20 Unique Christmas Gifts for a New Girlfriend or Boyfriend
With every house and shopfront bedecked with twinkling lights, Christmas songs playing on the radio, and maybe even a few sprinklings of snow on the way, you’ve got the perfect background for romance.
There’s just one problem. You have no idea what to get your new significant other for Christmas.
It can be stressful to navigate the proper holiday gift exchange etiquette where a new relationship is concerned. There’s a lot of pressure to get it right and, honestly, for good reason.
If you’ve only been dating for a short time, your first Christmas gift sends an important message about who you are and what you’re looking for. You don’t want to misrepresent your feelings with a poorly chosen present.
At ArtPix 3D, we like to think we have some expertise on the subject. After all, creating unique gifts is pretty much what we do. Consequently, we’ve got a few pro-tips to help you make a good impression on your new girlfriend or boyfriend this Christmas.
Tip 1: Don’t overspend. This is a gift, not an investment. If you’re still sorting out your feelings, you don’t want to make it seem like you’re ready to take a huge step forward in the relationship by purchasing an extravagant Christmas gift. Even if you feel confident that your new boyfriend or girlfriend is “the one,” now is not the time to lay out all your cards on the table. It might make them uncomfortable, especially if they don’t feel the same way yet.
Tip 2: Don’t get them anything too personal. It can be extremely awkward to receive an intimate gift from someone you don’t know that well. A good rule to follow is to stay away from personal items you haven’t seen them use. For example, if you haven’t slept over yet, you might not be ready to buy sleepwear for them.
Tip 3: Avoid overly practical gifts. This stage of the relationship should be fun and exciting, and your Christmas gift should reflect that. If you opt for something too mundane, you run the risk of coming across as too serious or, worse yet, boring.
Now that we’ve covered what not to do, let’s talk about the kind of Christmas gift you do want to give your new S.O.
The message you want your gift to communicate goes something like this: I think you’re pretty cool, and since I’m also pretty cool, hanging out with you is a lot of fun. Let’s keep this up.
What really counts here is creativity. Not only do you want to demonstrate how much thought you put into your Christmas gift, but you also want to highlight your fun, imaginative side. This is an excellent opportunity to show off how much you know about your new S.O.’s likes and interests, especially if you share any interests in common. It’s also the perfect time to dust off any special creative skills you may have been hiding.
Still not sure what to get the object of your affection this holiday season? Well, since you asked, we might have a few suggestions. Here are 20 unique Christmas gifts that would be perfect for a new girlfriend or boyfriend.
An Inscribed Book
You can tell a lot about a person by the stories that resonate with them. Inscribing a book for your new significant other is a meaningful way to give them a glimpse into your interior life. Pick a book you think they’ll love, or a favorite book of yours that you want to share with them, and write your own introduction on the title page. (If you prefer not to write inside the actual book, you can insert a handwritten notecard instead.)
Share a little bit about why you chose that book for them and what you hope they’ll take away from it. Reading your perspective first will make them feel like they’re getting to know you better with every page of this thoughtful gift. Need some ideas on what to write in your inscription? Check out this article by Kyle Ingham.
Personalized Sketchbook or Notebook
Chic Rose Gold Foil Marble Monogram Notebook
Maybe you’d prefer to give your new girlfriend or boyfriend a personalized gift that focuses on their interests. If you’re dating someone who loves to draw, journal, or jot down their thoughts throughout the day, designing a one-of-a-kind sketchbook or notebook just for them would be a great gift.
This stylish monogram notebook from Zazzle lets you get creative with your customization options. You can experiment with fonts, word placement, and even the layout of the paper inside to create a unique gift that your S.O. will want to use every day.
Feather Quill
Feather Quill With Ink Set from Amazon
Another thoughtful gift for a creative girlfriend or boyfriend that’s both whimsical and incredibly elegant is a feather quill set. Perfect for anyone who loves calligraphy, feather quills bring a touch of grandeur to any writing project, whether it’s the first draft of a literary masterpiece or a thank-you note to a considerate partner for an excellent Christmas gift. This beautiful feather quill from Amazon is available in red, black, and blue, and comes with ink, a matching stand, and a set of quill tips.
A Plushy of Their Favorite Notable Figure
Andy Warhol Little Thinker from The Unemployed Philosophers Guild
If you and your S.O. share a deep love for philosophy, history, and the arts as well as a wacky sense of humor, giving them a plushy of their favorite intellectual for Christmas is sure to make them smile. The Unemployed Philosophers Guild has a variety of Little Thinkers to suit every area of interest, from psychology to literature to politics. This adorable Andy Warhol plushy is a great choice for art and film aficionados.
Not only will this unusual gift showcase your fun side, but it’ll touch your partner’s heart to know that you remember who their heroes are. Not sure about the plushies? The Unemployed Philosophers Guild also has a collection of Magnetic Personalities, refrigerator magnets that are also finger puppets. Who wouldn’t want a tiny Jean-Paul Sarte on their fridge to remind them that their life is the sum total of their actions?
A Significant Otter
Another unique plushy present that’s as sweet and thoughtful as it is adorable is this Significant Otter Package from Cute Dose. A perfect Christmas gift for anyone who loves puns and cute animals, this delightful package comes with a stuffed otter and up to two pairs of snazzy, otter-themed socks. If you haven’t had the dreaded “so what are we?” talk yet, this is a great, low-pressure way to bring up the question.
Statement Jewelry
Taking Flight Bird Earrings from ModCloth
Giving someone jewelry for Christmas can sometimes be indicative of a serious step forward in a relationship. However, if you’re not ready to take that step, it doesn’t necessarily mean that jewelry is off the table. Statement jewelry or novelty jewelry is a great way to give your partner a thoughtful and stylish accessory that’s not too intense. These Taking Flight Bird Earrings from ModCloth are a perfect example.
While beautiful, these earrings don’t exactly say, “I’m ready for kids!” They say something more like, “You have a unique sense of style, and I respect that.” This idea can apply to gifts for a boyfriend, as well; just look for an unusual tie pin or pair of cuff-links.
Birthstone Jewelry
Dainty Gemstone Necklace from Etsy
This is another unique, non-intimidating jewelry gift for a new significant other that’s a little more personal. If you haven’t had the chance to celebrate a birthday with them yet, this romantic gift will hint to them that you know when it is and will be prepared. You can find creative and affordable birthstone jewelry on Etsy. This Dainty Gemstone Necklace is a great gift for a new girlfriend, while a Zodiac Birthstone Bracelet is perfect for a new boyfriend.
Custom Guitar Pick
Custom Engraved 2pcs Stainless Steel Guitar Picks from Amazon
If your new S.O. plays guitar or has a passion for music, personalized guitar picks are a thoughtful, creative way to deliver a heartfelt message. These customizable stainless steel picks from Amazon come with a handy keychain carrying case to keep them from getting misplaced. Whether they’re engraved with a romantic love note or a cute inside joke, these custom guitar picks are sure to make your new boyfriend or girlfriend feel special.
Song Lyrics Print
Personalized Favorite Song Lyrics Vinyl Record Print from Blim & Blum
The best way to a music lover’s heart is to know all the words to their favorite song. Wouldn’t it be great if you could somehow use their favorite song lyrics to create a unique Christmas gift for them, too? A Personalized Favorite Song Print from Blim & Blum makes it easy to do just that! This stylish print pays homage to the classic design of vinyl records and creatively incorporates your partner’s favorite song lyrics and any special message you want to add.
A Mixtape
Of course, the most time-honored gift from one music lover to another has to be a mixtape. For one thing, it’s a great way to give voice to your feelings without having to muddle through the inevitable tongue-tying effect they have on you. It’s also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your killer music taste. Be sure to present your new boyfriend or girlfriend with a physical copy of your mixtape, such as a CD, a flash drive, or even an actual cassette tape (those are “in” again, right?)
If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you could include a handwritten song list with notes. Be conscious of your partner’s enjoyment while putting this gift together, though. It may be an opportunity to introduce them to your favorite songs, but don’t turn it into an intensive course on prog rock. Check out this article by Al Shipley for some great tips on creating a dynamic mixtape.
Scratch-Off Movie Poster
Enno Vatti 100 Movies Scratch Off Poster from Amazon
Maybe your new guy or girl is more of a movie buff. If that’s the case, they’ll love this interactive scratch-off poster from Amazon. Incorporating 100 essential, must-see films for any cinephile, this poster lets you keep track of the top rated movies you’ve seen. As your S.O. scratches off each entry, they’ll reveal a tiny, minimalist movie poster, slowly turning this movie log into stylish wall decor. You’ll get to know a little more about their taste as they unveil the movies they’ve already seen. It also gives you the opportunity to plan some movie date nights.
Movie Poster Art
Moonrise Kingdom Minimal Movie Poster Print from Wayfair
If your new boyfriend or girlfriend has already talked about their favorite movies, this is a thoughtful and creative way to let them know you were listening. This Minimal Movie Poster Print from Wayfair is a sleek, grown-up twist on the idea of hanging a movie poster in your home. Printed on canvas, these clever designs take memorable images and quotes from great films and transform them into chic art pieces that go perfectly with any decor.
Beer Cap Map
All 50 States Beer Cap Maps – Illinois from Amazon
Is your new S.O. a craft beer connoisseur? Give them a creative way to keep track of the different beers they’ve tried with this unique beer cap map from Amazon. Available in the shapes of all 50 states, this is the perfect Christmas gift for anyone that takes pride in their extensive repertoire of local beers. You can also use this gift as an excuse to plan a few trips to out-of-town breweries.
Cocktail Recipe Book
Ultimate Bar Book by Mittie Helmich from Barnes & Noble
Buy your partner a cocktail, and you’ll amuse them for an evening. Buy your partner a book of cocktail recipes, and you’ll have a fun, sophisticated Christmas gift they’ll use again and again. Perfect for amateur mixologists, cocktail enthusiasts, or anyone that loves to entertain, Ultimate Bar Book by Mittie Helmich offers a recipe for almost any cocktail you could think of. It also includes useful information about different types of alcohol, bar tools, and mixing techniques.
A Brew Bottle
Whether your significant other is a tea drinker or a coffee drinker, a Brew Bottle from Soma is guaranteed to make their daily routine 100% better. This innovative thermos lets them easily brew their favorite hot or cold beverage and take it with them anywhere. Not only is this gift ingenious, but it will also make your new guy/girl feel loved and cared for.
Bubble Tea Kit
Bubble Tea Kit from Uncommon Goods
Who doesn’t love bubble tea? It’s both a delicious beverage and a fun snack all in one! With a Bubble Tea Kit from Uncommon Goods, your boyfriend or girlfriend can enjoy this treat whenever they want. It comes with two different tea flavors, tapioca pearls, stainless steel straws, and, of course, instructions. This unique gift also doubles as a creative date idea if you offer to help your partner try it out.
A Bento Box
Kokeshi Bento Maneki-Neko White from Bento&co
If you want to get your new S.O. something that’s both practical and fun, a cute bento box from Bento&co is just the thing. Perfect for anyone who brings their lunch to work, these grown-up lunch boxes come in a variety of sizes and unique designs to suit your partner’s culinary needs and personal style. This thoughtful gift will not only simplify their routine but also brighten their day!
Photo Strips
Photo Strips from Social Print Studio
Nothing could be more romantic than receiving a scrapbook full of beautiful memories that your partner took the time to put together. However, in the early stages of a relationship, giving your S.O. a photo album for Christmas might be a little too sentimental.
Not only do you probably not have enough photos together to fill an album, but all the blank pages left over could make it seem like you’re pressing them for a long-term future. Avoid a potentially uncomfortable situation and try a trendy alternative: have your digital photos made into Photo Strips by Social Print Studio.
Designed to look like pictures taken in a photo booth, these photo strips make charming wall decor or cute bookmarks. Your new gf/bf will love the ingenuity of this gift, and they’ll feel special when they see how much thought you put into it.
A Photo Keychain
Speaking of unique photo gifts, we happen to have a few of those here at ArtPix 3D. If you’re looking for something with a lot of heart to give your new boyfriend or girlfriend this Christmas, how about a crystal Keychain Heart engraved with your favorite photo together? This personalized crystal is something they’ll want to take with them everywhere, and, thanks to our convenient keychain design, they absolutely can!
A Bouquet of Bacon Roses
Half-Dozen Bacon Roses in a Vase from Bacon Bouquets
We really shouldn’t have to justify this one. I mean, it’s a bouquet of bacon! Seriously, though, this is an excellent alternative to the cliché of giving your partner flowers for every special occasion. Express your love with bacon by choosing a delicious arrangement from Bacon Bouquets. They offer a variety of options that are sure to please, from bacon roses in a vase to bacon roses dipped in chocolate.
We hope these 20 unique gifts gave you a few ideas on what to get your new boyfriend or girlfriend this Christmas. For more great gift ideas, visit the rest of our blog.