Gifts for Couples

Are you tasked with buying a present for your favourite couple? Need some help deciding what to get for them? Let us guide you through this potential gift minefield.

Two’s Company

Couples are sometimes a difficult gift-buying proposition. The likes and dislikes or two separate people have to be satisfied in one single gift. Get it wrong and you will disappoint at least one person, if not both of them.

Our advice would be to think carefully before you start shopping for the happy couple. Think about previous conversations – did they ever mention a particular item that they loved? Ask your other mutual friends for inspiration or even group together and buy a high-value gift that will really get them going!

Get Personal

It’s a great idea to personalise your gifts if you know the couple particularly well. If you don’t then you might skip this part!Monogrammed gifts work particularly well. You can imprint the initials of their first names on a range of presents – from candles, dressing gowns, towel sets to travel toiletry bags, slippers and cotton bed linen.

It is not a feature that costs a lot but is one that makes a huge impact – it shows that you went that extra step especially for them. It is also a great way to include both parties within the gift. Most retailers offer this option so don't be afraid to ask when you are at the checkout. Alternatively a local haberdashery will be happy to take on the task for you.

Keep it Safe

If monogramming seems like a step too far, keep the gifts generic and safe. You can still give them candles, towels and dressing gowns, but keep them plain. You won’t be offending anybody by giving a safe present – in fact, the happy couple may well be counting on receiving these types of gifts!

Picture That

Sometimes it’s the simplest gifts that can make the biggest impression. If you have a particular good photo of the couple in your own personal collection, frame it and hand it over.

If you have a series of good photos then you can really bring this gift idea up to date. Think about getting a digital photo frame. They are widely available now and they won't break the bank. All you have to do once you have purchased it is upload the images. The effect is impressive and acts like a slide show of happy memories!

Wine and Dine

If you know that they are keen wine drinkers, why not add to their drink collection? Few people can turn down a good glass of wine. Buy a small wine rack in a material that you think will fit into their home interior. Then place a couple of specially selected varieties for them to enjoy. You don’t have to break the bank either – a few £10 bottles of red or white is more than generous. Your nearest off-licence or wine merchants will be able to help you with your decision.

Alternatively you can go to the extreme and give them an exclusive bottle of a wine – so exclusive that they would never normally justify the cost! Here we are talking about premium champagne brands like Cristal or a bottle of some seriously expensive port. If you have the cash then feel free to splash out, especially if it’s a special occasion like a golden or silver wedding anniversary.

Experience Days

If the couple you are buying for are in need of a little escape, think about buying them a special day away.Think before you book. How adventurous are they? If you think they have a head for heights or an adrenalin addiction then you can really push the boat out. Here are some ideas that might get your imagination going:

• A trip on a hot air balloon;
• A private helicopter tour of the city;
• A day of instruction on a sailboat;
• Hire a Ferrari for a day;
• Book two places on a day cooking course.

Whichever choice made, try your best to keep the balance and use your common sense. If she loves cars but he hates them, don’t book a track day. Find another alternative idea that will make both of them happy.

Couples might seem difficult to buy for but you shouldn't fret. You have two choices: you can either make the presents generic or make it really personal and get them a gift that really means something to both of them.