Choosing the best gifts for couples can be a daunting task - especially if you've left it until the week before Christmas - but these editor-approved options will almost certainly please both halves of any happy duo.
Unlike shopping for gifts for friends, picking a present likely to please both partners in a couple is a bit of a minefield. What if one loves it and the other doesn't? Trickier still, what if you know one partner well but the other is more of a mystery? It's tricky territory, for sure.
If you've left your shopping a little late (we've all been there), don't panic. After 26 years of marriage, I've received my fair share of hits and misses when it comes to couple gifts, so I've compiled this list of thoughtful gifts for couples based on personal experience as well as some glowing recommendations from friends and family. This list includes everything from heartfelt keepsakes to practical gifts, indulgent foodie treats, and fun experiences - options that celebrate coupledom while suiting a range of tastes and lifestyles. Whether you're shopping for newly coupled-up friends or a pair of lovebirds who have been together for years, you’ll find something here that fits the bill.
Best of all, at the time of writing, every single one of the gifts on this list should still arrive in time for Christmas.
24 of the best gifts for couples 2024
In a hurry? Jump straight to these retailers who stock, in my view, some of the best gifts for couples all year round:
- Anthropologie: Quirky, original gifts for couples who have everything
- Marks & Spencer: Everything from pretty homewares to practical presents
- Nordstrom: The coolest gifts they never knew they needed
For homebodies
Known for some of the best sheets and top-quality linen bedding, Piglet in Bed offers comfort and style that matches any bedroom trend. Made from 100% natural stonewashed French flax, the fabric softens over time, with a crumpled texture that looks great right out of the dryer – no ironing needed. Order by 7 pm on 19th December for standard delivery in time for Christmas.
Music-loving duos will love this rugged, iconic Willen wireless outdoor speaker. I once stayed in a fabulous hotel that had one of these in my room so I can vouch for the fact that it would make a fabulous couple gift. With 17 hours of battery life and a mounting strap, it's built for any adventure. It even has a built-in microphone so you can take calls hands-free. This is currently on Nordstrom's 'Arrives before Christmas' last-minute holiday gifts page.
Top-quality towels make a great gift, as they make all the difference in your bathroom but aren't necessarily something you'd invest in for your home. I fell for the classic style of these modern stripe towels in M&S recently and when I picked one up and discovered how delightfully soft they are, I had to have them. Order by Monday 23rd December for store collection or Nominated Day Delivery in time for Christmas.
For practically-minded couples
This personalised hand-crafted oak clock is a thoughtful but practical gift for couples, so it's the ideal pressie to mark an engagement, wedding, or first Christmas together. You can include the message, names and dates you wish for the personal touch so it’s a timeless - pun intended - addition to any couple's home. Choose Express Delivery (£4.99 for estimated delivery on Christmas Eve via Royal Mail.)
This pack of prompt cards from Intelligent Choice is designed to spark meaningful conversation and deepen intimacy for couples at any stage of life. Couples can pick cards to match a level of intimacy they're comfortable with, and the questions cover love, life, and values, encouraging couples to put down their devices and reconnect. Order by Wednesday 18th December in the UK for standard delivery in time for Christmas.
A vase is my go-to gift for couples. Fill it with their favourite florals - bonus points if they're hitched and you know their wedding flowers - but it's also a sweet way of encouraging them to keep buying each other blooms. This hand-blown vase gives a nod to the beauty of imperfection and every piece - like every couple - is one-of-a-kind.
For romantics
A gift card is always a good idea for couples, especially if you're not too familiar with both people's tastes. Delivered instantly, it's a stress-free gift solution - no need to worry about shipping delays before Christmas. Anthropologie is the ultimate store for stylish gifts covering everything from quirky furniture to home decor.
Treat the happy couple to a personalised version of their love story from the award-winning book company, Wonderbly. The pages are filled with elegant illustrations and heartfelt messages which you tweak and tailor until the story matches their happy-ever-after. Order by 21st December and choose speedy delivery for Christmas.
If music be the food of love, this is the perfect gift for couples. Crafted from sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled plastics, this stylish turntable with speakers has easy Bluetooth® connectivity for a warm, rich sound. Simple to set up, it's eco-friendly and elegant - ideal for a pair who share a love of music. Order by 3:30 pm Friday 20th December for next day delivery before Christmas.
For mixologists
Do the couple in your life a favour and treat them to a bottle of this rich coffee liqueur. A blend of espresso, toffee, butter rum and caramel with hints of vanilla and dark chocolate, it's a truly delicious treat and the hero ingredient in many classic cocktails. My dad introduced me to this one Christmas many moons ago as the original Baileys. The perfect Christmas gift for any couple that loves a classic festive Espresso Martini.
A sophisticated gift for gin lovers, this luxurious gift set includes a 500ml bottle of Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin and a sleek stoneware jigger, beautifully packaged in a premium gift box. Crafted in Germany's Black Forest, this gin features 47 hand-picked botanicals and is matured for three months in earthenware for extra smoothness.
We all have those couple friends who've had to curtail their love of tequila - usually because they've become parents. This award-winning tequila is crafted from 100% blue agave in Mexico's Los Altos highlands, and has a sweet, citrusy flavour and herbal notes. The perfect gift to rekindle memories of their cocktail-drinking days.
For coffee fanatics
A classy alternative to 'his and hers' mugs, these glazed speckled beauties are perfect for morning coffee and have a robust but sophisticated feel. They look stunning on display and you could even start a tradition by adding to their collection over the years. Order by 6 pm on Monday 23 December and choose next day or named day home delivery for arrival before Christmas.
Perfect for coffee-loving couples, this is a gift that will help shake up date night. Included are the shaker, coffee pods or ground coffee, Absolut Vodka, garnish beans, and a Grind tote bag. Choose Standard Delivery and order by 18th December to have it arrive in time for Christmas.
The ultimate gift for couples who love a hot drink, this stylish machine makes everything from tea and coffee to indulgent hot chocolates - with no capsules required. LED touch controls and a sleek dark metal finish give it luxury café vibes while the non-stick, easy-clean jug means less fuss making your morning cuppa. At the time of writing, this is featured on Amazon's 'Arrives before Christmas' page.
For memory makers
You can't go wrong with a gift that creates a fun, unique experience for a couple to try out. There are vouchers here for chocolate-making classes at lots of different locations around the country so they can pick one to suit them, and many are valid for 12 months after gifting.
The Time Together Box presents thousands of activities that’ll delight even the pickiest of giftees. Once they receive their voucher, the lucky couple can choose from 995 experiences, and the gift can be redeemed up to two years after receipt.
A pasta-making kit is a fun gift that's sure to help the happy couple make meaningful memories together. Aspiring pasta makers love these pasta making kits because they include the finest flour, beautiful beech wood tools and step-by-step guidance so they really can't go wrong.
For the couple who has everything
Homewares make a great gift for couples who have their own place, or are soon to be moving into one. This white velvet cushion cover adds a pop of colour and charm and features patchwork text in vibrant, feel-good hues while the top-stitching creates a quilted texture that’s both stylish and cosy. Order by midnight, Friday 20th with Standard Delivery to the UK to get it in time for Christmas.
They say the couple that games together stays together, so seal the deal with a massive vault of gaming options for them to choose from. Introduced by Microsoft, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a subscription gaming service offering over 100 top-rated games, with new ones regularly added.
Signing them up for Gousto is the perfect treat for couples who love trying new things together. With a choice of fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered to their door, they can enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without the hassle of meal planning.
For foodies
With a Ninja Creami ice cream maker, couples can whip up everything from indulgent ice cream to healthy smoothie bowls - and everything in between, including low-sugar, dairy-free and vegan options. It’s a pricy pressie but there's currently 15% off and it's on Amazon's 'Arrives in time for Christmas' list at the time of writing.
If you're thinking of clubbing together to treat a lucky duo to something really special, this won't disappoint. Designed to mimic traditional wood-fired heat for perfectly even cooking, the Arc lets you create restaurant-quality 14” pizzas in just 60 seconds. We use ours most weekends and haven't ordered pizza once since we got it.
For couples who love snuggling on the sofa, Cartwright & Butler’s Cosy Night In Treat Box is the perfect gift. Inside, they’ll find everything they need for a relaxing, indulgent evening - just add a cosy blanket and a good film. Plus, the Triple Chocolate Chunk Biscuits are some of the best biccies I've ever tasted.
How to buy the best gifts for couples
Kate Salmon, head of home and gift Buying at Oliver Bonas, told woman&home: “Shopping for one person is challenging enough, but shopping for a couple can be significantly trickier - especially if it's a new relationship, or a couple you don’t know very well. Whether it's for an engagement, anniversary, wedding, housewarming, or even a thank-you gift, homeware is always a brililant choice. It's practical, thoughtful, and often becomes a treasured keepsake that both partners can enjoy."
"Why not enhance their everyday routine with a beautifully designed ceramic cafetière or set of two mugs to make every brew feel special? It's a great way to encourage them to take some well-deserved 'them-time'. Or, for a foolproof option, opt for a stylish plant pot to help them grow their indoor garden - after all, their plant babies deserve to thrive too!"
Holly Harper, head of inspiration at Not on the High Street explained to womanandhome.com that practicality is key when choosing gifts for couples: "The trick is to go for something useful rather than something that might not suit their personal taste. Look for items that fall into the 'want, not need' category - little luxuries they might not buy for themselves."
"I love the idea of starting a tradition by gifting couples variations of the same type of present year after year. You can't go wrong with gifts that reflect their personality or represent a shared memory - they're always especially well-received."
What to get a couple who has everything
With over 20 years of experience, wedding industry expert Kelly Mortimer shares her advice for gifting a couple who "has everything": prioritise experience over material items. "Think about what the couple enjoys doing in their spare time or on date nights - this will give you plenty of clues," Mortimer suggests. For those set on gifting something tangible, she recommends choosing items they might not realise they need. "If they love travelling, for example, personalised passport holders or luggage tags can be both thoughtful and practical."
Francesca Pittaway, a curator at Not on the High Street, advises finding a gift with a unique story. "A meaningful gift often comes from its origins - products made from unusual materials, crafted with interesting techniques, or designed with environmental consciousness in mind," Pittaway explains. "When a gifts has a story to tell, whether it's about how it was made or its sustainable journey, it becomes even more special to the recipient."
What are the most popular gift experiences for couples?
Gifting a couple an experience rather than a product offers them quality time together and ensures your gift will be enjoyed and appreciated. Unlike physical items that might not suit their taste or duplicate something they already own, an experience creates lasting memories they'll truly cherish.
