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The 54 Couples Gifts We Love The Most

Gifts they can enjoy together—whether for housewarmings, anniversaries, weddings, or holidays.

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collage of the Lime & Lou Our First Dance Custom Print on a blue gingham background

Southern Living / David Hattan

If you think shopping for one person is hard, add in another person, and throw in different personalities and desires. Shopping for a couple—whether for housewarmings, anniversaries, weddings, or holidays—dictates thinking about what the happy couple might love, but maybe haven’t bought for themselves.

These are opportunities to show your friends and family you care about them in a tangible way. It doesn’t have to break the bank, and can even be something like contributing to their honeymoon fund or that first house purchase, but it should reflect your relationship with them.

For insight, we turned to Neillie Butler, who believes you should think about items that might be useful around the home. “High ball glasses, a martini shaker, or a guest bath hand towel are great choices. If the couple has a particular interest, lean into that to personalize the gift. For example, if they love to play games, consider something like a cool backgammon set.”

Meet the Experts:

To come up with our list of the best gifts for couples, we spent hours researching products and considered factors like budget, occasion, and the range of gifts available from practical to indulgent.

Imagine visually capturing that special moment when your favorite couple met. The personalized star constellation map is an actual view of the night sky on the date you select and is personalized however you submit. It’s available in multiple sizes, and you can add a frame if you wish. Who doesn't love a romantic piece of artwork to decorate their home?

An evening spent idling over a jigsaw puzzle has a lot of allure. This one will spark memories of National Parks visited together and seed plans for future trips. It features 63 parks over its 500 pieces and was designed in Nashville. The best part is a portion of the proceeds of puzzle sales support non-profits aligned with True South’s mission to give back.

For the couple that loves board games, this 135-card set will spark fun conversations that help them get to know each other on a deeper level. With questions surrounding topics like the most romantic thing your partner has done, how to spend a large sum of money, and songs that remind them of each other, the game ensures time will be spent exploring what they love about each other. 

Nostalgic memories of roasting marshmallows over a roaring campfire and sandwiching them between crispy grahams and melty chocolate can be realized with this s’more night pack. The portable heat source produces no smoke or ash, is easy to light and extinguish, and burns up to five hours. The Maryland-made kit comes with all the necessities: eight graham crackers, four marshmallows, one chocolate bar, two portable reusable skewers, and the ever-important City Bonfire.

There is a lot to be said for a good night’s sleep and this white noise machine helps promote that. It has 20 non-looping sleep sounds like rain and ocean, and with precise volume and timer settings to create the ultimate comfort level. 

The memory function automatically restores your previous settings and the compact 6.3-inch by 4-inch size makes it portable when camping or weekend getaways are on the agenda.

Purchasing a first home is one of the important milestones of a relationship and what better way to celebrate than capturing its exact location on a piece of art? This sweet gift is something a couple will cherish for years to come.

The map can be customized in black and white or color, with family names, added coordinates, and even framed. It comes in a number of sizes and finishes that help you tailor exactly to your favorite couple’s tastes.

In the South, cast-iron skillets are always a great gift. This one from the Charleston-based brand comes pre-seasoned so they can use it right out of the box to make those candlelit dinners easier. Plus, it can be engraved with a name or significant date. This is a gift that will keep on giving for many years to come in the form of biscuits, seared pork loin, and cobblers.

These candles, which are poured and packaged by Nashville fragrance house Ranger Station, have long-lasting scents that capture nostalgic moments and deliver them through the sensory experience of lighting a candle. When Post weighed in on best gifts for hosts and hostesses, she lauded a candle as a gift that will get lots of use.

As a bonus, Ranger Station’s soy wax blend candles come in reusable cocktail glasses paired with an artisan cocktail recipe they can craft in those glasses when the candles burn down. Each candle features a 30-hour burn time, and if you visit the Ranger Candles website, you can take a quiz to find your couple’s candle personality to ensure you’re getting them something they will love.

The pickleball craze is sweeping the South, and this set makes a great gift for that sporty couple who love to recreate together. It includes paddles, two types of balls (one for indoor, one for outdoor), and an attractive carrying case. It comes in four fun colors, and the paddles are designed to be lightweight, but durable. 

Mixology became a pastime during the pandemic and many couples have kept up with the trend. This Food & Wine Best Cookbook of 2023 features 200 signature drinks from around the world that will help your couple throw the best dinner parties or just sit on the couch sipping together, reminiscing about that romantic vacation.

This is the gift for the couple who enjoys learning the cultural history surrounding cocktails, entertaining with parties large and small, and those who just appreciate an artful drink made at home.

If your couple loves to entertain or maybe just got back from the cheese caves in Italy, this is an elegant gift perfect for them. With beautiful rose gold handles, this four-piece cheese tool set makes a lovely finishing touch on any cheese board.

The stainless steel spatula, cheese knife, hard cheese knife, and spreader are dishwasher safe for easy clean-up, and provide an elegant statement to any gathering.

Learning together is always an adventure and Masterclass has plenty of options. There are photography classes, interior design seminars, mindfulness and meditation sessions, tons of culinary arts options, and more to cover a wide variety of interests. Each class is taught by a master with lots of celebrities lending their expertise. This affordable option is a great way to gift an experience they won't soon forget.

Kitchen prep just got a whole lot easier for the couple who likes to entertain with this 18-piece Prep & Boards Set. It features high-quality German stainless steel knives and shears, sustainable FSC-certified birch wood utensils and boards, and storage organizers. It comes in gorgeous shades like Perracotta, Mist, and Charcoal and makes the most of space with its minimalist design.

A year of date ideas delivered in a sealed envelope once a week will help spark romance in any relationship. The 52 secret dates are sealed on color-coded envelopes that signal whether the date can be done at home, during the day, at night, or in a surprise category.

Some of the rendezvouses include hitting the bowling alley or making a candlelit dinner at home. There’s something for every couple that will challenge them to connect, and if this is for the couple’s paper anniversary, it’s a perfect match.

Sharing a cup of coffee is a cornerstone in many couple’s relationships and this sleek French press will not only deliver a superior cup of joe, but will probably spark nostalgia for those early breakfast dates.

This model has a built-in thermometer that makes brewing the perfect cup a snap, it has an easy-to-clean dual filter, and the insulated design keeps coffee hot for one hour longer than glass. Plus, they can pack this press up for their next road trip or camping adventure and share a cup wherever they land.

Whether they love a cup of coffee or prefer a spot of tea, this set of personalized mugs will remind them of each other, even when drinking solo. The handmade ceramic mugs feature an ombre glaze and personalization can be placed on the inside or outside.

Over a dozen color options let you customize the mugs to the couple’s taste and the personalizations can be something as simple as a special date to a more romantic message. 

This bamboo cheese board has a secret. The swivel-out drawer hides four ceramic dip dishes and the hidden knife drawer comes equipped with three cheese knives. It’s space-efficient for those couples who are short on storage space, and attractive enough for any entertaining occasion.

The dishes will fit their favorite dips, nuts, and bites, while the top surface has ample room for cheese, crackers, crostinis, and more. Game nights, friendly rounds of croquet, and murder mystery dinner parties are all elevated with this compact hors d'oeuvres server.

Maybe your couple keeps designated date nights or maybe they are distant memories in the past—either way, this box is a custom-curated date night delivered right to their door. Each delivery includes accessories to set the mood, snacks or mixers, a chef-curated dinner menu with recipes, and items that go with whatever theme is chosen.

There are boxes for power outages, starry nights, adventuring, and even wedding-themed boxes. This gift helps your favorite couple prioritize time together and create lasting memories.

Whether you are looking for the perfect housewarming gift, a thoughtful wedding shower gift, or something to celebrate an anniversary, a plant covers a lot of ground, especially one associated with prosperity and positive energy. The money tree has a braided trunk and star-shaped leaves that bring a tropical feel to any home with the proper care.

Bloomscapes offers a wide variety of houseplants to suit any couple’s tastes, delivered straight to their door. It comes in five different pot colors, and if it dies within 30 days, they will replace it for free. We love to gift something a couple can nurture and grow together.

The UnHide Cuddle Puddle blanket measures a whopping 100 by 100 inches, making it a versatile blanket for cozy movie nights snuggling and chilling on the sofa. It’s cruelty-free and constructed with 90 percent recycled, eco-friendly materials and comes in 10 natural animal-fur colors.

Butler loves a throw blanket for a thoughtful couple’s anniversary gift. “It is not necessary to follow the traditional anniversary gifts by year rules. Think about what the couple may need and what they would enjoy the most.”

It’s never too early to give your favorite couple a leg up in the leftover game. Airtight and leakproof, they make the perfect vessel for a little macaroni and cheese or perhaps that last bite of blueberry pie.

They stack and nest for easy storage and the peekaboo lids let you know what delectable is hiding inside. They can go from the fridge to the freezer to the microwave to the dishwasher and they come in a bevy of beautiful shades like Vivid Mauve and Nordic Green.

A picnic is one of those quintessential dates we all look back fondly on, but there’s nothing to say it can't be re-created regularly, especially with the right tools. This 19-piece wicker picnic basket comes with an insulated liner to keep everything fresh, a waterproof picnic blanket, a wine pouch, porcelain plates, wine glasses and stainless steel flatware, napkins, a corkscrew, and salt and pepper shakers. Everything stores neatly in the basket, making it perfect for those last-minute concerts in the park, camping adventures, or romantic outings for two.

If the idea of a romantic night is cracking a bottle of tasty wine and enjoying a couple of glasses, then a Winc gift card covers the bases. There’s a palate profile quiz that will aid in expert recommendations, or they can shop on their own if they know what they like. Winc has over 90 wines that come delivered directly to their door. And they can add their own ratings to the site when they find a bottle they love.

Is there anything more relaxing than some soothing music, an ice bucket with Champagne, and a bathtub full of bubbles? The collection crafted in Tennessee has 14 miniature fizzy bath bombs ready to be tossed in a tub full of water for a transportive bath experience. 

Gathering around the fondue pot has been a time-honored date night since the Melting Pot first opened its doors. Now couples can re-create that romantic experience at home, and with this 3-quart model, it can be a party with friends and family. It comes with eight fondue forks, as well as fork racks to keep messes at bay.

There are eight different temperature settings and an included recipe booklet if they want to branch out from the traditional cheese and chocolate. Cleanup is a breeze since most parts are dishwasher safe.

A quintessential wedding gift, the stockpot promises batches of warm soup for cold evenings, family recipes passed down, and comforting creations when somebody is sick. Le Creuset is known for crafting quality cookware, and this stockpot is no exception.

The lightweight carbon steel construction provides excellent heat retention while the porcelain enamel coating resists stains, scratches, and odor absorption. Plus it comes in 13 colors with seasonal colors rotating in occasionally. This will be a well-appreciated gift for years, and may serve as an heirloom to pass to the next generation.

It doesn't matter if the couple is newly celebrating or has been together for 50 years, this gift speaks to everyone in love with each other and travel. This bundle has the popular Couples Edition journal with 50 scratch-off date ideas that'll add some zing to their love life. It also includes the Adventure Edition with 50 scratch-off adventures that must be accomplished once scratched. There’s space in each to journal about your experiences, insert photos, and document each moment, creating a collection of keepsake memories to look back on.

Post loves to give a really beautiful journal like this where love notes can be jotted down. “It doesn't matter if you write one a year, one every five years, you're going to have this beautiful book of conversations, stories, and thoughts.” And bonus, this one has scratch-off adventures to fuel your entries.

This practical gift makes breakfast easier, Taco Tuesday margaritas a cinch, and poolside pina coladas perfect. Designed with 9 one-touch programs and five speed settings, this appliance takes the best functions of a powerful blender and combines them with food processor capabilities for versatility. Ice is easily crushed and chopped, smoothies and soups can be folded and aerated, all in a quiet, powerful performance. Whether your favorite couple is just starting a life together or is further down the road, they will appreciate this thoughtful gift.

If you're looking for an experience, a cooking class checks a lot of boxes. It’s thoughtful and a whole lot of fun. Sur La Table’s online cooking classes are 90-120 minutes long and completely interactive, so couples can ask questions of the experienced chefs as they knead pasta dough, roll up sushi, or craft chocolate soufflés.

Each step of the cooking process is guided and there are myriad options when it comes to what they cook. A list of shopping and cooking necessities to prepare comes with each class. 

That first dance becomes a watershed moment in a couple’s journey together—whenever it comes on the radio, memories of those first moves as a married couple are evoked. This custom print will serve as a visual reminder of that loving moment.

You just submit the song title, name of the artist, moment, names, and special dates, and the artists at Lime & Lou take care of the rest. You can even choose the color at the center of the lyrics and how you want it framed. And if your couple is eco-conscious, the company is zero-waste and the wood is Forest Stewardship Council-certified from sustainable forests. For a truly unique gift, especially for music lovers, this is a home run.

Sparkling water at home feels like a special treat and this carbonater makes that experience easy every night of the week. The compact size won’t take up much counter space and it comes in five colors to match any decor. It comes with a 1-liter reusable bottle and is a cinch to operate—no electricity or batteries required.

Whether they’re loading up the car for a weekend camping trip, an afternoon picnic, or a tailgate, this portable gas grill makes the perfect companion for every adventure. The sturdy, compact design folds up easily for storage, and the grill is attached to the folding cart so assembly is easy. The cooking area is large enough for 15 burgers if feeding a crowd is on the menu and the side table gives space for a platter or implements to be kept at the ready.

Does your couple appreciate a glass of wine together after a long day, or maybe they love to host dinner parties? This stemware collection from reliable brand Schott Zwiesel, is crafted of durable Tritan glass and designed with their signature sharp, geometric angles for excellent balance.

Established in 1872, Zwiesel Glas has been making stemware in the traditional Bavarian Forest glassmaking way for generations. The glasses are dishwasher safe and provide an elegant addition to any couple’s barware.

Couples who love to snuggle together on the patio will love this smokeless fire pit. It comes in eight chic colors, has a removable base plate and ash pan for easy cleanup, and is lightweight enough at 20 pounds to bring along for any of their off-patio adventures. The high-heat ceramic coating will keep the exterior beautiful for years to come. Plus it comes with a carrying case for ultimate portability.

This is the perfect gift for the outdoorsy couple or even the couple who has a little space on their deck for relaxing. Crafted from durable parachute nylon and available in myriad colors, this hammock makes sleeping under the stars or just lounging around comfy.

It only weighs 24 ounces and folds up to the size of an eggplant which makes it super portable. It comes in single and double sizes and comes with five loops to adjust for the perfect height.

Maybe your couple travels a lot for work and spends a fair amount of time apart. If that’s the case, this box offers a conduit for sending some love virtually. The message is sent through an app, the box receives the message, and the red heart spins until the recipient opens the box.

This riff on the love note is customizable as well—the shape and color of the heart can be changed, it can display emojis or even photos depending on which version you purchase. This thoughtful gift helps your favorite couple stay connected even when apart.

Often a couple setting up a new house doesn’t think about elegant barware, and this is where you come in. Snowfox’s stainless steel ice bucket with lid, tongs, and four rocks glasses is something a couple probably won't buy for themselves, but makes an elegant and much-appreciated gift.

The set has a double-wall design that aids in keeping your ice solid and bottles chilled even with the lid off. Available in seven wrap colors, you can match any couple’s decor. This thoughtful choice makes a great gift for any occasion from a housewarming to a wedding.

Crock-Pots are quintessential gifts for the busy couple that doesn’t have time to stand over a stove every night. The fix-it-and-forget-it appliance enables couples to cook a fork-tender pot roast and vegetables while away from home, and this model ratchets up the capabilities by adding the sous vide option. The removable temperature probe ensures precision cooking, and the locking lid makes transport to the next potluck easy. It has a 7-quart capacity, an easy-to-use digital display, and the sous vide function lets your favorite couple cook restaurant-quality meals at home.

Post adds that wedding registries have evolved over time: “It used to be traditional household items—the idea was you would say the type of China you're hoping for, and people would buy one plate or four plates or whatever fit their budget. Over time people started getting married later in life. They didn't need new items or they didn't want fancier versions of the items they already had. So it started expanding into items for entertaining, which brought really great appliances like espresso makers, the newest crockpot, or the KitchenAid mixer. It’s now about the couple’s lifestyle.”

If your gift recipients love to mix fabulous cocktails at home, this is the gift for them. The stainless steel bar tool set comes in three finishes and includes a bottle opener, jiggers in two sizes, a long spade-end spoon, a classic spring coil strainer, an ice scoop, and a muddler for making mojitos, mint juleps, or other artisanal cocktails. The sleek bucket that holds everything can also double as an ice bucket in a pinch.

This customized whiskey scotch set fits perfectly in any couple’s home bar setup. The laser-etched wood box can be personalized with names and dates, and the glasses are engraved with a frosted finish.

The box also includes four natural slate coasters, eight stainless steel ice stones to keep your whiskey chilled without the melting ice that waters it down, an elegant black satin bag, and rubber-ended tongs for serving. If cocktails are not their thing, but you love the idea, Froolu also makes Champagne sets.

Place is such an important part of a couple’s love story, and this embroidered pillow captures all the elements of their favorite destination or home city. Available in three sizes and multiple hand-crafted designs, the pillows are constructed of high-quality wool, and come in a variety of skylines and landmarks, but can be customized if you don't find the location you’re looking for. You can also opt for a day or night color scheme. These will be a much-treasured addition to any couple’s home decor, reminding them of the special places they’ve been.

Connection is something couples work to maintain over the years. With these bracelets, a couple can connect from another room or miles apart. The silicone bracelets utilize an app where they can send a bond touch. When received, the bracelet lights up and vibrates, signifying one is thinking of the other.

The bands come in four colors and the whole bracelet is waterproof. This gift eases the loneliness of spending time apart, and lets each other know they are in each other’s thoughts, even when separated. 

Along with a picnic basket, a sturdy wine tote will get couples through many a concert or film in the park, a spontaneous road trip, or just a gathering of friends. This tote packs all the essentials: an attractive insulated waxed canvas bag with an adjustable fabric shoulder strap, convenient side-loading wine bottle storage, two stemless wine glasses, a bottle stopper, a dual-lever corkscrew, and an acacia wood snack table for impromptu picnicking. They will be the envy of the park with this complete wine setup, just add a candle.

We’ve put forth lots of wine options, but this one is for the beer-loving couple. If they appreciate small-batch brews from regional producers, this subscription features 12 or 24 beers in four different styles monthly or quarterly delivered to their door. Also included are tasting notes for the beers and information about the breweries. They can bond over hops and barley while exploring beers beyond their backyard.

A sharp chef’s knife is the anchor of any working kitchen. It is usually the first splurge for cooks and can get you through a number of meals. Wüsthof’s precision-forged blade is crafted from a single piece of high-carbon steel known for its durability. The handle is ergonomically designed to maximize comfort for any wrist, and the patented precision-edge technology ensures a sharper blade over time.

Like linens, this is one of those traditional gifts for the home a couple may not receive outside wedding season, but a sharp, high-quality chef’s knife will serve them in all of their cooking endeavors for many years.

Who doesn't love a pint of ice cream, especially when stress mounts? Now your recipients can join a club where every month they receive a curated box of four pints of ice cream, frozen yogurts, and/or sorbet, sometimes including sneak peek flavors before they are released to the public.

Now they can snuggle up under their cozy blanket, pop on a movie, and share spoons of ice cream without having to go to the store. Subscriptions come in three, six, and 12-month increments.

Linens are one of those items a couple often won't invest in right off, but make a thoughtful splurge gift from someone who cares. This Parachute brushed cotton set tested the best overall out of all the cotton sheets we tested. They’re breathable, soft, and wear well over time and washes, and we found the brushed cotton feels like a favorite cotton T-shirt.

The set includes a top sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases (although you have the option to forego the top sheet). They're a perfect gift for your new daughter-in-law. Butler believes in sticking to traditional wedding gifts that help a couple start their life together. “The wedding season is often the only time a couple may receive china, silver, serving pieces, linens, or other items for the home.”

A toaster oven makes such a convenient and thoughtful gift for a new couple. This beautiful, retro-inspired kitchen appliance offers a compact footprint for cozy kitchens and seven cooking presets with adjustable settings for versatility.

Available in cozy greenish and mellow yellow, this model brings all the nostalgia of vintage appliances coupled with modern convenience. Whether they are just heating some bagel bites or baking a batch of gooey chocolate chip cookies, this appliance will fill a lot of needs on your couple’s list.

Cutting boards have become ubiquitous wedding and anniversary gifts, but this personalized model offers something a little different. The reversible, solid wood boards are handmade by a family of artisans and come in custom sizes and woods.

In addition to engraving, boards can be further customized with rubber feet and a juice groove. These beautiful boards have been touted to stand the test of time while maintaining their timeless utility.

As entertaining becomes more commonplace, so does the need for more cooking options, especially outdoors. Everybody loves a hot, bubbly slice of fresh pizza, and now couples can craft their favorite pies garnished with all their favorite toppings at home. This restaurant-grade, portable pizza oven can be used with gas or wood and includes a professional-grade pizza peel.

It can reach an enviable 950°F (as good as any restaurant), but the safe-touch silicone jacket keeps the danger of accidental burns away. And it can be used for wings, steaks, roasted vegetables, and more. The compact oven comes in four elegant colors and is simple to use. Next stop: professional-level Neapolitan pizza parties by the pool.

Movie dates can now happen at home with this portable projector and a white sheet or wall. Get the full experience of holding hands, sharing popcorn, and laughing or crying together over a film while hanging out on your deck, floating in your pool, or snuggling on the couch.

The compact projector adjusts the image for your picture with automatic leveling, focus, and keystone technology. The 360-degree audio gives the experience of being in a movie theater at home. They can stream their favorite shows, access their favorite networks, and even use voice-assistant to move through their options. This is a splurge that will bring years of entertainment.

For the couple who loves to tailgate, have impromptu parties, or hit the road together, this wireless Bluetooth speaker has up to 15 hours of battery on a single charge. It’s waterproof and the two-tone shimmering speaker fabric is crafted for extreme environments. Operation couldn’t be easier with the one-touch button and you can even use the Partyup on the boom and megaboom app to pair over 150 speakers for the ultimate concert experience.

The joy of lawn games cannot be overstated and your favorite couple will appreciate this custom-designed cornhole set for their backyard barbecues and soirees. It is regulation size and handcrafted to order in Georgia. All you need to do is pick the finish and bean bag colors.

Even if it is not their 5th anniversary (wood), this elegant bowl handcrafted by Ben Balzer in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a timeless gift. The 8-inch black walnut bowls are crafted from a single piece of wood from a fallen tree utilizing a 12-step process that accentuates the beauty of the natural grain. The food-safe bowls become heirlooms that last for generations and if black walnut is not your thing, they come in other finishes and sizes.

Questions And Answers

What is the five-gift rule?

The five-gift rule is all about a thoughtful approach to gift-giving. The tenet is to select five gifts in the following categories: something they want, need, wear, read, and experience. That fifth one is the magic of the five-gift rule—it has the potential to create memories and significance beyond physical items.

Should you get a couple a gift for their wedding shower?

According to Butler, the answer is yes. “If you are invited to the wedding shower, you should plan to bring a gift. A wedding shower is a time to shower the couple with gifts, oftentimes with a specific theme in mind to help guide you in the gifting process,” says Butler.

Should you spend twice as much on a gift for a couple?

This is a tricky one, but Butler has some guidance: “I would determine the budget for the gift based on your relationship with the couple, just like you would when shopping for a gift for an individual. Always keep the couple in mind to ensure that the gift is something both would enjoy.”

We agree with Butler, “Let your relationship with the couple and your own financial situation guide you in the gift selection.”

Why Trust Southern Living

Carrie Honaker is a food and travel writer who loves to lavish thoughtful gifts on her favorite couples whether that be a personalized cutting board for the foodie pair or a class that opens doors to new knowledge forged together. To compile this list, Carrie spent hours researching what to consider when shopping for gifts for a couple, including budget, occasion, availability of items, and functionality. For expert tips on what to look for in gifts for a couple and the etiquette surrounding giving them, she spoke to Neillie Butler, founder and president of Mariée Ami, and Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute and co-author of Emily Post’s Etiquette, The Centennial Edition.

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