24 Non-Cringey Gifts to Give Your New Partner
Navigating a new relationship is challenging enough, but when the question of holiday gifting is involved, things can get iffy. How much do you spend? Do you even get them a gift? While there’s no harm in setting these parameters with your new S.O., we took it upon ourselves to put together a list of gifts that don’t feel cringey in the slightest. How do we know? Because we’d give them whether we’d been dating for a week or for all of quarantine. Here are 24, to get the ball rolling.
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1. rag & bone Addison Beanie
Knit from 100 percent extra-fine merino wool, this cool-kid beanie will not only keep your new S.O. warm, but it will also make them look cool enough to be standing next to you (obviously).
2. Bloomscape Spicy Herbs Collection
Are you dating someone who doesn’t think cilantro tastes like soap? This Edible Spicy Herbs Collection from Bloomscape is just the thing they need for unlimited amounts of homemade guac, arugula salads and oregano-seasoned sauces.
3. The Wonderful Wine Co. The Starter Pack – 6 Bottles
You might notice that at the beginning of a new relationship there’s a lot of at-home wine nights (especially while social distancing). Get your vino-loving partner a half dozen bottles of this organic, sustainable wine for a healthier alternative—with none of the hangovers. This six pack comes with two bottles each of white, red and rosé, but The Wonderful Wine Co. also offers three-packs and twelve-packs. Plus, you can also buy a pack with just one variety, if they happen to be more of a red-wine-only person.
4. Kiki de Montparnasse Massage Oil Candle, Lotus No. 9
If you’re ready to take things to the next level, this massage oil candle just might do the trick. It smells slightly floral and a little sultry thanks to the lotus flower, and it’s made from a soft, natural wax that melts at body temperature to create a sensual massage oil. They can use it after dark…or just to hydrate their chapped hands while working from home.
5. Madewell Quilted Shirt Jacket
It’s like his version of the trendy shacket. Part button-down and part puffer, this jacket can be worn underneath a wool coat or on its own, over a hoodie, for that just-right feeling of warmth. It’s also machine-washable and made with sustainably sourced cotton poplin for a lived-in feel.
Available in sizes XS to XL
6. Our Place Always Pan
Chances are, you two have gotten pretty good at cooking for each other over the past few months (or reheating takeout…same, same). Gift your better half this do-it-all kitchen staple that replaces eight pieces of traditional cookware with one sleek, millennial-approved pan. It sautés, steams, boils, fries, scrambles, you name it. And with the addition of the new Spruce Steamer add on, it even makes takeout-like dumplings right at home. Yup, you’ll get to reap the tasty benefits of this gift.
7. Assouline Amalfi Coast Coffee Table Book
You may not have been able to take your first European vacation together yet, but this beautiful coffee table book is like a sign of adventures to come. Plan out your dream Amalfi Coast getaway now so when international travel is encouraged, you’ll be ready to explore the umbrella-lined beaches of Positano (Aperol spritz in hand).
8. Someone Somewhere Grayscale Lightpack
Keeping in line with the travel theme, this compact backpack is just as at home on a morning commute as it is stowed under the seat on the next flight to Palm Springs. It’s made from ultra lightweight fabric and can be rolled up to be smaller than a Chipotle burrito. Oh, and did we mention that each bag is handmade by an artisan in Oaxaca, Mexico?
9. Violet Grey The Bright Eyes Set
We could all use a little more self-care in our lives, and that’s exactly what this beauty set delivers. Gift it to your GF who works tirelessly at a computer all day—the silk eye mask, radiance-boosting eye cream and brightening under-eye masks will deliver all the relief from all that blue light exposure (trust).
10. Crosley Radio Cruiser Deluxe Turntable
You’ll know if your partner is obsessed with music if they still collect vinyl records (or strives to be someone who does). Gift them this record player, which also doubles as a radio and Bluetooth speaker. Then, track down their favorite album of all time to earn major bonus points. Not sure where to start? Just stalk their Spotify to see what they listen to the most.
11. Oculus Quest 2 Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset
Sure, Nintendo Switch is cool and all, but virtual reality is the future…OK, and it also allows you to watch Real Housewives of Potomac unbothered for hours. This headset comes everything they need to experience life-like graphics, including two touch controllers that transports gestures and motions into VR. They can even connect it to a gaming-compatible computer with an Oculus Link cable to access hundreds of PC virtual reality games, which can also be shared with friends.
12. Bloomsbury Market Cruzville Black Chess Board Game
On the other end of the spectrum, if your guy or gal is more of the intellectual type, they’ll so appreciate this onyx and marble chess set. And if you’ve learned anything from The Queen’s Gambit, it’s that this time-tested mind game can actually be thrilling to play. Grab some mulled wine, start a fire and make Beth Harmon proud.
13. Yeti RAMBLER 12 OZ COLSTER CAN INSULATOR
If your relationship’s still fresh, going all out can feel premature. Instead, opt for a small gesture that shows just how much you pay attention to their needs…like when they keep using their sleeve as a koozie. This Yeti can insulator will keep their hands warm and their beer crisp for the long haul. If you really want to win their heart, just grab a 12-pack of their favorite lager and top it off with a big red bow.
14. Theragun Mini
Whether your new love interest is training for a marathon, never skips a WOD or just likes a shoulder massage while bingeing Netflix, this handheld percussive therapy device is about to become their new best friend. Just like the bigger Theraguns, this mini version delivers massage force to relieve pain, accelerate recovery and improve performance. It even has three speed options and QuietForce Technology.
15. ‘Modern Comfort Food: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook’ by Ina Garten
Take a cue from the love fest that is Ina and Jeffrey and get your aspiring chef the Barefoot Contessa’s newest cookbook, complete with recipes like skillet-roasted chicken and potatoes and creamy tomato bisque—just the type of comfort food you’ll both want to eat while hunkering down for winter.
16. Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle
Being a coffee snob isn’t a bad thing. But you probably shouldn’t try to pick out a single origin bean from Ethiopia without knowing if they like it first. Instead, gift them an impressive java accoutrement, such as this sleek electric pour-over kettle, which will make their a.m. ritual even more special.
17. Jenny Bird Slice Slice Baby Bracelet
We know what you’re thinking: Jewelry? Really? Hear us out. This delicate gold link bracelet would be nice on its own, but it’s the cheeky pizza charm that adds a little humor and makes this gift feel a touch less serious.
18. Anthropologie Bonnie Fringed Wrap Scarf
For the girlfriend who’s always cold, we present this blanket-like fringed scarf that’s bound to be wrapped around her shoulders from now until March. Available in neutrals like cream and navy or statement colors like pink and turquoise, there’s seriously a hue for every preference.
19. Casper Weighted Blanket
Speaking of blankets, an actual weighted blanket is another clear winner. Designed to help relieve anxiety and stress, this 15-lb throw from Casper is like sending your long-distance BF a soothing hug—even if you can’t physically give him one.
20. Everlane The Wool Five-Panel Cap
If your guy is less of a beanie and more of a baseball cap person, this warm and fuzzy cap is where it’s at. Made with wool and a touch of elastine, it will mold to his head from the first wear, making it even cozier.
21. Tangram SmartRope LED
While we certainly wouldn’t advise getting your new love interest a gym membership for obvious reasons, this smart jump rope is a different story. It fuses technology and fitness to create a full body workout that can be done anywhere: in the gym, on the road or in month nine of quarantine. The coolest part? It displays their fitness data via LED lights mid-air and syncs workouts on the SmartRope app. Technology, man.
22. Charter Club Cashmere Jogger Pants
We definitely wouldn’t turn down one of Charter Club’s beloved cashmere sweaters, but these joggers are a whole new level of cozy. Made with the softest cashmere yarn and a relaxed fit, they’re exactly what your S.O. will grab for every movie night, game night…OK, and just about every night.
Available in sizes XS to XL
23. Airbnb Gift Card
Road trips are the new international trips, according to 2020. And it just so happens to be the perfect way to connect with a new S.O. Get them an Airbnb gift card, or just do the leg work and plan a romantic winter weekend away for the two of you.
24. Madewell Suede Scuff Slippers
Cozy slippers: Everyone wants a pair, but no one wants to buy them for themselves. That’s where you come in. These suede slides feature a cozy faux-fur lining and grooved rubber sole for added traction indoors or out.
Buy It ($45)
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