How to Buy Your Girlfriend the Perfect Gift

Last Updated: December 11, 2021 References Approved

You've got plenty of options to show your girlfriend how much you care about her by getting her the perfect gift. It's important to remember that the most important part of buying a gift for anyone is to make them feel like you really know them. With a little consideration, you can be sure to see a happy face when she opens the box.

Method 1

Method 1 of 25:
Plan ahead.

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Don’t wait until the last minute. By planning ahead, you can decide on a romantic gesture or present that fits the occasion, and you'll have the time to execute it. It also gives you time to order online if you need to.

Method 2

Method 2 of 25:
Brainstorm ideas.

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Think about things she likes, things you like about her, and things you have in common. You can pull a lot of ideas from the connection you’ve built and what you know about your girlfriend. Use these lists as inspiration for gift ideas.
- For instance, if you know she loves cooking, you could get her an apron printed with some of your favorite pictures together.

Method 3

Method 3 of 25:
Consider a practical gift.

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She’ll appreciate something that she can use every day. Many people appreciate practical gifts. Be careful with this option, though; you don’t want to give something too boring or mundane. A good question to ask yourself is, “Is this something she will eventually wind up buying for herself if I don’t?” If the answer is yes, don’t buy it. A good gift should be something she loves and/or can use, but she would not buy for herself.^{[1]
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- For instance, maybe she keeps eyeing a fancy kitchen gadget, but she never has the extra cash to shell out for it, which would make it the perfect gift.

Method 4

Method 4 of 25:
Use recent conversations.

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It's possible she's intentionally dropped a hint about something she may want. Alternatively, maybe you two have talked about something she's really into lately, which can help guide your gift. Using what she says as a source of gift-giving inspiration will ensure you get her something she genuinely likes, and show her that you listen to what she says.
- For instance, maybe she's said, "Taylor Swift's music always makes me happy. I really want to get her new CD."

Method 5

Method 5 of 25:
Look at her Pinterest.

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You can get a lot of inspiration from her feed. If she has one, this is a fantastic resource for figuring out what she wants without asking her directly.^{[2]
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Research source} Another source could be her Amazon wishlist, if it's public. Just make sure you're not buying her something that she already owns.

Method 6

Method 6 of 25:
Consider her love language.

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Matching her love language could make her feel more fulfilled. "Love language" is a term used by Gary Chapman to describe what people need to feel loved. If you can figure out your girlfriend's love language, you can get her something she truly wants and make her feel loved. One way you can figure out her love language is to ask her to take a quiz at 5lovelanguages.com. Don't worry, she'll probably find it romantic that you want to know her love language.^{[3]
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- The first love language is words of affirmation. That means that person feels the most loved when she hears words of appreciation or affection.^{[4]
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- The second love language is acts of service, which means that person feels the most loved when you do actions for her, such as taking over a chore.^{[5]
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- The third love language is receiving gifts, which is as it sounds; this person feels loved when you shower her with gifts.^{[6]
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- For people who value quality time, just spending time with you is the most important thing.^{[7]
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- For people whose love language is physical touch, being close to you is important, from holding hands to having intimate moments.^{[8]
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  www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/communication-and-conflict/learn-to-speak-your-spouses-love-language/understanding-the-five-love-languages}

Method 7

Method 7 of 25:
Ask her what she wants.

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Ask her for a list of things or types of things she's had her eye on. Use good judgment here; some girls will appreciate your consideration in asking, while others may find it strange. If you do ask her for help, avoid just asking, “What do you want?” This way she won't know exactly what she's getting.^{[9]
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Method 8

Method 8 of 25:
Make her something.

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Your girlfriend will value a handmade gift even more. This option is great if you don’t have much money. Making a gift takes more time and effort than just buying something online, but it doesn't need to take days. Plus, you know it will be unique. Don't worry, you don't have to be Van Gogh to make a beautiful gift she'll love.

Method 9

Method 9 of 25:
Make a scrapbook or frame a photo.

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Photos let your reminisce on all your fun memories together. You can either put photos in a simple scrapbook or frame several photos of you two together. Since most photos are on the computer or phone these days, actually giving her physical photos can be nice.

Method 10

Method 10 of 25:
Put together her favorite drink.

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Whether she loves tea or hot cocoa, try making a little kit of her favorite beverage. For instance, for hot cocoa, you could make a homemade cocoa mix with little packets of marshmallows and several small bottles of Bailey's on the side.^{[10]
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Research source} If she likes tea, try making an arrangement of all her favorites, plus some fancy honey. Include a fancy mug to top it off.

Method 11

Method 11 of 25:
Create some homemade bath bombs.

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If your girl loves to soak in the tub, making bath bombs will be perfect for her. Pick an essential oil she'll love to scent them, and she'll be in bliss.
- To make a bath bomb, simply mix 2 cups of cornstarch with 1 cup of citric acid, and 1 3/4 a cup of baking soda by shaking it through a sieve.^{[11]
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- Fill up small spray bottles with water. If you want to color you bath fizzies, add 6 drops of food coloring.^{[12]
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- Measure out 1 cup of powered mixture. Use the spray bottles to add small amounts of water to the powder. Mix it up after each spray. The mixture is ready when it holds together when squeezed.^{[13]
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- Add in the essential oil. For an essential oil with a heavy fragrance (such as peppermint), add 5 drops; use 6 if it's lighter (such as lemon). Stir the fragrance in. Put the mixture in small baking molds, preferably ones that hold about 1/4 cup, enough for one bath. If smaller, use two bath bombs per bath. Repeat for the rest of the dry mixture.^{[14]
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Method 12

Method 12 of 25:
Clean the house.

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Give her a break from chores so she can relax. Maybe you don't want a clean house to be the whole gift, but if you live with your girlfriend, showing you care by cleaning the house is a nice gesture. Make sure you think about all the regular chores, from cleaning the bathroom to doing the laundry.

Method 13

Method 13 of 25:
Make her food.

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Pick a simple recipe or play to your strengths. You could make her brownies (mixes make brownies very easy), and you customize them by adding chocolate chips, caramels, candy, or raspberry preserves, anything she'd like. Don't forget to take her allergies and likes and dislikes into consideration. Alternatively, if you want to step it up, try making a whole meal.^{[15]
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Method 14

Method 14 of 25:
Shine up her car.

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Take her car out, and clean it up, inside and out. If she's like most people, she doesn't always have the time to keep her car in order. Find a way to "borrow" her car. Just be sure not to throw anything away--that could lead to trouble!

Method 15

Method 15 of 25:
Look at handcrafted websites.

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You can find something tailored or customized to what your girl loves. Handcrafted websites offer a variety of gifts that are unique. Check out websites such as Etsy, Custom Made, and Shana Logic.^{[16]
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Method 16

Method 16 of 25:
Try checking craft or art fairs.

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Support local artists and find something custom for your girl. Like websites with arts and crafts, you can find one-of-a-kind gifts at local art shows and craft fairs. While sometimes the prices can be high, you're paying for a truly special gift and supporting your local economy at the same time.

Method 17

Method 17 of 25:
Find something in line with her passions.

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She’ll always appreciate getting something she already loves. For instance, if your girlfriend loves drawing, art supplies are definitely an appropriate choice. However, so is a book about art, or a painting by her favorite artist (if you can afford it). Have the gift line up with things she loves.

Method 18

Method 18 of 25:
Get her unique gifts.

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Make your gift stand out so it has more special value. For instance, if she loves books, giving her a book is an obvious choice. However, you can go one step further. Instead of just getting her any book, try to get a copy of her favorite book signed by the author. That will make it truly unique and special.

Method 19

Method 19 of 25:
Try picking something you can do together.

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A couple’s experience is a great bonding time for you. Instead of giving her something she'll set on her shelf, try giving her something you can go out and do.^{[17]
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Expert Source

Julianne Cantarella
Dating & Relationship Coach
Expert Interview. 6 August 2021.} Whether it's something you both love or something you don't like as much but she does, it will make an unforgettable gift.^{[18]
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- For instance, try getting tickets to a musical or play. Alternatively, you could buy tickets for a local symphony.^{[19]
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- Another option would be to book a couple's massage or a weekend getaway, depending on how long you've been together.^{[20]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Julianne Cantarella
  Dating & Relationship Coach
  Expert Interview. 6 August 2021.}

Method 20

Method 20 of 25:
Consider giving her a more long-term experience.

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Long-term classes can be a good choice if she wants to learn something. For instance, try getting her into a painting class if she's always loved painting. Alternatively, you both could try a beer-brewing class together if she loves beer, which could turn into a life-long passion. Just make sure it's something she's passionate about, which you should know from paying attention to what she says and does.

Method 21

Method 21 of 25:
Try a small trip.

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Even a short jaunt to a cabin nearby can be romantic under the right conditions. It doesn't have to be super expensive, as long as you think about what you your girlfriend likes. For instance, if she isn't super outdoorsy, take her for small getaway in a nearby city or quaint small town.
- For an even smaller getaway, try staying one night at a fancy hotel in town.^{[21]
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- Another option is a "staycation." Basically, you both take a day off from work and make fun plans in the city you live in. For instance, you could make her a picnic and go to a park or go to a concert at the botanical gardens.^{[22]
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Method 22

Method 22 of 25:
Consider the occasion.

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Some girls want to keep celebrations more casual so there isn’t as much pressure. While it might be nice to give a girl a sweet, handmade card to celebrate your 1-month anniversary, a huge romantic gesture will probably freak her out and put too much pressure on the relationship.^{[23]
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Expert Source

Julianne Cantarella
Dating & Relationship Coach
Expert Interview. 6 August 2021.} Likewise, a handmade card will probably not cut it for a 1-year anniversary. However, you have to consider what your girlfriend wants, too; some girls like to make a big deal out of events like birthdays and Valentine's Day, while others prefer to keep things more casual.

Method 23

Method 23 of 25:
Avoid gifts that are more for you than her.

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Make sure you think about your girlfriend, not yourself, when selecting a gift. A skimpy outfit or tickets to a sporting event she doesn’t really care about will not earn you any points.

Method 24

Method 24 of 25:
Don't fall back on clichés.

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Old-fashioned gifts may seem insincere. Popular culture is full of depictions of men giving women teddy bears, heart necklaces, and roses. While some girls may appreciate feeling like they are in a romantic comedy, most will prefer a gift that shows you really know them, and don’t think of them as a two-dimensional stereotype.
- If you are out of time and ideas, at least consider buying a stuffed version of her favorite animal instead of a generic teddy bear, a bouquet of her favorite flowers instead of roses, or a necklace that somehow reminds you of her instead of just a typical heart pendant.^{[24]
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Method 25

Method 25 of 25:
Be wary of clothing and jewelry.

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Always check your girlfriend’s tastes before you commit to clothing. While these can seem like great ideas, you should think twice about giving clothing or jewelry unless you are very confident that you know your girlfriend’s tastes. It is always a good idea to include a receipt with wearable gifts, so that your girlfriend has the option of exchanging your gift for something that suits her better.

Community Q&A

Question

My girl does not have feelings for me, what will I do?

Community Answer

You should move on. You cannot make someone love you or have feelings for you. She may realize that you are good for her if you give her some space, but she also may move on as well. The right person will love you for you.
Question

Can I give her a watch?

Community Answer

Yeah! Make sure you have some idea what her personal style is, though. If you're not sure, ask one of her girlfriends, or bring along a woman you know, like a friend or sister, to give you advice.
Question

I'm going to ask a girl out really soon, and she likes me. However, I am not allowed to date, have a girlfriend, or buy anything. Nevertheless, what would a fifth grade girl like as a present?

Community Answer

You can get her chocolate, candy, or a cute stuffed animal.
Question

My girlfriend wants me to get her a Halloween costume but my parents don't know I'm dating and I need their permission to buy things. What should I do?

Community Answer

You could tell your parents you're going to get something for a classmate. If they ask, just say that classmate has no friends, and they don't get gifts on Christmas or their birthday.
Question

My girlfriend really loves 21 Pilots. Would a 21 Pilots phone case be an appropriate gift?

Community Answer

That would be a great gift. There are also a lot of low priced 21 Pilots fan shirts on Amazon.
Question

Do expensive gifts show the more I love her?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

Generally, no. If your girlfriend is someone who only likes expensive gifts, she may be rather shallow. A friend of mine recently got married to someone from abroad. When she arrived, she mentioned she had brought seeds from her parent's garden to plant here, as a living connection to her old home. So he bought her a pot and some soil. Cost $10, but she was over the moon with happiness. The more your gift is something she actually wants and likes, the more it shows you love her.
Question

What presents do girls want for Christmas?

Community Answer

Your girl is an individual. Get her something related to her likes and interests.
Question

What do I buy a 10th-grade girl for her birthday?

Sabrina

Community Answer

Get her something personal. Maybe a picture of the two of you, or something that you can both laugh at when you look at it.
Question

She is in the hospital. What can I do to make her strong?

Sylghouls

Top Answerer

If you're looking to buy her something, consider a get-well gift. Remember, however, that the most important gift you can give those who are ill is your support. Remind her that you're thinking of her, and that you're there to support her.
Question

I do a lot of graffiti art (legally). I thought it might be a nice idea to create a piece out of her name as a show of appreciation. Is this a good idea?

Sylghouls

Top Answerer

That sounds like a very unique and personal gift! If you think your girlfriend would like it, then you should go for it--remember, it's the thought that counts.