Picking the perfect gift for your special someone can be a high-pressure situation. Whether they’re one of those people who has it all or you’re still getting to know them, choosing the perfect gift isn’t easy. And, if you’re shopping on a budget, it only makes it harder.
Luckily, you aren’t the only one in this situation; it’s actually more common than you think. Getting stumped on choosing a great gift that will both impress and convey how much you care is no fun. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 5 budget-friendly gift ideas for your SO that are sure to make them smile.
#1: Adventure Book
One of the best gifts you can give is your time, and one way to do that while still giving them something to unwrap is an adventure book. Adventures books are a fun and exciting gift because they provide you with ideas for things to do and a way to commemorate your outings. What’s even better is that it adds a dose of spontaneity to your routine because ideas have to be scratched off to be revealed. There’s even a key that tells you how long the activity will take and how much it will cost so you can choose your adventure accordingly. Your partner will love this creative gift and the opportunity to spend more time with you.
#2: A Watch
A watch is a classic gift that’s not only thoughtful, but actually useful. Watches aren’t just for serious professionals, they’re a popular fashion accessory that can take any outfit to the next level. Plus, there are plenty of modern and affordable styles so you can find the coolest watches that perfectly pair with your partner’s style. From dainty gold chains to thick leather bands, there’s a broad spectrum of designs that can be dressed up or dressed down for every occasion. If they’re not likely to wear a watch, you could also go with some other kind of jewelry like a simple ring or earrings they can wear with virtually anything.
#3: Personalized Candle
You’ve likely heard that certain scents can create a connection to memories unlike any of our other senses. Whether you want to help them unlock one of their favorite memories with a candle scent that’s right up their alley or make your new place together feel like home, a candle with a personal touch is the perfect way to go with your gift. There are many candle brands that specialize in just this sentiment, with scents that are reminiscent of certain places (like their hometown or favorite travel destination), hyper-specific experiences like summer camp and book club, or even cherished childhood memories like cooking in grandma’s kitchen. You know your SO best, so find a personalized candle scent that will make them feel warm and fuzzy inside.
#4: Memory Box
If you’re the kind of couple that treasures mementos, this is the perfect gift idea. Take all the memorabilia you have from the times you’ve spent together—this could be anything from those movie ticket stubs from your first date to pictures from your trip to Hawaii—and create a memory box for them. This is an easy but impactful gift that they’ll want to keep forever. Once you’ve collected all the items you’ll put inside, all you need to do is find (or make, if you’re crafty) an interesting container to put them in. This could be a vintage jewelry box, small chest, or even a high-quality shadow box that they can mount on the wall. Just make sure it ties in with their decor so they can proudly display it.
#5: Romantic Night In
Don’t underestimate the value of a romantic night in, especially if your partner is usually the one who runs the household. This gift idea focuses on the effort you put in instead of the money you spend and allows you full control over the budget. Depending on how much you want to spend, you could keep it simple by renting their favorite movie, cooking a simple dinner, and whipping up some delicious cocktails, or you could go all out with a multi-course meal, fine wine, and a fun date night activity. Either way, they’re sure to appreciate that you’ve gone above and beyond to make them feel special.
Hopefully these gift ideas have sparked some inspiration to help you find the right gift for your SO. Remember, whether it’s your anniversary or their birthday, the most important thing is showing them how much you mean to them, not how much you can spend on them.