Finding gifts for my girlfriend takes a bit of thought: the first little present, when you’ve been together for two months, isn’t the same as the one for your third Christmas together. Go too far and it can feel awkward; hold back too much and it looks as if you haven’t thought about it. Whether you’re after original gifts for my girlfriend, something for her birthday or a present for the festive season, here are 15 ideas sorted by type and a table to help you get it right depending on how long you’ve been together.
- How to get it right
- Little touches for the first few months
- Handmade gifts
- Long-distance gifts
- Christmas gifts
- Depending on how long you’ve been together
- Frequently asked questions
How to get gifts for my girlfriend right
Before you buy anything, keep three clues in mind:
- Listen to what she mentions. The series she wants to start, the book she saw in a shop window or the cream she’s running out of. Note it down on your phone as soon as she says it.
- Match the gift to where you are in the relationship. In the first few months, a small, thoughtful touch; a very expensive present can make her feel she owes you.
- Think about what you share. A song, a place or a joke that only the two of you get is worth more than any brand.
First gift for my girlfriend: little touches for the first few months
The first gift for my girlfriend should say “I notice you” without being overwhelming.
- A book you’ve chosen, with a dedication on the first page. Ideally by an author she likes, even if you haven’t read it yourself.
- A surprise date planned from start to finish: a viewpoint at sunset, a market she doesn’t know or a small gig.
- Something from her favourite series, band or film: a print, a mug or a T-shirt that makes her smile.
- An easy-care plant, such as a pothos or a snake plant, for her desk or her bedroom.
Handmade gifts for my girlfriend
You don’t need to be good with your hands: what moves her is the time you’ve put into it.
- A handwritten letter. Tell her what caught your attention about her on the first day and which memory of these months you treasure. It may not seem like much, but it’s the kind of thing she’ll keep for years.
- A scrapbook of the things you’ve done together, with cinema tickets, train tickets and printed photos.
- A playlist with a note for each song: one track for every important moment and a line explaining why.
- A dinner you’ve cooked yourself at home, ideally the dish from your first date.
Long-distance gifts for my girlfriend
If you live in different cities, the gift has to travel well and make the miles feel shorter.
- A surprise box in the post with her favourite sweets, a photo of the two of you and a note.
- A bundle of “open when…” letters: when she misses you, when she’s having a bad day or when she needs a laugh.
- A shared evening, each in your own home: the same film at the same time and her dinner delivered to her door, on you.
- Tickets for your next visit, already booked. It’s usually the gift that excites her most.
Christmas gifts for my girlfriend
When it comes to Christmas gifts for my girlfriend, the cold and the festive season are on your side.
- An Advent calendar you’ve filled yourself, with a small treat for each day. You’ll find ideas in our guide to the fill-your-own Advent calendar.
- A cosy night-in kit: a soft blanket, some thick socks and her favourite hot chocolate or tea.
- If she has a dog or a cat, something that helps her day to day: a reusable pet hair roller for clothes and the sofa, which is self-cleaning and needs no refills. Best as an extra alongside the main gift.
What to get my girlfriend depending on how long you’ve been together
| Time together | Usually a hit |
|---|---|
| First month | A book with a personal dedication or a surprise date |
| Six months | A letter, a playlist or dinner at home |
| First anniversary | A scrapbook of your days out or a weekend away |
| Several years | A new experience together or something for her hobby |
| Long distance | A surprise box or tickets for your next visit |
If it’s for her birthday, add something small she can open on the day itself, even if the main gift is an experience. And take care with the presentation: here are some ideas for wrapping a gift creatively. If you’d like more inspiration, have a look at our guide to Christmas gifts for women or take a stroll around our shop.
Frequently asked questions
What should I get my girlfriend for her birthday?
What usually works best is a surprise outing together with something to open on the day: a book with a personal dedication, a letter or something related to her hobby. Pay attention to what she’s mentioned over the last few weeks, because that’s usually where the answer lies.
What can I get my girlfriend if we haven’t been together long?
A small, personal touch: a book, a plant or a date you’ve planned. At the start, avoid very expensive or very intimate gifts, because they can make her uncomfortable.
What handmade gift can I make for my girlfriend?
A letter, a scrapbook of your memories or a playlist with a note for each song. You don’t need to be crafty: what she’ll value is the time you’ve put into it.
What can I get my girlfriend for Christmas on a small budget?
A homemade Advent calendar, a cosy night-in kit or a jar of vouchers for things to do together cost little and are remembered for a long time.