19 Gift Ideas for Your Girlfriend that Are Creative & Thoughtful

I know you’re probably scratching your head about what to get your lady for the holidays, but I’ve got your back with 19 gift ideas for your girlfriend.

Before we get started, your girlfriend is not some mythical creature who you will never please with a gift. In fact, you coming here and searching for an idea shows you care, which is what really matters. And if you’ve been listening to her, even a little, you shouldn’t have too hard of a time coming up with the perfect gift ideas for your girlfriend.

Here are all the gifts she’ll definitely love. You know her best, so pick something for her off this list and wow her!

Now, unless you trust your knowledge of her size, I would avoid clothes. I’ll get into exceptions later, but this is such a touchy subject so it’s best to avoid it.

[Read: 25 perfect gifts to get your girl for Christmas]

How to decide on the perfect gift for your girlfriend

Of course, you can do the basics like flowers and candy, but that is a little safe and honestly boring. The thought is what counts and running to the closest drugstore for half-dead flowers and expired candy isn’t much thought.

Jewelry is another classic, but if you don’t know her style *which you should know*, don’t risk it. You should easily know if she goes for silver or gold. you should know if she likes dainty and simple pieces or something more flashy and unique.

If you aren’t sure, steer clear. There are plenty of other avenues to go down. [Read: 16 special ways to show your appreciation for someone you love]

Before I get into specific ideas, I want to remind you that you don’t have to get the most romantic, expensive, or impressive gift. Usually something you’re excited to give her, she will be excited to receive.

My boyfriend is very nervous about buying gifts for me because I am known as a good gift giver and he doesn’t want to disappoint me. It’s so sweet. And the best gift he ever gave me he couldn’t save for my birthday or Christmas. He knew I’d like it so he gave it to me as soon as he got it.

It was a Friends LEGO set of Central Perk with all the characters. I adored it. It showed he knows how much I love the show and it was something we were able to build together. Usually, the thing you can’t wait to see her reaction to, will be the perfect gift. If you’re nervous or unsure, there is a reason.

So, keep that in mind moving forward. [Read: 36 sweetest things to do with your girlfriend that she’ll love]

The perfect gift ideas for your girlfriend

You know your girlfriend. I don’t. So take these ideas and adjust them to your girlfriend’s lifestyle, preference, and vibe. Trust your knowledge of her.

#1 Her favorite snacks. This seems small, but knowing all her favorite treats will impress her. Find a cute basket and go to the store. Get her favorite salty snack, sweet snack, maybe a jumbo cup for her favorite drink, a throw blanket so she can relax and watch her shows, and her favorite coffee, tea, or alcoholic beverage.

#2 Something sentimental. Sentiment counts for a lot. You don’t need to buy her a diamond bracelet. Instead, go to Etsy and look up customizable gifts. You can get her a print of you two with your pets or outside your home. You can take something that broke a long time ago and get it fixed. [Read: 25 really romantic ideas to make your girlfriend melt]

#3 Activities to do together. I know COVID has made this one harder but if she is more of an activity person, get creative. Get tickets to an outdoor concert, an outdoor tour of a town or area near you, or even virtual cooking classes (yes, that is a thing).

#4 Nostalgia. If your girlfriend is anything like me, she looks back on her childhood and wishes she could relive it. Buy her something off eBay from her decade whether that be the ‘80s, ‘90s, or whenever. It could be a Barbie, a board game, a remaster video game, if you’re unsure of what her favorite things were as a kid, you could snoop through photo albums or ask her parents or siblings.

#5 Something she’s been complaining about. This is the easiest gift. If she is always complaining she can’t reach the top shelf, get her a step stool. If she hates that there is one room in your house that is super cold, get a portable heater. Listen to what she talks about and fix that. [Read: How to make your girlfriend feel special with the smallest gestures]

#6 A fandom gift. Your girlfriend loves something. It could be Friends, it could be Marvel, or Disney, whatever it is, they make so many things for it. They have Disney princess waffle makers, Star Wars tee shirts, and Barbie PJs *these are the clothes that are acceptable as they are usually baggy and comfy*.

Search her fandom. Maybe it’s Harry Potter or Charmed or Grey’s Anatomy gift ideas. you’ll be surprised how many options you have.

#7 A plant.  Not a flower. A plant. Flowers in a vase die, a plant is something you will care for together. Make sure it is safe for any pets she may have. You can name it, help her water it, and look up the best care practices. Doing this together will bring you closer too. [Read: 15 effortless gestures girls always notice and appreciate]

#8 A meal kit. Make her life easier with a meal kit. This way, she doesn’t have to do the shopping or the measuring or the worrying about what’s for dinner. You two can even cook the meal together and if you do the dishes, it’ll be a bonus.

#9 Heated blanket. Every girl I know always complains she’s cold. I’m sure your girlfriend is similar. A heated blanket, weight blanket, or even an essential oil-infused heating pad will keep her feeling toasty and warm.

#10 A game. You can’t go wrong with a board game. You could go old school or get something modern. They have Clue, Monopoly, and LIFE themed with just about anything you can imagine. You can also get a couples game that will grow your bond even stronger.

#11 Ornament or home decor. If you’re shopping for the holidays and looking for cute gift ideas for your girlfriend, a Christmas ornament, decoration, or something else for her home is always sweet. It shows you know her style and want something you picked to have a place there. [Read: What is a promise ring and is it worth giving?]

#12 A silk pillowcase. And eye mask, will win her over. Most girls know about these but they are rarely things we buy for ourselves. Silk sleep masks and pillowcases have so many benefits for the hair and skin but they are also luxurious. [Read: Kinky gifts for your girl that she’ll definitely love]

#13 Beauty subscription box. If your girlfriend is into makeup and skincare, this is one of those perfect gift ideas for your girlfriend that will be right up her alley without having to pick something out. You can get her a gift card or a subscription for 3, 6, or 12 months. Just Google beauty subscription box and you’ll find a ton.

Be sure to search for cruelty-free or vegan boxes if that’s her.

#14 Crafting set. With all the time we’re spending at home lately, she may have more time on her hands to try something new. If she’s been wanting to get into a new hobby, get her a sewing kit, a knitting set, or other beginners set of something she’s interested in.

#15 Bookshelf games. This is a specific one but it is so cute. They make board games like Candyland and Clue in mini form. They look like books from the outside but inside have everything you need for the game. You can buy them on their own or a set of them.

#16 Skincare fridge. If you’ve noticed your girlfriend applying skincare, using face masks, or tools that confuse you on her face, my bet is she’ll love a skincare fridge. This is a mini-fridge (tinier than the ones in dorm rooms) that sits on her vanity and keeps her skincare products and tools cool to the touch for a nicer sensory experience.

#17 A book of date nights. You do need to put your thinking cap on for this one, but it’ll be worth it. Make a book of about 12-20 date night ideas for the coming year. Plan it all out: Where you’ll go, what you’ll eat, etc.

Make a book out of it on the computer or hand-make it if that’s your thing. Throughout the year, she can pick whichever date she wants and has to give you 24 hours to get it together and then you have the date. [Read: Top 50 amazing date ideas to wow your girlfriend]

#18 Smartphone printer. Printing out photos seems to be a thing of the past but it shouldn’t be. Hard copies of photos are so nice to have. If she had a convenient printer for the photos she has on her phone, she’d be way more likely to actually print them instead of scrolling through thinking about how she should print them one day.

#19 A coupon book. Yes, the coupon book you made your mom when you were a kid will go a long way with your girlfriend. When you’re thinking of the perfect gifts for your girlfriend, this coupon book should be customized to her and your relationship. Some general ideas would be a massage, you make dinner and do the dishes, a movie of her choosing, her favorite takeout, a trip to Target, etc. [Read: 25 sweetest romantic gestures for every day that your girl will love]

While I’m here, there are some things you should avoid.

#1 Premade body care sets. These are a copout. They have low-quality ingredients, don’t smell great, and show you put little to no effort in.

#2 Perfume. Unless you know her favorite.

#3 Vacuum. Or anything for cleaning unless she specifically asked for it.

[Read: 7 gifts you should never, ever, ever buy for your girlfriend]

If you are still unsure, even with all this expert advice, do not be afraid to ask her friends and family for ideas. I know it is intimidating, but it is the best way to get something you know she’ll like. And trust me, they will find it sweet that you asked to make sure she’s happy.

[Read: How to show off your girlfriend on social media in a way she’ll love]

Finding gift ideas for your girlfriend doesn’t have to be as hard as it sounds. You just need to pay attention and have a little creativity.