If You’re Looking For The Best Gift For Your Girlfriend, Here’s What We Really Want

Finding a thoughtful gift for your girlfriend may feel like trying to solve a PhD-level mathematical equation, but there actually is a solution. Many solutions, actually. If you’re struggling to find the best gift for your girlfriend that shows her how deeply you care, here is your definitive guide.

  1. Flowers It’s a cliché for a reason: flowers are timelessly romantic. If you opt for this gift, be prepared for the price tag. Nice flowers are more expensive than you might think ($20-$50 is pretty standard). Their scent, delicacy, and beauty are what make them pricey, and opting for the cheapest option will not get you any of these things. If you are wanting to spend less on a gift, choose one of the other options instead.
  2. A well-planned date A lot of people think of “dating” as the preliminary part of a relationship. Once you’re a couple, dating is in the past. But it shouldn’t be. Few things are as romantic and meaningful as a well-planned night out with the person you love. Find a nice restaurant that she’s always wanted to try, get tickets to a show or a movie, and see the delight in her eyes as you tell her the plan. The effort that you put into organizing the perfect evening will make her feel more loved than any physical gift.
  3. A subscription to a streaming service There are thousands of great tv shows out there, and almost as many streaming services. If you want to get your girlfriend a gift that keeps on giving and that you can also benefit from, a subscription is a great option. You’ll have all the more reason to curl up on the sofa together and get lost in a new story.
  4. A book The key to a thoughtful gift isn’t the object itself (there are plenty of books out there), but the significance behind it. You could get her the latest bestseller, but that’s missing an opportunity to do something more meaningful. Choose a book that has personal resonance that you think she would appreciate, or better yet, pay attention to the topics and hobbies she’s been interested in lately and find her a book in one of those areas.
  5. A handwritten card The saying suggests that it’s the thought that counts, but anyone who’s ever received a terrible but well-intentioned gift would probably disagree (there’s also research to back it up). A card is one of the instances where the thought actually does count, as long as you make an effort. This may be why a lot of people opt for a pre-written Hallmark-style greeting card with a clichéd sentiment: writing how you really feel is hard! If you are able to pour your heart into a card for your girlfriend, no other gift, however extravagant, could compete.
  6. An indoor plant Many things went viral during the pandemic (no pun intended), but few were as culturally tenacious as houseplants. During a time when no one was allowed to spend time outdoors or see their families, indoor plants were an outlet for them to get their nature fix and nurture something that didn’t require as much commitment as, say, a puppy or a baby. Research shows that houseplants have therapeutic properties for both physical and mental wellbeing, and one look at Pinterest shows that they are the latest necessity in interior design.
  7. A massage Gifting your girlfriend with a therapy session may not hit the right note, but a massage might be a welcome compromise that accomplishes many of the same things. Like therapy, massages have proven benefits for mental and physical health due to their release of hormones such as oxytocin and dopamine, which are associated with stress relief, elevated mood, and social connection. Whether you book her in for a session with a massage therapist or go the DIY route, she’s bound to feel relaxed and revitalized afterward.
  8. Something cozy Fancy clothes and flowers are great, but feeling cozy is even better. Give your girlfriend something that makes her feel warm and fuzzy, inside and out. Options include a hot water bottle, soft pajamas, fluffy slippers, or a set of silky sheets.

More ideas for the best gift for your girlfriend

  1. A scented candle Like massages and houseplants, candles have healing properties. According to Chryssa Chalkia, an integrative psychotherapist, the power of scented candles lies in how our brains process smell. Some scents remind us of happy memories, while others, such as lavender, peppermint, and geranium have a powerful effect on mood and physiological disorders. Due to the connection between scent and memory, giving your girlfriend a candle will also give her a reason to think about you. Over time, the smell of the candle will be inextricably linked to you.
  2. An initial necklace Making a gift feel personal is essential, and what better way is there to accomplish this than by giving her a necklace with her initials? You could even use the name or initials of someone else, such as her mom or even her dog. That way, she will always have them close to her heart. I’d advise against giving her a necklace with your initials on it unless she expressly asks you to.
  3. Luxury body lotion Scented body lotion has all the mental health benefits of scented candles along with the luxurious feeling of a day at the spa. Anyone who has never had the joy of covering themselves in lotion after a hot bath is missing out. In fact, why not avail yourself of some of the lotion you give her the next time you take a shower at her place? It’s a win-win.
  4. An orgasm (hers, not yours) Before you dismiss this one as irrelevant to your situation, let me provide some illuminating statistics. A 2019 study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that heterosexual women reach orgasm only 31-40% of the time. Heterosexual men, by contrast, reach orgasm about 95% of the time. The authors of the study argue that, while men appear to recognize the importance of clitoral stimulation, they often fail to recognize when a woman is (or isn’t) climaxing. An orgasm may therefore be a pretty special gift.
  5. A workshop for her favorite hobby What are her passions? Does she love to cook? Make arts and crafts? Dance? Giving her a handful of cooking, pottery, or dance classes will take her hobbies to the next level and give her the opportunity to meet people with similar passions.
  6. A concert Post(ish)-pandemic, we’re all in need of some good live event experiences. You don’t have to take her to her favorite band of all time. Live music is often just as much about the atmosphere and venue as it is about the music itself. Check your local listings to see which groups are coming to town and find one that looks promising.
  7. A framed photograph In our digital age, physical pictures are becoming less and less common. Getting a high-resolution print of your favorite photograph of the two of you or her family or favorite place is one of the most thoughtful gifts you could give. It’s meaningful at any stage of a relationship and can fit any mood you’re trying to conjure–romantic, sentimental, or even funny.
Rose Nolan is a writer and editor from Austin, TX who focuses on all things female and fabulous. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the University of Surrey and a Master's Degree in Law from the University of Law. She’s been writing professional since 2015 and, in addition to her work for Bolde, she’s also written for Ranker and Mashed. She's published articles on topics ranging from travel, higher education, women's lifestyle, law, food, celebrities, and more.
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