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Brides' Editors Curated 54 of the Best Gifts for Girlfriends

By
Perri Ormont Blumberg
perri blumberg
Perri Ormont Blumberg
Perri is a New York City-born-and-based writer. She's written about weddings in the New York Post, Men's Journal, Martha Stewart, Business Insider, and more. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Southern Living, news editor at Men's Journal, and food editor at Reader's Digest. She's also been a freelance editor at The Knot and Architectural Digest. 
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Updated on November 08, 2024 05:14PM
collage of gifts for girlfriends

Brides / Kristin Kempa

Yes, you can get your girlfriend a gift she’ll actually love. We promise. 

Take the boyfriend of Brides senior commerce editor Christina Oehler, for example, who got his girlfriend tickets to see “Hamilton” on Broadway for her birthday last year—a show she wanted to see for months. “It was the best experience I could’ve asked for,” says Oehler, who noted that she listened to the soundtrack anytime she was doing chores around the house, so he knew she liked the music. “Not only did he hit the nail on the head with finding something I would be incredibly excited about, but it just showed how much he listened and cared about my interests,” adds Oehler. 

Accordingly, the commerce editor stresses that the best way to find a great gift for your significant other is to be attentive and to note your girlfriend’s interests throughout the entire year and “not just the couple of weeks leading up to giving the gift.” Oehler even goes as far as to have a hidden note in her Notes app on her phone with lists of gift ideas for her loved ones. “Even if it’s not exactly what they’d hope for, it shows that you’re paying attention and care about their interests,” she says. 

Keep reading for 30+ amazing girlfriend gift ideas curated by the Brides team. And feel free to share this guide with all your equally clueless friends if you want to be the hero of your crew.

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FAQ
  • What are the best types of gifts for your girlfriend?

    There are no rules saying what makes the most cherished gifts by your girlfriend, and taste preferences vary by women. While some girlfriends might like jewelry or art for presents, other women might prefer to pick those items out for themselves. In general, we love gifts that are both visually appealing and functional. Think: Home goods, paperie, apparel, and gadgets she’ll use regularly.

  • What should you avoid doing when buying your girlfriend a gift?

    News flash: “It’s very obvious when the gift is really more of a present for the gift giver themself,” says Oehler. “It seems like a no-brainer, but I’ve watched countless friends receive concert tickets for bands they’ve never heard of, home goods they already own (or feel a little misogynistic), or a planned ‘vacation’ without consideration for their schedule,” she continues. That’s why Oehler says if the thought that they might not be 100 percent in love with the gift even crosses your mind, find something else.

  • Is it okay to ask your girlfriend what gift she wants?

    Absolutely. You can always feel free to inquire with your girlfriend if she has been desiring any specific items on her radar these days. “Don’t be afraid to just ask what they’d like!” says Oehler. “Dropping hints can be effective at times, but you’re not a mind reader—even if it ruins the surprise a little, you’ll at least know you’re on the right track and looking for something they’re guaranteed to appreciate.”

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Perri Ormont Blumberg specializes in writing about anniversary gifts and gifts for special occasions. She's written about weddings in the New York Post, Men's Journal, Martha Stewart, Business Insider, and more.

Edited by Cher Checchio

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