cologne
DossierA bottle of Musky Oakmoss cologne, $49, available at Dossier
The true way to a person's heart is through their sense of smell. Inspired by popular scents by many (overpriced) luxury brands, Dossier, one of our favorite colognes, offers an affordable alternative with a focus on the most important part of any cologne: the fragrance itself. Clean, casual, and fresh, this musky scent expertly blends bergamot, rose, patchouli, and oakmoss for an effortless appeal.
Under-eye jelly patches to make their at-home spa day extra special
UltaPacifica Vegan Ceramide Under-Eye Jelly Patches, $7, available at Ulta
Perfect for any beauty guru or an S.O. in need of an at-home spa day, these hydrating under-eye jelly patches are crafted with calendula, marshmallow root extract, and vegan ceramides for sensitive skin. Serving as a moisturizer and barrier for areas that need it most, these nifty skincare staples will give your partner the royal treatment.
A funny toilet light to help them find their way around your apartment
AmazonColor Changing Toliet Night Light, $6.19, available at Amazon
A toilet light might not be the main attraction, but it's a gag gift with a purpose. For the partners who find themselves staying over more often and seem to have a little trouble finding their way around the bathroom at night, this glowing gadget is motion activated and displays 16 colors. Bonus points: it'll also save your partner from being blinded by the vanity lights during their midnight trips to the lavatory.
A shared Apple Music plan
Best BuyApple Music Subscription, $9.99 monthly after 1-month free trial
Even if you and your new sweetheart have different tastes, music is a universal love language. A subscription to Apple Music is the gift that keeps on giving, serving up over 90 million songs, 30,000 playlists, and live radio. Opt for a multi-user plan for just $5 more a month to join the jam sesh.
Gripper slippers they'll never take off
BombasGripper Slippers, $45, available at Bombas
Half slipper, half sock, these new and improved slippers are a lifesaver for our partners working from home—or just looking for a little extra padding around the house. With soft brushed lining to keep their feet nice and toasty, special grips to keep them from slipping on hard surfaces, and colorful options for every personality, it's safe to say they won't ever want to take them off.
Alexis Berry
Alexis Berry is a freelance content writer specializing in product reviews. Alexis has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Columbia College Chicago. Her work has previously appeared in Allium, A Journal of Poetry and Prose, Hair Trigger, Punctuate. A Nonfiction Magazine, and Unpublished Magazine. She is a lover of fantasy fiction, a good hike in the woods, and, of course, writing. Say hi to Alexis at lexy.writes@outlook.com or through LinkedIn.
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